That evening, Chen Shi returned to the Villa in high spirits, but as soon as he walked through the door, he discovered someone unexpected in the living room besides Steven and Pheobe.
"Professor, what are you doing here?"
Professor Oak watched his student hurry over and gave him a knowing smile. "Chen Shi, winning a tournament is no excuse to get this full of yourself."
"I just saw you with your chin practically pointing at the sky. That won't do."
Far from feeling ashamed at Professor Oak's pointed remarks, Chen Shi lifted his head proudly.
"I won the championship. Can't I be proud for a bit?"
"And is winning the championship really what you're so proud of?"
"What else would it be?"
Professor Oak said meaningfully, "A little blonde girl just went back to her room, blushing and not saying a word."
Chen Shi's expression stiffened, but he still said with a perfectly straight face, "What does that have to do with me winning the championship?"
"Am I not allowed to be proud?"
"It certainly has nothing to do with it." Seeing him stubbornly deny it, Professor Oak clicked his tongue twice and said nothing more.
There was no point in pressing him. From the look of things, he clearly intended to deny it to the bitter end.
Chen Shi coughed twice and asked, "Professor, did you come to see me this late because you needed something?"
"Can't I come see you this late?" Professor Oak shot him a disgruntled glance.
"Of course you can! You can come see me whenever you like!"
Professor Oak gave a soft snort, ignoring his antics.
"The awards ceremony is tomorrow, and afterward you'll go pick out your rewards. I'll go with you."
"Understood?"
At Professor Oak's words, Chen Shi immediately nodded like a