"What games do you play?" I asked.
"Qi Bo, similar to your world's Xiangqi."
"It's not the Tang Dynasty version, is it?" I asked. I knew a bit about the history of Xiangqi. It existed in the Tang Dynasty, but wasn't complete; it lacked the 'cannon' piece, which was added in the Song Dynasty. After the Song Dynasty, the rules and form were largely established.
"It's not. I consulted with a newly deceased ghost, and they said the modern way of playing is similar to what we have, the only difference being some piece names. The moves are all the same," Wu Zhao explained.
So she was a Xiangqi fan after all. But I figured her skill level was average, the kind that's bad but loves to play, otherwise, why would she keep losing money?
"How do you want me to help you?" I asked again.
Wu Zhao rubbed her hands together. "Lord Wu... could you lend me ten billion? Is that okay?"
"I can even give it to you as a gift," I said with a smile. Giving her money was easy. I'm human, so I could just buy paper money and burn it for Wu Zhao. I'd done the same for Xie Bi'an before. This was one of the benefits of being a living underworld official – no one restricted me, and no one dared to take a cut in transit.
"Thank you so much, Lord Wu!" Wu Zhao cupped her fists and bowed. She then made a show of leaving, but walked very slowly, like Michael Jackson's moonwalk. She was moving forward, but her distance from me wasn't increasing.
I knew she was waiting for me. A classic 'feign retreat to draw the enemy out' tactic. Fine, I'll play along.
"I say, Lady Wu, are you just leaving like that?" I asked with a smile.
Wu Zhao stopped her graceful steps, turned back, and gave me a flirtatious glance. Then, feigning confusion, she asked, "Does Lord Wu have any further instructions?"
"Even though I can burn such a large sum for you, I suspect you'll lose it all again very quickly. Don't you want me to be your long-term money tree?" I asked teasingly.
"This... this isn't quite within the rules, is it?" Wu Zhao frowned. "Secretly, once or twice might be alright, but if this goes on for too long and His Highness finds out, I'll be in serious trouble!"
"So, I'm actually taking a great risk, aren't I?" I guided her further.
"Oh..." Wu Zhao nodded thoughtfully. "I understand what Lord Wu means. Since I'm causing you such great risk, you'd like... some compensation, wouldn't you?"
As she spoke, Wu Zhao moved closer, pressing herself against me, her body gradually solidifying. "Lord Wu, in truth, I also admire you..."
I quickly took a step back, raising my hand and saying sternly, "Lady Wu, please be mindful of your conduct! You've misunderstood my intentions!"
Wu Zhao's body had already solidified. Without my support, she stumbled, almost falling. She splayed one leg to steady herself, straightened her clothes a bit awkwardly, and let out a small cough to ease the awkwardness and regain her composure. "My apologies, Lord Wu. Your handsome demeanor has made me lose my composure."
I was speechless!
Even after such an embarrassing moment, she could still deliver such a natural compliment. No wonder she could become an Empress!
"As the ancients say, 'It's better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish.' Lady Wu, how about this: you come with me to a chess arcade, and I'll teach you the way to victory?" I suggested.
"Oh? Are Lord Wu's chess skills very impressive?" Wu Zhao asked curiously.
"Hundred percent win rate, at least undefeated," I said confidently.
"Since Lord Wu is in such a pleasant mood, I shall accompany you. However, regardless of the outcome, the ten billion you promised me..."
"I'll send it to you first, then we'll go play chess."
"Thank you for fulfilling my wish, Lord Wu!"
The two of us concluded our private talk and emerged from the villa. Since no one was holding the gate, I climbed over the wall myself this time.
Outside the villa complex, Wu Zhao had already reverted to her human form. I didn't introduce her to Cheng Xiaojuan, merely saying she was a colleague. Bingbing, who knew her, just nodded, as outsiders were present.
Xiao Miao was no longer needed. I had her return to the main camp.
Cheng Xiaojuan knew where to find a chess arcade. She drove us away from Laobie Bay and back to the city of Lüshun. We found a "Weiqi Society." The decor was Japanese-style, but it also had areas for Xiangqi, Gomoku, and Junqi.
With Wu Zhao guarding, there were no safety concerns. I told Zheng Bingbing to go meet up with Chu Qi and Chen Ke first. Those two were still at the beauty salon.
Wu Zhao and I booked a small private room for Xiangqi and began our game.