Chapter 260

You're really popular online right now.

"It was all your doing!"

Looking at Qiao Ran's smug face on the other end of the phone screen, Phoebe would have pounced on him and bitten him to death if they weren't so far apart.

"But you agreed to it." Qiao Ran didn't seem to care about her outburst; he found Phoebe's embarrassed and annoyed state rather amusing.

This guy had never shown such an expression before.

"These... these are all for finding... humph."

Phoebe hesitated for a moment, then snorted coldly. She didn't like showing her face in public, never had in the first place. Many people would gossip about her appearance or something else. Besides, she had more important things to deal with and wouldn't waste too much time on such matters.

"Alright, alright, consider it as you helping me with my work. I'll definitely let you know as soon as I have any new updates."

Qiao Ran looked at Phoebe's blushing face and couldn't help but coax her.

"..."

On the other side of the screen, Phoebe was also looking at Qiao Ran's face, and something flashed through her mind.

What exactly is going on lately...?

Why...? It's like I'm remembering something I forgot before...

"Snort."

Phoebe continued to scoff, but judging from her expression, she did seem to be feeling much better than before.

Today is the day Sabrina begins her Gym Leader Competition.

So Qiao Ran and his group made preparations early in the morning, conspired with Lusamine, and found a good excuse to leave the Aether House.

"We're just going to wander around the neighborhood and check things out. We shouldn't be back until tonight, so don't worry about us."

"Eh? Let's go out for a walk, then I'll..." Acerola wanted to join in, but after Qiao Ran's kind persuasion, she gave up the idea.

"You still have to stay here to take care of the children, or what if some Ultra Beast suddenly attacks? That's when we need your help."

"Okay... that seems to be it..." Acerola nodded blankly. What Qiao Ran said did make sense. Uncle Modan was lazy and dozing off every day, and she was the only one who could protect the child...

Finally, she watched Qiao Ran and his group leave the Aether House. Looking at their backs, for the first time, she felt the constraints that her identity placed on her.

If she could... she also hopes to be able to go out and play with people her own age...

When Qiao Ran arrived in the Real World from the Pokémon World, it was almost morning. So, the scene unfolded where Qiao Ran and Phoebe were on the phone, reporting on the battle from the previous night.

Last night, as soon as Qiao Ran finished recording the video, she sent it to Rotom for processing. Rotom, being a seasoned editor and a super tool Pokémon, quickly produced the video without spending too much time. After all, this kind of video itself wasn't anything special; it just needed some minor trimmings and the addition of some subtitles.

Isn't this something anyone can do?

So—that very night, Qiao Ran uploaded the video. After all, once today was over, he was sure he'd have something new to post.

"This seems to be working really well."

Cynthia, standing nearby, was also eating bread with jam while watching a video on her phone screen.

The number of concurrent viewers on the video kept increasing, as if it was constantly attracting more people to join.

"If other people knew who you were, the video we made might be even better."

Qiao Ran looked at Cynthia with a faint smile. Phoebe's Elite Four status was indeed useful, but compared to Cynthia as Champion, Cynthia's reputation was clearly much greater. Moreover, as a very rare female Champion, Cynthia was actually quite popular in the Pokémon World. Unfortunately, she was also someone who didn't like to show her face in public.

"You really want to film a video with me?" Cynthia couldn't help but laugh, making a little joke with Qiao Ran.

However, she clearly didn't realize that her words had alerted some people.

Both Mei and Lillie Mei couldn't help but look over.

"..."

Miss Cynthia... there really isn't anything between her and Qiao Ran, is there?

"Take pictures... of course you can take pictures." Qiao Ran was startled by the sudden attack of her gaze. Was there something wrong with what Cynthia said? There shouldn't be anything wrong, right?

However, as soon as he spoke, a faint, cold snort sounded from the side, and it was unclear where it came from.

Could it be that when he was on video chatting with Phoebe before, she would hum and hum for ages, causing him to be hallucinating?

"Alright, alright, let's stop chatting now. Everyone, enjoy your meal. We still need to go cheer for Sabrina later."

Cynthia smiled gently, bringing the atmosphere back to normal. Their main focus this time was to cheer on Sabrina; other matters could wait. As for the videos online—they could just let them spread on their own.

This immense popularity will surely bear fruit eventually, and people in the Pokémon World will gradually take notice of this unique Uploader.

It would be great to film a video with Qiao Ran when that time comes.

Sabrina's Competition was held at the former Magic City Gym.

This weathered training Battle Court, after a long period of renovation, has finally been put back into use. Due to his special status, most of the Gym staff already know Qiao Ran; after all, no one is unaware of the battle he fought with the Gym Leader.

Not only that, but Sabrina also gave special instructions, so Qiao Ran and the others went directly to the Gym staff's private entrance. In the special rest area, he also met the Nian Hongyu and Nian Xiaoxiao sisters, and even his cousin, Xia Fei, was brought along.

Nian Xiaoxiao and Xia Fei were carrying schoolbags behind them, so they probably took leave before coming out.

"Older Brother." Xia Fei greeted Qiao Ran upon seeing him. Her opinion of her cousin had changed considerably. Although it felt a little awkward at first to call Older Brother," she gradually got used to it and it actually sounded quite natural.

"Long time no see." Nian Hongyu, with her long, straight black hair, glanced at Qiao Ran, a hint of nostalgia flashing in her eyes. It felt like a long time had passed since their last meeting, and—from this man, there seemed to be an even more unfathomable aura about him.

He... was even more so than back then.

Do we need to become even stronger?

However, I won't lose.

As the granddaughter of Grandpa Nian Hai, as a child of this Gym, and as a promoter and inheritor of Confusion), she will not easily relinquish the position of Gym Leader.

"Just watch, I'll win the Gym Leader position."

Looking into Qiao Ran's eyes, she realized she had said something she shouldn't have said to Sabrina.

"Come on."

Qiao Ran ignored her sharp gaze and instead offered her a word of encouragement.

Every Trainer who has made it this far deserves respect, and everyone who has given their all for Pokémon deserves to pursue their dreams.

Unfortunately, since it's a Competition, there will inevitably be winners and losers, and rankings.

The idea that friendship comes first Competition second is a lie.

On the field, only one person can receive the sole spotlight.

"Click."

On the other side—the door to the lounge suddenly opened.

A woman with long, dark Purple Long Hair walked with light steps, her alluring, fox-like eyes slightly narrowed, toward Qiao Ran and the others.

"You've come too."

Some people can attract everyone's attention the moment they appear on stage.

With her alluring figure and captivating beauty, Sabrina exudes a mysterious Captivate. It is precisely because of these unique qualities that she has become a top star in the Pokémon World and the dream lover of countless men and women.

This powerful charm was something that a young girl like Nian Hongyu could never match. Even Qiao Ran, who had lived with Sabrina for a long time and watched her sprawled on the sofa every night, couldn't help but be drawn to her now.

When she appears in public as a celebrity, Sabrina is at her most perfect. Even in the waiting area for staff and family members, some people were already secretly taking out their phones to take pictures.

"Long time no see, Miss Sabrina!"

Mei excitedly grabbed Sabrina's hand, and Mei and Lillie also gathered around.

It's been a long time since they last met, not to mention that Sabrina has been preparing for the Competition at the Gym and hasn't had a chance to go back. So it's no wonder they're so excited.

"I'm glad you're all alright."

Sabrina's gaze seemed to flicker slightly, but she didn't show any obvious reaction in front of others. Years of acting experience had given her a great deal of expertise in controlling her expressions.

"Alright, I should get back to my preparations now. Just wait and see my Competition."

Sabrina didn't stay there for long, as if she had only come to see Qiao Ran and the others. At least—after seeing them, she felt much more at ease and had more confidence for the upcoming Competition.

Everything is ready.

She will do everything in her power to get it.

Before long, the Competition was announced to have started, and Qiao Ran and the others, led by the staff, headed to the viewing area at the front.

"Hehehe, this old man hasn't seen such a spectacular scene in a long time either." In the spectator area, Qiao Ran even saw an old acquaintance, Old Man Nian Hai, sitting there, chatting happily.

"Grandpa~" Nian Xiaoxiao plopped down next to Old Man Nian Hai, showing how much she liked her grandfather, and the two had a very harmonious relationship.

"You all sit here too. The old man has a few hours of his Gym Leader privileges left, so you can use them all."

Old Man Nian Hai gestured for Qiao Ran and the others to sit down as well. In a few hours, the new Gym Leader would be chosen in this Competition. At that time, he would no longer be bound by the status of Gym Leader and would just be an ordinary old man.

"Grandpa, how can you misuse the Gym Leader's authority?" Nian Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. Her grandfather was really strange; he was still so willful even at a time like this, when everyone had reserved seats.

"If you don't use it now, you won't be able to use it anymore. What's wrong with that? Can't I be a little indulgent this once? Hahaha."

Old Man Nian Hai has a very good attitude. Looking at his energetic appearance, he might even experience a second spring in his life after retirement.

"Qiao Ran... right, who do you think will win this Competition?"

Old Man Nian Hai deliberately seated Qiao Ran on the other side of him, showing that he truly valued this young man.

"That's definitely Sabrina."

Faced with this question, Qiao Ran naturally gave a decisive answer: Sabrina's ability is among the best of all the contestants, and even disregarding personal feelings, Sabrina is more suitable to be the Gym Leader.

Moreover, Sabrina becoming Gym Leader would bring them enormous benefits. With someone from the Pokémon World infiltrating the Pokémon League, their future activities would be much safer.

Therefore, no matter what, Qiao Ran has become Sabrina's Solo Fan at this point, and only Sabrina's victory is the best outcome.

However

Upon hearing Qiao Ran's answer, Old Man Nian Hai's eyebrows twitched slightly.

"That's not how it works." He looked at Qiao Ran and began his strange argument.

"Why can't my Hongyu be like that? Let me tell you, she's a good girl too..."

"This..."

As Qiao Ran listened, she felt something was increasingly off. Wait... isn't this a game of guessing who will win? What does it have to do with who's a nice girl?

No, I really came to watch the Competition!

A bead of cold sweat trickled down Qiao Ran's forehead.

Um... is it too late for me to change seats now?

Welcome everyone to our Magic City Gym!

"I believe everyone has been eagerly anticipating today's Competition."

The time was almost up for the start of the competition, and the host walked to the center of the arena to begin his opening remarks.

Today's Competition will be broadcast live online and on television Synchronize not only the audience at the venue but also everyone watching from their screens.

After all, the significance of this battle is enough to influence the Magic City Gym for a very long time to come; it's Competition that only happens once every few decades.

Psychic Type Master from all over the country gather together to compete for the title of Gym Leader in Magic City.

Not only Sabrina and Nian Hongyu, but everyone who made it to today's Competition is a very strong opponent.

"Our Competition will start in the morning and continue until evening!"

"Today, the final winner will be decided."

"Only one person can become the next Gym Leader of our Magic City Gym!!"

The host suddenly raised his voice, and the audience erupted in cheers. The entire Battle Court seemed to shake as if Fissure had occurred, demonstrating their enthusiasm.