Genshin Impact : Joining the Genius Club

Chapter 44: Kamisato Ayaka: "Ying? How Did You Grow So Big?"

"Checkmate!"

Su Ran leaned back with a triumphant smile, looking at Kamisato Ayaka, who was frowning in frustration.

In just two hours, they had played seven games.

Aside from the first game, where Kamisato Ayaka taught him the rules, Su Ran's rapid improvement left her stunned. By the second game, he had already managed a draw, despite her initially underestimating him.

However, by the third game, Ayaka had taken him seriously. She treated him as a worthy opponent, determined to prove her years of shogi training weren't in vain.

But her confidence quickly shattered when she lost.

By the fourth game, Ayaka went all out, determined to win. She employed every trick and strategy she knew. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, Su Ran seemed to outmaneuver her effortlessly.

By the time they reached the seventh game, Ayaka's confidence was in tatters.

"Lord Su Ran, are you sure this is your first time playing shogi?" she asked, her tone laced with disbelief.

Su Ran, looking entirely too pleased with himself, replied, "I have no reason to lie. This is my first time in Inazuma, and I've never encountered shogi before."

Ayaka's lips twitched. Her frustration was palpable.

"But I've been practicing since I was young! How is it possible that I lost so quickly?"

If she had managed to hold her own for a few more games before losing, she might have felt less humiliated. But to lose this badly, over and over again...

"Because you're confused," Su Ran said simply.

"Confused?" Ayaka echoed, her brows furrowing.

"It's because I'm a genius. I learn quickly. I've already mastered the game, but you're still treating me like a beginner."

Ayaka wanted to argue. Yes, he was clearly a fast learner, but calling himself a "master" after just two hours felt outrageous.

Yet deep down, she knew he was right. She had underestimated him, and it had cost her dearly.

"Another game?" Su Ran asked, his tone light and teasing.

Ayaka stared at him, her face blank. "Lord Su Ran, do you find it fun to keep bullying me?"

"I won't deny it," Su Ran admitted with a chuckle. "But I also think you look stunning when you're focused."

Ayaka blinked, caught off guard by his sincerity. She studied his expression, searching for signs of mockery, but found none.

Finally, she sighed. "If that's what Lord Su Ran wishes, then let's play another game."

Standing behind her, Raiden Zhen, who had been quietly observing, couldn't help but think, Why does this girl seem even easier to fool than Ying?

This time, however, Ayaka managed to regain some composure. With Su Ran deliberately easing up, she finally won a game.

"Hah..." Ayaka exhaled, but the victory felt hollow.

"Even if you wanted to help me regain confidence, Lord Su Ran, you didn't need to let me win so obviously," she said, her tone laced with disappointment.

"What makes you think I let you win?" Su Ran asked, feigning innocence.

"Because the pressure was completely different this time," Ayaka replied. "You were holding back, weren't you?"

"Bullying girls is bad," Su Ran said, his expression calm and gentlemanly.

Ayaka narrowed her eyes. "Isn't that a contradiction? Earlier, you said you enjoyed bullying me the most."

Before Su Ran could respond, a voice interrupted them.

"Can I play the next game?"

Ayaka froze, recognizing the gentle yet authoritative tone. She turned to see Raiden Zhen standing behind her.

"General?" Ayaka asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"No, I am Zhen, not the General you're referring to," Zhen replied with a kind smile.

Ayaka immediately recognized her as the other Raiden Shogun Su Ran had mentioned. Unlike Ying, Zhen exuded an air of elegance and refinement.

"Lady Zhen, please have a seat," Ayaka offered, gesturing to the cushion she had just vacated.

"Thank you," Zhen said as she gracefully knelt. She began arranging the shogi pieces with practiced ease before looking at Su Ran. "I know a little about shogi. Would you do me the honor of playing a game?"

"Of course," Su Ran replied, his smile widening. "It's hard to refuse a request from a beautiful lady."

Ayaka watched as the game began, marveling at Zhen's composure. Unlike her own matches with Su Ran, this one seemed far more evenly matched.

As the game progressed, Ayaka turned to the other Raiden Shogun standing silently beside her.

"General?" she asked tentatively.

The woman shook her head. "I am Ying."

Ayaka's eyes widened in shock. "Ying? How did you grow so big?"

The Ying she remembered from yesterday could fit in her arms. Now, she was taller than Ayaka herself!