[The livestream chat explodes with comments:]
[This is fascinating! I never knew Pokémon had symbiotic relationships too!]
[Helping a partner at the cost of never evolving? So they become Mantine's sidekick forever? That's a huge sacrifice!]
[I get it, though. Trade your evolution to secure your buddy's success, and they'll take care of you. Win-win!]
[I need a bro like this!]
[Wait, if you partner with a Mantine, does Remoraid fight alongside it?]
Su Feng pondered: "Yes. Once Remoraid helps Mantyke evolve into Mantine, they become a bonded unit—sharing triumphs and hardships."
[But wouldn't a Mantine battling count as a 2v1?]
Su Feng facepalmed. This generation's netizens… "No. They're a team—a single unit! Besides, Mantine's species isn't inherently powerful. Their symbiosis is key to surviving the ocean."
Woo—!
The ship's horn blared, signaling departure.
"That's all for today! I'll stream sporadically over the next two days to showcase oceanic Pokémon."
[Wait, that's it!?]
[You're just teasing us and dipping?]
[Evil man! Getting us hooked only to leave!]
"Careful with the slander!" Su Feng laughed. "See you next time!"
On the Luxury Cruise
"Su Feng." Brother Jin tapped his shoulder. "The event's opening ceremony is starting. As Old Chen's protégé, you should attend."
Su Feng wilted like a frostbitten plant. Crowded, formal events were his kryptonite, but duty called.
The banquet hall's opulence rivaled a five-star hotel. Elite guests clinked champagne flutes, their designer outfits and rare Pokémon (Snubbulls, Furfrous) radiating wealth.
Su Feng and Jin drew immediate attention. Jin's military rigor and broad shoulders exuded raw magnetism, while Su Feng's lazy charm and ethereal looks rivaled "South Korean heartthrobs." Whispers swirled about the younger man leading a soldier.
"Why are they staring? Do they want a Pokémon battle?" Su Feng muttered, eyeing the delicate pets around them. "Combusken or Haunter would demolish them."
Jin: "…"
Kid's clueless about his own charisma.
His hand brushed the Poké Ball in his pocket. I wonder how Ponyta would fare against Combusken…
"Hey, Jin! Free snacks!" Su Feng returned with a mountain of bread and macarons, mispronouncing the latter.
"They're macarons. French pastries," Jin corrected.
"Meh. Tasty either way." Su Feng fed one to Haunter. "What's this event about, anyway?"
"A 'Beauty Contest' for wealthy trainers to flaunt their Pokémon's elegance."
Su Feng froze. A Coordinator event? He glanced at Combusken (obsessed with training) and Haunter (oozing eerie vibes). Yeah… I've got no contestants.
The Stage
A glamorous hostess announced: "Welcome to the inaugural Pokémon Beauty Contest, hosted by the Zhang Family of L City! Tonight, we crown three stunning Pokémon!"
After tedious speeches, the judges were introduced:
Mick – Avant-garde artist.
Barbara – Fashion mogul.
Lady Zhou – Elite Breeder.
Su Feng – Old Chen's disciple, Pokémon expert, viral streamer.
Su Feng: "?"
Old Chen never mentioned judging!
He awkwardly waved as the crowd applauded. The hostess, Madam Zhang, sighed in relief. Good—he didn't refuse.
"Let the first Pokémon Beauty Contest begin!"