May 11th, Jiayuan Television.
At 6:45 PM,
A crescendo of background music began, followed by eight spotlights illuminating and gradually focusing on the center of the stage.
Amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the audience,
Host You Jia, dressed in a sharp orange professional suit, walked to the front of the stage with a beaming smile, waving to the audience.
"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Jiayuan Television!"
"This is the highly anticipated semi-final of the 24th Youth Breeder Competition, where the two finalists will be decided tonight!"
"Tonight, I, You Jia, will once again accompany you through a wonderful evening, witnessing a magnificent feast of taste buds and breeding!"
"May I hear your voices!"
The audience once again erupted in enthusiastic applause, an endless ovation, with cheers also heard for Qinglv, Mikuri, Li Wei, Professor Oak, and others.
Shion exclaimed in surprise, "They're making such a big show of it!"
Comrade Leon chuckled, "Every Breeder Competition is like this when it reaches the top four; there's more to come."
From May 11th to 12th, the Breeding Center took a rare holiday.
Li Wei managed to get tickets for everyone who could attend, so his group of friends and family was incredibly large.
Comrade Leon, Comrade Wen Hui, and the old man had all participated in the Youth Breeder Competition, held every three years.
Li Wei waited backstage, needing to wait for the host's introduction before entering.
At this moment, his phone vibrated continuously.
One was the chat group [Did You Battle Today?], where many people were online today, chatting heatedly because of the Breeder Competition.
Another message came from Cynthia.
Cynthia: [Good luck.]
Subsequently, Cynthia also sent a photo of herself watching the live broadcast on television.
While Li Wei was replying, You Jia was still hosting enthusiastically,
"Thank you for your applause; this enthusiasm is our best seasoning tonight!"
"Next, please allow me to solemnly introduce today's judges; please welcome them with warm applause!"
"First, he is the current Champion of Hoenn, a Coordinator Master who elevates Pokemon battles into a magnificent art, with an ultimate pursuit of aesthetics and coordination—Mr. Mikuri!"
A spotlight suddenly shone on Mikuri, who was seated at the judges' table; he elegantly rose and bowed to the audience.
"It's a pleasure to spend a wonderful evening with all of you."
Amidst the audience's enthusiastic cheers, You Jia unhurriedly continued her introductions,
"Second, he is the legendary Champion of the Indigo League, now the unfathomably powerful Gym Leader of Viridian Gym, with unparalleled insight into Pokemon's potential and condition—Mr. Qinglv!"
Qinglv curved his lips, smiling confidently, "I hope to witness the contestants' excellent performances."
Even with just a smile, Qinglv captivated countless audience members present, as well as those in front of television and computer screens, who cheered for him.
A-Jin quickly typed in the group chat, "Wrong, wrong, former Champion, and a five-minute Champion!"
Qinglv had muted A-Jin for 5 minutes.
A-Jin stared at his phone screen in bewilderment, instantly beginning to Flail, "What! He's not even being a good judge!"
Typhlosion and Togekiss looked at A-Jin as if he were an idiot, ultimately choosing to focus their attention on the television.
"Next, the third person, she represents meticulous care and professionalism, the most trusted white-clad angel of our Pokemon—Ms. Qiaoyi Xueno!"
Ms. Qiaoyi Xueno was somewhat elderly, though slightly younger than Professor Oak.
Ms. Qiaoyi Xueno smiled and waved to the audience, "I will score with the utmost rigor."
This was Ms. Qiaoyi Xueno's usual demeanor.
Among the five judges, her scoring was the strictest,
She had only given Li Wei a 10 out of 10 once so far.
Even Li Wei didn't receive a perfect score from her every time.
"The fourth is an undisputed doyen in the field of Pokemon research, hailed as the 'Doctor among Pokemon Doctors'—Professor Oak!"
Professor Oak scratched his head and chuckled, "Doctor among Doctors, that's too much of an exaggeration."
You Jia had hesitated when deciding the order of introducing the fourth and fifth judges.
Professor Professor Rowan was Professor Oak's senior and schoolmate,
But when it came to the most authoritative person in Pokemon, it was undoubtedly Professor Oak.
The gold medals from forum summits, which he won effortlessly, spoke volumes about his standing.
As long as Professor Oak participated, everyone else was competing for second place.
Ultimately, Professor Oak made the decision himself, to be introduced first, followed by Professor Professor Rowan.
"Finally, the last person, an authority focused on Pokemon evolution research, whose knowledge shines like diamonds and sparkles like pearls—Professor Professor Rowan!"
Since Professor Professor Rowan hailed from Sinnoh, and this was the Sinnoh region, Professor Professor Rowan's popularity was not inferior to Professor Oak's.
Professor Professor Rowan, with his full beard, nodded steadily to the audience.
After a brief pause, waiting for the applause to gradually subside, You Jia's gaze turned to the other side.
At the same time, Li Wei put down his phone; it was time for the contestants to make their appearance.
"He has shown us delicious spicy Poké Curry…"
As You Jia introduced him, Ge Li, with his red hair and slightly darker skin, confidently waved and walked out.
"Infusing sweetness into desserts, with a sweet smile, it's Sasha!"
Sasha, wearing a princess dress, playfully waved and blew kisses in all directions.
Lalami, wearing round glasses like an intellectual, then made her appearance.
The elder uncle pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and speculated, "She should be Xiao Wei's biggest opponent for the championship."
Sasha and Ge Li had already revealed their trump cards, but Lalami had never shown what she was truly good at.
"And finally, a supernova with unlimited potential!"
Amidst cheers and shouts of support, Li Wei slowly walked to his cooking station.
A-Jin, whose mute had ended, was very unhappy, "Ahhh! I should be there!"
Lt. Surge scoffed, "Don't talk if you're only in the top 16."
The judges were quietly discussing Lalami, who was very likely Li Wei's biggest opponent.
"Her fundamentals are not bad either."
The judges knew who her master was, but her master had already passed away.
"If Ms. Mei He was best at Poffin, then she should also be very good at making Poffin."
Professor Oak and the others also knew that Lalami's past was not a pleasant one.
Her talent among Breeders was not top-tier, yet she was taken as a disciple by Ms. Mei He, who excelled at making Poffin, and was her last disciple.
It was imaginable that she received many taunts and jeers.
But Lalami practiced day after day amidst the ridicule, constantly learning.
Her thick, round glasses were proof of her studies.
Lalami did not betray her efforts,
Now she had reached the highest stage of the Youth Breeder, leaving behind everyone who had once mocked her.
Lalami looked up at the ceiling,
"Teacher, you must be watching, right."