The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 164

The weather was warmer in recent days, and the elderly residents of the old neighborhood were making the most of it. They gathered downstairs, engrossed in a variety of leisure activities. Some played chess, others engaged in card games. A few rallied at tennis, while several groups danced.

Underneath the shade of an old oak tree, a crowd had formed. All of their eyes fixated on a chessboard where an intense game was unfolding..

One of the players, visibly frustrated and unsure how to turn the game around, sighed repeatedly. He cast a glance at the young man sitting calmly across from him, determined not to be beaten again.

He had already lost five times in a row.

“Hey, Calvin, get over here!” someone suddenly yelled out. “Come give Lucas some backup. He’s been getting crushed the whole afternoon.”

Everyone turned their heads toward the voice.

Calvin just returned from the grocery store on his bicycle. Hearing his name, he pulled over and propped his bike against a nearby fence. “What’s up?” he asked.

“Some hotshot kid has shown up and he’s playing chess like a cold-blooded shark, not giving Lucas a moment’s breath. Around here, you and Lucas are pretty evenly matched, but we can’t seem to figure out who’s the top dog. Today’s the day to settle it – beat this young man and you’ll be crowned the chess king of our block.”

Curious, Calvin made his way through the crowd. “Who around here could possibly outplay Lucas?”

When he reached the inner circle and caught sight of the young man facing Lucas, his brow furrowed.

Wasn’t this the boyfriend of Jocelyn, his former boss, Melvin?

Upon noticing Calvin, Melvin stood up as a sign of respect. “Hi.”

“Do you two know each other?” Lucas asked, intrigued.

Calvin’s face was stern. “No.”

Melvin was silent, a hint of discomfort in his pause.

“It doesn’t matter if you know him or not. Come on, Calvin! I need you to get revenge for me.” Lucas stood and pulled Calvin down into his seat. “I’ve never beaten this guy.”

“No respect for your elders,” Calvin remarked dryly, eyeing Melvin,

Lucas countered, “You can’t be too respectful in a game. Sure, we’re playing for fun, but the spirit of competition is important too. If he lets me win, where’s the fun in that? Nowadays, young people are too deferential. They make us old folks feel good, but it waters down our skills as well.”

“Exactly. There are no kin in battle.” someone else agreed.

on, will you play? If you beat him, I’ll hand over my title of chess king that I’ve held for

over. I used to beat you when I was working. Now that I’m retired, I can defeat you

just beat him and I’ll

and took

was all business, not the

presence was something few could stand up to. It’s understandable though, given that he was the boss of a big company. Without a strong demeanor, how could he run

business well?

being married to such a

began with Calvin moving

as if without a second

was deliberate, always planning several

20 F 29

silence. The onlookers

ten exchanges later, the tide of

he’s gunning for your king,” Lucas couldn’t help but blurt out, with excitement in

never

just worried you’ll lose!”

was deep in thought

from Melvin,

Lucas couldn’t contain himself.

I move the knight, he’ll advance

that mean a loss?” Lucas was frustrated.

who was unfazed. “Yes, it’s a

more round Calvin,” Lucas was hooked and desperate to

asked, “Kid, how

pieces. “Learned a bit when

been a master,” Lucas mused.

play four more

leaving Calvin thoroughly

base of the tree and approached to see Calvin and Melvin deep in their game

Melvin, both too stubborn to admit defeat, ignored her.

said, his heart racing with the prospect

match was tense for Calvin.

as he placed his piece, Calvin swiftly moved his “cannon” to Melvin’s “king”. He was exuberant, “I finally won a round!”

incredulous face and asked Melvin, “Did you just let him

suggestion of “letting win” irked Calvin.