In Zhang Miao's view, the best way to earn someone's favor was undoubtedly to cater to their preferences. So when Shikaku Nara invited him to play shogi, he agreed without hesitation.
As for not knowing the rules of shogi, that was easy enough—he could learn!
Zhang Miao had been something of a Chinese chess enthusiast in his previous life, and shogi was similar to Chinese chess in certain ways. Under Shikaku Nara's explanation, he quickly became familiar with the rules. Then the two sat cross-legged at the door and began to play.
As a beginner, there was no way Zhang Miao could defeat Shikaku Nara. But his goal in playing was not to win; it was to build a closer relationship with Shikaku Nara, so winning or losing naturally did not matter.
Zhang Miao had a good mindset, and his moves grew steadier as they played. Every so often, an unexpected move of his would make Shikaku Nara frown and ponder for quite some time.
Zhang Miao's strange style of play immediately made Shikaku Nara look at him differently.
This kid's pretty sharp!
Shikaku Nara did not know that beneath Zhang Miao's innocent childish appearance hid an old hand who had struggled through society for more than a decade. He might not possess great wisdom, but he had plenty of little tricks up his sleeve!
In the following games, Zhang Miao still lost badly, but each match lasted longer than the last. Shikaku Nara also spent more and more time frowning in thought, though the smile at the corner of his lips made it clear that he was very happy.
When Yoshino Nara brought over the food and announced that dinner was ready, Shikaku Nara reluctantly put away the shogi pieces. Zhang Miao, meanwhile, heard the system notification he had