Pokémon: I picked up a reborn Eevee at the start of the game

If the third-place presenter is such a big name, then the first two must be even more prestigious.

The only champions who can surpass the previous champions are other champions. It's impossible for the second-place champion to be the former champion and the first-place champion to be the current champion, right?

However, the appearance of the second award presenter, dressed in crimson, proved that Xia Chen's guess was wrong.

Because the second place winner is Gu Kunshan, the current champion of the Donghuang region.

The champion gave him a meaningful look as he passed by.

Although it seemed absurd, Xia Chen, with his keen mental abilities, inexplicably sensed a hint of...envy in his eyes?

The champion envies me?

Xia Chen was dumbfounded. What was he envious of me for?

Are you envious that I'm still seventeen, in the prime of my life?

Xia Chen couldn't figure it out, but when he saw that familiar person walking with Garchomp holding the championship trophy, all his doubts were forgotten.

Cynthia, dressed in a light blue fitted long dress, walked gracefully over and took the champion's medal from the hostess Gardevoir beside her.

Seeing Xia Chen staring at her in disbelief, the blonde beauty's eyes were full of smiles, and a smile curved her lips.

"What are you standing there for? Neck."

"oh oh!"

Xia Chen seemed to wake up suddenly and quickly stretched his neck out in the same posture as Louis XVI.

Shirona gently placed the ribbon from the medal over Xia Chen's head and straightened his clothes.

Their intimate actions drew stares from onlookers, and strange shouts and whistles could be heard from the audience.

Cynthia didn't pay attention. As they whispered in each other's ears, "Congratulations, this is your first significant championship."

Feeling the orchid-like breath of Sister Zhulan so close to him, Xia Chen, who usually had a thick skin, blushed a little.

He coughed lightly to compose himself and replied, "Thanks to Sister Zhulan's blessing."

Shirona smiled slightly. She knew that Xia Chen was referring to their farewell at the Zhuqing City Airport.

…………

After a brief, polite hug, Xia Chen finally couldn't contain his curiosity and asked, "Why did you suddenly come to Donghuang?"

Cynthia released her embrace, looking at him with a half-smile, "Didn't you recognize the commentator's voice today?"

Is Sister Zhulan a special guest at today's finals?

Xia Chen then realized what he meant and said somewhat awkwardly, "How could I have noticed that while I was playing a match..."

That's the truth, otherwise he wouldn't have been so surprised when he saw Cynthia.

Cynthia seemed to accept this reasonable explanation. She nodded slightly, took the championship trophy from Garchomp's claws, and handed it to Xia Chen.

"Let's talk later."

"Ah."

Xia Chen made a short, nasal sound as he accepted the physically heavy championship trophy. He joked, "I'll put this trophy, which was personally awarded by Sister Zhu Lan, in the most prominent place in my home."

Cynthia rolled her eyes at Xia Chen slightly, then went downstairs with Garchomp without saying anything more.

The two champions from the Donghuang region, one old and one new, also turned back to congratulate Xia Chen.

Yu Chaohua glanced at Cynthia's departing figure, chuckled, patted Xia Chen on the shoulder, and praised, "Well done!"

Xia Chen squinted at his old principal, feeling that the old man was speaking with a double meaning.

Following behind Yu Chaohua, Gu Kunshan said solemnly, "The future belongs to you. Let the world see the strength of us Donghuang trainers!"

Xia Chen nodded seriously in response. Although there isn't much nationalistic sentiment in this world, regional honor is still highly valued.

The award presenters left the stage one by one, and the second and third place winners also followed them off.

Next up is Xia Chen and Xian Bu's championship moment.

The audience once again gave a generous round of applause and cheers.

on the podium.

Xia Chen stood in the middle, holding the trophy, while Milotic, the largest of the group and unafraid of being blocked, gracefully curled up behind him.

Gardevoir and Zoroark, whose figures were similar to Xia Chen's, stood on either side of him, one with a sweet smile and the other with a chilling one...

This time, Xiao Duolong didn't stay on Xia Chen's head, but instead perched on the much larger trophy like a gecko.

Xianbu stood in front of Xia Chen and playfully made a heart shape with a ribbon.

Amidst the resounding background music of "We Are the Champions" in the arena, Xia Chen, beaming with smiles, and the elves took a group photo.

League Calendar 2023.12.23

…………

Four o'clock in the afternoon, outside the Blazing Arena.

Winter nights always come exceptionally early; it was only a little past four o'clock, and the sun was already setting in the west.

Xia Chen looked at the crimson figure in front of him, who was forcing a smile, and asked again, "You're leaving today? Are you in such a rush?"

Red patted Pikachu on his shoulder, paused for a moment, and said firmly, "Yes, my friends and I have discussed it."

Xia Chen didn't know what to say. He knew that Chi Hong, such a competitive guy, must have been stimulated by today's competition, but it wasn't convenient for him to comfort him.

No matter how good the relationship is, the winner's consolation to the loser always feels like a mockery.

Xia Chen could only nod and say, "Let me know when you get to the capital."

Chi Hong said helplessly, "You know I didn't bring my phone with me the whole way."

Xia Chen thought about it and realized that it was indeed the case. In order to devote herself completely to her training, Crimson had been contacting her family via video call at the Pokémon Center in the city.

However, Xia Chen has countless romantic partners, so how could he be stumped by such a small difficulty?

He laughed and said, "When you get to the Qianlong Dojo, just tell the dojo master or a guy named Long Yue, and I'll know."

Chi Hong nodded in agreement.

Whether it was because of the afternoon's match or the farewell, the atmosphere was somewhat silent. Chi Hong was not a talkative person to begin with, and Xia Chen was even more at a loss for words in this situation.

The two of them stood together on the steps for a long time.

Finally, in the "Statues" contest, Crimson was the first to concede defeat, whispering, "I'm leaving..."

Xia Chen waved goodbye, "Okay, have a safe trip, see you in the capital."

As the sun set, Chi Hong adjusted the brim of his hat, turned, and left.

As they reached the bottom of the steps, Chi Hong turned back to look at Xia Chen, who was watching her leave, and suddenly said softly, "We won't lose next time, right?"

He was answered by a voice full of energy.

"Pickup!"

…………

On the other side, after seeing off Chi Hong, Xia Chen also climbed the steps, where someone was still waiting for him in the Blazing Fire Arena.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he reached the top of the stairs, he saw the person waiting for him.

The vibrant sunset cast its glow, making her golden hair shine brilliantly, both holy and beautiful.

Cynthia, leaning against the railing, raised an eyebrow and asked, "Gone?"

Xia Chen nodded: "I'm leaving."

Cynthia suddenly remarked, "That little guy is quite a promising talent..."

Xia Chen suddenly remembered something, and he asked with a smile, "Isn't there anything else you want to say?"

Cynthia was taken aback. "Other? What do you mean?"

Xia Chen shrugged: "For example, 'The encounter between lives will inevitably give birth to new things' or something like that..."

Cynthia frowned, then suddenly placed the back of her hand on Xia Chen's forehead, muttering to herself, "He doesn't have a fever..."

Xia Chen chuckled twice and changed the subject.

"Let's not talk about that. Sister Zhulan, are you staying in Donghuang for the next while?"

Withdrawing her delicate hand, Cynthia tapped her slender, fair fingers on the railing. "I guess I'll be returning to Sinnoh early next year."

That means at least a week...

Xia Chen quickly calculated the time in his mind, and then volunteered, "I think, Sister Zhu Lan, you must need a local tour guide, right?"

"Really?" Cynthia's lips curled into a playful smile. "I've been to so many regions, and I've never hired a tour guide before."

Xia Chen patiently persuaded, "So you should experience new things, shouldn't you?"

Cynthia remained noncommittal. "Then tell me how you plan to arrange things."

Xia Chen coughed lightly, finally revealing his true intentions.

"As we all know, the Eastern Huang region is the largest region in the world. It's unrealistic to travel all of it in just seven days. Why not start by visiting one place..."

Cynthia interrupted Xia Chen, a half-smile playing on her lips, and said, "For example, Zhijiang?"

Xia Chen, with skin as thick as a shield-and-sword monster, remained unfazed. "However, Zhijiang is located in Jiangnan, and has been known as a paradise on earth since ancient times..."

"Alright, alright, stop reading..." Cynthia said helplessly, looking like she couldn't stand Xia Chen anymore. "Whatever you say."

Xia Chen chuckled, his smile even brighter than when he took the photos after winning the championship.

Just as the atmosphere was taking an odd turn, Cynthia suddenly asked, "By the way, what's the reward for winning this championship?"

To be honest, Xia Chen seems to have really forgotten the answer to this question.

Now that resources are plentiful, he never competes for the rewards.

Fortunately, due to the influence of his superpowers, Xia Chen has an exceptional memory.

"Besides the prize money and some rare Pokémon items, there's something called a [League Key Talent Development Program]? No one has contacted me yet, does anyone know?"

Cynthia nodded, seemingly lost in thought, and said, "This plan should be the main reward; it's something that will bring you long-term benefits. I estimate it might be something you wouldn't normally encounter..."

Later, when Xia Chen thought back, he couldn't remember what Shirona had said at all.