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.

with it, urged Calvin, “Come on, will you play? If you beat him, I’ll hand over my title of chess king

I used to beat you when I was working. Now that I’m retired, I can defeat you in minutes. You’re

talk. You just beat him and I’ll concede,” Lucas was getting

down and took a moment

business, not the type to patronize

in the office, his presence was something few could stand up to. It’s understandable though, given that he was the boss of

business well?

handle being married to such a

began with Calvin moving

swiftly as if without a second

hand, was deliberate, always planning several moves ahead.

20 F 29

two played in silence. The onlookers were

later, the tide of

help but blurt out, with excitement in his

never comments during a game.”

worried you’ll lose!” Lucas was

was deep in thought and hesitating

from Melvin,

the knight,” Lucas couldn’t

shook his head. “If I move the knight, he’ll advance his pawn and it’ll be game

loss?” Lucas was

Melvin who was unfazed. “Yes,

one more round Calvin,” Lucas was hooked and desperate

Melvin, Lucas asked, “Kid, how are you so darn

reset the pieces. “Learned a

been a master,”

Melvin went on to play four more rounds,

leaving Calvin thoroughly defeated.

Daisy noticed Calvin’s bike at the base of the tree and approached to see Calvin and Melvin deep in their game that the atmosphere

both too stubborn to admit defeat, ignored

said, his heart racing with the prospect of finally checkmating

was tense

he placed his piece, Calvin swiftly moved his “cannon” to Melvin’s “king”. He was

leaned in with an incredulous face and asked Melvin, “Did

of “letting win” irked