Despite Hydreigon's best efforts,
the result fell short of what Shan Ren had hoped for.
"Is it because I didn't use Mega Evolution?" Baimu sat in the bedroom's armchair, polishing Corsola in his lap. His phone lay on the side table, the call still connected.
Shan Ren said, "No. I think your popularity is starting to hit a ceiling."
For more than two weeks after the Grand Festival, the publicity around Baimu had barely let up. But after hearing his name mentioned over and over, people online were growing tired of it.
Many had begun paying attention to other contestants.
There was the girl from Dragon Village who had saved a little girl from drowning before climbing a tree like a Vigoroth to flee the scene.
There was Ilima, whom Baimu had yet to meet and who was especially popular with the girls.
And there were plenty of Ace Trainers he didn't know whose skills had won widespread recognition.
The television called this year's Ever Grande Conference a showcase of exceptional talent. Baimu hoped it would live up to the claim.
"A ceiling, huh..."
Shan Ren said, "But you've established a loyal fan base. That's a good thing. Just focus on your matches and leave the rest to me."
Results were the foundation of popularity, after all.
That was why Shan Ren had only asked him to put on a show in the preliminary round.
"Why are you more nervous than I am?"
Baimu heard a trace of anxiety beneath Shan Ren's reassuring tone and laughed. "You don't believe in my skills?"
Shan Ren said, "It's not that I don't believe in you... This just brings back memories. When I used to compete, I always thought I was bound to win. Then I learned there was always someone better."
Baimu