On the way back.
Uncle Ye noticed his young lady deep in thought and couldn't help but speak up. "Miss, I've seen people like that before."
"Classic case of someone getting arrogant just because they've got a bit of talent."
"Look at that Beedrill of his — sure, it's strong, but it's only at the Excellence level. What's there to be so smug about? And he even had the audacity to drive you off."
"If being polite doesn't work, Miss, then we go in hard."
As a veteran of the Azure Dragon Society, Uncle Ye had always been blunt and to the point.
Since the other side refused to accept a toast, then he shouldn't complain when he's forced to drink a forfeit.
A mere Excellence-level Beedrill? It wouldn't be able to stop him.
Uncle Ye was confident.
With his methods, he was certain he could make Guo Yi talk.
However—
Su Qingxue shook her head, rejecting his proposal outright.
"Uncle Ye, it's not as simple as you think."
"If I'm not mistaken, this person holds a method to enhance my mother's Nidoqueen."
And that mattered.
Right now, the Azure Dragon Society was in the middle of a conflict with the Flying Eagle Gang. If they could strengthen her mother's ace Pokémon — Nidoqueen — even slightly…
That could completely shift the tide of battle.
And it would mean Su Qingxue could return to the Magic City that much sooner.
"What?"
"He could make the President's Nidoqueen even stronger?"
Uncle Ye was visibly startled.
The President's Nidoqueen was already at the Elite Four level.
He found it hard to believe that a no-name kid, someone who looked like he had only just stepped into society, could actually be capable of something like that.
"Then what does Miss plan to do?"
"From what I've seen of this Guo fellow's attitude, it won't be easy getting that method out of him."
And that was the real problem — not whether Uncle Ye believed it or not.
The other party simply wasn't budging.
Even if this "Professor Guo" really did have some sort of training method, so what?
If they couldn't get their hands on it, it might as well not exist.
What now?
Just then, Su Qingxue recalled something the village chief had said.
"Maybe... I can become his student."
"What?" Uncle Ye's voice jumped.
…
Dawn broke like a sword, cleaving through the silent night and welcoming the rising sun.
Droplets of dew still clung to the slender leaves of the willows.
A lone Caterpie, early to rise, took the opportunity to feast on tender buds and fresh leaves while its companions still slumbered.
Suddenly, a swift figure dove from the sky.
With feathered wings shaped like a jagged red crest—
A Spearow, the pre-evolved form of Fearow, had arrived.
Its talons, gleaming coldly in the sunlight, slashed downward.
In the next instant—
The Caterpie, still happily munching its breakfast, was caught in a flash.
Its plump body squirmed in the Spearow's grasp, writhing and struggling, trying desperately to break free.
It chirped softly, calling out in vain for help from its kin.
But the Spearow gave it no chance.
Its strike having landed, the bird flapped its wings and soared high into the sky.
And with that bloodstained lesson, the Caterpie reminded us of one simple truth:
The early bird gets the worm.
Embracing the age-old wisdom of a good day begins in the morning, Guo Yi rose early, washed up, and prepared breakfast for his Beedrill.
However—
Just as he opened the door, he was surprised to see two familiar figures standing there.
Su Qingxue stood tall and graceful not far off, carrying a thermal lunchbox in her hands.
"Mm!" she greeted with a soft nod.
"Miss Su? You've come again?" Guo Yi asked, raising an eyebrow.
He had figured she might return — she hadn't gotten the rest of the training method, after all.
But he hadn't expected her to show up this quickly.
Su Qingxue offered a gentle smile. "Why, Professor Guo, aren't you going to invite us in for a seat?"
Guo Yi chuckled.
"Please, please — come in!"
"This way, honored guests."
At his invitation, Su Qingxue and Uncle Ye stepped into the thatched cottage together.
"Oh right, you're up so early — I assume you haven't had breakfast yet?"
"I made something myself. I hope it's to your taste."
Once inside, Su Qingxue presented the thermal box and opened it.
In the next moment—
A rich aroma filled the room.
She had clearly put effort into this visit.
Not only had she cooked the meal herself, she had come early to wait.
In fact, she'd already been standing outside for half an hour before Guo Yi opened the door.
Her determination was obvious.
But Uncle Ye, seeing this, couldn't help but snort quietly in irritation.
After all—
Even he, who had watched Su Qingxue grow up since childhood, had barely ever tasted her cooking.
Yet now, some nameless nobody was getting to enjoy it?
How could Uncle Ye possibly be pleased?
If it weren't for Su Qingxue's prior instructions, he would've slammed the table by now.
Guo Yi, on the other hand, wasn't at all offended by Uncle Ye's attitude.
On the contrary, he picked up the breakfast Su Qingxue had made and began savoring it with clear enjoyment.
Their mood is their problem — what's it got to do with me?
As long as I'm enjoying myself, that's what matters.
And honestly?
Su Qingxue's cooking really was impressive.
Even as the heiress of the Azure Dragon Society, her food had both flavor and finesse.