Chapter 182: Cynthia Moves In
Friday, September 25th
"The plane is about to arrive in Jubilife City. Passengers, please prepare for landing."
Closing the sightseeing guide, Lu Ye gazed out the cabin window. Amid the swirling clouds, he caught a glimpse of Lake Verity. Haunter was pressed against the window, peering outside. Lu Ye patted its head and grinned. "Let's go. We'll see Cynthia soon."
"Gengarrr!" Haunter grinned widely and nodded excitedly.
Jubilife Airport, Sinnoh Region. Hundreds of renowned scholars had been invited to attend this year's Research Summit in Sootopolis City. In the arrival hall, researchers in lab coats engaged in lively discussions.
Cynthia stood out in her usual black trench coat, her long golden hair cascading over one eye. Her high heels enhanced her imposing aura.
"Isn't that the Sinnoh League Champion?"
"Yes, Cynthia is also an expert in mythology. She's attending the summit as an invited scholar."
Their gazes were filled with admiration.
"Is she waiting for someone?"
"If she's personally receiving them, could it be Professor Rowan?"
However, the researchers soon realized that wasn't the case. An elderly man with white hair, wearing a vest and brown trench coat, approached with a suitcase in hand. Despite his age, he exuded authority. After exchanging pleasantries, both he and Cynthia remained waiting for someone else.
A few researchers exchanged surprised looks. "Who could be important enough to be welcomed by both of them?"
"It must be Professor Oak from Kanto."
Two major academic figures personally welcoming a guest attracted considerable attention. Yet when the awaited scholar finally arrived, the crowd was stunned.
"So young?"
"Doesn't look familiar…"
A young man approached, pulling his luggage, with a Haunter floating at his side. Despite his age, his refined demeanor exuded the grace of a scholar. And somehow, he had earned the attention of both Professor Rowan and Cynthia… Curiosity sparked among the onlookers, and their respect for Lu Ye rose a notch.
"Welcome." Professor Rowan shook Lu Ye's hand firmly and smiled. "My invitation still stands—our research institute is always open to you."
Lu Ye nodded, instinctively glancing at Cynthia. Cynthia's expression softened. As their eyes met, she smiled. "It's been a while."
"To be precise, twenty-seven days," Lu Ye corrected her.
"Huh… not even a month?" Cynthia blinked. From the meteor shower to the fireworks festival, it felt like so much time had passed.
"Gengarrr!" Haunter grinned and eagerly massaged Cynthia's shoulders.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Cynthia chuckled and patted Haunter's head. "Gengarrr! (/ω＼)"
Professor Rowan stroked his beard and said, "To reach Sootopolis City, we'll need to take a ferry. The summit begins tomorrow. In the meantime, Lu Ye, why don't you explore the area a bit?"
"Do you need a guide?" Cynthia asked.
"Of course!" Lu Ye nodded enthusiastically. "To be honest, I'm quite interested in Sinnoh's culture and history!"
"Oh?" Professor Rowan's eyes lit up before he sighed regretfully. "A pity—I still have to prepare my report, so I can't show you around…"
"In that case, I'll be his guide," Cynthia smiled. "Consider it my way of repaying you for your hospitality in Modu."
Lu Ye blinked. He turned to Professor Rowan, his gaze filled with admiration. Professor… what a perfect assist!
Aboard the ferry to Sootopolis City. Sinnoh's landscape was rich with lakes and wetlands, making ferries a common mode of transportation. The water sparkled under the sun, a gentle breeze sweeping across the deck. Standing on the deck, Cynthia's golden hair fluttered in the wind.
"Mt. Coronet runs through the center of Sinnoh, shaping its complex geography," Cynthia explained seriously, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "In the east and west, Gastrodon have developed different forms due to geographical isolation…" She paused and sighed, looking at Lu Ye with mild exasperation. "Are you even listening?"
Lu Ye had been staring at her profile, lost in thought. He cleared his throat. "Got distracted. Could you repeat that?"
Cynthia chuckled and turned her gaze to the approaching shoreline. "We've arrived at Sootopolis City."
Sootopolis City's most famous landmark was the wooden bridge connecting its two districts. Despite standing for over a century, it showed no signs of decay.
"The Water-type Gym in Sootopolis is led by Wallace," Cynthia explained, "but he's notoriously hard to track down." She continued, "Aside from that, there's also the historic library… Where do you want to go first?"
"Anywhere's fine?"
"Of course."
"Then let's go to my place first!"
Cynthia blinked in mild surprise.
"Steven rented a villa for me," Lu Ye explained. "I'll be staying there for a few days during the summit… shouldn't be a problem."
"I see." Cynthia nodded. "I was actually thinking of inviting you to stay at my place."
"… Is it too late to cancel my reservation?"
Cynthia chuckled, stepping ahead, her black trench coat swaying in the breeze. "Come on, just give me the address. I'll take you there."
Steven's villa was rather modest. Its gray exterior resembled a limestone block, and even the courtyard was decorated with all sorts of bizarrely shaped rocks. A butler stood waiting outside, bowing respectfully. "Sir Lu Ye, you are welcome to move in at any time."
"Thank you very much!"
"Gengarrr!" Haunter eagerly grabbed the luggage and darted through the front door.
"Slow down, Haunter! Watch out for Eevee's treadmill!" Lu Ye called, rushing after it.
Cynthia watched the scene with a soft smile. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she turned to the butler. "How many guest rooms are there?"
"Most of the rooms are used for Master Steven's rock collection, but the villa can comfortably house more than ten people," the butler replied politely.
Cynthia nodded, murmuring under her breath, "I'll bring my console over later… I won't be heading home for a while." Playing solo is nothing compared to co-op gaming. And Lu Ye is a professional game companion. I've been stuck on a difficult level for ages—maybe today, I can finally clear it! A small smile slowly crept across Cynthia's face.
Meanwhile, at Lucian's house in Sootopolis City.
"Flint! Wake up! Lu Ye's in Sootopolis!" Aaron, his green cowlick bouncing wildly, shook Flint awake.
"Why are you yelling…" Flint groaned. Then, he froze. "Wait, Lu Ye?"
With a mischievous grin, Aaron, his bright red afro bobbing, said, "According to reliable sources, Lu Ye is attending this year's Research Summit!"
"How do you two even know this?" Lucian adjusted his blue-rimmed glasses, still groggy.
"You don't check his updates?" Aaron tapped his phone. "He hasn't streamed in days—turns out he was traveling to Sinnoh!"
"Actually, I just saw someone who looked exactly like him moving into that gray villa," Flint stroked his chin. "Chances are, it's him!"
"You two are acting like crazed fans…" Lucian sighed, rubbing his temples. "Are you sure this isn't going overboard?"
Aaron grinned. "We've learned a lot of battle strategies from him, after all!"
"Exactly! If we visit him, we might pick up even more!" Flint cracked his knuckles, a fierce battle spirit burning in his eyes.
These two… have they forgotten how badly Lu Ye crushed them last time? Lucian pushed up his glasses and fell into deep thought. "Wait… so Lu Ye's actually a researcher?" Getting an invite to the Research Summit… That means Lu Ye has a solid academic background too.
At that moment, Aaron and Flint exchanged glances. And, in perfect sync, they shouted— "That settles it!"
Lucian massaged his ears. "Settles what?"
"We're going to visit Lu Ye and learn from him!" Aaron's cowlick perked up as his eyes sparkled. "Lucian, are you coming with us?"
Lucian smirked coldly. "I'm not doing anything that stupid."
"Either way, I'm pretty sure it's him," Flint stroked his chin. "No harm in checking, right?"
"Exactly! Lucian, we're heading out first!" Before he could protest, the two had already dashed out the door, sprinting toward the deep gray villa in the distance.
Standing by the window, Lucian watched them go, feeling conflicted. "If that really is Lu Ye…" He muttered to himself. "Should I call Nurse Joy ahead of time… and have an ambulance ready for them?"
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