Chapter 19: The Stakes of the Competition

Bo Jinshu watched as Jiang Ciyou took out that card, and he seemed to be deep in thought. How did Jiang Ciyou come by that card? Neither her previous family, the Jiangs, nor her current family, the Yans, could have possibly qualified to receive it.

The Royal Golf Course sprawled across vast acres, nestled by mountains and water, with scenery that was truly breathtaking. The people around Bo Jinshu had already grabbed their clubs, eager to play. Only Bo Jinshu sat down in the pavilion, where the attendant brought him sandwiches and exquisite desserts. He was accustomed to having breakfast here.

Xia Ling stood not far away, gazing at this man who seemed to exist in the clouds. Dressed in black casual attire, he possessed striking features. His hands were pale and elegant, with distinct knuckles, and he casually picked up a sandwich from the tray. Even his manner of eating was refined, combining scholarly elegance with a languid ease. He exuded the same aura as Jiang Ciyou—a natural, privileged confidence and nonchalance.

Xia Ling approached. “Mr. Bo, may I sit here?”

Bo Jinshu looked up to see a young woman standing beside the seat. “This is a public lounge, Mrs. Yan. Please, help yourself.” His voice was polite yet distant and cold.

Xia Ling sat down. “Mr. Bo, I actually came here today specifically to speak with you.” Bo Jinshu remained indifferent. “Is there something you need, Mrs. Yan?”

“Mr. Bo, allow me to introduce myself. I am Xia Ling, a news reporter from Rongcheng Television. Regarding the Paradise Resort project, our station would like to schedule an exclusive interview with you.” Xia Ling was somewhat anxious.

Bo Jinshu didn’t even lift his eyelids. “I’m not interested.”

“Mr. Bo, the Paradise Resort project is about to launch; you’ll need publicity to attract investment. As I understand, although you are the acknowledged sole heir to the Bo Group, your two sisters currently hold important positions in the company, and your differences are significant. What you need most is an opportunity to prove yourself to Chairman Bo, which is why you chose the Paradise Resort project. You’ve waited three years for this, showing how crucial it is to you.”

Bo Jinshu turned and glanced at Xia Ling, his gaze icy. “You seem to know quite a lot about my family.”

Xia Ling felt uneasy under his scrutiny—his presence was overwhelming. Still, she summoned her courage and continued: “Rongcheng Television is the most authoritative local media. We’re willing to cooperate with you, and whenever Mr. Bo needs media support in the future, we can assist. This would be a win-win partnership.”

Bo Jinshu didn’t respond, seeming to be lost in thought. Just then, a lively commotion erupted ahead—it turned out people were already playing golf.

Xia Ling looked toward the excitement and saw Jiang Ciyou surrounded by a group of young men, preparing to swing her club. Tall and graceful, her swing was flawless and beautiful, drawing the eyes of every man present. Jealousy flickered in Xia Ling’s gaze, but she quickly composed herself.

She was about to continue her conversation with Bo Jinshu when he stood up, his long legs carrying him toward the crowd. As he arrived, he heard Xue Shao’s voice praising, “Excellent! Miss Jiang, are you a professional athlete? Perhaps I should become your disciple.”

Jiang Ciyou smiled charmingly. “You flatter me. It’s just a hobby.”

“What are you doing?” Bo Jinshu frowned in displeasure as he saw Xue Tao nearly pressing against Jiang Ciyou’s arm, interrupting them.

Xue Tao leaned on his club, laughing. “Your Highness, today we’ve met our match. Miss Jiang’s skills humble us all. Only you might be able to compete with her.”

Someone else chimed in, “Why don’t Your Highness and Miss Jiang have a contest?”

Jiang Ciyou had been waiting for this very suggestion. She smiled at Bo Jinshu. “Mr. Bo, are you willing to compete with me?”

Jiang Ciyou was stunning today, and she seemed different than usual. Dressed in casual sportswear, she still managed to show off her tall, perfect figure. Her makeup was light, creating a natural look that felt exquisitely effortless. Her hair was tied high into a ponytail, her skin fair, her features pure—like a student. She even appeared somewhat innocent.

The young men could hardly tear their eyes from her.

Before Bo Jinshu could respond, Jiang Ciyou deliberately added, “Mr. Bo, surely you’re not afraid?”

“Miss Jiang, you really don’t know our Highness. He’s ranked second in golf circles in the capital—no one dares claim first.”

Jiang Ciyou smiled. “Connections in the capital don’t count for much in Rongcheng.” The implication was that Bo Jinshu was ranked first because no one dared beat him, not because he was truly the best.

Everyone exchanged glances, quietly admiring Miss Jiang’s boldness.

Bo Jinshu spoke coolly, “How do you want to compete?”

Jiang Ciyou pointed to the wide course ahead. “Let’s play the four-stroke hole.”

Someone nearby remarked, “Miss Jiang just made a birdie—hole-in-three.”

Bo Jinshu’s voice remained calm. He instructed the caddie, “Bring my club.”

Jiang Ciyou continued, “Since it’s a match, there should be a wager.”

“What do you want?”

Jiang Ciyou didn’t hesitate. “If I win, will you grant me your first exclusive interview?”

Everyone understood now—Miss Jiang had come for the Highness. The challenge was clearly a setup, but she might have met her match. Her skill was indeed impressive; a four-stroke hole, finished in three, surpassed professional standards. The earlier praise had not been mere flattery.

But obviously, Miss Jiang had no idea of His Highness’s true ability.

Everyone around watched with expressions of anticipation. Even Xia Ling had come closer.

“Win first, and we’ll talk,” Bo Jinshu replied.

Once everything was ready, Jiang Ciyou said, “Mr. Bo, you go first.”

Bo Jinshu did not refuse. He walked to the white tee, and with an elegant swing, sent the ball flying.

Excited cheers erupted from the crowd. Bo Jinshu had landed the ball on the green with one stroke. The group followed him up, and he switched to a putter, sending the ball straight into the hole.

Applause burst forth. “Spectacular eagle! Only two strokes on a four-stroke hole. That’s His Highness for you!”

Sympathetic glances turned to Jiang Ciyou.

“Miss Jiang, perhaps you should reconsider. His Highness was trained by the national golf champion, Mr. Xie.”

“He’s an amateur; if he were a pro, he’d already be famous.”

“There’s no shame in losing to His Highness.”

“I haven’t played yet, so how can you be sure I’ll lose?” Jiang Ciyou replied, club in hand, walking confidently to the red tee.