If his opponent played against him reluctantly or in a bad mood, the old man wouldn't get pure enjoyment from the game.
It was precisely because both players focused on the game.
Neither let anything distract them from it.
That was why he could keep enjoying it so much.
"Xiao Xiao, I'm going to see whether your parents have finished eating."
The old lady gave him a quick explanation, then turned and headed toward the teahouse out front.
"Grandpa."
Xiao Xiao called out to the old man, who seemed to be walking rather briskly.
The old man turned around.
There was a hint of confusion and impatience on his face.
Xiao Xiao smiled helplessly.
"You just finished eating. Don't rush off to play chess."
"Take a few steps first and let your food settle."
"...Oh."
The old master answered with obvious reluctance.
He felt he was in fine form today.
He wanted to make up for the disappointment of his last game that morning right away.
"Grandpa, I'll take a walk around the courtyard with you."
Xiao Xiao smiled.
"Put on a jacket."
The air in the courtyard was chilly.
But the fragrance of plum blossoms filled the air.
The old man couldn't help taking a deep breath.
Cold and fragrant.
The contradictory sensations made the old man feel strangely invigorated.
"How beautiful."
The old man looked up at the White Plum Blossom in the courtyard.
"Does Old Wood really like this White Plum Blossom—"
"Ahem."
"Listen to me, asking something like that."
The old man shook his head. "Who could see this White Plum Blossom and not like it?"
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao's eyes curved into a smile.
"Old Mu asked me how we took care of this White Plum Blossom."
"He