In the banquet hall, aside from a few young men and women chatting, most people were focused on the entrance, observing the others entering the hall.
After all, at an occasion like this, who was arriving, where they came from, and what Pokémon they had with them were all part of the social information.
Although Xinhai had not made a flashy entrance or deliberately drawn attention to himself, his own bearing and the Pokémon beside him—especially Gardevoir and the Shiny Axew in her arms—still attracted quite a few gazes.
Several middle-aged men chatting by a round table turned toward the entrance. Their eyes paused briefly on Xinhai before sweeping over the Pokémon at his side, a trace of contemplation flashing through their eyes.
They exchanged a few quiet words, seemingly guessing at the background of this unfamiliar young man.
Several young women in evening gowns also looked over. Their gazes lingered on Gardevoir for a moment before falling on Xinhai's face. Their eyes brightened slightly as they huddled together and began whispering.
Xinhai paid no attention to the others' stares. He led his companions to a corner of the banquet hall, where several seats stood empty and the surroundings were relatively quiet.
He sat down in a chair, placed Charmander on the chair beside him, then lifted Eevee from his shoulder and set her on his lap.
Gardevoir sat beside him and placed Axew on her lap.
"Vee!" Eevee crouched on his lap, her large brown eyes fixed on the long tables laden with food. Her little nose twitched hard a few times, and her tiny paws unconsciously clawed at Xinhai's trousers.
"Vee, vee!" (Xinhai, Xinhai, there are so many delicious things over there!)
Charmander also poked his head out, his orange eyes staring at the food giving off enticing