"Don't be so pessimistic."
Wang Yao smiled. He didn't think Zhao Ziran would lose.
"Really?"
Ye Qing gave Wang Yao a surprised glance, unsure why this guy was so certain.
"Just watch. I understand them."
Wang Yao offered no explanation, as though telling Ye Qing that a hopelessly clueless straight guy like him wouldn't understand even if he explained.
Zhang Siyu stood opposite Zhao Ziran, her beautiful face filled with inner conflict.
Zhao Ziran sighed. He knew Zhang Siyu's difficulties, and he knew how close she was to her grandfather.
"Both contestants, please send out your Pokémon at the same time!"
The host sat astride Noivern in the middle of the arena. This was his first time seeing both opponents wear expressions like these.
One second passed.
Ten seconds passed.
Half a minute passed.
The entire venue was silent. Neither Zhao Ziran nor Zhang Siyu sent out a Pokémon. They merely stared at each other with complicated expressions.
The spectators couldn't help whispering among themselves, unable to understand what was going on. Were the two fighting a battle of wills?
Zhao Ziran glanced toward his parents and elders. The light in his eyes gradually dimmed, and he raised his hand. Just as he was about to forfeit...
"I concede. Give it your best."
Zhang Siyu held back her trembling, then turned away dejectedly and left the arena.
"Zhao Ziran wins."
The host announced the result blankly. He was still completely bewildered, and even the floating doll on his shoulder had changed into a troubled Rainy Weather form.
"Well?"
Seeing Ye Qing's incredulous gaze, Wang Yao grinned smugly.
Though he fell short of Ye Qing in other respects, he had, after all, experienced an unforgettable romance in the Consciousness Space, so he could understand Zhang Siyu's actions.
"Impressive."
Ye Qing gave