Lin Fei had not expected the chess tournament to be such a grand affair. According to Qin Xuan'er, the guest list featured many prominent figures.
High-ranking officials, tycoons, and celebrities were all in attendance, and it turned out that many of them were quite skilled at chess themselves. Lin Fei was surprised that so many heavy hitters shared such an interest in the game. Yet, upon reflection, it was hardly strange. Whether it was calligraphy or chess, these were considered national treasures—refined over thousands of years and deeply rooted in the country's culture. It was perfectly natural for influential figures in many fields to enjoy them, and the country had long since established robust chess organizations and professional league systems.
Lin Fei could only be considered an amateur. While he was a member of the Wenshan County Chess Association, he lacked the qualifications to enter the professional ranks. However, today’s provincial "New Talent" tournament was a grassroots event, designed precisely to discover promising new blood for the professional circuit. Consequently, the guest list included a fair number of professional players and even some chess masters. If Lin Fei could make a name for himself today, he would undoubtedly capture the attention of these powerful figures.
Chapter 362