(Minghui.org) Chinese chess is a very popular pastime in China. Some play for fun; some play to win money. A group of people playing chess on the street or in eateries is a common scene in cities, towns, and villages. It's also a common way to make friends and grow friendships.
The following is about a Falun Gong practitioner storeowner who helped a Chinese chess master quit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its affiliated organizations by beating him at his own game.
The chess master bent his rule of “no money, no game” and decided to help the practitioner improve his skills. In return, he was exposed to the wisdom of a cultivator and came to trust his new friend's advice to quit the CCP.
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Business has slowed down in my store since the Qingming Festival (April 5, 2014). Many locals have left town for short-term contracts.
For a few days in a row, several people have come to the store to play Chinese chess with me. As a businessman, I cannot decline the invitations of my customers. My skills are average. However, I usually clarify the facts during the games. Most agree to quit the CCP organizations at the end of three games, whether they have won or lost.
In the beginning of May, a man in his 60s slowly pushed his bicycle by my store.
I approached him: “You're good at chess, right?” He was surprised: “How did you know?” I said, “I have known you for a long time. I've seen you take challenges from contenders on the street. I know you are a master!”
The man started to tell me how he won major games and didn't park his bicycle for half an hour. My wife and I listened to his stories and learned that he grew up in a village of chess masters. He had won a lot of awards and hardly met any worthy opponents these days. When I suggested we play a game, he responded, “No money, no game.”
A few days passed.
On May 6, he passed by my store again. I invited him to a game. He bent his rule and agreed to play: “OK. I saw you play two days ago. Today I only wish to help you improve your skills.” He probably deserved to be arrogant at his level. I quickly set up the chessboard in my store.
He insisted I go first. I obliged, thinking that he would probably soon have me in the palm of his hand anyway. As I made the first move, I asked, “Are you a CCP member?” He said, “Yes, the membership dues are deducted from my pension.”
As I clarified the facts of the persecution and told him that the CCP would meet with retribution due to its crimes of persecuting Falun Gong practitioners, not to mention generations of Chinese people, he shook his head and responded every time, “Nonsense.”
I lost the first game real quick. The man had a good time and started giving me tutorials at each move as if I were a beginner. I couldn't talk back. After all, I had lost.
Halfway through the second game, I couldn't continue my truth-clarification. Whenever I made a comment, he would say, “Nonsense.”
I realized what was on his mind. He was thinking, “Your chess skills are so poor. How can I trust your judgment? If a chess master like me gets taken in by a rookie like you, won't I become a laughing stock? Unless you can defeat me, everything you say is nonsense.”
An idea came to my mind: “For your benefit, I would like you to quit the CCP organizations. Master, please help me beat him at his own game.” Immediately, I became clearheaded, as if my brain had been immersed in cold water.
The second game was a tie.
The man started the third game and went first. I realized that he was determined to win this game and would block any chance of a tie. I stayed calm and defeated him with a slight advantage.
He started the fourth game with much eagerness. This time, he supported his head in his left hand and touched his chest with his right hand, “I'm over 60. I may have heart disease.”
I sensed that his tone had changed. I continued the conversation: “That's right. Good health is more important than anything else. I have practiced Falun Gong for over 10 years. I look young, and I'm strong. The physical strength is my advantage. Things will change for the better if you quit the CCP organizations.”
I went on explaining that all CCP members will be implicated when the CCP encounters retribution.
“Nonsense.” He responded to my comments with the same word again.
I stopped talking during the rest of the fourth game and the fifth. In the end, I won three, lost one, and tied one.
It was already around noon. As the old man was about to leave with his bicycle, I sent him off at the door and asked again, “Quit?” He smiled and said, “Quit! Quit! Quit all three [CCP organizations] for me!”
I let out a sigh of relief and thanked Master for giving me the wisdom and concentration to win the games. “Master is the real chess master!” I thought.
I was happy for him to have made a good decision and happy for me to have helped him by catering to him.
