Pokémon: Did you play Pokémon today?

Chapter 275 Look! Even Crimson says it's great!

At the very center of the stage, the focus of everyone's attention.

Bai Zhou suppressed his urge to unleash a torrent of complaints, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, even displaying a gentle, warm smile.

Throughout his years as a researcher, he may not have developed many other skills, but he certainly mastered the ability to remain calm and composed even in the face of adversity.

He gently weighed the microphone in his hand, feeling its just-right weight.

He then took half a step forward, standing exactly half a step in front of the crimson and cyan figures, thus becoming the leader among the three.

This subtle movement.

It was immediately noticed by the keen-eyed gym leaders and Elite Four members on stage, as well as countless experienced trainers and viewers watching the live stream.

Those who had a close personal relationship with Bai Zhou, including the head of the Guandu Pavilion, naturally smiled knowingly.

But those who had little acquaintance with him, or ordinary viewers who knew nothing about his background, all looked at him with surprise and curiosity.

Logically speaking, with two renowned "living legends" like Crimson and Blue-Green present, it would be quite appropriate.

The closing remarks, a segment representing honor and summarization, should never be led by a "newly appointed PhD," no matter how outstanding his academic contributions may be.

After all, Bai Zhou's lack of public influence is a significant weakness.

However, what we are seeing defies common sense!

Bai Zhou calmly and naturally took over the leadership.

The crimson and green figures behind him showed no displeasure whatsoever; on the contrary, they subtly revealed a tacit understanding of "taking him as the leader"!

That's crimson and turquoise!

A true legend in the hearts of trainers in the Kanto region and even the world! Not some random cat or dog you see on the street, or a billiards kid! (Gold: ?)

Many people had the same thought pop into their minds.

hiss-

Could this Dr. Shiraishu be hiding some unknown, extraordinary background or power?! Was his previous performance just the tip of the iceberg?!

Thinking hard!

"Ahem—First of all, thank you Ms. Hu Tao for your 'kindness,' and to the organizers of the conference for your kind invitation."

Bai Zhou cleared his throat and spoke.

His voice, carried through the microphone, filled the venue with a reassuring warmth and just the right amount of magnetism, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

"I am Bai Zhou, an ordinary scholar."

"It's an honor and a great surprise to be able to participate in such a grand opening ceremony, and to unexpectedly have the valuable opportunity to bring it to a close!"

His tone was relaxed, with a hint of self-deprecation.

Most of you probably don't know me.

"That's normal. After all, in the glittering world of academia, I'm really just a nobody."

"Haha, didn't expect that, did you?"

His humble yet humorous opening remarks instantly bridged the gap between him and the audience, and thoroughly ignited the audience's enthusiasm for interaction.

Kind responses and laughter came from all directions.

"Really, Doctor? I don't believe it!"

"Ordinary, academia, nobody, PhD — can you believe these four words can appear together so naturally? Hahaha —"

"What kind of nobody could possibly be so insignificant as to make the legendary Crimson and Cyan willingly stand behind them as a background figure?!"

"Oh, you're so shy~ Doctor, you love to joke around~ Could you tell me what your family does? I don't mean anything by it, I just wanted to ask!"

"Dr. Shirafune! Look here! I love you!!!"

Good-natured laughter and banter rippled through the audience, instantly creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere.

No one really takes phrases like "ordinary scholar" or "nobody" seriously.

Putting aside the crimson and green figures standing behind him like guardians, do they really think the title of doctor is a joke?

The number of people with doctoral degrees in this region can be counted on one hand!

Its prestige and social status are so high that, in some respects, it even rivals that of the league champion!

"I must admit, I am extremely lucky."

Bai Zhou made an exaggerated expression of slight distress, seemingly praising but actually "complaining" in a subtle way: "You might not believe it, but in the initial program plan for the opening ceremony, there was no segment for me to give a speech at all."

"The current situation is entirely a—wonderful accident."

He shrugged, his tone a mix of helplessness and mockery.

"They didn't even prepare a speech for me!"

"So much so that I'm just saying whatever comes to mind now, improvising freely—after I get off the stage, I will definitely ask the organizers for my appearance fee, you can believe me."

Another burst of cheerful laughter erupted, completely stirring up the audience's emotions, and Bai Zhou had completely taken control of the rhythm of the entire venue.

A barely perceptible smile of triumph curved the corners of his lips.

Organizer!

Since you are "unrighteous" and have pushed me up here at the last minute, then don't blame me for being ruthless and using this precious place of yours!

He originally only intended for Crimson and Blue to mention Pokémon's GG at the end.

But now he himself stands on this stage, the focus of the entire region's attention—

With such a huge traffic surge, it would be a waste not to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do some promotion!

It's also unfair to him for the "mental distress" he suffered from being "tricked" into taking the stage!

Bai Zhou glanced once more at the cameras pointed directly at him during his live stream, a perfectly friendly smile spreading across his face.

He's about to begin—

I confidently and decisively typed "GG"!

"So, before the opening ceremony officially ended, I wanted to try and get myself that 'appearance fee'."

"I now have to take up a little of everyone's precious time to appease the sponsor of this year's Pokémon All-Round Championship."

Please bear with me and make do with this!

As he spoke, he pretended to straighten his collar and doctoral robe, then pulled a blank card from his inner pocket.

He even looked down at it with a serious expression.

"It's time for GG!"

Bai Zhou's voice rose, carrying the enthusiasm of a TV shopping host, but without being annoying.

"This year's Pokémon All-Around Championship is exclusively sponsored by The Pokémon Company!"

Are you still struggling to remember the vast and complex Pokémon type matchups and move effects?

Still struggling to understand Pokémon training mechanics and hidden abilities?

Are you still feeling lost, dreaming of becoming a great Pokémon Trainer but unable to find the right path to start?

He posed a series of questions that directly addressed the trainers' pain points, then changed the subject, his voice becoming increasingly enticing.

"It's okay! None of that matters! Try Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen!"

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river!"

"An unknown nobody or a household name?!"

"All of this was created by your own hands!"

As Bai Zhou spoke, his eyes suddenly sharpened.

He suddenly turned to the side and reached out to hug the crimson figure next to him, who was trying to play the role of a "cool background" and was immersed in his own pose!

This sudden attack startled Chi Hong so much that she almost lost her balance.

"Here, you will play as Red, a legendary trainer who is just starting out and comes from Pallet Town!"

"Experience firsthand the epic journey of challenging gyms, collecting badges, encountering formidable rivals, and ultimately becoming the League Champion!"

"Learn the most solid Pokémon knowledge on an adventurous and challenging journey, and grow together with your partners!"

He patted his red shoulder forcefully and, facing the audience and cameras, declared in a confident tone as if he were selling health products.

"Look! Even Crimson says it's great!"

Swah—

Following Bai Zhou's words and actions, the gazes of all the audience members in the venue, as well as the live broadcast cameras in various areas of the stands, followed the flow of information.

All eyes were on the boy wearing a red and white baseball cap, whose expression instantly froze!

The pressure is on Crimson!

Chi Hong felt an unprecedented sense of shame rush from the soles of her feet to the top of her head!

The blood in my body seemed to freeze instantly, and then boil instantly!

His heart pounded wildly in his chest as if it had been trampled by a herd of Tauros, but his limbs were stiff as if he had been hit by a spell, and he couldn't move even a finger.

He regretted it!

He truly regretted it!

I knew it would turn out like a public execution!

He would never listen to Xiao Lan's "slander" and collude with Qing Lü to give the "honor" of giving a speech to Brother Bai Zhou!

Chi Hong desperately tried to convey a plea for mercy to Bai Zhou with her eyes, her eyes twitching slightly as if she was trying to apologize.

But Bai Zhou seemed completely oblivious to his brainwaves, continuing to look at him with a smile.

She even "thoughtfully" held the microphone to his mouth, encouraging him with her eyes: "Say a few words?"

Bai Zhou, why did you have to say such cringey lines?!

What does it mean to say "I played it and everyone said it was good"?

Even if it's true, it doesn't deserve to be said in this kind of setting, in front of the entire region! What's the difference between this and a public execution?

Chi Hong opened his mouth with difficulty, but it felt like something was blocking his throat.

He desperately wanted to say something to salvage the situation, or at least prove that he was still "alive."

But the extreme shame stifled all his language abilities, and he couldn't even squeeze out a single syllable.

After a three-second silence and staring contest, Crimson gave up the struggle completely.

He silently, with an almost mechanical movement, faced the camera and slowly—

He gave a thumbs up.

Bai Zhou looked at his almost completely red earlobes and his thumb, which was full of "tragic" meaning, nodded in satisfaction, and finally let him go.

She withdrew her hand from his shoulder.

You little punk! You dare team up with Qinglv to swindle me!

I can't handle you anymore!

His gaze then shifted to the greenery on the other side, the "kind" smile on his lips remaining unchanged.

Qinglu had already sensed her impending doom when Baizhou made his move against Chihong, and her body involuntarily tensed up slightly.

When he saw Bai Zhou's gaze sweep over him, his heart skipped a beat.

""

As expected! What's meant to happen will happen!

"It seems our Crimson Legend is still a bit shy and not good with words."

Bai Zhou's tone was regretful, but the smile in his eyes deepened, and he decisively changed the subject.

"But it doesn't matter—I think, as Crimson Legend's only true rival and most important partner throughout his life, Blue Legend!"

"You must have many profound thoughts and experiences about this game that you'd like to share!"

really!

Just as Green had predicted.

After the crimson one, it's his turn next!

He looked at the microphone being offered to his mouth, then at Bai Zhou's smug, knowing smile that seemed to say, "Try not to say something nice."

He sighed inwardly, knowing that he couldn't escape this calamity.

Ultimately, she possessed more "social experience" and resilience than Crimson, and Green suppressed the surging embarrassment in her heart.

He forced a smile and tried to maintain a calm expression as he spoke, "Hmm—Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen is indeed—a very well-made open-world adventure game."

"It cleverly integrates various knowledge systems such as Pokémon battles, training, and ecological observation, which is of great significance for a systematic understanding of the Pokémon world."

"Quite educational."

His wording was cautious and official, attempting to evade responsibility.

But Bai Zhou was clearly not satisfied and gestured to him with his eyes.

Let's get down to business; don't try to fool us.

Qinglu's lips twitched slightly, and she had no choice but to continue adding to the story, cleverly steer the conversation toward something she was more interested in and that would help her escape her current predicament.

"However, if we're just talking about getting started with Pokémon battles and cultivating interest, I would actually recommend another game from The Pokémon Company—Pokémon Trading Card Game."

"It simplifies complex Pokémon battles into strategic turn-based card battles. The rules are clear and easy to learn, making it perfect for beginners to quickly establish basic battle thinking and framework."

Bai Zhou raised an eyebrow in surprise, not because of Qing Lü's calmness, but because he had brought up Pokémon cards.

Good job! You're very good at it! You can even apply what you've learned to other situations and fill in any gaps in your knowledge!

Since he's so sensible, let's let him off the hook for now!

With the endorsement of Qinglu, a legendary figure known for his "calm and analytical" approach, the audience completely relaxed.

Excited discussions arose one after another.

"Wow! The Legend of Azure is a card player too! My apologies! Could we add each other as friends and play a couple of rounds after this game?"

"So this year's Pokémon All-Around Championship is exclusively sponsored by The Pokémon Company! No wonder the opening ceremony was so grand; they even managed to get top-tier Pokémon like Red and Blue to be 'models'!"

"See that! Even the legendary Pokémon Red and Blue have personally confirmed it! What does that mean? It means that my secret Pokémon gameplay during class was academic research! It meant I was laying the foundation for my future career as a Pokémon trainer!"

"Dr. Shirafusa is right! Fortune changes every thirty years! I failed to challenge the gym yesterday, but once I get back, I'll immerse myself in Pokémon games for intensive training, and tomorrow I'll show them what a triumphant return looks like!"

"Dr. Shirafune! There's a rumor online that The Pokémon Company has finished developing the next generation of Pokémon games and it's about to be released? Is it true?! Give me a definite answer! I'm in a real hurry, Garchomp!"