On that colorful display wall hung commemorative paintings of Pokémon that had won the Pokémon Contest over the years.
Among those commemorative paintings was one bearing the name "Akamatsu Jun."
"You're Mr. Akamatsu Jun, the painter who specializes in Pokémon?" There was a hint of surprise in Xinhai's voice. "I saw your work earlier in the display area for Pokémon Contest champions."
Akamatsu Jun nodded slightly. The smile on his face did not change, remaining gentle and calm. He neither looked proud at being recognized nor affected humility at the mention of his work.
"Those were works from years ago." His voice was even, as if he were talking about something ordinary. "I spent several years painting commemorative portraits of Pokémon Contest champions."
Smeargle stood by his feet, listening to his trainer speak with its head tilted up. Its tail swayed gently behind it, and a trace of pride flashed in its eyes.
Xinhai lowered his head to glance at the business card in his hand, then looked back up at Akamatsu Jun. Finally, his gaze settled on the quiet Smeargle standing at its trainer's feet.
"Your Smeargle paints very well." His tone was sincere, without empty politeness. "The brushwork and lighting in that painting were both excellent, especially the way it captured Gardevoir's bearing—absolutely spot-on."
Akamatsu Jun smiled at that, glanced down at Smeargle, and gently patted its head.
Smeargle looked up at its trainer with black bean-like eyes. The corners of its mouth lifted slightly, making it look just like a child who had been praised.
"It really is talented." Akamatsu Jun's voice carried the gentle, restrained pride only a father showed when speaking of his child.
"From the day I brought it home, it loved painting. At first, it just scribbled on the ground with its tail.