Chapter 83: The First Match Begins

“So, am I just ten centimeters more important than money?” Tang Yi was deeply aggrieved, overwhelmed by a sense of having misplaced his affection.

Rarulas couldn’t stand his wounded expression and couldn’t help but complain, “Why are you so greedy? Isn’t ten centimeters enough? For everyone else, their importance in my heart isn’t even a millimeter. Even Sister Bada and the others—at most, just a centimeter.”

Tang Yi’s mood instantly brightened.

Yet, come to think of it, what odd metric was this, and how could it possibly be converted? Only heaven knows.

...

Unknowingly, a week passed.

The long-awaited second round of the selection tournament had finally arrived.

Tang Yi would face his first group opponent, Xiao Bingjia, at the Third Branch of the First Training Hall in Qingjiang City.

The match was scheduled for ten o’clock in the morning—neither too early nor too late—giving everyone ample time to prepare.

Tang Yi woke at eight, ate breakfast with Rarulas at a leisurely pace, gathered his identification, tournament pass, and the spoon he’d bought last time, sent a well-wishing message in the group chat, and set out.

Now that it wasn’t his first battle, Tang Yi wasn’t nearly as nervous as he’d been for the opening round.

Upon arriving at the main venue, the security was as strict as ever—a routine during the annual college entrance selection tournament. But unlike the first round, several city TV reporters had appeared outside the arena.

The college entrance exam was a long-standing tradition in Summer Country, and every year it was covered by the media.

Besides the reporters, Vice Principal Wang—responsible for overseeing the selection tournament—stood at the entrance in a crisp suit, mainly to have his picture taken for the press. The other schools adopted similar tactics; even if it was only a local station, it was a rare chance to appear on television.

After passing the security check, Tang Yi released Rarulas from her Poké Ball.

Vice Principal Wang proactively greeted him. Though he had been displeased with Tang Yi’s absence from training before, today in public he maintained the composure of a senior and school leader.

“Good luck! Don’t let yourself feel pressured—the school is proud of you!”

“Thank you, I assure you I’ll compete earnestly and bring honor to the school!” In front of the cameras, Tang Yi offered some polite words, though he suspected most of the footage wouldn’t make it to broadcast—it would likely be cut.

Just as he was about to leave, a reporter scanning the crowd spotted Tang Yi, strode over with a professional smile, and said, “Hello, student. I’m a reporter from Qingjiang Satellite TV. May I ask you a few questions?”

“Of course.” Tang Yi smiled—how could he refuse?

“As someone who advanced from the first round, you’re about to begin the second. What are your feelings right now?”

“I’m alright.”

After a pause, seeing Tang Yi had nothing more to add, the reporter prompted, “Anything else?”

“Uh, no, that’s it.” Tang Yi thought for a moment—there really wasn’t much else to say.

“Well, here’s another question. For the second round, have you set any goals for yourself?” The reporter, somewhat exasperated, continued with the prepared questions.

“Well, on the basis of winning a match, I’ll strive for first place in the group.” Tang Yi replied without much thought, sticking to his original goal.

Hmm? That was a fresh answer.

The reporter’s eyes lit up, sensing newsworthy material and eager to pursue the interview.

Vice Principal Wang hurried over to intervene, “Sorry, the selection tournament is about to start. Please don’t delay the students from entering.”

Tang Yi finally slipped away.

“How could you say something like that?” Vice Principal Wang accompanied him, quietly admonishing, “You should act more modestly.”

“Uh, isn’t winning a match modest enough?”

“I mean aiming for first place—the tournament has only just begun. Saying that isn’t ideal.”

“But only the first in the group advances. If you have no intention of taking first, you might as well forfeit.” Tang Yi spoke honestly—it was how he truly felt.

Vice Principal Wang was left speechless.

In the venue’s lounge, Tang Yi met Zhang Chen and the others. Wang Yaowen wasn’t present; only participating students and staff were allowed inside.

Every school’s students gathered in their own groups.

Zhang Chen laughed, “I heard your interview just now—very entertaining. You really dare to say what’s on your mind.”

Jiang Hai, who had arrived early and missed it, asked curiously, “What did he say?”

Zhang Chen repeated Tang Yi’s words.

Jiang Hai couldn’t help but laugh.

Yang Fu, a bit concerned, said, “I heard from your classmates that you said something similar during the first round. But this time, you said it to a reporter—you really do dare.”

Tang Yi was indifferent, “It’s not necessarily going to be aired. Even if it is, no one will care.”

These local stations hardly had high ratings.

Match time was approaching. The lounge broadcast reminded students to head to their arenas early; the second round was stricter—if you were late, you’d be disqualified.

The group exchanged encouragements and went to their respective arenas.

The second round of the selection tournament began.

Outside the arena, Tang Yi finally saw his opponent, Xiao Bingjia—a short, crew-cut youth. He didn’t see her Pokémon girl; she must still be in the ball.

The two exchanged glances and looked away. As opponents, neither cared to make introductions.

Since Tang Yi hadn’t found any information about Xiao Bingjia in the past week, he still didn’t know who Rarulas would face. The other side clearly knew this and deliberately kept the suspense until the last moment.

“Don’t worry. Think of all the effort we’ve put in over the past month—you won’t lose to anyone!” Tang Yi encouraged Rarulas, holding her hand.

“Mm-hmm.” Though she agreed, Rarulas looked nervous. She knew today’s opponent would be far tougher than the first round.

“There, don’t be anxious.” Tang Yi’s hand started to slide up, almost reaching her cheek.

Rarulas jumped back two steps and scolded softly, “You—why are you always so unruly? The referee is right over there!”

Seeing her shy and annoyed expression, Tang Yi couldn’t help but laugh.

See, now she wasn’t nervous anymore.

Words alone wouldn’t calm Rarulas—it always took a gentle touch.

As the referee blew the whistle, Tang Yi sent Rarulas into the arena. Across from them, Xiao Bingjia threw out his Poké Ball.

The first match of the second round had finally begun.