"The Sinnoh League's Lily of the Valley Conference has finally come to a close!" That evening, brilliant lights and dazzling fireworks lit up the night. Holding his trophy high, Liu Qing stood with Cynthia and President Charles Goodshow on the raised platform leading to the sacred flame, facing the spectators who had all risen to their feet. When the announcer finished speaking, the three turned toward the flame. All the colorful neon lights went out at once, and the fireworks gradually faded. The announcer continued, "As though honoring the contestants' efforts, the sacred flame quietly fades away."
"It's finally over, Liu Qing. If something's bothering you, why don't you tell me?" After the closing ceremony, Liu Qing and Cynthia first returned to their room to put away the trophy, then went out hand in hand. They strolled slowly through the quiet streets, savoring the warmth of that peaceful moment. Still, the attentive Cynthia noticed the change in Liu Qing's mood and gently asked.
"I'm happy I won, but more than anything, I feel a sense of loss over giving up traveling. Nana, isn't that contradictory?" Liu Qing had no intention of hiding anything from Cynthia and spoke openly about what troubled him.
"I felt that way once, too!" Cynthia said after a moment of silence. "But I'm doing very well now!"
"Is that so?" Liu Qing murmured.
"Giving up traveling only means we can't experience the natural scenery, landscapes, and local customs of different places. It doesn't stop us from loving Pokémon themselves. And now I have another responsibility on my shoulders. In that case, what is there to feel a sense of loss over?" Cynthia asked.
"Nana, you're right. I was being too narrow-minded!" Liu Qing felt that sense of loss vanish in an instant and spoke with a