I Really Didn’t Mean to Play Go!
Chapter 65: Courage, Determination, and Never Giving Up

Yu Shao silently studied the Go board.

Zhong Yufei had indeed found a chance to turn the tide, delivering a brilliant move that dragged the game back to a position where White could still put up a fight.

But his opponent wasn’t lacking in skill either. In the subsequent moves, the opponent played with precision, while Zhong Yufei’s moves lacked the strength to follow through. Black steadily regained control, transitioning into a calm endgame phase.

As the match progressed to the endgame, Zhong Yufei fought valiantly, handling the final stages flawlessly. Yet, in the end, he couldn’t make up the difference. After komi was applied, Black won by 1.5 points.

Glancing at the visibly dejected Zhong Yufei, Yu Shao sighed inwardly.

To have seen a glimmer of victory, only to lose in the end—that kind of pain was something only those who had experienced it could truly understand.

In the world of Go, there are no fairy tales.

Only harsh realities.

Even when faced with despair, enduring bitterness, and giving your all, victory might still remain out of reach.

But as a Go player, a lifetime is spent battling this pain.

“Frustrating, isn’t it?”

Chen Jiaming’s voice broke the silence.

Zhong Yufei looked up sharply to see Chen Jiaming smiling at him.

“Coach Chen…”

Zhong Yufei murmured, his expression filled with gloom. He wanted to say something, but no words came out.

“You played remarkably well—there was even a moment when you leveled the game. But in the end, you still lost. I know it must feel awful.”

Chen Jiaming glanced at the board, paused, and then added, “But it really was... an excellent game.”

Hearing this, Zhong Yufei froze.

“Even though you lost, I could see your courage, your determination, and your spirit of never giving up throughout the game.”

Chen Jiaming fixed his gaze on the board. “And I think... that’s more important than winning a single match.”

Emotions surged through Zhong Yufei. His eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill.

“Come on, don’t overdo it,” Chen Jiaming said, patting Zhong Yufei on the shoulder with a wry smile. “Buck up! We’ve got the third round coming up soon.”

“The third round?”

Zhong Yufei blinked in surprise, only now noticing Yu Shao, Xu Zijin, and Zhou De standing nearby. He asked blankly, “It’s over already?”

He had been so absorbed in his match that he hadn’t even noticed the passage of time.

“Yeah, it’s been over for a while. Now it’s just your table and two others left,” Zhou De replied, giving Zhong Yufei a puzzled look. “So what’s with all the moping? Yu Shao’s busy dominating, and you’re here sobbing over a loss? Pull yourself together!”

“Zhou De, you’re dead!” Zhong Yufei roared, rolling up his sleeves as he lunged at him.

“There are still two games left—don’t disturb the other players,” Chen Jiaming said with a laugh as he intervened to stop them. “The other matches should finish soon. Once we draw lots, we can break for lunch.”

Chen Jiaming then turned to Zhong Yufei. “The next round’s opponents might be even tougher. Are you ready?”

“I am!” Zhong Yufei nodded firmly. “Next round, I’ll win for sure!”

Not long after, the remaining two games ended.

“All right, the second round is officially over. The four finalists are: Jiangling High School, Guangzhou Affiliated High, South China Third High, and Jiangling Foreign Language School,” the referee announced, holding the list of advancing schools.

The crowd erupted into chatter upon hearing the finalists.

“This year’s final four is completely unexpected!”

“Yeah, who would’ve thought Jiangling High School and Guangzhou Affiliated High—schools that were eliminated in the first round the past two years—would make it this far? Meanwhile, some traditional powerhouses were knocked out!”

“One dark horse is surprising enough, but two? I’ve been watching South China Third High’s games. How did Jiangling High and Guangzhou Affiliated do? Did anyone see?”

“I was watching South China Third High, too...”

Seated at the referee’s table, Principal Luo of Jiangling High School could barely contain his pride.

Seeing the astonished expression on the face of South China Third High’s coach, Principal Luo felt even more triumphant.

“The past two years, South China Third High hogged the spotlight. Well, it’s our turn now!”

He glanced at Yu Shao and Xu Zijin with a growing sense of satisfaction.

“Our school really struck gold with these two!”

At that moment, the referee cleared his throat and announced, “We’ll now draw lots to determine the semifinal matchups. Each school, please send someone forward to draw.”

“Yu Shao, why don’t you go?” Chen Jiaming suggested.

Yu Shao nodded and approached the referee’s table, drawing a slip from the box.

With only four schools remaining, the draw was quick.

After verifying the results, the referee held up the chart.

“The semifinal matchups are as follows—”

“South China Third High versus Jiangling High School!”

“Guangzhou Affiliated High versus Jiangling Foreign Language School!”

The announcement stirred another round of discussion.

“Jiangling High is up against South China Third High!”

“Tough luck. Looks like Jiangling High’s run ends here. They probably won’t make it past the semifinals.”

“I thought they might make it to the finals. But compared to previous years, making the semifinals is already a huge achievement for Jiangling High.”

Hearing this, one spectator who had witnessed Yu Shao’s earlier game hesitated before shaking his head.

“No, I don’t think Jiangling High is guaranteed to lose.”

“What do you mean?” someone asked, puzzled. “Are you saying South China Third High might lose?”

“I can’t say for sure. All I know is that both sides have a chance.”

The spectator hesitated, then added, “Jiangling High’s main and vice players... they’re exceptionally strong.”

“Exceptionally strong? Stronger than South China Third High? They have two dojo trainees—future professional players. How’s Jiangling High supposed to beat that?”

Skeptics shook their heads, dismissing the idea of an upset.

Zhong Yufei, meanwhile, clutched his head in despair. “Why does it have to be South China Third High!”

He had just boldly declared he’d win the next round. Now he wondered if he had jinxed himself.

If he had to face those two dojo trainees, he didn’t think he’d stand a chance, no matter how well he played.

The referee’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Thank you for your hard work. You may now head to the school cafeteria for lunch. Finalists, take some time to rest. The third round begins at 2 PM.”