Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

Not bad, Master Shi!

[Previously]

Finally, a first win!

[Mystery Go Room]

It's been a while since I felt this way.

I'd like to have a game here.

I'll do my best today.

Then, let's see if your skills

are any better than your stubbornness.

If it wasn't for some trick,

you would've been signed.

They signed Wang Chong instead of me.

Don't be a busy body. Mind your own business!

If there's anything more important than winning,

[Zhao Bing Feng, Yu Liang]

he wants to show you

his strongest point.

If you don't change,

you'll be surpassed by others.

[Hikaru no Go]

[Yu Liang, Fang Xu]

[Public Training Room]

98.

Look,

a black piece here on the 99th move.

Mr Zhu.

Shi Guang.

You know me?

Show me a match that you've played.

Quick!

Show me a match that you think you did well in!

Well, I thought I did well in the one just now.

Xiao Guang, show him the match that you first won.

How much did you win by?

A quarter pieces.

-Who did you play against? -Fan Bin.

Who?

Fan Bin.

Fan Bin?

That loser who's at the bottom ranks of Group Two?

You seem delighted to have beaten him, don't you?

What are you saying?

Xiao Guang has turned the tide of this match.

He did well and made excellent decisive moves in the second half.

Although I didn't do well in the beginning,

but I turned the tide later in that match, Mr Zhu.

If it were someone else,

you'd have lost.

"Turn the tide"? My foot!

How can you say that to Xiao Guang?

I taught Xiao Guang all that he knew.

No one can criticise him!

Are you sore?

Well, I am!

Xiao Guang, move.

Let me teach you a lesson!

Why are you still here?

You play like trash.

And, you're still here wasting my electricity.

Scram!

[Round 15: Xiao Guang's Strength]

What happened?

Have you gone bonkers from training?

You scared me.

Did you see a ghost?

It's really hellish!

Were you met with that Big Pig's Snout?

You mean, Mr Zhu?

So, you don't know.

Let me show you.

What are you showing me?

Do you know what a "basic J group" is?

Does it resemble Mr Zhu's pouty mouth when he's angry?

Quite.

I thought that people call him Mr Zhu

because his name is Zhu Da Yong.

No.

Continue.

The interesting part is yet to come.

Continue?

"Pan."

Point.

I countered it.

"Pan". Point. Kill.

Yeah. So, now you know why he's called Mr Pan?

So...

Mr Zhu and Mr Pan...

Okay, okay. That's enough.

It reminds me of being scolded while feeling helpless.

Get used to it.

Because, when you're in Group One,

your days will be full of scoldings.

Yeah. Whatever.

It's been three months.

I rank 13th from the bottom.

Group One seems far, far away.

It's 11 p.m.

Why isn't Shen Yi Lang back yet?

I don't know. I haven't seen him today.

I don't know where he's gone too. Nights.

[Kido]

Not done yet?

No.

Get any one wrong again, and you're up for a ten-round lap.

But, there are 100 questions here.

So?

You're no longer a young lad.

If you fail to advance to a higher dan at this age,

I'd be embarrassed of you.

Hear me?

Yes.

As for the Young Lions Cup, you'd better work hard for it.

If you fail to get an award again,

be ready to leave.

Why are you up so early? It's just daybreak.

I dreamt about being chased down by the J group.

When he caught me, he said,

"What lousy chess skills!"

Then, I woke up. I struggled to wake up.

Really?

That's so horrible!

Let me play against him.

-I'll kill his ego! -Really?

Yes.

On second thought, let's forget it.

Stooping to the levels of such people isn't my thing.

You're a chicken!

Chicken?

If I win,

we'll see who's laughing then.

Guys, look here.

Young Lions Cup. As you know,

the tournament between Fangyuan City's top young players

and the newly-minted professionals

is held this time of the year.

But, you don't need to be anxious.

It's got nothing much to do with you.

Do you have to be that frank?

Weren't you supposed to encourage them?

Let me be more frank.

Only the top eight from Group One are qualified to compete.

You guys? Don't even think about it.

What's wrong with you?

Come and see for yourself.

He got this question wrong.

Trash.

If you want to compete,

make it into Group One, if you can.

Xiao Liang was the champion of last year's first-dan tournament.

[The 9th Young Lions Go Cup]

Do you think he'll participate?

That's for sure.

How could a show-off like him

miss the tournament?

If you participate in the tournament,

then both of you have a chance to play against each other.

That would be a slim chance.

But Mr Zhu stated it loud and clear.

Only the top eight from Group One are qualified to compete.

I can help you.

I guarantee that you'll earn yourself a place

in Group One within a week. What do you say?

Not again?

I thought we're clear about my stand on this?

But, since you joined the club,

I haven't played a single match.

Look at my hand!

It's looking dull from the itch to play.

Look.

No matter what,

if I do compete in the Young Lions Cup,

I need to earn a place in Group One with my own effort.

Your own effort?

What?

If you go by your own effort

and don't manage to play against Xiao Liang,

don't go home crying in secret.

That's impossible!

Nemesis Xiao Yu Liang.

Finally a chance to compete!

One more word and I'll spit on you!

Please, don't.

I really do think that you'll beat Yu Liang,

although it's just a theoretical possibility.

So, you're out to dampen my enthusiasm too?

Think about it, it's three more months to the Young Lions Cup.

You're still in Group Two right now.

If you want to make top eight of Group One,

then I can only support you in spirit.

Don't we have three months left?

Just wait and see. I'll work hard.

Okay. Do your best.

I sincerely wish for you to earn a place in Group One.

When the time comes, we can dance with the devil.

I'll let you in on Mr Zhu's gossip.

Keep it to yourself.

Go ahead.

Do you know why Mr Zhu

was absent for a while before this?

He went to mourn at his son's grave.

Who?

His son.

-Mr Zhu's son died? -Hush! That's true.

He loved drinking many years before.

After drinking, he dragged his son to tuition class

and met with an accident.

Hong He.

Have you reviewed the game you've just played?

Not yet.

What are you waiting for?

This month's inter-group round-robin tournament kicks off officially.

Don't be pressured.

Do your best.

I've lost.

Yes!

I was so close to winning.

Congratulations on losing the first match, Master Shi.

Don't remind me. I messed up.

Zhang Lin's a sloppy player.

But her skill is just so-so.

Still, we lost, didn't we?

You lack a stable mindset.

I'll bring you to see a master next time.

You didn't manage to lead me astray. So, better not do it to Shi Guang.

What are you talking about?

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

It's your loss if you don't go.

Don't listen to him.

Hey!

-Shi Guang, any games in the afternoon? -Nope.

I'm going to see my master. Want to come along?

You have a master?

Of course!

Who is it?

A ninth-dan, five-time national champion, Lin Li.

Xiao Guang, I'd like to go. You hear me?

Someone who's as good as Yu Xiao Yang.

Forget it. It'll be a waste of time.

I'll stay here to review the game.

You know, my master is highly-skilled.

This problem of yours

won't be a problem to him.

Once he gives you his advice,

your problems will be solved.

Yeah.

Playing against a master might just

lift your spirits.

Really?

Yeah.

Alright, then.

Xiao Guang is the best!

See that, Shi Guang? This is who you're fated to meet.

But not you.

What's that smell?

It's love.

You'll pay for what you've done.

So?

Do you know the top four players in the world of Go?

No.

Then, let me tell you.

Yes, please.

Okay.

Yu of the South, Sang of the North, Lin of the East, Zhao of the West.

Known as the top four players in the world of Go.

Everyone in the world of Go knows them.

The top player,

-is Yu of the South, Yu Xiao Yang. -Yu Xiao Yang?

He plays steadily and calmly.

Gentle yet determined.

He's a solo player.

He's also unrivaled.

And, his disciples

are a skilled and talented bunch.

Fang Xu, ninth-dan. Lu Yuan, sixth-dan.

And, Yu Liang, first-dan.

Each outstanding in their own right.

Let me tell you,

you can't find another person with

such talents like Yu Xiao Yang.

Tell us more.

And?

As for the second top player,

the Lin sect disciple was humble enough

to give that honour to Sang of the North, Sang Yuan the Go Master.

Mr Sang is a senior who's advanced in age.

He was known to beat everyone in the world of Go in his earlier days.

He's defended his title as the Go Master to this day.

He's well-known for playing slowly.

It may seem mild and mellow, but it's secretly deadly.

However, it's a pity that he has no disciple and is still on his own.

I bet

he's not planning to pass down his skills.

Please tell me your master is the third top player.

Yeah, speaking of this, let me tell you...

We're here? Let's go, let's go.

Hey, go on and tell us about your master.

Finish what you've started.

Lin of the East is of course my master, Lin Li.

A five-time national champion.

His skills and age

rank third among the top four players.

His playing style is fierce.

He's all-knowing and all-powerful.

He's almost invincible.

Hi, what would you like to eat? Have a look.

These are freshly delivered.

-Give me a bag, please. -Sure.

Hearing what Hong He said

makes me want to go for a round with this Lin Li.

This Lin Li...

-I'm not finished yet. -So, Zhao as in Zhao Bing Feng?

There's more about my master.

-Hold on. Hold it. -He's...

We'll be meeting your master in a while.

You don't need to say too much about him.

Tell me about Zhao Bing Feng.

Didn't you see him play before?

He was so pressured by Yu Liang that he almost bit his own fan.

And his disciple, Wang Chong,

is a mediocre player and a bad person.

That's all?

Xiao Guang, I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have listened to Hong He

and pestered you to come.

I've caused you trouble.

It's such a shame I couldn't lend a hand.

I'm just useless!

Stop pretending already, okay?

But it's hot out here.

My body can't take it.

Why are you shouting?

Why are you just standing still? Move it!

I'm tired!

Where's your master?

My master is at a competition.

I was worried there'd be no one to take care of his house.

It'd be a pity if these plants died.

Hong He, I get it now.

This whole thing was a sinister, evil,

premeditated plot!

Can you just help me?

You dragged me here for free labor, didn't you?

Can you just help a brother out?

Help a brother out.

I'll return the favour when I get the chance.

Don't touch me! Fat chance! You won't get a chance at all!

As your brother, I'll do my best

to help you advance, alright?

-Give me a hand, please? -Hands off!

Okay. I'll be honest.

What?

-He's not really... -What are you doing here again?

Mr Lin.

Mr Lin, you're back.

"Mister"?

Hong He, you've been coming to my house for almost a year now.

One year and 35 days, sir.

I remember it clearly.

But you know that

I don't easily take in disciples.

No matter how often you visit,

there's no guarantee that I'll take you in.

It's okay. Even if you don't,

I'll still come.

I like to do farming work in your house.

Since you're that sincere,

I'll give you another chance.

Let's go.

To my study.

I'll play one round with you.

Come on.

Mr Lin,

I'd like to let my best friend, Shi Guang,

to have this opportunity.

Didn't you come to my house

to learn from me?

Yes.

But now, my friend needs your help more than I do.

He's been losing.

But he's really talented.

Brother, stop it.

Why waste such a good opportunity on me?

Stop it.

You need the help more than I do.

Besides, am I not a man of my word?

Please, Mr Lin.

Drink up.

You must be Hong He.

-I'm Lin Can. -Hong...

Apart from practising at the club,

have you learnt from other teachers?

That'd be yours truly.

Mr Lin,

is there something wrong with how I play?

In fact, no.

Your playing style

seem amateurish.

But, there were a few steps

that appear wise.

It's not something people of your age can think of.

Of course.

Because Xiao Guang is my disciple.

Mr Lin,

I've been studying a lot of Bai Zi Qiu's game records.

So, you can say that I'm deeply influenced by him.

There were many steps

with which you could have been more aggressive.

But,

you've always chosen to defend.

Remember, attack is the best form of defense.

That's right.

I have to admit,

Xiao Guang sometimes plays

as if his hands and feet are bound.

Be confident. Don't carry a burden when you play.

You and Hong He's skills are indeed at different levels.

But I heard that you've joined the club for only three months.

That's considered a big improvement.

Hear that, Xiao Guang?

Even Lin Li, a ninth-dan player says that you've improved.

Thank you, Mr Lin.

You have great potential. Keep it up.

So, you purposely came back from overseas

just to search for these rare plants?

I just think

there are so many beautiful living things on earth.

If no one remembers them,

it'd be a pity.

Yes, indeed.

Junior, if there's any problem at all,

just let me know. I'll be there any time.

Then, have you heard of the Yuanxin Manlin Flower?

Yuanxin... What?

I haven't heard of it.

It's a type of orchid.

It's invaluable and hard to grow.

Look.

Hong He?

What's with you?

I was chit-chatting with a junior.

Mr Lin,

thank you for teaching me

so much today.

I'll visit again another day.

Thank you, I'll be off.

Bye, Mr Lin.

We'll come another day, Mr Lin.

See you again.

Thank you for encouraging Xiao Guang.

He'll continue to work hard.

Of course, if there's a chance,

I do hope to play against you.

Goodbye.

Dad, this Hong He seems like

a nice person with good character.

Why didn't you take him as a disciple?

Well, I've got to take some time to test him, don't I?

So, did he pass?

Well, I was right about him.

You've gone overtime. You lose. Zhao Hua wins.

I...

What? Your time is up.

[13: Shi Guang]

[Yijianghu Club Training Match Achievement Chart]

I was so close to winning. It's been like this every time.

Why?

Even the ninth-dan Lin Li says you have great potential.

So, you have to be strong.

Don't be afraid. Believe in your strength.

I know.

Say...

Can you supervise the game revision of the two groups for me tomorrow?

I need to get my notebook fixed.

Just chuck that old thing away.

Why bother repairing?

It still can be used after repairing.

Stop playing. You've lost.

How did I lose?

Because I said so.

I didn't go over time. He can be my witness.

Just let it go this time.

Let me remind you for the last time.

You've lost this round.

Xiao Guang, why didn't you place your piece?

Where should I place it? Tell me. Where?

There's always a solution to every step.

Then, what about the round you played with Zhang Lin the other time?

You had a chance to win. Why did you admit defeat?

A chance? How?

I was already surrounded a few steps into the match.

Xiao Guang, they are not me. Do you understand?

I get it.

You've been afraid of me.

You're afraid that they're like me.

Catching your every mistake

and blocking your every escape.

But they are not like me, Xiao Guang.

They should be afraid of you.

You're not that weak anymore.

-You've improved. -You say that I've improved.

Then why do I keep losing?

Have I won? Tell me!

That's why you should be more like Yu Liang.

Turn your fear into courage.

[Let's bet on how long Yu Liang, the nemesis, can last.]

[Five cans of Cola. Three months.]

[I think he'd probably last for ten days to half a month.]

[If I have to work a thousand times harder than this]

[to become a professional player,]

[then I'd rather give up playing Go.]

[Why don't you work harder?]

[The results might just surprise you.]

[I can't persevere anymore.]

Are you thinking of

quitting the club?

[Shi Guang,]

[do your best in the club.]

[Don't chicken out.]

[Don't worry.]

[I am not a chicken.]

Then, let's not play for two days.

You said it.

Of course.

Where would you like to go? I'll come with you.

Nowhere.

Nowhere.

How would I know? It's been days.

We can't even find him here.

What should we do?

What's gotten into him?

At the Group One advancement match today,

Shi Guang broke a rule

-and Mr Zhu... -I didn't break any rules!

You scared me. Why didn't you say a word just now?

I didn't go overtime.

We know that you didn't go overtime.

We know you didn't break any rules.

Yeah.

Those are just rumours.

Big Pig's Snout and I are absolutely irreconcilable.

Okay. Calm down already.

You still stand a chance.

I won't go to class tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Mr Pan won't be around.

Both our classes will be taught by Mr Zhu.

Better not skip them.

It's only a scolding.

I get it three times a day, it's like having my meals.

My letter of absence is on the table.

Please hand it to the teacher tomorrow.

I'm here.

I've crossed my heart and sworn

not to chicken out.

But, I still ended up this way.

I'd like to take a look inside.

Why don't you lead me in?

Xiao Guang, look.

Tian Sha's sneaking food into her mouth again.

Look at her go.

Shi Guang.

Sir.

How did you get the time to visit our school?

The club's taking a break today.

I heard from Tian Sha that

it's extremely difficult to get into the club you're in.

Those who were chosen are one in a million.

I guess so?

Teacher,

what if I...

No "what ifs".

Do your best.

I'm waiting for your good news.

Your teacher's support seemed to be more sincere this time.

[Go Match Record]

[Name: Jiang Xue Ming]

Chu Ying,

look at Jiang Xue Ming's game record.

It's so terrible!

[But when he met with an Atari,]

[she managed to evade it.]

[Go Match Record, Name: Gu Yu]

[Gu Yu, White wins by 1/4]

Ye Zheng, listen.

I learned a new technique yesterday.

I'm certain that you won't win today.

Please, stop talking big.

Hello.

Shi Guang?

What are you doing here?

I got a day off.

I'll call the others here right now.

No need. I'll be off in a while.

Don't go.

Sit down. Let's chat.

You'll be taking the grading examination this year.

Are the top young players in the club

way better than us?

Shi Guang,

I've watched the first-dan competition.

Yu Liang and that...

Tian Yuan.

I thought that round was interesting.

Does that mean that you'll have the chance to play against Tian Yuan?

What kind of question is that?

Once Shi Guang advances to a higher dan,

of course, he'll play against the experts.

Yeah.

We'll be there to watch.

I'm not as courageous as you.

Actually, I want to be a professional Go player too.

But I'm afraid that I'd be wasting time.

Well, Shi Guang's here.

Why don't you two play a round?

And, when he becomes a professional player,

you'd be someone who'd played with a professional player.

Can I?

I'd like to see, after training for so long,

how far behind I am from you professionals.

I...

I know I won't win.

But no matter how utterly defeated I'll be,

I'll give my all.

Are you willing to play one round with me?

Let's begin.

Jiang Xue Ming, I think Shi Guang's back.

He's back? Back to where?

Back at school. I think he went to your Go Club.

Shi Guang!

Where's Shi Guang?

He left after playing a round.

You should've told me!

He said he had to go.

This is the round that he played with you?

Shi Guang's a whiz.

He went easy on me.

But I still lost.

I didn't lose anything

by not joining the club.

How can you equate a top young player to yourself?

Very soon, he'll be the best professional Go player.

[Looking at them reminds me of your old self.]

[You had nothing then.]

[Why? The tournament is yet to start.]

-[No strategy.] -[Go is too challenging.]

[No patience.]

[You're full of mistakes].

[But you did not fear losing.]

[You had a healthy disregard for consequences.]

[No. 13 High School, go!]

[What about now?]

[Your skills have improved.]

[But I can't tell how much the courage has grown.]

[Yijianghu Club]

[Chu Ying,]

[I still want to play Go.]

Look at this move.

Stretching this part

would be a bad move.

How should we do it? Use a honte followed by a takefu.

Who let you in? Get out!

Sorry.

Didn't you ask for a day off? Granted!

I don't need a day off.

Isn't this your letter of absence?

This is the proof!

It's taken into account. Scram!

Carry on.

That was cool!

How does the letter of absence taste?

Slightly bitter.

Playing to the gallery, I see.

Ignore him. That kid knows nothing.

To be honest, you're impressive.

The last guy that stood up against Mr Zhu like that

was slammed with a Go set by Mr Zhu

and ended up with a bloody head

and more than 180 stitches.

Enough. Let's be serious.

To be honest,

if you were this brave in games,

you would have been successful by now.

Right, Hong He.

It looks like you're about to lose.

You'd better not back out later.

Go away.

It's been almost three months since Shi Guang joined.

I think it's almost time.

What do you mean?

The bet.

Scram.

Don't forget.

Shi Guang, let me tell you.

I, Hong He, have never lost a bet before!

Go home.

Not going home?

Okay.

I'll play with you.

Gosh, look at you.

Don't tell people you're from Yijianghu Club.

I, Zhu Da Yong, have no student like you.

What's so scary?

It's not like I'll eat you up.

Are you sure?

Speak! Are you sure?

Yes.

Think again.

Think again.

Where should you place it?

Where should you place it?

You have one more chance.

Again.

Again.

You have one more chance.

Here.

Here.

I said here!

There's nothing to be afraid of.

Right?

There's nothing to be afraid of.

Right?

I'm no longer my old self.

They should fear my ability now.

They should

fear your ability now.

Shi Guang,

it feels like your playing's different right now.

Yeah?

Better be careful.

I'm taking away your pieces again.

[Yijianghu Club Training Match Achievement Chart]

Give it here.

What?

Don't act dumb.

Look.

[Name: Shi Guang]

Look here.

-Gosh. -What?

[Why are you still here?]

[You play like trash.]

[You're wasting my electricity.]

[Office]

[Scram!]

[I could hear you shouting at Xiao Guang all the way from inside the house.]

[Even if the kid's not very bright,]

[do you need to be that fierce?]

[He's not bright]

[because he hasn't met me.]

[From today onwards,]

[I'll make a bright kid out of him.]

[What do you mean?]

[In less than two months,]

[I'll get him to advance to another group.]

[I don't think so.]

[Want to bet?]

[A bottle of good wine.]

[Make it two.]

Sure enough.

-These are expensive. -Excuse me, your hands.

I've never judged a person wrongly.

That's why I'm teaching Group One,

and you can only teach in Group Two.

What is there to be proud of?

You're still an amateur player anyway.

I won't argue with that.

This is good enough for me.

This is all I want. Nothing else matters.

I could return them and get a refund if you're not planning to drink them.

In your dreams! These are mine.

I'll drink them when there's something to celebrate.

You punk.

You cost me a whole week's pay.

Wait. How is it possible that

he jumped to the first place in Group Two?

You know, his win rate has increased by at least 50 percent.

He's no ordinary kid.

What do you mean?

He's naturally talented at playing Go.

Young hero! Master!

Let's have hot pot!

Where is everyone?

[Yijianghu Club Group One Rankings]

[Shen Yi Lang, Win rate: 5 percent, Ranking: 14th]