Chapter 169: Just Lay Low and Coast Along
September 11th, Saturday.
Due to a moment of carelessness, Lu Ye had failed to restock his food supplies in time. So today, just like his Pokémon, his breakfast consisted of sweet and sour berries.
"What are you looking at?" Biting into a juicy berry, Lu Ye mumbled, "Can't I eat berries too?"
The little ones exchanged glances, their expressions turning gloomy. Has our Trainer fallen on such hard times…? He used to be able to afford Pokéblocks…
Seeming to realize something, Haunter suddenly perked up. Moments later, it floated back, proudly holding a bank card. "Gengarrr!" Haunter grinned widely, extending the card toward Lu Ye.
Lu Ye blinked. "Your salary card?"
"Gengarrr!" Haunter nodded smugly.
Lu Ye was touched. He chuckled and patted Haunter on the head. "Keep it for yourself. Poor as I may be, I can still afford to take care of you lot!"
Growlithe, who had been happily munching away, awkwardly paused, then pushed half its food bowl toward Lu Ye.
"Sylveon…" Sylveon also nudged him with its feeler, offering a half-eaten Oran Berry.
Lu Ye's expression stiffened. I just forgot to buy groceries! Why is the mood so damn tragic?!
After breakfast, Lu Ye instructed Haunter to take Growlithe out to buy groceries. "If I don't cook for you guys myself, you'll really think I'm out here fighting Growlithe for food," Lu Ye huffed.
"Gengarrr!" Haunter patted its chest confidently, grabbing a shopping basket in one hand and Growlithe's leash in the other before heading out.
Watching them leave, Lu Ye waved and sighed. "Honestly… Haunter's more suited to be a babysitter than Mr. Mime."
Back on the couch, Lu Ye absentmindedly stroked Sylveon's snowy fur while scrolling through his feed. "Teacher Lu's Midnight Diner" had been pushed to the homepage, with a flood of comments all saying one thing: "Absolutely inhuman."
"You thought Teacher Lu was a battle master? He's actually a chef!"
"Jimmy's Restaurant: Thanks, I feel insulted."
"If it involves people, Teacher Lu wants no part of it!"
Seeing the overwhelming response, Lu Ye nodded in satisfaction. Though he wasn't taking sponsorships and the earnings weren't great, even small income was better than nothing. Besides, with the system's BP exchange, he at least didn't need to buy berries anymore!
Lifting Sylveon onto the treadmill, Lu Ye sat back with Squirtle and watched a compilation of Erika's fashion shows. Suddenly, he slapped his forehead. "Wasn't there something I was supposed to do…?"
A spark of realization hit him, and with a complicated expression, he clicked the University League link. Damn, almost forgot again! After browsing the details, Lu Ye nodded occasionally. "So that's how it is…"
The University League's top four had been determined through a round-robin stage. The semifinalists were Imperial University, Modu University, Jinling University, and Jiaotong University. Three days later, the semifinals would be held at Ho-Oh's Nest in Imperial City. The tournament featured both individual and team battles, with incredibly generous rewards. Rare items like Miracle Seed and Mystic Water were even up for grabs.
Lu Ye's eyes lit up. Just a few drops of liquid Mystic Water had cost him over a hundred thousand. A complete Mystic Water? That had to be worth at least a million! If I win that, I'll never have to change Squirtle's water again!
Scanning the details carefully, Lu Ye pondered. The top prize allowed the MVP to choose between Charcoal, Miracle Seed, or Mystic Water. But only the best individual performer would have the right to pick. Although Modu University was strong, Imperial University had won the championship three times in a row. Snatching the MVP title from them wouldn't be easy.
"Hmm… guess I'll take Squirtle along for the experience." Lu Ye stroked his chin and nodded. "Overthinking isn't good either… If I get crushed, I'll just lay low and blend in!"
Since Haunter had to work overtime, it wouldn't have time to take Growlithe on walks during the tournament. Locking it in a Poké Ball wasn't Lu Ye's style either. So, he gave Haunter some instructions. "I'll only be gone for three days. Just keep a close eye on it for me."
"Gengarrr!" Haunter nodded solemnly, as if swearing an oath.
"Arf!" Growlithe wagged its tail and let out a long howl.
Lu Ye's expression turned complicated. The Pokéblocks were prepared, and Haunter could take Growlithe out for walks… Though it hadn't been around for long, Growlithe was a pretty well-behaved Pokémon. Leaving it under Haunter's supervision… should be fine, right?
Still a little uneasy, Lu Ye asked Sister Liu to keep an eye on things too. She smiled. "At worst, it'll just wreck the house. A few million isn't a big deal—making Pokémon happy is what really matters."
Lu Ye: ??? Is this what being rich feels like?!
That aside, Lu Ye knew how badly Growlithe wanted to grow stronger. This was a good chance for Haunter to train it properly—and maybe even level up at the Modu Gym.
As he was preparing for departure, Lu Ye received a call from Cynthia. "The research summit in Sootopolis City is in a few days. Make sure you're there."
"I don't really care about the research—mainly just wanna see you."
"The first part was the real reason, and we both know it," Cynthia chuckled.
Lu Ye paused, rubbing his forehead in frustration. I've cried wolf too many times… looks like it's finally coming back to bite me.
The Modu University team boarded their flight to Imperial City. On the plane, Coach Zhai nudged Lu Ye and spoke in a low voice. "Xiao Lu, if you perform well this time, the school might recommend you for further studies at Celadon University. You better do your best!"
Lu Ye's expression became… complicated. I'm about to be a professor there, and you want me to go as a student?
Clearing his throat, he replied, "Got it, Coach. I'll give it my all."
Coach Zhai nodded approvingly. "Last time, Professor Rowan visited. He's from there too. If you get the chance to learn from someone like him, it'd be a great opportunity."
Up front, team captain Jiang Chen suddenly recalled something. "Didn't Professor Rowan invite Coach Lu before?"
"Invite?" Coach Zhai blinked in confusion.
"He offered Lu Ye a spot for graduate studies at Celadon University," Shen Tingzhi mused. "But I think he declined."
Coach Zhai turned to Lu Ye, stunned. "That really happened?"
"Just a misunderstanding," Lu Ye waved it off.
Coach Zhai visibly relaxed and cleared his throat. "Anyway, do your best, everyone! If we win, roast duck's on me!"
A chorus of cheers erupted. Lu Ye couldn't help but smile in anticipation. Ruffling Squirtle's head, he chuckled. "If the opponents are too strong, just surrender early. No shame in taking it easy."
"Squirtle!ヾ(⌐■_■)" Squirtle cautiously adjusted its sunglasses and nodded firmly. Though unsure how powerful the enemy would be, based on its master's words… this battle was bound to be brutal. Clenching its fists, Squirtle's expression grew serious. I won't let Master down!
[Inorin Note:
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