At the Mt. Silver Pokémon League venue, the annual Johto League Silver Conference began that day.
The stallholders, who had long been itching to make a fortune from this opportunity, set up their roadside stalls early that morning, waiting for tourists and Trainers to come and spend.
This year, Young Master Mao had also secured a stall from Lance in the conspicuous central area.
"At the Indigo Plateau Conference, he at least had the courtesy to have Lorelei discuss it with me. This year, he just asked me outright." Inspecting the venue, Lance rolled his eyes at the man behind a certain stall.
As for Lance's resentment, Young Master Mao's response was: Mostly, there's no need to beat around the bush. If you don't give me one, I'll just ask Lorelei anyway.
So why not ask you directly?
Behind the self-contained stall, Young Master Mao sat calmly on a sofa at the storeroom entrance.
Facing him were the Team Rocket Trio, diligently taking notes.
"For the sake of our upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival business, we have to pull off this souvenir merchandise operation," Young Master Mao said seriously.
"Yes, sir!" The Team Rocket Trio thumped their right fists against their chests, looking ready to dedicate their hearts to the organization.
"But... Executive, we can get away with selling clothes and hats matching Wallace's. Won't people complain that these Water Column Ribbon commemorative badges are fakes, meow?" Meowth scratched his head uncertainly.
"Relax. Just state in the advertising that the souvenirs don't function as Ribbon badges," Gary said, waving casually. "Besides, even if something happens, I can work something out with Wallace through personal connections. No big deal."
"As expected of our executive!" The Trio gazed at Gary with newfound respect. Have you finally made a move on a male Champion, too?