c124: Gym? Coincidence?
"Why the Guancheng Gym? Is it a coincidence, or is there something questionable going on within the Guancheng Gym itself?"
After identifying the location of her target, Chen Xiaoxiao found herself plagued by uncertainty.
Gardevoir had confirmed through aura sensing that none of the nearby observers harbored overt malice suggesting that they weren't enemies, at least not yet. But their nervousness upon seeing her was telling. Such tension usually pointed to people with something to hide.
So what was the point of all this surveillance? Did they already suspect her true objective in coming to Xianghe City?
But if so why had one of them stopped near the Guancheng Gym?
What connection did this have to Guancheng's Gym?
Chen Xiaoxiao was genuinely stumped.
In her previous life, the name "Guancheng" was often said to come from the local prevalence of Guancao, a type of mossy plant. But in this life—the Pokémon world, it had become known instead for the abundance of Grass-type Pokémon.
As a result, the local gym followed suit. The Guancheng Gym specialized in Grass-type battles, much like the Celadon Gym in Kanto or the Eterna Gym in Sinnoh.
But what gave Chen Xiaoxiao the biggest headache was the Gym Leader.
The current head of the Guancheng Gym was Lin Yi, son of none other than former Huaxia Champion Lin Shuang, a powerhouse figure who once placed in the Top 4 at the Intercontinental Championships held in Kalos.
That lineage made things extremely delicate.
Any move involving Lin Yi would, by default, involve the League's inner circle. It wouldn't just be an investigation anymore, it would be a political landmine.
"Should I report this to HQ now?" Chen Xiaoxiao pondered.
"No… not yet. I need to confirm it myself. This is too sensitive to be escalated prematurely."
She immediately dismissed the idea.
Reporting now might cause Leng Xin, her superior and fellow champion, to react strongly pulling classified files, deploying undercover investigators, or even placing protective detail on the gym. The last thing Chen Xiaoxiao wanted was to stir panic involving the family of a former champion.
Even if it turned out to be a misunderstanding, it would still leave behind damaging political residue leading to whispers of discord between Huaxia's two most prominent champions.
She had to be cautious.
"Whew."
Chen Xiaoxiao exhaled slowly to steady herself.
"Driver, how long until we reach the Guancheng Gym?" she asked.
"About ten minutes, miss," the driver replied.
She nodded silently but kept checking her Pokédex for the map and timing her tension visible in the repetitive glances.
Nine minutes later, the car pulled up outside a grand building. The massive red-and-white Poké Ball symbol out front confirmed the location, it was the Guancheng Pokémon Center.
"We're here. You can't park directly at the gym entrance due to traffic restrictions. The green-roofed building ahead, that's the Guancheng Gym."
The driver pointed forward.
"Alright. Thank you."
Chen Xiaoxiao paid the fare calmly, then stepped out and glanced briefly at the nearby structures. Internally, she was already questioning the position of the target she had tracked.
"(Xiaoxiao, the target is positioned just outside the Pokémon Center. He grew visibly nervous upon our arrival.)"
Gardevoir reported via telepathy.
"The Pokémon Center? Not the Gym? Hmm."
Chen Xiaoxiao sighed in relief.
At least it's not inside the Gym itself...
But why would he be at the Pokémon hub? Was he specifically waiting for her?
Suspicious.
Instead of approaching the Pokémon Center, Chen Xiaoxiao casually turned and walked with Gardevoir toward the gym.
"(Xiaoxiao, the target's tension has spiked. Also the trainer standing to the right of the Gym entrance is equally on edge.)"
Gardevoir's observation triggered Chen Xiaoxiao's instincts.
She didn't glance at the trainers outside. Instead, she walked straight through the front doors toward the reception counter.
"Hello, are you here for a Gym challenge wait, you're… you're Chen Xiaoxiao!"
The receptionist, who had been glancing down at her Pokédex, looked up and instantly recognized the famous trainer.
"Yes. I'm Chen Xiaoxiao. I'm here to challenge the Gym. Is Leader Lin available?"
Chen Xiaoxiao replied with a polite smile.
"Oh! Yes, Master Lin is in today. There are two trainers ahead of you in the queue. I'll help you register please swipe your Pokédex here and confirm."
The receptionist quickly composed herself. Despite her initial excitement, she was clearly a trained professional from a first-tier city facility.
Chen Xiaoxiao nodded, following instructions and swiping her Pokédex over the scanning sensor. A confirmation prompt appeared.she tapped "OK."
"(Xiaoxiao, the trainer to the right of the gym looked visibly relieved. He made a subtle hand gesture, and the observers in the Pokémon Center visibly relaxed as well.)"
Gardevoir's update came just as Chen Xiaoxiao was returning her Pokédex to her bag.
So, they were waiting to confirm whether I'd actually challenge the gym… They've prepared well.
The surveillance net had been discreet but calculated. It suggested these people weren't ordinary trainers they were operating at a higher level.
The waters in Guancheng run deep.
"Gardevoir," she whispered telepathically, "keep your focus on the Pokémon Center target. Let's allow them to think I'm only here for the badge. It'll lower their guard and maybe they'll slip up."
"It's all arranged. Please head through that hallway. Someone will meet you at the battlefield gate and guide you to the challenger's preparation area."
The receptionist motioned toward a corridor.
"Thank you."
Chen Xiaoxiao nodded, walking toward the gym's main battle hall. As she disappeared down the hallway, the receptionist couldn't help but watch her go with a mix of admiration and regret regret that she wouldn't get to watch Chen Xiaoxiao battle in person.
"Hello, I'm here for the Gym challenge."
Chen Xiaoxiao and Gardevoir arrived at the inner gate. The sounds of shouting commands, explosive moves, and the roar of a crowd spilled into the hall from within.
"Welcome! Right this way, please."
The attendant glanced up and was visibly surprised to see her.
They led her to the waiting area just outside the battlefield.
A young male trainer sat there, eyes fixed on the match playing out. He was so engrossed he didn't even notice Chen Xiaoxiao's arrival.
"You'll be called when the next match ends. There's one more challenger ahead of you."
"Got it. Thanks," Chen Xiaoxiao said courteously.
The staff left to return to their station.
---
Elsewhere, on the top floor of a hotel downtown...
Brother Hui sat tensely, his eyes locked on the screen of his Pokédex, waiting for the update he had demanded.
Ping!
The message finally came through.
> "Chen Xiaoxiao has entered Guancheng Gym. Our agent confirmed she asked to challenge Gym Leader Lin Yi and is now inside waiting her turn."
"Hah…"
Brother Hui finally exhaled in relief.
Still, paranoia gnawed at him.
He issued another round of instructions via encrypted chat.
> "Shift the cargo to the backup warehouse. When moving circle the route several times to shake off any tails. Also, send someone into the Gym posing as a spectator. Confirm with your own eyes that she's challenging. Get in, observe, and get out—no unnecessary contact. Report back the moment it's confirmed."
Because in Guancheng, even shadows had eyes and a single misstep could unravel everything.
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