"First, I express my deep sympathy for the encounters these Pokémon have suffered."
"Secondly, I feel utter disgust towards those from Team Rocket."
"Finally, oh yes, sister, can you elaborate on the Pokémon captured by them, specifically which ones were sold as delicious food?"
The female host blushed slightly at Ye Feng's address of "sister."
The male host immediately interjected, "Mr. Ye Feng, as far as we know, it's mostly Slowpoke tails and the almost extinct Farfetch'd. Others include things like Big Crabs, oh, I mean Kingler, Pidgey, and so on."
"Oh, so it was these Pokémon."
The male host nodded, "Yes, they were all relatively weaker Pokémon, but with quite delicious meat. As for those powerful or rare Pokémon, they were sold as battle Pokémon."
"Alas, Pokémon are friends and partners to humans! Team Rocket, to commit such heinous acts!"
Ye Feng sighed and shook his head, appearing deeply regretful.
The male and female hosts exchanged glances, both feeling a touch of surprise.
"Mr. Ye Feng, we recall that during your battle with contestant Jim, you made similar remarks. We remember you saying then that Pokémon were merely tools, or something to that effect?"
Ye Feng continued to shake his head, "That was me revealing human nature. I did that intentionally, so that humans would recognize their mistakes."
"Therefore, my words back then created the impression that I was that kind of person. However, I do not regret it, because although it was a loss to my image, it was a great step forward for human civilization."
"Mr. Ye Feng, I have always believed in you! I knew it! Anyone who can train such powerful Pokémon must surely cherish them."
The female host excitedly grabbed Ye Feng's hands, but realizing they were on a live broadcast, she quickly withdrew them, deeming the gesture inappropriate.
Ye Feng smiled, "Mm, it's enough to have your belief."
Upon hearing this, the female host and Ye Feng's female fans watching on television felt as if the world was turning upside down. Yes, we will always believe in you, Ye Feng!
"The program is coming to an end. So, Mr. Ye Feng, what would you like to say to the viewers watching on television?"
"I want to say that Pokémon are good friends and good partners to humans, and we should cherish them."
Ye Feng said with a smile.
In his heart, however, he thought, "And my way of cherishing them is to turn those suitable for consumption into delicious cuisine."
The live broadcast concluded, and Ye Feng had already departed.
Meanwhile, in the studio, the male and female hosts were tidying up their scripts.
"Daughter, do you think what Ye Feng just said was true or false?"
The male host was, in fact, the female host's father.
The female host replied, "Dad, what do you think?"
The male host stated, "I've studied micro-expressions and I'm a good judge of character. From my observations just now, I can definitively say that everything Ye Feng said was pure fabrication. On the contrary, his words during the match with Jim were his true feelings."
"He is a cruel person, just as he said during the match."
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing this, the female host's beautiful eyebrows furrowed deeply.
"Dad! How can you judge people by their appearance?!"
"I..."
The male host was speechless.
The female host continued, "Ye Feng must have chosen to be the villain for the sake of all trainers worldwide. He revealed the relationship between Pokémon and trainers! It's incredibly disappointing that you don't support and understand him, but instead slander him."
The male host grew increasingly speechless. Good heavens, you accuse me of judging by appearance, when you are the one doing so. He clearly remembered the moment his daughter first saw Ye Feng, she was smitten.
"Alas, it's beyond saving."
The male host sighed deeply in his heart.
...
After finishing the program, Ye Feng spent half a day returning to Pallet Town.
It had been over a month since the Indigo Plateau Conference concluded. In this short period of just over a month, he had earned approximately over twenty million. This was all thanks to his title as the new champion of the Indigo League, leading him to accept endorsements, advertisements, participate in shows, and public performances.
For instance, he endorsed Pokémon Energy Bars and training equipment. And clothing, among other things. Many of these were related to Pokémon, but some were also about people. After all, Ye Feng possessed a handsome appearance and a large female fan base, making him comparable to male idols in television dramas and movies. Consequently, he received many offers for such commercial events.
Today's program was the last event he had planned to participate in. After this, he would temporarily refuse all commercial endorsements and programs. He had already earned enough money. This was Ye Feng's original goal: to earn money by taking on these opportunities after becoming the new champion of the Indigo League. This was merely a small goal to ensure he didn't lack money in his life. However, earning over twenty million in just over a month still made Ye Feng marvel at the lucrativeness of this industry. After all, an ordinary person might not even earn five million in their entire working life. No wonder they say some people strike it rich.
Pallet Town, Mrs. Oak's house.
It had been quite lively before. Ash, Brock, and Misty were all at home. But a few days ago, Ash mentioned going to the Orange Islands to participate in their league, and all three of them left. Now, only Ye Feng, Mrs. Oak, and Mrs. Oak's Mr. Mime were left at home.
Ye Feng was eating the pork cutlet rice made by Mrs. Oak. Mrs. Oak sat opposite him, smiling affectionately at her young husband, as if it were only yesterday.
Just then, Ye Feng said mid-meal, "Hana, I need to tell you something. I might have to go out soon, to the Johto region to participate in their league tournament."
After saying this, Ye Feng wanted to gauge Hana's reaction. Previously, when he announced he was going on a journey to participate in the Indigo Conference, Hana had been very reluctant. And the Indigo Conference was in Kanto, their home region. Going to the even farther Johto region, he couldn't even imagine how Hana would react.
But to Ye Feng's surprise, Hana was not angry, sad, or upset like before. Instead, she was exceptionally excited. Ye Feng was stunned. What he didn't know was that Hana had actually been wanting Ye Feng to go out for a while. The reason was not anything else.
"Ah, finally I can go out. If I don't go out soon, my body won't be able to take it anymore."
Hana thought to herself, her cheeks flushing. Especially her already weak legs, which seemed to regain their vitality.