Just as Chen Shi stepped out of the battlefield tunnel, a well-dressed man in a tailored suit and gold-rimmed glasses approached him with a practiced smile.
"Hello, Mr. Chen. I am Mr. Suzuki's secretary — Suzuki Imei. You may simply call me Imei."
His tone carried the refined politeness of someone used to negotiating from a high seat.
Then, still smiling, he continued:
"Our Mr. Suzuki would very much like to invite you as a guest. Would you be willing to come with me now?"
Chen Shi narrowed his eyes slightly.
The Suzuki family was… complicated.
Like the Chen family, they belonged to the world of breeders — but their structure and influence were vastly different. The Suzukis controlled enormous medicinal supply chains across multiple regions. While they lacked a true master-tier breeder, they had several elite-tier and upper-tier professionals, along with influence woven deeply into League infrastructure.
Even the Joy family worked with them.
Chen Shi had expected attention after publicly revealing Mega Evolution — but he didn't expect someone to appear immediately after his match.
And not just anyone — the Suzuki patriarch's secretary.
If this were months ago, maybe he would've hesitated.
But now?
He wasn't certain how impressive the Suzuki family was compared to the Zivoki family…
but he doubted they could compete.
With a polite yet subtle smirk, he asked:
"May I ask why Mr. Suzuki is looking for me?"
Secretary Imei pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, maintaining the perfect corporate smile.
"Our family would like to discuss a medicinal partnership with the Chen family. So we hope to invite you for a conversation."
Although his tone remained friendly, a faint superiority seeped through — the kind that implied:
You should feel honored we are even offering.
Chen Shi almost laughed.
A sweet carrot first, hm?
Partnership? The Suzuki family had never so much as greeted the Chen family — let alone cooperated.
If he agreed, they would talk about "medicine" for three sentences, then spend the next three hours circling around Mega Evolution.
If he refused… they might stop smiling.
So he smiled instead.
"Ah, that's unfortunate. Our family recently began partnering with Devon Corporation. If I suddenly cooperate with the Suzuki family as well, I'm afraid the Zivoki family would feel disrespected."
"You understand — our Chen family is small. We can't afford to offend anyone. Perhaps you should speak with the Zivoki family first? If they approve, then we can discuss further."
Secretary Imei's expression froze — just slightly.
The Suzuki family was powerful.
But compared to the Stone-Zivoki line?
They weren't even close.
So now, he didn't know whether to push or retreat.
At that moment — a pair of excited shouts cut through the tension.
"Chen Shi!!"
"Master Chen!!"
Ash and Gary sprinted straight toward him and crashed into him with unrestrained enthusiasm.
"Master Chen, you were SO COOL!!" Gary shouted, punching the air.
Ash nodded rapidly. "Yeah! That Charizard was amazing!! I'm definitely catching one someday!"
"Hah?! Charizard is MINE! You oversleep every morning — I'll get there first!"
"Liar! I'll set ten alarms—!"
The boys immediately broke into their usual argument.
Chen Shi sighed — already used to it.
Then he noticed someone behind them.
He straightened.
"Teacher — you're here?"
Sure enough, Professor Oak stood there, mask and hat gone — now completely recognizable.
The moment Secretary Imei realized who he'd been negotiating with, cold sweat rolled down his spine.
He… he called Professor Oak his teacher…?
His mind buzzed.
Just moments ago, he'd been thinking about applying pressure.
If he had taken the wrong approach — offended this young man?
Even if Chen Shi forgave him…
The Suzuki family wouldn't survive Professor Oak's response.
Professor Oak folded his arms, expression mild.
"I figured someone would approach you the moment you walked out, so I came to save myself the trouble."
His gaze — subtle but sharp — drifted toward Secretary Imei.
The message was obvious:
I saw everything.
Secretary Imei bowed immediately.
"Professor Oak — please misunderstand, I only wished to discuss a harmless medicinal partnership. Nothing more."
Professor Oak raised a brow and turned to Chen Shi.
"Is that true?"
Chen Shi gave a lazy shrug.
"He did mention medicinal cooperation. Though I admit—I was confused."
"Our families have never worked together. Strange they suddenly approached us now."
Secretary Imei's heart dropped.
He rushed to respond.
"It's because Mr. Chen performed excellently in the World Championship. Our family wishes to form a positive relationship — no other intentions!"
Professor Oak nodded faintly.
"Well… that would be good."
Secretary Imei exhaled in relief—
—but Oak continued.
"However, I still need to speak to my student. So… not today."
"Y-Yes! Of course!"
He bowed, preparing to escape — but before he could take a step, Oak's voice stopped him.
"One more thing."
Secretary Imei froze.
"If whoever sent you believes they can push, intimidate, or manipulate my student—"
His eyes sharpened — bright and cold.
"Tell them this."
"I, Samuel Oak, am very much alive."
"If they want something — they'd better be prepared to pay for it."
Secretary Imei bowed deeply — almost bending in half.
"I understand."
Then he fled — nearly tripping in his haste.
Walking toward the lounge, Chen Shi finally asked:
"Teacher… what did you mean earlier? Was he not from the Suzuki family?"
Oak scoffed.
"Do you really think the Suzuki family would dare block you the moment you step out?"
"This is the World Championship — today every region has their big shots here."
"What gives the Suzukis the courage to act now?"
He tapped Chen Shi's forehead lightly.
"They were just the messengers."
"Someone wanted to test your attitude."
Chen Shi finally understood.
If he hadn't mentioned Devon or the Zivoki family…
If Professor Oak hadn't shown up…
Today could've become messy.
He bowed slightly.
"Teacher… thank you."
Oak snorted.
"When did you become polite? That's not like you."
Chen Shi blinked — then laughed.
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