At this moment, Guo Can was still at home watching a Go match.
As he watched the game, he reflected on himself, replaying the match against "Song Qiao" in his mind.
"I refuse to believe it, that even like this, I still can't win against you even once!"
He muttered to himself, feeling a surge of frustration at having lost for the past two days.
Even though he had given his all in every game, his opponent seemed to have figured him out over this period, always making the decisive move and leaving him no room to maneuver.
"Everything else is fine, I just feel that Song Qiao's mood has been unstable lately, with fluctuating skill levels."
Guo Can pursed his lips and continued to watch the Go match on television, offering silent critiques.
However, just as the game reached its climax, there was a knock at the door.
Hearing the knock, Guo Can frowned, a hint of annoyance flickering in his eyes. He stood up and called out.
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
Though Guo Can was extremely reluctant, he opened the door. He looked at Madam Shen standing outside, his gaze chilling slightly. He said with impatience.
"Why are you here again? Didn't I make myself clear last time? I will not help you."
Hearing this, Madam Shen smiled bitterly, shook her head slightly, and stepped aside to reveal her assistant. In the assistant's hands, a chess base was being held.
Upon seeing the chess base, Guo Can's initially angry expression froze, and then a look of surprise spread across his face.
He quickly moved aside, making way.
"Come in first."
The chess base was clearly an antique; anyone with discerning eyes could tell.
Madam Shen did not become arrogant due to Guo Can's change in attitude. She maintained her previous humble demeanor and said softly.
"I was presumptuous before, so I have come to apologize this time. Please give me another chance."
Guo Can raised an eyebrow, glanced at the antique chess base, and nodded lightly.
"Alright. Thank you. I really like this chess base."
As he spoke, Guo Can chuckled and, with one hand, lifted the chess base, holding it with evident affection.
Seeing this, Madam Shen was deeply shocked.
This chess base weighed at least dozens of pounds, yet Guo Can lifted it with just one hand.
Indeed, they had found the right person; this man was truly formidable.
Madam Shen and her assistant exchanged glances. Madam Shen's admiration for Song Qiao grew.
Amidst her admiration, a hint of confusion also arose.
While she didn't understand why Song Qiao would help her, it was a good thing.
If the opportunity arose in the future, she would repay this favor.
After all, if Song Qiao hadn't mentioned this chess base, their visit would have ended the same way as before, with cold shoulders and no pleasantries.
At this point, Guo Can had played with the chess base for a long time before setting it down heavily on the floor.
After finishing, not a drop of sweat was visible on Guo Can's face.
Patting the chess base in front of him, Guo Can couldn't help but exclaim.
"This is truly a treasure. This item is priceless and impossible to find on the market. It's fortunate you brought it to me."
He looked at it with increasing fondness and, patting his chest, smiled at Madam Shen.
"Go ahead, what do you need me for?"
This was the moment they had been waiting for!
After so many visits and so much effort, Madam Shen almost shed tears upon hearing these words.
However, she quickly suppressed her emotions and, taking a deep breath, said softly to Guo Can.
"I've run into some trouble recently. Many people want my life, so I would like to ask you to stay by my side and protect me for a while."
As she spoke, Madam Shen watched Guo Can cautiously.
If Guo Can agreed, her safety concerns would be alleviated for this period.
She had expected Guo Can to at least hesitate, given the chess base as a gift. However, to her surprise, Guo Can refused without any hesitation upon hearing her request.
"Impossible."
"You want me to protect you for a while? Impossible."
He paused briefly, then looked at Madam Shen's disappointed eyes, sighed lightly, and after a moment's thought, glanced at the chess base he so adored. He then changed his tune.
"But I can help you out once. This time, I can guarantee your safety."
"If you disagree, then please take your gift back."
"I'm a person who never likes to accept things for free."
Hearing Guo Can's words, Madam Shen was taken aback. She looked at the chess base, remained silent for a long time, and then nodded lightly, agreeing through gritted teeth.
She had no choice.
She absolutely needed Guo Can's protection right now, and she knew that getting him to act was as difficult as climbing to heaven.
Getting him to act just once was already quite good. Although it was far from what she had hoped for, she had no other options.
Despite her slight astonishment and feeling of hardship, a smile appeared on her face. She nodded at Guo Can and said softly.
"That will do. Thank you."
Seeing Madam Shen agree, Guo Can's face lit up with a smile. He hugged the chess base and kissed it heartily, then looked at her with a grin.
"No problem, no problem. It's a small matter."
After saying this, he blinked a few times and tilted his head slightly, looking at Madam Shen, who seemed to want to say something.
"You can contact me when you need me. Don't worry, I'm a man of my word. With me on the job, any problem, no matter how big, will be solved."
After placing the chess base in a spot in the room, Guo Can clapped his hands. Turning around, he noticed that Madam Shen and her assistant were still there and raised an eyebrow.
"Is there anything else?"
Seeing that Guo Can was hinting at their departure, Madam Shen shook her head.
"No, then it's settled. Goodbye."
With that, they left.
After leaving the villa, the assistant, thinking about the price of the chess base, couldn't help but complain.
"This guy is too arrogant. After spending so much money on an antique, he only managed to get her to act once. Is he that conceited?"
He didn't even agree to provide protection, and the assistant felt Guo Can was ungrateful.
However, Madam Shen remained unmoved by the assistant's complaints. She glanced at him indifferently, shook her head slowly, and looked back in the direction of the villa.
"Guo Can is already a renowned figure, with formidable strength. What you see is only the surface."
"Getting him to act once is actually quite worthwhile."
"One must look deeper when assessing people, understand?"
The assistant nodded, "You are right, Madam."
Madam Shen smiled and didn't elaborate further. Such matters only needed a slight hint.
After they left the complex, Madam Shen was about to get into her car when she noticed Song Qiao waiting for her at the entrance. She let out a soft laugh.