Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C324. The Road Ahead.

Chapter 324: The Road Ahead

Shao Yao hadn’t touched this game in a while, and her hands were practically twitching with anticipation. The moment she was sure Wu Yong had caught onto the rules, she dove in with all the enthusiasm of someone who'd been starved for a challenge.

In the first round, Wu Yong was obliterated, wiped off the map like he didn’t even exist.

By round two, he had started to get the hang of it. It took Shao Yao twice as long to crush him this time, but she still had him at her mercy.

By round three, Wu Yong was matching her move for move, throwing everything he had at her. Though he still came out on the losing end, the gap between them was closing fast.

Hua Zhi wasn’t shocked. After all, no matter how skilled Shao Yao was, she couldn’t outmatch a seasoned general stationed at the border. If Wu Yong didn’t have this kind of ability, Yan Xi would’ve been deeply concerned by now.

By the end of it, one was letting the other win, and the other was clawing to win at any cost. They spent the entire day in the courtyard, so immersed in the game that even when the rest of the Hua family came back, neither of them moved an inch.

Hua Yizheng saw this and decided not to interrupt. “When did General Wu get here?”

“He’s been playing with Shao Yao all day,” Hua Zhi replied, eyes glinting with amusement. She glanced at her grandfather, “Get everyone to come over. Starting tomorrow, this is mandatory for everyone. We’re adding it to the curriculum at the Hua family academy—just for kicks fun.”

Hua Yi Zheng locked eyes with her, his gaze intense and unwavering. Without hesitation, he was the first to stride over, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. The Hua family gathered around the massive sandbox, ready to witness the unfolding game.

In this high-stakes match, Shao Yao had managed to infiltrate the enemy’s ranks, reaching the general, yet it was their own base that fell. Wu Yong emerged victorious, but there was no satisfaction in his win—just a rush of excitement, his blood pumping hotter than ever. He hadn’t expected this quiet, unassuming woman to possess not only impeccable medical skills but also the sharp strategic mind of a seasoned tactician.

"Miss Shao Yao," Wu Yong started, voice smooth but laced with a provocative challenge. "How about another round tomorrow? I’d like to see if you can keep up."

Shao Yao, ever eager, brightened at the suggestion. Her eyes sparkled as she nodded, her interest piqued. Hua Zhi, ever the protective figure, tried to intervene, but she was too late. Shao Yao, blissfully unaware of Wu Yong’s underlying intentions, accepted the offer without hesitation. But Shao Yao didn’t care—she knew Wu Yong would be the one to regret it.

As the evening drew to a close, Wu Yong politely declined the Hua family’s dinner invitation and made his exit, leaving the battlefield behind. The sand table, a silent witness to their clash, stood untouched as he disappeared into the night.

Meanwhile, Hua Zhi returned to her room, taking her medicine before spreading out pen and paper. Her injury hadn’t fully healed, but writing didn’t feel as taxing anymore. As she diligently worked on the rules, detailing them in fine print, the pages piled up—she hadn’t even noticed how much time had passed.

Shao Yao, looking over the papers with a tinge of jealousy, couldn’t help but voice her frustration. "Hua Hua, you never taught me like this when we were learning together."

Hua Zhi smirked, amusement dancing in her eyes as she snatched the paper from Shao Yao’s hands. "If you want me to break down every word for you, I can. Classical history collections are no joke, though. It’s a challenge."