Chapter Thirty-Two: From Export to Domestic Sale

Eight thousand yuan was a considerable sum for an ordinary family like Tang Yi’s. Compared to advancing in today’s competition, this money brought him even greater joy.

His parents showed him ample support—perhaps, to make up for the guilt of not being able to provide him financial help before, they generously stated that they wouldn’t take a single cent of the prize, leaving Tang Yi free to spend it as he wished.

How to use the money was something to think about later. Tonight, the most pressing issue was how to face tomorrow’s match. Tang Yi wasn’t particularly ambitious, but having made it this far, it would still be a pity not to advance.

He glanced at Raluluos, who sat in front of the computer as soon as they got home, and couldn’t help but chide her, “Don’t spend all day in front of the computer. By the way, how do you feel tonight? Did you gain anything?”

Raluluos shot him a glance. “You sing terribly.”

“Ahem, that’s not what I meant. Do you think you’ll be able to sing on stage tomorrow?”

Whether or not they could win depended on the Alluring Voice. And the success of Alluring Voice depended on whether Raluluos had the courage to sing in front of others, thereby triggering her innate fairy energy and unleashing her skill.

“I think there shouldn’t be a problem.”

“You sound pretty confident,” Tang Yi said, a little surprised. The girl seemed sure of herself.

Raluluos looked at him again, the arch of her brow hinting at a smile. “Because whenever I think of your singing, I can’t help but feel—if even you are so confident, why shouldn’t I be?”

Well, Tang Yi decided to take that as a compliment.

“Don’t stay online too long tonight, get some sleep. By the way, what are you looking at?” he reminded her casually, noticing that Raluluos wasn’t reading a novel this time, and walked over curiously.

Raluluos swiftly closed the browser, blinking her innocent eyes in panic. “Don’t keep snooping! This—this is my privacy!”

Well, now she even knew about privacy.

Raluluos was spending more and more time online, and her understanding of human society was growing deeper by the day.

Tang Yi, resigned, went to the side to play on his phone; he’d lost the right to use this computer a long time ago.

Opening WeChat, he found the class group abuzz with chatter. Everyone was discussing today’s match and the upcoming battles tomorrow. Naturally, the focus fell on Tang Yi, the dark horse.

Tang Yi: Good evening, everyone [smiling face.jpg]

“The dark horse has arrived.”

“Tomorrow, you have to win honor for our class! [work hard.jpg]”

Tang Yi: Honestly, it was mostly luck.

“@Qin Donghai, class monitor, come out! Someone’s showing off here [Kati dog head.jpg]”

“The monitor’s probably sulking right now. Poor guy, sigh.”

Qin Donghai: Why are you calling me?

“Haha, you really tagged the monitor.”

Tang Yi: @Qin Donghai, honestly, my win was really luck. Your Squirtle is strong—it’s not her fault.

Qin Donghai: Are you trying to tell me how to do things?

Gu Qingyue: Alright, alright, the match is over. We’re all classmates—no need to dwell on it.

Immediately, Gu Qingyue sent Tang Yi a private message: Don’t keep fanning the flames.

Tang Yi felt helpless; he truly wasn’t trying to provoke anyone. It’s just that, after seeing Qin Donghai’s harsh attitude toward Squirtle earlier, he couldn’t help but wonder whether, after today’s loss, the guy would take it out on the innocent girl.

Soon after, Gu Qingyue started a voice call. It was easier and faster to talk this way than to type.

“You were pretty lucky today.”

“Just get the money ready and treat me to a big meal!” Tang Yi reminded her.

“Don’t worry, I won’t forget your dinner!” Gu Qingyue replied with mock annoyance, then added, “Don’t provoke Qin Donghai in the group. Losing to you must sting.”

Such a kind-hearted girl.

Tang Yi briefly explained Qin Donghai’s attitude after the match and voiced his concern.

Gu Qingyue was a little surprised. “Mistreating a Pokémon is illegal. The monitor’s petty, sure, but I doubt he’d go that far. Besides, his grades are good enough for a top university even without extra credit.”

“That would be for the best.” Tang Yi knew he was probably overthinking it. He wasn’t close to Qin Donghai, so he let the matter go.

“How are you planning to handle Lin Tian’s Mightyena?” Gu Qingyue turned the conversation to her friend’s match. The lineup for tomorrow had surely leaked by now; it was no secret.

“Don’t worry. When the time comes, things will work themselves out,” Tang Yi replied, playing the slacker.

“True. Just making it this far is already a win for you. Have your teachers contacted you about the scholarship application?”

“Yes, I’ve just handed it in.”

“I heard the scholarship was originally meant for Qin Donghai. He must really hate you now.”

“He needs the money that badly?”

“It’s about honor! Never mind him.” Gu Qingyue changed the subject, lowering her voice. “I picked up a little trick from someone just now—maybe it’ll help you tomorrow.”

Tang Yi perked up. “What trick?”

Gu Qingyue answered mysteriously, “It’s the slide tackle. Mightyena is a canine-type Pokémon, right? Its specialty is using speed to gain the upper hand by pouncing. If you can slide tackle at the right moment, you might hit its weak spot.”

Tang Yi’s mouth twitched. “Where did you hear that?”

“I have a good friend in Class Six. Her boyfriend is in Class One, and he picked it up from their class monitor—your opponent tomorrow, Lin Tian.”

“People can date in high school now?” Tang Yi was taken aback.

“Hey, you’re missing the point!” Gu Qingyue protested.

“Ahem, so about the slide tackle—do you know where Lin Tian learned it?”

“I don’t know Lin Tian, but I heard someone used a slide tackle to win a match today. I thought it might help you, so I called right away. You’d better appreciate it!”

“Alright, thank you for your kindness.” Tang Yi sighed. Wasn’t this just reimporting an export?

After hanging up, Tang Yi glanced at the girl in front of the computer and muttered to himself, “Still, Gu Qingyue has a point. It might not be impossible to try.”

Raluluos, who had been eavesdropping with her ears perked up, whipped her head around, her face firm with resolve. “No! I won’t do a move like that!”

“I knew you were listening in.” Tang Yi laughed.

From a professional standpoint, Raluluos’s greatest strength lay in her psychic power, not physical prowess. She hadn’t done any physical training yet, so Tang Yi certainly wasn’t foolish enough to pit her weakness against someone else’s strength.