At the Inn, a tea room was available, with a minor official lighting fragrant incense. The subtle scent of sandalwood drifted from a hollowed-out copper stove.
Chen Ji and Zhang Zheng sat opposite each other on a plush couch, with a chessboard set between them. The game was nearing its end.
Amidst the swirling smoke, Chen Ji placed a white piece on the board. Zhang Zheng, deep in thought for a while, finally made his move. Chen Ji casually played another piece, and then Zhang Zheng fell into a long contemplation again…
Zhang Xia sat nearby, cracking melon seeds, watching her own brother getting utterly defeated but showing no intention of helping.
Zhang Zheng was getting frustrated, continuously winking and giving eye signals to his sister. Zhang Xia curiously asked, "Brother, what's wrong with your eyes? Did you get sand in them?"
