"All right, everyone! Amid one thrilling battle after another, we've already finished half the matches before we knew it. Next up is the fifth match of the first round: Mr. Zuo Jie from Ralts City in Hoenn against Mr. Azure Flame from Opelucid City in Unova. Would both contestants please take the field!" Time flew as they chatted, and soon Zhuguang's voice rang out again.
"Woohoo! Finally, it's my turn! I've got to score a good win!" Azure Flame cheered, his fighting spirit burning at full intensity. After stretching his back and legs a few times, he headed onto the field amid encouragement from Xun Chaoze and the others.
"Zuo Jie, you can do it!"
"Zuo Jie, don't lose!"
Encouraged by his companions, Zuo Jie stepped forward. As he passed Liu Qing, however, he paused briefly and said with unwavering determination, in a voice only Liu Qing could hear, "I'm going to defeat you myself in front of her, so I won't lose this match!" With that, he strode onto the field.
"What an arrogant jerk!" Liu Qing said, speechless.
"Hey, hey, what did Zuo Jie say to you? You look like you just ate shit... cough, cough, cough!" Han Ye leaned over curiously, but before he could finish, Liu Qing punched him in the chest, leaving him coughing too hard to speak.
"Quit pretending. I know exactly how hard I hit you!" Liu Qing watched Han Ye's antics without the slightest change in expression, then turned away to look at the field.
"You're no fun. I was just curious. But judging by my years of experience, the two of you..." Han Ye let out a spine-chilling laugh, only for it to become an awkward chuckle when Liu Qing turned his "terrifying" gaze on him. "Let's watch the match!