Chapter 147: Before Class (Part Two)

At the entrance of the Celadon University Auditorium, Yutsuki looked at the group of distinguished figures walking toward her, her expression slightly solemn.

Looking from afar, Professor Oak was chatting and laughing with Professor Carolina, while Professor Rowan walked beside them with a gentle smile. Following closely behind them was a slightly younger generation of researchers led by Professor Elm.

Further behind were the personnel accompanying the professors. This included, but was not limited to, Green, Daisy, Truffle, Gold, Sapphire, and Ruby. However, unlike the adults who possessed practiced social etiquette and deep friendships, these young people clearly were not getting along quite as well...

Most of them simply went their own separate ways. Gold and Green had met many times before, so the two of them were deep in conversation. Sapphire and Ruby were a couple, naturally refusing to be separated. Meanwhile, Daisy was chatting with Truffle, having taken quite a liking to the cute little girl.

From a distance, Yutsuki and White exchanged a glance before stepping forward to welcome the dignitaries.

"Hello, Professors. Allow us to guide you to your seats." (x2)

The two of them bowed simultaneously and spoke.

Professor Oak turned to look at them and said, "Oh, it's little White and little Yutsuki! The two of you came out to welcome us!"

Yutsuki smiled and said, "Yes, it's been a long time, Professor Oak."

"Haha. Lead the way then. With such a grand scale set up this time, I hope little Ou doesn't disappoint me. By the way, little White, do you have any idea what little Ou plans to talk about?" Professor Oak asked with a smile, turning his head toward White.

White put on a playful expression and said, "If I told you right now, wouldn't you lose that sense of surprise when you listen to his speech later? Don't worry! It definitely won't disappoint you!"

"Then I shall look forward to it with bated breath!" Professor Oak laughed heartily, then followed Yutsuki and White into the auditorium.

Meanwhile, Daisy, following behind the group, scanned her surroundings, seemingly searching for something.

Truffle, walking beside her, noticed this and asked in confusion, "Big sis, what are you looking for?"

Daisy's searching gaze paused for a moment. Then, lowering her head, she smiled and gently patted Truffle's little head, saying, "Nothing. I was just wondering... why someone hasn't arrived yet."

Sharing that exact same thought a short distance ahead was Fennel...

Hasn't Cynthia arrived yet?

She wondered with a hint of confusion. Beneath that slight disappointment, there was also a touch of relief...

Just as the two of them were wavering with anticipation and doubt, White suddenly spoke up, asking, "Professor Carolina, didn't Champion Cynthia come?"

White was equally curious as to why Cynthia had not appeared here. Although she had not spent a very long time with Chen Ou and had never met Cynthia before, she knew that these two were the type whose love remained undiminished even when separated by thousands of miles.

For Chen Ou's critically important first public lecture, why was Cynthia not present?

Thus, White could not help but ask.

Although Professor Carolina did not know who the young girl before her was, since Professor Oak had previously asked her about Chen Ou, she figured this girl must be something like Chen Ou's assistant.

Everyone understood the significance of an assistant to a professor.

"Cynthia should have arrived already. After all, she rushed straight here the moment she got off the plane."

Upon hearing Professor Carolina's words, White recalled how Chen Ou had previously rushed off in a hurry, and a guess formed in her mind. Though she didn't know how the two of them communicated, it hardly mattered.

"Chen Ou should have gone to pick her up. He rushed out in a hurry earlier as well."

Professor Carolina nodded with considerable satisfaction. It seemed that this boy Chen Ou still cared deeply about Cynthia, not forgetting to go pick her up even at such a crucial juncture.

However, outwardly she still complained with mock dissatisfaction, "Honestly, what time is it, and he's still not properly preparing his speech, running off to pick people up instead. Neither of these two has any sense of propriety!"

Everyone chuckled. Anyone could hear the protectiveness hidden beneath those seemingly reprimanding words. After all, with so many heavyweights arriving one after another, for the central figure to fail to come out and greet them was indeed a slight breach of etiquette. But after Professor Carolina's remark of reproach, no one else could say anything more.

Yet Professor Carolina was overthinking it. For one thing, many people here already knew Chen Ou; for another, even those who didn't were essentially here to get acquainted with him. How could anyone possibly get angry over such a minor detail?

Those who had climbed to this position were well-versed in the ways of the world—it was merely a matter of choosing when to employ tact.

Professor Rowan was already famously strict, yet even he hadn't said a word.

And so, chatting and laughing, the group walked into the auditorium.

Yutsuki and White led the way. Walking beside Professor Oak, Professor Carolina lowered her voice and asked, "Oak, that young girl named White is Chen Ou's assistant, but who is that young girl named Yutsuki?"

Professor Rowan, on the other side, also lowered his voice to ask, "I'd like to know as well. Whose granddaughter is she?"

Professor Oak shook his head. "If even you two don't know, that old codger has really done a good job protecting her. Or perhaps he genuinely wants his family to make their own way in the world."

"Stop beating around the bush, just spit it out!" Professor Carolina said impatiently.

"She's Director Domino's granddaughter. Seems she's rather interested in the field of research," Professor Oak replied in a low, amused voice.

Both Professor Rowan and Professor Carolina were slightly startled upon hearing the name Domino.

Who was Domino? The current President of the Pokémon League.

No wonder this young girl named Yutsuki hadn't shown a shred of intimidation when facing these giants of the research world. She had clearly seen plenty of the world from a young age.

Looking at Yutsuki's retreating figure, Professor Carolina sighed, "I never expected that fellow Domino's granddaughter to have grown up so much. I recall he should have a grandson as well."

Professor Oak nodded. "That's right, but neither of them is involved in League affairs. They are clearly steering clear of danger. His grandson is probably being raised as a Trainer. Still, he doesn't seem to be any sort of peerless prodigy."

Professor Rowan shrugged. "That's normal. Domino himself isn't someone with talent as a Trainer. That guy's true strength lies in political maneuvering. But if his family members aren't going into politics... what is Domino thinking?"

"Ever since I met that fellow, I've never been able to figure out his thoughts. Still can't," Professor Oak said helplessly.

"We've arrived. We can discuss these matters later," Professor Carolina said, shaking her head helplessly as she looked at the entrance a few meters away and Cynthia, who was waiting for them by the door. "Let us first hear what kind of surprise the little fellow Chen Ou has in store for us."