c120 Mentality
In the evening, Grandma whipped up another grand dinner after returning home.
Because of their plans to go shopping that night, He Xiaowen stayed over.
During dinner:
"Xiaoxiao, how long are you planning to stay this time?"
Grandma looked at Chen Xiaoxiao warmly as she posed the familiar question.
He Xiaowen also turned her eyes toward her with anticipation.
"At least until after the Lunar New Year," Chen Xiaoxiao replied, swirling her soup absentmindedly. She still hadn't decided when she would set out again. For now, she simply wanted to indulge in a peaceful vacation something that had become rare ever since being recognized by the Pokémon League HQ as one of the youngest Elite-level trainers in recorded history, a record previously held by Lance.
Grandma nodded knowingly.
He Xiaowen beamed in excitement.
There were still more than ten days left before the Spring Festival officially began, and as tradition in Shencheng went, the celebration wouldn't wrap up until the Lantern Festival. That meant Chen Xiaoxiao would be staying for at least a month!
"What's your plan after the New Year?" Grandma asked again, with the gentle concern only elders can express.
A typical question, no different from what other elders ask their grandchildren returning home from afar during the Spring Festival. Even Red, the legendary Kanto Champion, probably got grilled by his mom in Pallet Town the same way.
"We'll talk about it after the New Year. I haven't made any plans yet," Chen Xiaoxiao replied with a mild headache, rubbing her temple.
Grandma nodded again and dropped the topic without further pushing.
Instead, Chen Xiaoxiao shared amusing stories from her travels like the time her Kirlia mistakenly used Teleport during a Gym match in Johto, sending both of them halfway across the map mid-battle. Grandma listened with an indulgent smile, and He Xiaowen was all ears, clinging to every detail.
After dinner, the ever-considerate He Xiaowen helped clear the table and wash the dishes. Chen Xiaoxiao, aware that this was her first day home, also joined in diligently, even though Gardevoir (now fully evolved and loyal as ever) offered to help. Grandma watched the scene, her heart full, murmuring in her thoughts how much her granddaughter had matured.
Hehe.
Later that night, after freshening up and resting a bit, Grandma went to her room.
He Xiaowen tugged on Chen Xiaoxiao's arm like a Delcatty with something mischievous in mind.
"Wait! Let me change first."
Chen Xiaoxiao suddenly halted at the door and dashed back to her room.
"No way! Xiaoxiao, you're actually changing clothes to go out? You never used to care!" He Xiaowen called out, flabbergasted.
Moments later, Chen Xiaoxiao came out wearing a soft beige winter hat with a white scarf. A faint annoyance lingered on her face.
"Pfft! Now I get it. You're famous now!"
He Xiaowen giggled. "Your news is still trending on the 'Pokémon League Digest' homepage!"
Chen Xiaoxiao's face darkened.
She didn't want to be famous.
She still shuddered remembering when random fans tried cosplaying her complete with a Gardevoir plush at the Pokémon Expo in Unova. The thought of awkward, fantasy-laced online threads about her made her stomach churn.
"Hee hee, let's go!" He Xiaowen grinned and grabbed Chen Xiaoxiao's hand.
As the Chinese New Year approached, Shencheng's streets grew lively with young people buying new year's goods, Pokémon accessories, and outfits for contests. The two strolled under the glowing street lanterns. As they passed by an arcade playing a League recap video, Chen Xiaoxiao overheard someone whispering her name.
She lowered her head quickly.
He Xiaowen couldn't stop grinning beside her.
Later during their shopping spree, He Xiaowen proudly announced, "Everything tonight is on me!" flashing her Trainer Card like a celebrity champion. The card shimmered proof of her successful recent campaign in the Hoenn coordination contests.
Chen Xiaoxiao raised her brow but didn't protest.
He Xiaowen bought essentials, matching scarves, a couple of dresses, and even a protective Poké Ball case shaped like a Snorlax. They had a lavish dinner Steamed Magikarp dumplings and MooMoo Milk tea.
As for Spring Festival groceries and a few things for Grandma, Chen Xiaoxiao insisted on paying those were gifts from the heart.
During the walk back, the two planned their outings over the next few days, even slotting in a visit to the old Pokémon Tower memorial site.
Afterward, He Xiaowen called her mother, letting her know she'd be staying over for a few days.
To Chen Xiaoxiao's surprise, He Xiaowen's mom responded with an approving, "Oh? With that Chen Xiaoxiao? You're in safe hands!"
Apparently, Chen Xiaoxiao had become the "ideal daughter" in more homes than she realized.
Hehe.
That night, naturally, He Xiaowen stayed at Chen Xiaoxiao's place, and the two old friends whispered and laughed under the covers until midnight.
By the next morning, both of them were still asleep.
It was nearly 10 AM when they finally woke up, brushed their teeth, changed, and headed out again for another full day of exploration in Shencheng. They even visited a newly opened Pokémon Café themed after Kanto Gym Leaders.
When they returned that evening, Chen Xiaoxiao excitedly showed Grandma the clothes she had picked out for her. Grandma's eyes crinkled as she smiled all night, proud and content.
On the third day, they skipped the city's bustle and rode out on Lapras across the sea. Despite not catching any notable Water-types unlike the time Chen Xiaoxiao caught her Mantyke in Sinnoh they still enjoyed their day casting lines into the sea and chatting.
That evening, while having dinner, Chen Xiaoxiao's phone rang.
An incoming call from Leng Xin.
"Uncle Leng!" she answered politely.
She had a hunch about the reason. And sure enough
"Xiaoxiao," Leng Xin's voice was firm but calm. "People from The Times will arrive in Shencheng tomorrow. There'll be an interview at 2 PM, on the top floor of the Pokémon Center. Prep accordingly."
He Xiaowen, seated nearby, had been about to excuse herself, but froze when she heard the words "The Times."
She immediately leaned closer, her eyes wide.
"I understand, Uncle Leng," Chen Xiaoxiao replied calmly.
"Someone from the ministry will be there to monitor. If any questions become too sensitive, she'll intervene. You don't have to worry."
"I understand."
Leng Xin paused before continuing.
"Xiaoxiao, the moment you became an Elite-level trainer right after the Silph Co. Invitational, remember? the eyes of the world were on you. They already know most of your story. At this point, stepping forward openly won't harm you."
"As long as no core strategy or team data is leaked, your appearance will benefit both your influence and our nation's reputation."
"China needs to show that its young generation trainers like you can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Cynthia, Steven, or even Lance. Why wait? This is your time. Don't hide from it."
Chen Xiaoxiao remained silent for a second.
Then, she smiled.
"I understand, Uncle Leng. I'll cooperate fully."
After a few more reminders, the call ended.
"Xiaoxiao!" He Xiaowen exclaimed, nearly bouncing off her seat. "Did he say The Times? Are you... are you being featured on their global cover?! That's huge! But it sounded like you didn't want to?"
"A little," Chen Xiaoxiao admitted. "But it's okay now. I've accepted it."
The truth was, her hesitance had roots in her past life the lingering anxiety that fame would only attract trouble. She remembered the old saying: "People fear being famous like pigs fear being fat."
But this wasn't her old world.
Here, strength meant protection. Her Gardevoir alone could stand against regional champions. With Pokémon like Milotic, Gallade, and her trusted partner Lapras by her side, she had nothing to fear from fame.
After all, as they say:
"When you're strong enough, even the shadows fear your light."
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