The final result came as no surprise to Chen Shi. Diantha lost the match.
It was a clean, decisive defeat.
Lance's Dragonite did surprise Chen Shi somewhat, though. This Dragonite wasn't at the late Senior Elite King stage, but at its peak.
It was just one step away from the Elite Four level.
That put some pressure on him. If Dragonite had only been at the late Senior Elite King stage, Chen Shi would still have been confident that Swampert could crush it after Mega Evolution.
But at the peak Senior Elite King stage, things became a little trickier.
"What are you thinking about? The match's over. Let's head back!"
Cynthia's voice suddenly sounded beside him, interrupting his thoughts.
Chen Shi shook his head slightly, took Cynthia's hand as naturally as could be, and stood up.
"Nothing much. I just thought Lance was a little stronger than expected. It's no big deal."
Cynthia's delicate cheeks flushed slightly. She gently smoothed her hair with her free hand, letting him hold the other.
"Then let's head back. It's almost noon."
The two little kids below them, however, were stunned. They stared blankly at the pair's clasped hands.
Then they exchanged a glance and silently followed behind them.
But just as they left the lounge, they ran into Professor Oak, who had just returned.
"Teacher, you're back?"
"How did it go?"
Chen Shi's eyes lit up when he saw him, and he asked with a grin.
After all, his rewards were at stake. He cared quite a bit.
Now that Professor Oak was back, how could he possibly contain his curiosity?
Professor Oak glanced at him, then shifted his gaze to their clasped hands.
His expression immediately turned peculiar as he gave his student a teasing look.
"Ah... to be young!"
Cynthia felt