"Liu Qing, you're finally home! Didn't you say you'd be back much earlier? What took you so long? Come here and let Mom get a good look at you." Mili had received word as soon as he arrived home. The moment she saw Liu Qing, she pulled him into an embrace, startling Togepi into jumping off his shoulder. Liu Yuan caught Togepi from beside them, while Mili looked Liu Qing up and down with slightly reddened eyes. "You've lost a little weight, but you look well."
"Ahem, Mom..." Liu Qing wriggled out of Mili's embrace, feeling a little embarrassed, then explained, "I met a Pokémon Trainer when I passed by the Pokémon Center and had a full battle with him. That's why I didn't get back until now!" Afterward, he turned to Liu Yuan, who was examining Togepi, and asked curiously, "Liu Yuan, why are you home today? Didn't you go to school?"
"Liu Qing, I've already graduated. I'll be able to head out on my journey soon." Liu Yuan gave him a speechless look, as though reproaching his older brother for not even knowing that.
"Ahem..." Liu Qing coughed awkwardly. "I can't believe you've already graduated. Time really flies. Have you decided whether to challenge the League right away or travel on your own for a few years first?"
"You're so strong, Liu Qing. If I followed in your footsteps, not only would I be under a lot of pressure, but I'd hardly have a chance to surpass you. So I'm still thinking about what kind of journey I want to take," Liu Yuan said.
"Well..." Liu Qing thought for a moment. "How about this, Liu Yuan? Once the Johto League is over, I'll be traveling to Hoenn. Come along with me first, and you can decide what to