Chapter 161 Playing Chess

Chapter 161 Playing Chess

I couldn't tell if it was frustration or just plain rage, but he slammed that heavy gold chess set down on the table like it owed him money.

"How am I supposed to take this chess set out to play with others? It's so heavy and fancy. People might think this old man is just flaunting his wealth!" Joe's words had a touch of reproach, which caught me off guard.

The room fell silent for a moment, and everyone seemed a bit uncomfortable.

"Dad, I had this custom-made by a craftsman—took two months. It really stings when you dismiss it like that," Bob shot back.

Laura jumped in before Joe could reply. "It's a gift from your son, Joe. Just take it with some grace, alright?"

Then she turned to Bob and mentioned, "Your dad is worried it's too pricey and might attract thieves."

Joe let out a sigh and stayed quiet.

Just then, Sophia hopped over to Joe like a bunny and gently persuaded, "Dad, even though they're both chess sets, they're totally different vibes. Bob's is more of a showpiece for the study—something to admire now and then. The crystal set we gave you is perfect for game night with friends. One's for show, one's for play. Let them both shine, alright?"

Joe finally smiled and agreed to keep it. Laura praised Sophia for her cleverness, reminding me of how Sophia was spoiled at home when she was young.

Even though Joe agreed to keep it, he asked Bob to come over now and then to help him clean the chessboard. Initially, I thought this stubborn old man was purposely making things difficult, but later I understood.

It was a way for a father to encourage his son, an excuse to spend more time with him, to observe his growth and changes.

What a wise and happy family, I couldn't help but admire.

Although Bob accepted this arrangement, his expression still seemed slightly dissatisfied. After all, his chess set far surpassed mine in effort and value.

"I know you put a lot of effort into it, but don't be too showy in everything. Learn to tone it down. Look at Kevin..." Joe started his usual mentoring of the younger generation, only to be cut off by Laura.

Joe seemed to realize it wasn't the right time to lecture Bob, so he stopped and happily invited everyone to have birthday cake.

After the cake, Joe invited me to play chess. Bob and Ally, however, said they had to leave early due to work matters.

Sophia and I walked them to their car, reminding them to drive safely and call if they needed anything.

Bob paused before saying, "Dad really respects you. Let's make sure we visit him more often!"

I nodded along. The whole birthday showdown was over just like that. Bob, competitive as he was, didn't sweat the small stuff. Me? I just couldn't shake the sting to my pride from his "thoughtful" gesture.

Watching Bob and Ally drive away, Sophia turned to me and said, "My brother has been spoiled since childhood. Don't take his words to heart."

"Don't worry, I get it," I replied.

Back at Joe's place, he had the chessboard all set up, and I had to play a couple of games with him in the study before heading home.

Joe was dead serious when it came to chess. He handled each white piece delicately, running his fingers over its smooth surface, clearly pondering every move.

I gripped the black pieces tightly, not daring to let my guard down. Playing against an international chess master like him required caution with every move.

As the game unfolded, a tense atmosphere filled the room.

With each move Joe made, there was a soft sigh. I tried to keep my cool, studying every detail on the board, searching for a chance to strike back.

We left the door ajar, and now and then, we could hear laughter from Sophia and Laura's chat outside the room. Time seemed to slow down in that moment.

Sometimes, spending time with the elderly can be quite calming. They move and think slowly, but it's that unhurried pace that sharpens your focus.

On the flip side, young folks are always in a rush, anxious, and often end up achieving very little. I made a mental note to visit Joe often for chess games, not just to keep him company but also to unwind in that leisurely rhythm.

After a fierce match, Joe pulled off a slick "rook sacrifice" to seal the win. I lost, but I couldn't help feeling a little proud—mostly just blown away by Joe's chess skills.

Three games later, I was down 1:2. Joe set the pieces down with a satisfied grin, casually dropping, "You guys should swing by more often."

Joe and Laura escorted us to the door.

"I have high hopes for you, Kevin. You're honest, low-key, wise, and family-oriented. I trust my judgment of people," Joe advised.

Sophia and I exchanged a glance, feeling somewhat undeserving of such high praise, so we just nodded sheepishly.

On the way back, I mulled over Bob's words from tonight and Joe's advice.

It bugged me, but I couldn't push back. They were way ahead of me in the success game. That's just the way it goes—only the winners get to have a say. Even if you're right, nobody's listening if you're not on top.

"What's on your mind?" Sophia asked from the passenger seat.

"Nothing much, just focusing on driving," I replied.

"No, you usually chat with me. Is something bothering you?" Sophia probed.

"It's really nothing, maybe just feeling a bit worn out," I shrugged it off.

"My brother is like that, a bit goofy but well-meaning. My dad also enjoys giving advice. Don't take it personally," Sophia tried to explain the behavior that might have affected my mood.

"Can't blame them. Joe's a legend, and so's Bob. They really care about you and me," I said, thinking aloud.

"Are you sure? You seem a bit down," Sophia said, looking skeptical.

I stayed silent. By then, we were cruising down the city's main road, with the streetlights on both sides shining brightly, as if welcoming a prince and princess back to the city.

"Sweetheart," I suddenly exclaimed.

Sophia turned to me.

"We're gonna keep getting better, I promise," I said, trying to convince her—and maybe myself too.

Sophia paused for a moment, then smiled. "I never doubted it."