Chapter 198: Teacher Lu, the Egg Hatcher
Night had fallen. A Hoothoot perched on a utility pole, its silhouette flickering under the glow of the streetlights. Lu Ye stepped out of the phone booth, realizing his palms were slightly sweaty.
Looking back on it, persuading a leader who could be considered a "godfather" was undoubtedly a risky move. But judging from Giovanni's reaction… did he actually pull it off? The core of Lu Ye's persuasion lay in reorganizing Team Rocket to bring Silver back. And that was the one condition Giovanni couldn't refuse.
In Pokémon Adventures, Giovanni captured Deoxys precisely because he wanted to use its power to find Silver. Just for this sense of responsibility toward his family, Giovanni was already a real man… It's just that this whole situation gave Lu Ye the distinct feeling of being a trusted regent entrusted with an orphaned heir.
A few days ago, he had just been in contact with Interpol. Now, instead of getting arrested, he was getting promoted and getting a raise? Officer, I'm about to become the second-in-command. Isn't it time to shut this whole thing down?!
"Forget it… if Team Rocket can successfully go legit, it doesn't matter if my identity gets exposed." Lu Ye rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
From Giovanni's words, it seemed his current position placed him among Team Rocket's senior executives, comparable to the original three commanders—people like Sabrina. Additionally, besides reporting directly to Giovanni, he also had the authority to issue orders to Matori.
Lu Ye's mind stirred, and he made another call. "You there?"
"What is it?" Matori's voice was as composed as ever.
"Can you wire a few million into my account?"
Matori paused for a moment, her expression complicated. "Sorry… only Lord Giovanni can allocate funds from the treasury."
"Really? Just thought I'd ask." Lu Ye's tone carried deep regret.
You just wanted to embezzle right in front of me, didn't you?! Matori's temple twitched, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Is there anything else, Teacher Lu?"
"Nope." Lu Ye's dismissive tone stabbed right into Matori's heart. So, in your eyes, I'm just a glorified accountant?
Rubbing her temples, Matori sighed. "You'll still get a year-end bonus. It'll be transferred to you then, don't worry."
"Hmm?" Lu Ye's eyes lit up. He nodded. "In that case, I've got no more questions. Get some rest, Matori."
Matori was momentarily stunned, then blushed slightly. Neither Lord Giovanni nor any of the other high-ranking executives were the type to offer such kindness. But Teacher Lu, besides being good-looking, also had such a high EQ… "You too," she replied, her face slightly flushed.
Giovanni's efficiency was terrifying. Preparations for Team Rainbow Rocket were already in motion, unseen currents surging beneath the surface. But none of this had anything to do with Lu Ye, the hands-off boss. Why should I worry? Giovanni's the one handling it. No need for me to stress. All in all, Lu Ye's main goal was simply to find some free labor…
After hanging up, he returned to Gold's house. The moon hung high in the night sky. A red-haired boy lay on the second-floor rooftop, arms behind his head, gazing at the moon in deep thought.
Gold pushed open the window, hopped onto the roof with practiced ease, and waved at Lu Ye. "Teacher Lu! Come play cards!"
The scene instantly reminded Lu Ye of sleepovers at a friend's house. A group of people gathered around a heated table, playing cards—except there was also a particularly aggressive Togekiss in the mix. In the end, Togekiss got so frustrated after losing that it flipped the entire table with its tiny wings.
Togekiss: (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
"Your sportsmanship sucks, Togebo!" Gold yelled.
"You're just like him," Silver added.
Gold's expression twisted, and for once, he had no comeback. Damn… I can't even argue with that!
Just then, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it!" Gold dashed downstairs.
At the door stood Professor Elm from the neighboring research lab. A middle-aged man with glasses and a friendly face stood at the door. "Oh, looks like you're having a gathering… I won't interrupt," Professor Elm said.
"It's fine, Professor! Join us!"
"No, I still have some egg incubation data to record…" Professor Elm scratched his head. "The Pokémon I asked you to raise last time should be in the backyard, right?"
"Oh, right! I'll go bring them back!"
Lu Ye and Silver went downstairs. Upon seeing Professor Elm, they both greeted him casually. Professor Elm recognized Silver. After all, Silver had once stolen a Totodile from his lab. But in the end, Elm had simply let him keep it. However, looking at this strikingly handsome and refined young man…
Professor Elm adjusted his glasses and asked curiously, "Have we met before?"
"We saw each other at the Research Summit," Lu Ye smiled. "I attended with Professor Rowan."
Professor Elm, one of Professor Oak's prized students, specialized in Pokémon breeding and egg incubation. The Egg Group Theory was first proposed by him. Cataloging over 700 Pokémon species and their egg groups was an enormous and painstaking task—one of the reasons why Professor Oak valued him so highly.
As for Lu Ye, he was a veteran Egg Hatcher. Back in the day, he had spent countless hours hatching hundreds of boxes of eggs in the games. So naturally, he was very interested in Pokémon breeding.
"You're Professor Rowan's assistant!" Professor Elm suddenly realized. "And you know Gold too?"
Gold burst into laughter. "Teacher Lu is a famous Trainer! Even Mr. Lance couldn't beat him!"
Lu Ye's expression darkened. No, I'm not! That didn't happen! Stop spreading rumors! Lance was still in the group chat—what if he decided to show up at his doorstep for a rematch?!
Professor Elm looked at Lu Ye with surprise. So young, yet already excelling in both training and research… Quite impressive. Then, a thought struck him—he recalled the Pokémon egg in his lab. Professor Elm's eyes lit up. Compared to Gold, this Trainer seemed like a much more reliable caretaker! Still, he needed to ask first…
Adjusting his glasses, Professor Elm cautiously inquired, "Mr. Lu Ye, if I may ask… are you interested in hatching eggs?"
"Of course!" Lu Ye nodded without hesitation. As a seasoned Egg Hatcher, he had once hatched hundreds of boxes of eggs. If he wasn't interested, there's no way he would've endured that grind!
Seeing the sincerity in Lu Ye's eyes, Professor Elm felt deeply moved. I knew my instincts were right! With this Trainer, the Pokémon that hatches will surely grow up strong and full of energy!
But… Professor Elm reminded himself to be extra cautious. I absolutely cannot make the same mistake I did with Gold! Although Gold had a natural talent for hatching, his Pokémon's personality had ended up resembling his own—good at eating, drinking, and gambling. Professor Elm still felt a lingering sense of dread. That's why he had been looking for other Trainers to care for Pokémon eggs. And now, it seemed like he had found the perfect candidate…
"Well then, I'll head back to the lab," Professor Elm said thoughtfully. "Take care! And don't forget to transfer the care fee!"
As he walked back, Professor Elm fell into deep thought. This Trainer seems perfect in every way… but character is still the most important thing… I absolutely cannot let this Pokémon be led astray! …I'd better call Professor Rowan and ask for a second opinion.
[Inorin Note:
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