Neither of them made a sound. They simply stared at each other in astonishment.
As Hu Bin took in the other man's appearance, cold sweat instantly trickled down his face. He even started stumbling over his words. "Y-you, aren't you... aren't you Red, sir?"
The mystery man silently picked up his cap, dusted it off, and put it back on.
Seeing that the young man before him recognized him, Red smiled faintly. "Sorry. I was thinking about something and wasn't watching where I was going. I bumped into you!"
Hu Bin was a bundle of nerves. No way, no way! Red actually spoke to me! The strongest man, the man of few words, actually spoke to me!
Hu Bin waved his hands frantically. "It's fine, it's fine! I wasn't paying attention either. I bumped into you too, so I should apologize as well!"
Red looked at the young man before him and smiled faintly. He could sense that Hu Bin was a highly capable Pokémon Trainer, as well as his love for Pokémon.
Red nodded, waved a hand, then took out a Poké Ball and said to Hu Bin, "..."
Hu Bin understood instantly, but he was utterly stunned. Red actually challenged me! Good grief, there's no way I can beat him right now, but getting to battle him would still be amazing!
Seeing Hu Bin standing there in a daze without answering, Red asked tentatively, "Want to have a one-on-one battle? You seem pretty strong!"
One phrase instantly came to Hu Bin's mind: My childhood is over. So Red only stays quiet because he assumes everyone understands what he means. If they don't, he'll explain it!
Hu Bin nodded, looking at Red with fighting spirit blazing in his eyes. "Then I'd be honored to learn from you, Red! My