Chapter 541

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Jiang Yuner stared at the message on her phone, her heart wavering in hesitation. Read on CrimsonScrolls.net #4069c1d689

The competition was just around the corner. She should be focused on training. Read on CrimsonScrolls.net #4069c1d689

But… he already extended the invitation. If she turned him down now, wouldn’t he feel disappointed? What if he never asked her out again? Read on CrimsonScrolls.net #4069c1d689

Besides, her mind wasn’t in the right state anyway. She couldn’t concentrate. Every move she made on the board was full of mistakes. Staying here wouldn’t help anything. Read on CrimsonScrolls.net #4069c1d689

Maybe a change of scenery would ease her mind. Read on CrimsonScrolls.net #4069c1d689

After a brief internal struggle, she made up her mind and began typing out a reply. Read on CrimsonScrolls.net #4069c1d689

“Sure. Where should we meet?” Read on CrimsonScrolls.net #4069c1d689

“You’re not familiar with this place. I’ll come pick you up,” Wang Haoran messaged back almost immediately.

“Alright. I’m at an AI training center near the Jinhao Hotel, but I don’t know the exact name.”

“Do you use WeChat? Let’s add each other. You can just send me your location.”

“We don’t really use WeChat in my country. I’ll download it and make an account. Hold on a moment.”

She fiddled with her phone for a bit and quickly got it set up.

As soon as Wang Haoran received her location, he skipped class and drove off without a second thought to pick her up.

After arriving at the site, he had to wait for quite a while before Jiang Yuner finally came out.

She had changed out of her traditional attire into modern casual clothes, sunglasses covering her eyes, and a light pink sunhat perched on her head. Her demeanor was a little flustered, her steps quick and uncertain, like someone sneaking away in secret.

Wang Haoran guessed she probably slipped out without permission. Otherwise, there would have been bodyguards following her.

She had been casual and open while texting, but now that they were face to face, she suddenly turned shy. Her hands fidgeted slightly, as if she didn’t quite know what to do with herself.

On the road, Wang Haoran kept the conversation light, bringing up the culture and traditions of Yan to help ease her tension.

After chatting for a bit, Jiang Yuner gradually relaxed.

Even so, she still spoke very little. Their conversation felt fragmented, with gaps between each reply.

But Wang Haoran didn’t take it as a sign of disinterest. It was clear she simply didn’t know what to say.

After spending some time with her, Wang Haoran could see it plainly—Jiang Yuner was introverted, a total techie type who rarely interacts with others.

Eventually, they arrived near Mu Wang Pavilion.

He parked the car along the roadside and brought her toward the famous pavilion.

The last time he came here, he only viewed the tower from the outside. This time, with Jiang Yuner by his side, he decided to take her in for a proper tour.

They walked shoulder to shoulder through the grand entrance as Wang Haoran began explaining the history behind the pavilion. Jiang Yuner listened quietly, nodding occasionally, her bright eyes never leaving his face.

Behind her sunglasses, she assumed he couldn’t see the emotion in her gaze. But with his enhanced vision, Wang Haoran could see everything clearly.

Her eyes shimmered with soft waves of emotion.

After a while on the first floor, they approached the stairs to the second level.

Wang Haoran’s gaze shifted to her shoes and seized the moment.

“You’re wearing high heels,” he said casually. “It might be tough going up the stairs. Here, let me hold your hand?”

Though his tone carried a question, he didn’t wait for an answer. Before she could respond, he reached out and gently took her hand in his.

Most girls had their pride, and the more reserved they were, the more restrained they acted. If he asked, she’d likely get shy and decline. So it was better not to give her a choice at all.

For a moment, Jiang Yuner froze in surprise, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she whispered softly, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Wang Haoran replied with a charming smile.

Jiang Yuner was dazed again, her heart fluttering before she forced herself to snap out of it.

He led her up the stairs, their hands still linked, arriving at the second floor of the pavilion.

Even after reaching the top, Wang Haoran pretended to forget to let go.

Jiang Yuner didn’t say a word. She didn’t try to pull her hand away either.

They wandered together through the upper level until Wang Haoran’s eyes suddenly caught sight of two familiar figures ahead.

It was Song Zhihui and Feng Anna.

His heart gave a sharp jolt.

Why was Feng Anna here without asking for leave? Did she sneak out?

But now wasn’t the time to dwell on that.

From his angle, he already spotted them, but they hadn’t noticed him yet.

“Let’s go check out that side,” Wang Haoran said quickly, changing direction to avoid a head-on encounter.

Only after walking some distance away did he breathe a small sigh of relief.

“Are you hiding from someone?” Jiang Yuner asked suddenly, her voice catching him off guard.

Wang Haoran paused.

He hadn’t gone out of his way to mask his emotions earlier and had clearly acted a little flustered.

Thinking quickly, he decided not to deny it. “I saw my parents just now,” he said, brushing his forehead like he was wiping away nervous sweat.

“What’s the big deal? They’re your parents. Why would you need to hide?” Jiang Yuner asked, puzzled. Then she seemed to realize something and glanced down at their still-clasped hands. Her voice dropped slightly. “Are you not allowed to date?”

“It’s not that,” Wang Haoran said smoothly. “It’s just… they probably wouldn’t like you. If they saw us walking around together, they’ll definitely be upset.”

“I’ve never even met your parents. Why wouldn’t they like me? Is it because I’m from Korea?” she asked anxiously.

“Partly, yes. My parents are very aware of the rivalry between the nations Go players. They really don’t like it when Korea claims that Go originated from their country. That kind of thinking rubs them the wrong way. So they probably don’t have the best impression of you,” he explained without missing a beat. “To be honest, they’re just afraid you might win and make our side lose face.”

Jiang Yuner fell silent, lost in thought.

Then after a while, she suddenly asked, “So… are you hoping that I win, or that your Yan player wins?”

“Do you want the honest answer, or a lie?” Wang Haoran asked.

“The truth, of course,” she replied.

“I want the Yan player to win,” he said seriously.

Jiang Yuner nodded. “I understand.”

“But it’s not because of some patriotic pride,” Wang Haoran continued, his voice heavy with emotion. “It’s just… if you lose, I might get to be closer to you. If you win, my parents and even my friends will definitely dislike you.”

He let out a long sigh. “But don’t worry about me. These matches should be based on skill. Whoever’s stronger deserves the win.”

Those words stirred something deep within Jiang Yuner’s heart.

There was something in what he said—something that made her pulse race, her thoughts swirled in chaos.

But without hearing him say the exact words, she forced herself to stay calm.

“I don’t know much about your country,” she said quietly, her voice trembling slightly. “So I didn’t really understand what you meant earlier. Could you explain it… a little more clearly?”

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