The downpour lasted only a short while before quickly stopping.
Once the rain cleared and the sky brightened, Xia You treated Ash and the others to a lavish lunch at a nearby restaurant, giving their stomachs a reward for all the rough meals and exhausting travel along their journey.
"Thish ish sho good!" Ash held a fork in his left hand and chopsticks in his right, eating in the most exaggerated manner imaginable. His mouth was so full of food that he could barely speak clearly. "I haven't had anything thish good in ages!"
But at that, his gaze shifted between Pikachu, who was wolfing down food, and Gardevoir, who was chewing slowly and delicately like a lady. Suddenly remembering something, he hurriedly swallowed his food and suggested, "Oh, speaking of which, Xia You, we've known each other for so long, but we've never battled! What do you say? Want to have a battle with me later?"
Before Xia You could speak, Brock grew interested too. "Oh? A battle between you two? That would definitely be exciting!"
"Would it really be that exciting?!" Misty rolled her eyes at Ash. Both her feelings and her reason had already put her firmly on Xia You's side. "With your skills, how could you possibly beat Xia You?"
"Hey, Misty, don't say that." Xia You waved a hand to stop her and mused, "There's no such thing as a guaranteed win in a Pokémon battle. A lot depends on your condition during the battle and how you perform on the spot. There's really no telling who will win."
Seeing Ash still staring at him expectantly, Xia You readily agreed. "As for that battle you mentioned, of course! I've always believed in your abilities. Besides, a little battling after a meal is good for digestion."