Shen Xi looked up at Qin Si Ye, and said in a low voice, "Isn't this inappropriate?"
Not to speak during a chess game, she had already violated the rules of Go. Now, changing players halfway through was an even greater taboo in Go.
Unexpectedly, Qin Si Ye's lips curved upward, and he said dismissively, "It's fine. As long as Grandma is happy. I also wanted to spar with Shen... with you."
"Alright. Then let's begin." Shen Xi sat down generously, facing Qin Si Ye for a game of chess.
The two were at loggerheads, advancing and retreating, their strategies clashing, their chess skills evenly matched.
After about half an hour, no victor had emerged. Sweat beaded on both their foreheads, while Xu Zhi Lan watched with keen interest.
"Mrs. Gu, please pour some more tea," Qin Si Ye called out to the aunt busy in the dining room, tilting his head.
Taking advantage of his distraction, Shen Xi found a subtle spot to place her stone, and the entire game immediately took a significant turn.
What had been an evenly matched game was instantly tipped in Shen Xi's favor by this single move.
After a few more exchanges, Qin Si Ye was ultimately unable to turn the tide. Shen Xi captured a large portion of the board, forcing him to concede.
"Shen... your chess skills are indeed exquisite. I concede defeat."
"You are too kind!" Shen Xi smiled slightly and cupped his hands in greeting.
Beside them, Xu Zhi Lan clapped her hands enthusiastically once more, "Xi Xi, you are amazing! Si Ye had been dominating me the whole time, and you finally helped me get my revenge. Where did you learn to play Go? I want to be your disciple."
What? Wanting to be her disciple meant she would have to play with her often, and she didn't have that much time.
"Grandma, winning just now was purely a coincidence. I'm just an amateur player, how could I teach you!"
"What is your amateur rank?" Qin Si Ye suddenly looked up at her.
"Fifth dan. I took the exam when I was in primary school, and I've almost forgotten it all." Shen Xi blurted out, thinking this answer would help her decline Xu Zhi Lan's request.
However, Qin Si Ye then said, "I also tested for amateur fifth dan when I was young. This level is perfectly fine to teach Grandma. Let's discuss this topic later. Let's help Grandma with her treatment first."
Upon hearing Qin Si Ye speak on her behalf, Xu Zhi Lan looked at him with expectant eyes and obediently accepted Shen Xi's acupuncture and massage.
After completing the treatment, Shen Xi prepared a prescription and handed it to Qin Si Ye, instructing him to procure the herbs according to the formula and take one dose daily for seven consecutive days.
Packing up her medical kit, Shen Xi bid farewell to Xu Zhi Lan.
"Grandma, I have something else to attend to, so I must leave now."
Xu Zhi Lan frowned, "You're leaving so soon? Aren't you staying for lunch with Si Ye?"
Shen Xi replied, "No, Grandma, I really have something important. Please rest well, and I'll come to see you again tomorrow."
At this moment, Qin Si Ye also stood up from his chair, "Grandma, I'm going back too."
"That's fine. If Xi Xi isn't here, it's no fun for you to stay alone. Remember to treat Xi Xi to a good meal at noon. Look how thin this child has become," Xu Zhi Lan said, looking at Shen Xi with heartache.
"Yes. I understand," Qin Si Ye replied, and then walked out of the hall, Shen Xi following him out.
As soon as they reached the courtyard, Qin Si Ye quickly caught up with Shen Xi and walked alongside her.
"Grandma has been suffering from cerebral atrophy for five years and often mistakes people. Dr. Shen, please don't take it to heart."
Five years ago? She remembered that when she came here five years ago, she hadn't noticed anything unusual about Xu Zhi Lan.
Had she been stimulated by some sudden event?
"It's alright. As long as her condition improves. When she mistakes someone or says something wrong, don't rush to correct her. It will only confuse her further," Shen Xi replied.
"Yes. Alright." Qin Si Ye felt there was some sense in what she said.
He recalled that whenever Grandma said something incorrect in the past, the family would busy themselves correcting her, which only made her more agitated and her headaches worse.
"Dr. Shen, how have you calculated the treatment costs? I'll have someone transfer the money to you," Qin Si Ye asked, looking at her and continuing.