Study System: I'm a 38-Year-Old Student

Chapter 378 253: Sweeping the Competition!

As the netizens teased, the number of people in the live stream also increased rapidly.

Soon, the online audience grew from over a thousand to more than ten thousand.

Shen Qiushan naturally had no idea what was happening in the live stream; he only noticed that ever since he was recognized by the event organizers, the young lady in charge of the live broadcast hadn't left his side, with the camera constantly on him.

The results of the quarterfinals were announced.

Shen Qiushan's opponent was a middle-aged man with a plump physique named Guo Xingwang. Not only was he chubby, but he also had a smiling face, giving everyone the impression he was laughing no matter who he looked at.

Shen Qiushan didn't know Guo Xingwang, but someone in the live stream did recognize him.

"Isn't this supposed to be an amateur match? Are retired professionals allowed?"

"Smiling Buddha Old Guo! A former national champion joining the Qingyang Cup isn't very fair!"

"Looks like Old Shen might be stopped at the top eight. Smiling Buddha joining an amateur competition is simply a dimensional strike!"

"The 500,000 prize for the champion is just too tempting; even Old Guo couldn't resist!"

"Guys, do you think Old Shen might luckily win a round?"

"Win my foot! Challenging someone's profession with your hobby? No chance, unless Old Guo deliberately throws the game!"

"..."

By now, the live stream audience had grown to over twenty thousand.

Given such a large number, it wasn't surprising that Guo Xingwang, a former national champion, was recognized.

In fact, five out of the top eight players were retired professionals.

As the netizens said, the 500,000 champion prize is too enticing!

Even though life isn't tough for these retired players, it's not affluent either. Apart from those who manage to find positions in professional clubs, most end up teaching in their own classes or becoming chess instructors at training institutions.

But chess is something most parents know, and the rules are relatively simple, so there aren't many kids who actually take chess classes. It's a niche market, and thus, the income isn't significant.

In such a context, participating in high-prize amateur competitions became one of the ways to earn money for retired professionals.

The Qingyang Cup has a total prize pool of a million, with the champion taking 500,000, which is comparable to some professional events, naturally attracting a crowd of retired professionals like Guo Xingwang.

Shen Qiushan never paid attention to the chess field, and didn't know Guo Xingwang at all; he just found the guy seemed friendly, always sporting a smile.

The quarterfinals were a best-of-seven match; the first to win four games advanced to the semifinals.

The first game between the two began.

As a former national champion, Guo Xingwang didn't take Shen Qiushan seriously at all. He habitually touched his chin with one hand, making moves quickly and almost without thinking.

However, as the game unfolded, the previously carefree Guo Xingwang began to show a serious expression, with a tangled look on his signature smiling face.

"Hey, Old Shen is pretty good! He can actually play tit-for-tat with the Smiling Buddha!"

"Did Old Guo underestimate him? He seems to be at a disadvantage now!"

"Teacher Shen must have some skills to make it to the top eight. It's really hard to say who will win this game!"

"Teacher Shen is really versatile, not just writing books and songs, but he's also this good at chess."

The live stream was bustling with excitement.

As people discussed, the game took a turn, and Shen Qiushan suddenly launched a series of fierce attacks.

Guo Xingwang lost a rook and a knight, and the situation completely tilted in favor of Shen Qiushan, quickly ending in his victory.

"Wow! Old Shen actually won!"

"1:0! Way to go, Old Shen!!"

"He even beat a retired professional player. As expected of a top college entrance examinee, his brain is definitely sharp!"

"Who was just saying Teacher Shen couldn't win?"

"Why isn't Old Guo smiling? Is it because he doesn't like to smile anymore?"

"Feels like Old Guo underestimated his opponent; he probably didn't expect Shen Qiushan to be this strong!"

With the netizens' discussions.

The second game began.

Learning from the previous game, Guo Xingwang was much more cautious with his moves. He realized he lost the first game because he underestimated his opponent. His plan was to win against Shen Qiushan swiftly to save his energy for the semifinals.

In Guo Xingwang's plan, an amateur player like Shen Qiushan was no threat to him; his real opponents were the other retired professionals.

So, when he found out his quarterfinal opponent was Shen Qiushan, Guo Xingwang felt secretly delighted.

He thought he had drawn the perfect lot, allowing him to effortlessly beat his opponent and conserve more energy for future matches.

But never did he expect to be overturned in the first game!

Clearly, making it to the top eight wasn't just due to luck!

Guo Xingwang concentrated intensely, determined to reclaim a victory.

Despite giving his 100% strength, he still couldn't gain any advantage, to his surprise.

The game started in a deadlock, and Guo Xingwang's several attempts to set traps were easily dissolved by Shen Qiushan.

Did this guy really never play professionally?

Just like how Shen Qiushan didn't know Guo Xingwang, Guo Xingwang didn't recognize Shen Qiushan either.

Even though the name sounded somewhat familiar, he never connected his opponent to the famous writer.

Little did he know, over twenty thousand people were watching this chess game between him and Shen Qiushan.

Check!

Seizing the right moment, Shen Qiushan launched another wave of attacks.

Guo Xingwang couldn't withstand this blow and lost the second game.

"It's 2:0 now!"

"Old Shen won again!"

"Teacher Shen is amazing!"

"Didn't you say Shen's opponent was a former national champion? How come he's so weak?"

"Isn't it possible that it's not Old Guo being weak, but Teacher Shen being too strong?"

"Wow, no wonder he's the man I admire. He's even great at chess!"

"..."

With Shen Qiushan winning the second game, the live stream buzzed with excitement again.

Meanwhile, Guo Xingwang furrowed his brow, carefully examining Shen Qiushan, but had no impression of him.

"Bro, which team are you from?"

"I haven't seen you before!"

Before the third game began, Guo Xingwang couldn't help but ask.

"Sanjiang University's Electronic Technology Competition Team."

Shen Qiushan replied with a grin.

Who asked you which team I came from?

This is the only team I'm part of!

"Which team?"

Guo Xingwang raised an eyebrow, having never heard of the team Shen just mentioned.

"Does Sanjiang University have a chess team too?"

Guo Xingwang was familiar with "Sanjiang University," so he curiously asked.

"Yeah, of course, they do!"

Shen Qiushan nodded slightly; naturally, Sanjiang University has a chess club, so his answer was entirely accurate.

So, you're a chess elite from a university!

Guo Xingwang nodded slightly, having figured out his opponent's "background," even if he lost in the end, he would at least know why.

The third and fourth games that followed were almost identical; both started in a deadlock, but as the game developed, Shen Qiushan always capitalized on Guo Xingwang's flaws, quickly closing the game.

"4:0!!"

"Old Shen is just too fierce!"

"Way to go, Teacher Shen, I hope you win the championship!"

"I did imagine a 4:0, but I thought Old Guo would eliminate Shen Qiushan 4:0, yet it turned out the other way round!"

"Old Guo was not only eliminated but was swept out! He probably never dreamed he'd lose so badly in an amateur competition!"

"..."