"Oh, I was only saying!" Elesa's frosty expression suddenly turned mischievous. "You're really something, Liu Qing. My two Pokémon couldn't even beat your Chandelure..."
"Miss Elesa, I'm sure you know why we're here today. If you're interested in battling, we can discuss it another time." Liu Qing cut off the mercurial woman, then gestured to the General President.
But before the General President could speak, Elesa stopped him. She looked at Liu Qing, composed her expression, and said seriously, "Since Mr. Liu Qing wants to talk business, let's talk business first."
"Please, go ahead!" Liu Qing gestured. "You're welcome to state any requirements, Elesa. We'll show you corresponding sincerity in pursuing this partnership. Miss Mier is a renowned fashion designer from our Huayu Group, and I'm sure her designs will make you shine even brighter!"
"Mr. Liu Qing, that all sounds very tempting, but..." Elesa's expression shifted as she continued. "Do you know that the Uzumaki's... hmm, invasion-hehe!-has stirred up the stagnant balance of power in the Unova Region? Every faction has its eyes on you now. Wouldn't working with you put me in danger? I gave it my all yesterday and still couldn't defeat even one of your Pokémon! How could I keep myself safe against those factions?" She gave him a pitiful look, but it quickly turned into one of amusement at his expense. "And I've heard that the Joya Company has run into quite a bit of trouble lately!"
"Miss Elesa, do you know which three kinds of people I'm most wary of when traveling as a Pokémon Trainer?" Through all her changes of expression, Liu Qing kept a faint smile. Leaning back slightly against the sofa, he answered his own question. "The elderly, women, and children! An elderly Pokémon Trainer who's still traveling might not be