Since Xia Huanao had decided to help Lingling University, he had essentially moved into their villa before the final match. Every day he was nowhere to be seen from dawn until dusk, only returning in a daze when it was completely dark. Each time he returned, he looked satisfied, in a "sage mode," making one suspect he had been up to something unspeakable.
"Coach Xia, you're coaching at Lingling University now too. Your business is expanding quite rapidly," Lu Bingming teased.
Xia Huanao lifted his t-shirt: "Yeah, look." He then pinched the flesh on his belly, pulling out a significant portion. "Lingling University's food is just too good. Look, I've gained several pounds. If I keep eating like this, I'll turn into a ball."
Chu Xiaodie leaned in and gently poked Xia Huanao's belly. "No, I think Coach Xia has a great physique."
Xia Huanao stepped back dramatically. "Everyone, come look! There's a pervert here!"
Everyone laughed, and Chu Xiaodie blushed. "You guys just love to tease me..."
"Coach Xia, what have you been so busy with at Lingling University every day?"
"We've been eliminated, but I can't stand not winning a championship. So I've decided to help Lingling University take down Jiangling University. That way, I can achieve half a championship dream."
Everyone was stunned. "Coach Xia, you can do that too."
...
Time flew by, and it was soon the final match day for the college Pokémon competition. All thirty-two teams that had been eliminated arrived at the main venue, eager to watch the match up close. Just as the teams were about to check in, Xia Huanao entered the Lingling University tent alone. "Uh, Huang Tianxiao, are you in? Come here for a sec."
Huang Tianxiao heard Xia Huanao call him, stood up, and walked over. "Coach Xia? Is something wrong?"
Xia Huanao glanced inside the tent, then took out his Pokédex from his pocket. "Huang Tianxiao, the match is about to start. I'm lending you this to use. It works just like a regular Pokédex."
Huang Tianxiao looked at the Pokédex Xia Huanao handed him, confused. "Coach Xia, we've all bought Pokédexes. They're really useful. You can keep yours."
Xia Huanao shook his head. "There are some things I'm only telling you guys. Don't tell anyone. The ones you bought from the Alliance shop are actually all阉割版 (阉割版) Pokédexes. I haven't added a lot of data to them. Mine is different; it's the basic complete version. The amount of data is completely different."
Huang Tianxiao took the Pokédex and examined it closely. "Thank you, Coach Xia. I'll make the most of it. I really didn't expect you to have a backup plan like this."
"Of course. Hey, remember to return it to me when you're done."
...
After lending his Pokédex to Huang Tianxiao, Xia Huanao left.
Meanwhile, in the cheering tent for Liuling University, Xing Kai asked, "Didn't Coach Xia say he was going to deliver something to Lingling University? Why isn't he back yet?"
As soon as he finished speaking, they heard Lu Bingming exclaim, "Holy crap, Coach Xia is really good at networking!"
Everyone gathered around, looking at the official live stream of the Pokémon competition on Lu Bingming's phone. Before the match started, there was a chat session with the official staff. In this temporary studio set up on the main stage, Xia Huanao was sitting behind a desk with the official host, looking like he was about to provide commentary.
"Coach Xia is something else. He's become an official commentator. No wonder netizens call our Coach Xia 'Boss Xia.' He truly has the demeanor of a boss."
With this development, the members of Liuling University no longer bothered to watch the live match from the venue. They all opened their phones and computers to watch the stream. With Xia Huanao there, his analysis would undoubtedly be more insightful and accurate than their own.
At this moment, the official broadcast had just begun.
"Good morning, dear viewers, and welcome to the finals of the College Pokémon Competition, featuring Jiangling Pokémon Science and Technology University versus Linglong Pokémon University. I am your host, Qi Longfei. To my right is this match's commentator, Zhen Rui."
Zhen Rui was a young girl wearing a pink outfit. Hearing Qi Longfei, she smiled at the camera. "Good morning, everyone. I'm Zhen Rui."
Qi Longfei continued, "To my left is someone many trainers are familiar with: the honorary chairman of the Gorgeous Competition, the honorary vice-president of the Pokémon Research Association, the captain of the 'Awakening' team, and the head coach of the Liuling University team."
Xia Huanao waved at the camera. "Yo. That's all me, but now I'm the special commentator for this match, Xia Huanao."
Qi Longfei turned to Xia Huanao. "Coach Xia, we meet again."
"Yes, the last time we met was at our Rose Cup. Our coordination then was seamless. I never expected that in such a short time, you've evolved from a reporter to a host."
Qi Longfei nodded. "Indeed, the world changes so fast. Take Coach Xia, for example. Meeting you again, you've added another title to your name: coach."
Xia Huanao chuckled. "Gems like us shine wherever we're placed. Speaking of which," he glanced apologetically at Zhen Rui, "I'm sorry, I forgot there was a beautiful lady here. We three are gems."
Zhen Rui looked at them. "Alright, stop flattering me. The match is about to begin soon. Let's introduce the two teams. First, the defending champions, Linglong Pokémon University..."
After introducing both teams, Zhen Rui asked, "Coach Xia, what are your thoughts on this match?"
Xia Huanao gently scratched the corner of his eye. "Should I speak my honest opinion?"
Zhen Rui pursed her lips and smiled. "Of course, speak your honest opinion. This is a live broadcast; how can we deceive our viewers? What do you say, Longfei?"
Qi Longfei nodded with mock seriousness. "Yes, Coach Xia, you must speak your mind. Don't deceive the audience."
Xia Huanao cleared his throat. "On a personal emotional level, I support Lingling University."
Qi Longfei smiled. "Coach Xia is holding a grudge, still upset about being eliminated by Jiangling University in the semifinals?"
Xia Huanao slammed the table. "Nonsense! Do you know how much prize money differs between second and third place!"
"So, Coach Xia is holding a grudge about money."
"What else? Give me today's salary then?"
"No, I'm a poor man too."
Zhen Rui looked at them. "Alright, let's get back on track. From a rational analytical perspective, Coach Xia favors Jiangling University, correct?"
Xia Huanao nodded. "That's right. Jiangling University has many variable factors in their lineup. Although Lingling University has the edge in individual strength, in free matches and team battles, Jiangling University has a greater advantage."
"Coach Xia means tactics like Eevee's, right?"
Xia Huanao shook his head. "No, that kind of tactic can only be used once. If I had to break it again, I'd send out six Ditto to mimic them. Who doesn't know how to transform? In that case, it would come down to individual strength, fifty-fifty." 138 Reading Network
Qi Longfei made a sound of understanding. "I see. Alright, the match is about to begin. Let's switch the main camera to the arena."
After Qi Longfei's statement, the official broadcast switched its focus to the match arena. However, the commentary in the broadcast room did not cease.
"The teams are starting to flip the coin. This is a trend that Coach Xia started. But today, it should only be about determining the first move."
Xia Huanao stretched his neck to look out the window. "Hmm, it's cloudy and windless today. Theoretically, it shouldn't matter which side you attack from, but specific changes will depend on the situation."
"Alright, the coin flip is over. We've received word that Jiangling University has chosen to attack second, and Lingling University has chosen the right half of the arena. As for the team battle, both sides have chosen one-on-one?"
Zhen Rui asked, "Coach Xia, from your perspective, does this indicate any specific arrangements by both sides?"
Xia Huanao thought for a moment. "I can understand Lingling University's decision. One-on-one is purely about skill, so there's no need to worry about the opponent's tactical setup. As for Jiangling University, could it be that they also have some targeted arrangements?"
"Alright, we can see that both teams have sent out their first contestants. Lingling University has sent out their captain, Huang Tianxiao. It looks like they want to secure points in the first round. Let's look at Jiangling University; they've sent out Qin Lai. The two sides are bowing, and the match is about to begin."
Just then, Xia Huanao suddenly stood up. "Camera operator, give me a close-up. I want to see the Poké Ball in Qin Lai's hand!"
Xia Huanao's sudden outburst startled the cameraman, but he quickly zoomed in, providing a close-up of Qin Lai's hand.
In Qin Lai's hand was a Poké Ball with a blue gradient base and white stripes circling it. Qi Longfei chuckled at the close-up. "Oh, Coach Xia truly has a keen eye, spotting something different at a glance. The students from Jiangling University have good taste. This Poké Ball is very beautiful, don't you think, Zhen Rui?"
Zhen Rui agreed. "Yes, this Poké Ball looks very beautiful. I want to learn from this design and make my Poké Ball look pretty too."
Xia Huanao sat back in his chair. "Is this a coincidence? No, it shouldn't be. This is too coincidental."
Qi Longfei turned to look at Xia Huanao. "Coach Xia, what's wrong? Is there something strange about this Poké Ball?"
Xia Huanao snapped back to attention when Qi Longfei called him. "Huh? Oh, nothing. This Poké Ball isn't strange."
"Then what is it?"
"Let's watch the match. We'll know as we watch."
The match began. Huang Tianxiao threw out his Poké Ball. "Go, my partner!"
Qin Lai also tossed the Poké Ball in his hand.