Chapter 394 Leisurely Days of Entertainment
Liam was right. Life in the mountains was indeed boring.
After lunch, the scorching midday sun drove everyone into the bamboo cabin. Ethan, Liam, and William were playing chess, while Mia and John watched from the sidelines.
The current match pitted Liam against William. The game didn't last long before William emerged victorious.
"I finally won!" William exclaimed, unable to contain his delight.
Liam turned to Ethan with a smirk. "We've been playing chess for nearly two weeks, and this is his first win. Look how thrilled he is."
"That's nonsense," William protested. "I've been letting you win on purpose."
Liam rolled his eyes. "Your turn, Ethan."
Ethan nodded and took his seat at the chessboard. He wasn't particularly skilled at chess but had picked up the basic rules watching their previous games, which had sparked his interest.
"Let's begin, William," Ethan said.
William replied with a cocky grin, "Try not to cry when you lose."
"I doubt it'll come to that," Ethan replied with a light chuckle.
About thirty minutes into their game, Liam was watching nervously from the side. "Ethan, move there," he suggested, pointing to a spot on the board.
William shot him a glare. "Don't you know the rules? No coaching allowed."
Mia, though not a chess expert herself, could see that Ethan's black pieces were being dominated by William's white ones. She could tell Liam's suggestion might improve the situation.
"I think Liam's right," Mia chimed in. "That move makes sense."
William huffed, "Of course you'd gang up on me."
"William is our honored guest in the White family home," Liam said with exaggerated politeness. "I wouldn't dream of being unfair to you. If you don't want me advising Ethan, I'll keep quiet."
"Your move, Ethan," William said proudly.
Ethan studied the board carefully. From the layout, his black pieces appeared to be on the verge of defeat. Yet, a glimmer of strategic insight flashed in his eyes as he made his move.
"Oh no!" Liam groaned, slapping his thigh. "That's it, he's done for!"
William smiled at Ethan's move. "Well then, I won't hold back."
Initially confident in his victory, William's expression gradually changed as the game progressed. "How is this happening?" he muttered.
"Ethan's launching a counterattack!" Liam exclaimed, his jaw dropping in surprise.
William fought desperately to regain control, but it was too late. The white pieces were steadily surrounded by black ones until William had no choice but to concede defeat.
Staring at the aftermath on the board, William was stunned. He had never lost so badly, even to Liam.
"I actually lost!" William said in disbelief.
"Ethan, your chess skills are incredible!" Liam applauded enthusiastically.
William scrutinized Ethan with newfound respect. Ashley's husband was indeed an impressive man. "Not bad at all," William admitted with a satisfied nod. "But don't get cocky—I was going easy on you today."
Liam rolled his eyes again.
William shot him a cold look before turning back to Ethan. "Where did you learn to play like that? Your teacher must be exceptional."
"Yes, I'm curious too," Mia added.
Ethan smiled modestly. "That was a fantastic game, William."
"I played a little in college, but not much," he continued. "If I had to say where I learned, I suppose it was from watching you two play earlier. You could say you were my teachers."
William and Liam exchanged glances before exclaiming in unison, "Good Lord!"
Ethan looked puzzled. "What's wrong?"
Liam forced a laugh. "Nothing. It's just that you're being too humble."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, detecting the irony in Liam's voice. "Another round?" he offered.
"I think I'll pass," Liam replied gloomily.
Natural talent clearly trumped practice and experience. Liam was visibly disheartened.
"Anyone for coffee?" Mia suggested. "You must be tired after all that mental exertion." She brought over steaming cups for everyone.
"Thank you, Mia," Ethan said, accepting his cup and taking a small sip, savoring the rich aroma.
As the group sat together in the cabin, chess abandoned for now, they drifted into casual conversation.
"William," Ethan asked curiously, "I've always wondered—how did you first meet Ashley? And how did you come to be her teacher?"
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