"All right, the first round of the second-stage judging at the Pokémon Contest Grand Festival's Indigo League Conference has now concluded! These eight contestants will advance to the second round!" As Lilian spoke, photos of the eight Pokémon Trainers, including May, Liu Yuan, Drew, and Saori, appeared on the big screen. "Next, we'll randomly draw the pairings for the second round!"
The eight contestants' names shuffled rapidly on the big screen, then stopped with a beep. May and Drew were paired for the first match. Liu Yuan was paired for the second match with the man with wavy brown curls who had won the fourth match of the first round, while Saori and the man in green who had won the fifth match were assigned to the fourth match.
"The pairings are set! The first match will begin at two this afternoon. Contestants and spectators looking forward to some exciting battles, don't be late!" With Lilian's announcement, the morning's events finally came to an end, and the spectators began leaving the venue.
"Liu Yuan, you fought well this morning. Keep it up this afternoon!" After meeting up with Liu Yuan, Liu Qing rested a hand on his shoulder and smiled.
"Yeah, I'll definitely win!" Liu Yuan nodded, brimming with confidence.
"Liu Yuan, don't get careless. Your opponent this afternoon showed considerable strength in the fifth match," Mili cautioned.
"Exactly. Don't let your guard down. You already had a tough fight this morning!" Lusana reminded him too, though her words sounded more like a dig at Liu Yuan.
"Got it, Mom!" Liu Yuan chose to ignore Lusana outright, making her grit her teeth in anger. A flicker of amusement crossed his eyes as he answered Mili, "I'll be careful."
The wait flew by, and soon it was time for the afternoon