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Rong Xi's interest was instantly piqued. "What nonsense is that?"

"It is not nonsense." Qin Ke suddenly leaned close, his voice low. "They say wine reveals the truth."

"What truth?" Rong Xi saw that he was teasing him and played along.

Qin Ke pressed his lips to Rong Xi's ear and whispered something exceedingly softly. Rong Xi's face abruptly flushed, and he blurted out, "Impossible!"

"Why is it impossible?"

Rong Xi suddenly laughed and struck back. "Qin Ke, even if you are lying, I like it immensely."

Rong Dalang's skin had grown ever thicker; when he spoke sweet nothings, there was not the slightest trace of embarrassment.

Qin Ke willingly conceded defeat and could only smile. "You did not speak nonsense last night. I truly was lying."

Autumn rain pattered down, and it happened to be their day off. With nothing to do, the two simply played chess in the study.

Over the past year, Rong Xi's chess skills had improved greatly. Unlike Qin Ke's forceful and domineering style, Rong Xi's style appeared gentle and restrained on the surface, yet concealed lethal danger.

Even though Qin Ke had fought through countless battles, he often found it difficult to discern Rong Xi's intentions. Only when he was surrounded and killed did he realize that the previous dozens of moves had merely been a hunter setting a trap.

There were already remarkably few people capable of deceiving him.

A person's chess style mirrored their character. After spending so long with Rong Xi, Qin Ke knew that Rong Dalang was not as gentle and harmless as he appeared. He had his bottom line, and if anyone crossed it, he would certainly fight back with all his strength.

Yet chess and reality were ultimately different. In chess, Rong Xi could slaughter Qin Ke without