The Cannon Fodder Ex-Wife Changes to Take the Black Moonlight Script - Chapter 24.1

The lush forest buzzed with the rhythmic chirping of cicadas.

The summer glow bathed the mountainside, spilling into the tranquil chess room.

The floor-to-ceiling windows muffled the raucous cicada cries, leaving only the occasional sound of stones being placed on the board.

Wei Yixian watched the woman before her soon to be her spouse and asked curiously, “What are you doing?”

She knew that if she didn’t speak up, she could leave unnoticed, as if she had never been there at all.

“I’m playing a game,” Shang Shiqian spared a sliver of attention for Wei Yixian, but her focus remained on the board.

Wei Yixian glanced around. “There’s no one else here.”

Shang Shiqian pointed to her head. “He’s in here.”

Wei Yixian asked with interest, “There are no white stones on the board. Do you know where he’ll place his next move?”

“I never forget a game once it’s played.”

“Is this blind chess?”

Shang Shiqian wasn’t annoyed by the interruption. She smiled. “No.”

Later, Wei Yixian learned that Shang Shiqian would review every game she lost while playing black.

She didn’t need white stones, the black ones merely saved her time and helped her organize her thoughts more efficiently.

If she cracked the game, she’d exhale in relief, her face lighting up with joy.

If she failed, she’d commit the game to memory and return to it later, searching for a breakthrough.

Afterward, Wei Yixian asked, “Do all chess players review games like this?”

Shang Shiqian chuckled. “Everyone has their own habits. I’ve never asked how others do it.”

She bent to tidy the stones, then added, “But now, with AI, some use it to analyze their weaknesses.”

At the mention of artificial intelligence, Wei Yixian perked up slightly. “AI can play chess too?”

“Of course. Humans rely on logical thinking; AI uses Monte Carlo algorithms. And now, the algorithm is being refined to better mimic human thought. Several online platforms already use it. It’s not perfect yet, but AI is advancing so fast, it’s bound to revolutionize the chess world sooner or later.”

Wei Yixian asked, “So why don’t you use AI?”

“Can you give me your hand?”

Puzzled, Wei Yixian extended her hand.

Shang Shiqian picked up a stone and placed it in her palm, then took another for herself.

Her eyes were clear and bright, her smile pure and unguarded.

“This weight, this sense of certainty, AI can’t give you that.”

The memory faded.

In the dim, cold study, Wei Yixian picked up a Yunzi stone, rolling it between her fingers. It slipped, nearly falling, but she narrowed her eyes and clenched it tightly in her palm.

Yes. Only the stones held in one’s own hand could bring true peace of mind.

–

On Saturday morning, free from the wake-up call of lawnmowers, Shang Shiqian awoke feeling refreshed, the sunlight especially radiant.

Wei Yixian had resumed her morning tennis routine.

After breakfast, Shang Shiqian went to watch up close.

Wei Yixian asked, “Want to play?”

Shang Shiqian waved her off. “I don’t know how.”

“I’ll teach you.”

Remembering how Wei Yixian had paid her for chess lessons, Shang Shiqian clutched her imaginary wallet, fearing an equivalent cost. “I can’t afford the tuition.”

The words inexplicably struck Wei Yixian’s funny bone. The corners of her lips twitched upward before she abruptly tensed her facial muscles to suppress the laughter.

“No charge. Consider it compensation for accompanying me, two hundred per game or three thousand per set.”

Shang Shiqian’s eyes widened as she glanced at the bodyguards who’d previously accompanied Wei Yixian for tennis matches.

So you guys earn money this easily?!

Bodyguards: …

You’re the one who’s got it easy!

Faced with the temptation of money, Shang Shiqian felt an itch in her heart.

Yet ultimately, she resisted monetary corruption of her principles. “Ask them instead. I’m going to play chess.”

Wei Yixian’s grip on the racket tightened slightly, her gaze turning darker. “You’d rather play chess than accompany me for tennis?”

[Love Points 3%↑]

Shang Shiqian: ?

[Hey, Little Black System, why are you causing trouble now?]

System: [The female lead is acting coquettish with you!]

It even provided reference standards: [“You’d rather sleep/fish/play games/play mahjong than chat/shop/eat/watch movies with me?”]

[Isn’t this the kind of complaint couples make during arguments? How is that acting coquettish? And the situation isn’t like this at all!]

The Black Moonlight System prided itself on being unreasonable and unconventional. It said arrogantly: [The system’s affairs are none of the host’s business! The system has its own judgment criteria!]

Shang Shiqian’s lips twitched: [Then turn off the Love Points notifications for me.]

If this continued, she’d eventually lose her basic judgment under the influence of these “Love Points.”

After silencing the system, Shang Shiqian asked Wei Yixian, “Don’t you need to go to work?”

Wei Yixian replied, “It’s Saturday today.”

“What about social engagements? Other CEOs always have packed schedules.”

“Not just anyone can occupy my days off.”

Shang Shiqian took a deep breath.

Today’s Wei Yixian was really acting strange!

Like a clingy cat.

To avoid further overthinking and misinterpreting, Shang Shiqian said, “Then I won’t take up your time either. I’ve made plans with someone.”

Wei Yixian’s expression darkened further.

She tossed the racket to a nearby bodyguard, took the towel handed by a maid, and wiped her sweat while saying, “Let’s go together.”

“Huh?”

“You promised last night to teach me chess.”

“We can do it when we get back in the eve.”

Wei Yixian cut her off decisively: “You’re teaching me, not the other way around. I decide the lesson schedule.”

Faced with Wei Yixian’s domineering attitude, Shang Shiqian could only yield: “Fine… whatever.”

At this point, if she kept making excuses, her intention to maintain distance would become too obvious.

–

East City University had longer visiting hours for outsiders during holidays just a swipe of an ID card was needed.

However, Wei Yixian had already notified the school in advance, so they drove straight in upon arrival.

Chen Yixun rushed in after receiving Shang Shiqian’s message.

Upon spotting the familiar figure, she gasped breathlessly, “Weren’t we meeting at Civilization Street? Why come inside?”

Then she noticed the exquisitely dressed, stunningly beautiful woman standing beside Shang Shiqian, a woman of extraordinary grace.

The striking appearance and head-to-toe designer labels made Chen Yixun look twice.

And it was these two glances that gave her a sense of familiarity, as if the woman were some celebrity.

Shang Shiqian explained, “I have a class to teach today, so going to Wenming Street isn’t convenient.”

But Chen Yixun, distracted, didn’t take in a word of it.

A moment later, she let out a startled exclamation: “Wei Yixian!?”

Wei Yixian’s cool gaze settled on her before she gave a slight nod. “Hello.”

Shang Shiqian glanced sideways.

The domineering CEO actually had manners.

So used to seeing her act like a tyrant, Shang Shiqian had almost forgotten she still maintained her public image in front of others.

“Y-you, Hello!” Chen Yixun stammered, her tongue tying in knots.

Shang Shiqian found it odd. “Weren’t you quite talkative when discussing the Shang family? Why are you stuttering now that you’ve seen Wei Yixian?”

Chen Yixun quickly pulled her aside.

“How is this the same? The Shang family is so far removed from me, but Wei Yixian is right in front of me!”

Even though she tried to keep her voice low, the excitement and nervousness in her tone were unmistakable.

Shang Shiqian shot a glance at Wei Yixian and asked, “Are you her fan?”

“Oh, no, not at all.” Chen Yixun instantly calmed down. “I just never thought I’d one day be this close to a billionaire heiress.”

Shang Shiqian: …

Chen Yixun’s composure lasted all of three seconds before she got excited again. “I’m just curious, how did you end up with her?”

“She wants to learn Go. I’m teaching her.”

“With her status, why would she come here for lessons?”

Shang Shiqian gave a dry laugh.

She couldn’t exactly say Wei Yixian had insisted on tagging along, so she replied, “This is a school, it has a good learning atmosphere.”

“Oh!” Chen Yixun had an epiphany and nudged Shang Shiqian. “Remember me when you’re rich.”

Wei Yixian’s icy voice cut in from behind them: “Aren’t we here to play Go? Let’s not waste time.”

Like a student caught slacking off by the homeroom teacher, Chen Yixun immediately stiffened and instinctively took half a step back from Shang Shiqian.

Shang Shiqian didn’t notice Chen Yixun’s reaction and simply replied to Wei Yixian, “Right.”

When they arrived at the Go Room, the on-duty instructor specially opened the classroom used for professional Go lessons for them.

Seeing how composed Wei Yixian was, Shang Shiqian knew this had also been arranged by her.

It was Chen Yixun’s first time entering this classroom.

She curiously examined the Go equipment inside before suddenly turning to Shang Shiqian excitedly. “Maybe I should take Go as an elective next semester. I can learn some basics from you now.”

Wei Yixian crossed her arms and looked down at Chen Yixun, who was half a head shorter. “She charges five thousand per lesson for me.”

Chen Yixun gasped in shock, her gaze at Shang Shiqian now filled with admiration and reverence.

When it comes to outrageous pricing, you’re the master.

Shang Shiqian: …

Wronged, oh great judge of justice!

This was clearly Wei Yixian voluntarily overpaying!

Having grown up navigating society’s complexities, Chen Yixun was sharp enough to read between the lines.

Hearing the implication in Wei Yixian’s words, she quickly excused herself. “I won’t disturb you two, then.”

Shang Shiqian: “Huh?”

“I’ll go to the library. Call me when you’re done.”

Wei Yixian suddenly turned to her. “Let’s have lunch together at noon. My treat.”

Flattered, Chen Yixun immediately agreed.

Though Wei Yixian seemed hard to approach, what finance and management student wouldn’t jump at the chance to dine with the woman dubbed “China’s Little Buffett”?

Such opportunities were rare she wasn’t about to miss it.

With no third party present, Shang Shiqian quickly shifted into teaching mode.

The professional nature of this Go Classroom is evident not only in its purpose but also in the meticulousness of its boards and stones.

Beginners typically use single-convex imitation jade stones with a flat bottom, while the boards range from plastic sheets to medium-density fiberboard.

In contrast, professional courses and competitions use double-convex stones of varying materials, sizes, and thicknesses.

Here at East City University, they use fine porcelain stones and boards that cost several hundred yuan each.

Shang Shiqian couldn’t help but show a nostalgic expression when she saw the board.

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