Before long, Ash and the others returned together to the first floor of the dormitory building.
Even before he came through the door, the broad smile on his face was plain to see. It was not just because he had made it into the top eight, his best result across two tournaments, but also because he had truly defeated his formidable rival Gary for the first time. Doing it on an occasion like this really did give it a different significance!
"Congratulations," Xia You said with a smile, clapping. "Just as I 'predicted' earlier, you won the match after all."
"Thanks." Seeing Xia You congratulate him, Ash scratched his head a little sheepishly. Then, remembering that Xia You would be his next opponent, he turned serious. "Xia You, our battle is the day after tomorrow. I'll give it my all!"
Xia You's expression immediately turned a little strange.
How could he describe the feeling? He had come to congratulate Ash, only for Ash to tell him to his face that he would do his best to beat him next. For a moment, Xia You did not know whether to laugh or cry.
Forget it. Since you're a kid and the chosen one, I won't hold it against you.
And, of course, a feast was essential to celebrate both of them advancing.
Besides the five of them, Delia, and Professor Oak, Xia You also invited Kenta and Marina and called Meisha and Masha over. The group ate their fill in a private room at a nearby restaurant. After the meal, Professor Oak, as the oldest person present, was just about to show some generosity and volunteer to pay, looking pained at the expense, when he discovered that Xia You had already settled the bill!
Looking at the server's smiling face, Professor