Chikorita Hotel, luxury suite. This was where Young Master Mao was staying during the tournament.
He could have stayed at Lorelei's villa, but Caitlin had booked the Elite Four suite for half a month with a wave of her little hand.
Under the wheedling assault of his little gamer-girl companion, Young Master Mao had shamelessly accepted the free accommodation.
After strolling around the plaza, Young Master Mao casually whipped up a few dishes to entertain old Damaranch and Caitlin.
Xiaohui and Ash's trio had to attend the qualifying rounds, so they could only tearfully leave first.
Over the meal, Gary told old Damaranch about the situation in Xiaohui's village.
The little old man bristled with anger. "I never imagined something like this was happening!
"That mayor of Blackcloud City must not want his job anymore!
"I'll have Lt. Surge go there himself and investigate this thoroughly. Whoever deserves compensation will get it, and whoever needs help will receive it."
"Sir, I understand you're angry, but could you put the plate down..." Watching old Damaranch clutch the plate of Dongpo pork and turn his grief and indignation into an appetite, Gary tried helplessly to persuade him.
"Oh... I got carried away. Hehe." The old man set down the empty plate, narrowed his eyes, and cheerfully patted his belly. "I just couldn't help myself."
Once he had eaten and drunk his fill, the old man took his leave early. "There's still the opening ceremony this afternoon, so I'll go get ready. Gary, once you've checked the groups, head backstage with the band early too."
"Sure thing. Take care, sir." Young Master Mao nodded and had Gengar put all the plates in the sink.
Gengar scratched his head in confusion at the plates that had been licked clean. Was there any need to