"Hmm..."
On the way back, Cheng Tian kept his head lowered in thought. After reminding him for the seventh time not to walk into a utility pole, Rotom finally couldn't help asking.
"Rotom! What's wrong, Cheng Tian, Rotom?"
"Huh?" Cheng Tian blinked. "I'm fine."
"You nearly got hit by a car crossing the road just now, Rotom."
"Did I?!"
Cheng Tian scratched his head sheepishly. "I was just thinking about Noibat," he said. "I want it to evolve sooner."
"Isn't that a good thing, Rotom?"
"Hmm... Actually, I wanted to give it a little push," Cheng Tian said. "Noibat is timid by nature, but after all this training, it's gradually become bolder and better at fighting. So I was wondering whether it might be better to have it evolve during a battle."
"Mm, that does seem right, Rotom." Rotom nodded. "A Pokémon's condition and mood at the moment it evolves can influence its personality after evolution to some extent. If it can evolve in battle, Noibat will surely become even braver and more battle-ready, Rotom."
"Exactly. That's what I was thinking about just now."
Cheng Tian touched the Fast Ball at his waist and continued walking.
At dinner, Su Han gently patted the back of Cheng Tian's hand.
"A-Tian?"
"What's wrong?"
Su Han pointed at Noibat, standing alone on the balcony. The little one looked rather dejected and wasn't eating with the other Pokémon.
"What's wrong with Noibat?"
"Did something happen?" Cheng Tian's father asked curiously. "Didn't you go for a Gym Challenge today? Did you lose?"
"No, Noibat won." Cheng Tian smiled at them. "I think I know why... It's fine, it's nothing serious. I'll go take a look."
Noibat was sitting on the balcony, taking in the night view and the breeze, when it suddenly felt someone