"Listen to me slowly. The philosophy I summarized makes sense, right? It has deeply influenced me."
"But as you know, in the end, no one can escape the Law of 'True Fragrance' (hypocrisy)," Leo sighed emotionally.
"Cut the crap. You just want to start dating, don't you? Go ahead then. What do you need me for?" Owen said.
"I'm warning you, though, puppy love is no good. You should focus on your studies. It's not too late to wait until university."
"It hasn't reached that stage yet!" Leo interjected. "Put it this way—I feel like my new seatmate has some feelings for me... she's different from other girls."
Fake. One of life's three greatest delusions, Owen and Eevee thought, listening to Leo continue with straight faces.
"It's a bit embarrassing... anyway, I don't know when it started, but I suddenly found myself caring about her too... so I want to do something to make her happy."
"What thing? And does it involve me?"
"I need your help. Her mother is a fashion designer, and she wants to be one in the future as well... She's already designed a few outfits. Talking to her, I can feel how much she wants these clothes to be recognized."
Leo leaned in. "I looked it up—your Young Ho-Oh Cup has a decent reputation. Trainers who make the Top 16 will have their matches live-streamed online. More importantly, professional reporters are interviewing the contestants."
"I was thinking... could you be a spokesperson for the clothes she designed? I absolutely believe in your strength. I won't say you'll win the whole thing, but Top 8 shouldn't be a problem, right? I know you've been doing 'demon training' at the club.
Once the reports are out, I'll hire some internet trolls to hype it up, the brand will get famous, and she'll definitely be happy."
Owen: "..."
Who says people in love have zero IQ? This fat kid is shrewder than anyone.
"Cough..."
"Vee..."
Seeing Owen and Eevee's expressions turn serious, Leo felt lost. What's going on?
"You might not believe it, but Eevee and I are aiming for the final victory," Owen said.
Leo's eyes widened. A championship would be even better, but it sounded a bit unrealistic. He figured making the Top 16 and getting a face on camera was already a tall order.
"So, can you help a brother out?" Leo rubbed his hands together. "Considering Munchlax and I have been your punching bags at the club for so many days..."
Owen replied: "It's really not a big deal. Just wearing her designs on the day of the match, right? That's easy enough. But why don't you do it yourself?"
"Look at my build... even if I were willing, she wouldn't be. Plus, I have no confidence in winning..." Leo smiled bitterly. "And most importantly..."
"You're very handsome."
Hearing this, Owen's face immediately broke into a grin. He truly loved dealing with honest people.
"Haha... we're brothers, no need to be formal. I'm in."
"Vee?" Eevee gave Owen a horrified look. Where is your integrity?!
"Ahem. But let me see the clothes first. Don't tell me she designs little skirts; I wouldn't wear those even if you gave me a million Yuan," Owen said firmly.
"Of course not!" Leo hurriedly took out his phone and handed it to Owen. "This album has all her designs. Take a look; I think they're all pretty good."
The Legend's Outfit
Eevee hopped from her seat onto Owen's shoulder to look with him.
Owen scrolled through the photos. They were genuinely well-designed; the girl was clearly a natural talent. But suddenly, his gaze stopped.
It was a four-piece set: a short-sleeved jacket, an inner shirt, pants, and a hat. The jacket and hat were primarily red and white, the inner shirt was black, and the pants were light blue.
This... isn't this the signature outfit of Red, the protagonist of the original Pokémon games?!
"A pair of red-and-white sneakers would make it perfect..." Owen murmured.
"What?" Leo didn't catch that.
"I think this one is good. Really good," Owen said, pointing at the outfit.
Who was Red? At eleven, he dismantled Team Rocket and became the Champion. At fourteen, he stood atop Mt. Silver. He was the ultimate legendary trainer. As the prototype for Ash Ketchum, Red was also Owen's favorite character.
Owen felt that this outfit was incredibly fitting for someone whose goal was to become a Professional Trainer.
He had planned to haggle with Leo, but now he didn't care. If he was going to "cosplay" as Red for the tournament, he felt he'd be disrespecting the clothes if he didn't take the trophy.
"So it's settled?" Leo asked.
Owen nodded.
"Hehe... thanks, Boss! Let's eat—CRAP! Munchlax, when did you get out?! Leave some for Eevee!"
"Vee?!"
Progress
That night, Leo bombarded Owen with messages.
Leo: It's a go! I told her you're a top-tier trainer and will give her designs great publicity. Boss, you'd better keep winning!
Owen: Don't pressure me... I want to win more than you do.
Leo: Understood! I'm relieved then. Oh, Boss, send me your height and weight. The more detailed, the better for tailoring. Anyway... my happiness is in your hands! If you and Eevee ever come to my house to eat, it's on the house!
Owen: OK, hold on.
After using a tape measure to get his data, Owen sent it over.
Once everything was finished, Owen noticed Eevee wasn't practicing her sand-spinning. Instead, she was staring at her own afterimage with a very serious face.
"That's not how you practice Double Team..."
Eevee shook her head. She just found the new move fun.
"Don't play for too long. Remember the Sand Attack practice."
"Vee!"
By now, Eevee could make the sand in the bottle rotate. It had taken a week, but the speed was slow and required her full concentration. It was a far cry from the final goal.
With only half a month left... Owen didn't know how far the "Counter Shield" training would get, but they could only take it one step at a time.
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