I Really Didn’t Mean to Play Go!
Chapter 55: Who’s the Underdog Horse?

In the blink of an eye, the much-anticipated day of the High School Go League had arrived.

On Saturday morning, Yu Shao donned his school uniform and arrived early at the school gate. A large banner was already hanging there, reading: 8th Jiangling City High School Go League.

Despite it being the weekend, the school was bustling with activity. Students in uniforms from other schools, accompanied by their teachers, steadily streamed in.

Walking toward the activity room, Yu Shao overheard several teachers giving pep talks to their teams along the way:

“Don’t stress too much. Stay calm and play like you usually do!”

“Last year, you did well, but even if you face opponents you beat before, don’t let your guard down. Yesterday’s them isn’t today’s them!”

“We lost to Third High last year, but even if we face them again, don’t feel pressured. You’re not the same as you were a year ago—you’ve improved a lot!”

“As long as you play to your ability, even a loss would be without regrets!”

“Got it?”

Although there was still time before the matches began, the school’s atmosphere was already filled with tension.

This unique tournament vibe was something Yu Shao had experienced countless times in his previous life. Feeling it again brought about a mix of emotions.

“Phew…”

He exhaled, shook his head to clear his thoughts, and continued walking toward the activity room.

Just before entering the building, he caught a snippet of conversation between two middle-aged men nearby.

“Who do you think will win this year’s league?” asked a bespectacled man.

“South China Third High, without a doubt,” replied a balding man confidently. “Their captain and vice-captain were both Dojo trainees, though they later left.”

“True. Even though they left the dojo, their skills are on a whole different level compared to the other students.”

The bespectacled man sighed. “It’s unfair, really—a complete mismatch. It’s pure domination.”

“Exactly.”

The balding man nodded. “So, the only real question this year is who’ll take second place. Which school do you favor?”

“That’s hard to say. Several schools are quite strong. But if someone draws South China Third High in the first round, it’s game over, no matter how good they are. All they can do is sigh and think, ‘Oh heavens, why must you treat me so unfairly?’”

At this point, they noticed Yu Shao nearby and quickly fell silent. After all, openly dismissing the chances of a participating player, even if true, was incredibly rude.

Yu Shao, however, paid no attention to their words and continued to the activity room.

Inside, Xu Zijin, Zhong Yufei, Chen Jiaming, and even Zhou De were already there.

“Yu, you’re so late! Anyone would think I’m the one competing!” Zhou De quipped. “Want me to take your spot?”

“What are you doing here?” Yu Shao asked, puzzled.

“I’m a proud student of Jiangling High, why wouldn’t I be here? I gave up sleeping in on a weekend just to cheer for you, and this is how you treat me?” Zhou De put on an exaggerated look of betrayal. “Yu Shao! You’ve disappointed me!”

“Alright, alright.”

Chen Jiaming clapped his hands to quiet the room. “The matches start at nine. For now, the lineup is as follows: Yu Shao as the main player, Xu Zijin as the vice player, and Zhong Yufei as the third.”

“For now?” Zhou De asked, confused. “Can that even change?”

Chen Jiaming nodded. “Of course. Not just us—other schools will adjust their lineups as well. You’ve heard of Tian Ji’s Horse Racing, right?”

“If your top, middle, and lower-level players are weaker than the opponent’s, you can send your top player against their middle, your middle against their lower, and your lower against their top. By winning two out of three matches, victory is still achievable.”

Pushing up his gold-rimmed glasses, Chen Jiaming added, “In a team match, victory isn’t determined only on the board but also by strategy outside the game.”

“Got it,” Zhou De said thoughtfully, then raised his hand. “But here’s the real question: who’s the underdog horse?”

“Zhou De, are you asking for a beating?” Zhong Yufei shot up in anger, rolling up his sleeves as if ready for a fight.

“Hey, I didn’t say it was you! Why are you so defensive?” Zhou De protested, backing away. “Look at him—he’s triggered!”

“Enough, settle down.”

Chen Jiaming stepped in with a helpless expression and calmed Zhong Yufei. Then, looking serious, he said, “Listen, in the teacher’s eyes, none of you are underdog horses.”

“Even if there are skill gaps, they can be bridged through effort. Besides, being an underdog isn’t a bad thing.”

“Remember, the term dark horse exists because of underdog horses.”

Zhong Yufei froze at those words.

Chen Jiaming patted his shoulder encouragingly. “Give it your all! Play your best!”

Zhong Yufei nodded vigorously.

Zhou De then asked, “But honestly, sir, do we really need to consider changing the lineup? I feel like it’s unnecessary!”

Chen Jiaming hesitated, glancing at Xu Zijin and then at Yu Shao.

Indeed…

It wasn’t necessary at all.

In that moment, Chen Jiaming finally understood the satisfaction South China Third High had likely felt in past tournaments.

So this is what domination feels like?

He even found himself looking forward to facing South China Third High early.

Two former Dojo players? Bring it on. Jiangling High won’t lose. It’s just impossible.

Of course, as a teacher, Chen Jiaming maintained a composed demeanor and said sternly, “Overconfidence leads to defeat. Never underestimate your opponents!”

Yet his final words betrayed a hint of excitement:

“This match is crucial. Give it your all—especially if you face South China Third High. They’re strong, but don’t give them any chance!”