Walking home, Cheng Tian was clearly in a good mood.
Froakie had learned a new skill in one go and successfully developed a new way to use it.
"Hmm, it looks like I'm quite a competent Trainer," Cheng Tian thought, feeling a swell of pride.
"I'm back!" Cheng Tian announced, changing into slippers as he entered the door.
"You're back? Wash your hands and come eat," his mother's voice called from the kitchen.
"How was training today?" his father asked with a smile upon seeing his son return.
"Very good. Froakie learned a new skill."
After a brief chat, the family ate dinner together, and then Froakie immediately went back to watching *Naruto*.
Without his phone, Cheng Tian lay listlessly on his bed.
"Ugh... this is so boring." A thought suddenly struck Cheng Tian.
"This broken system hasn't given me any hints or notifications for ages; all it does is scan Pokémon."
Thinking this, he opened the system and finally noticed a solitary mission on the task panel: "First Partner. Mission Details: Obtain your first Pokémon. Reward: One personal verbal commendation from the System." The status displayed was 'Completed'.
Below it was a green 'Claim Reward' button.
Cheng Tian was speechless. So, he hadn't claimed the reward after completing the mission, which was why no new missions had refreshed?
He had thought some idiotic author had forgotten about it...
He tapped the button, and the system notification sounded.
"Congratulations to the Host for successfully capturing your first Pokémon. May the Host soon become an Idio-tastic Pokémon Master!"
"Hey, hey, are you praising me or insulting me? Why am I 'idio-tastic'? It was just forgetting to claim the mission reward!" Cheng Tian complained indignantly.
But the System ignored him, and the mission interface began to refresh.
Moments later, a series of missions popped up.
Just Starting Out: Defeat any one Pokémon. (Completed)
Our Bond: Train with your Pokémon for three hours. (Completed)
Thinking Too Small: Develop a different way to use any skill. (Completed)
"So I've already completed this many missions," Cheng Tian thought happily.
However, the rewards were a bit pathetic, consisting entirely of system commendations.
And every commendation was the repetitive: "May the Host soon become an Idio-tastic Pokémon Master!"
A dark line appeared on Cheng Tian's forehead.
"That's going too far! Say that again and you're definitely going to regret it!"
After scrolling for a long time, Cheng Tian finally found two missions he had not completed, and whose rewards were not verbal commendations.
Light of Miracle: Evolve your first Pokémon and witness the miracle brought by the light of evolution. Reward: Random Type Gem × 1 (Uncompleted)
Second Bloom: Capture your second Pokémon. Reward: Sea Incense × 1 (Uncompleted)
Cheng Tian's eyes lit up—finally, some tangible rewards!
Sea Incense slightly increases the power of Water-type moves when held by a Water-type Pokémon.
Although the Random Gems were single-use items, if Cheng Tian didn't need them, he could sell them secondhand, and they seemed to fetch a high price.
Looking at Froakie's level, it was only 3 levels away from its first evolution into Frogadier—not far at all.
As for capturing a second Pokémon...
Cheng Tian's ideal was to capture a damage-resistant Pokémon to serve as the team's tank.
Of course, a special attacker would also be good, but if he captured a Pokémon specializing in Special Attack, he currently lacked the capital to buy the necessary Technical Machines (TMs) in bulk, which was a bit frustrating.
"Well, I'll take it one step at a time," Cheng Tian thought, then told Froakie to go to sleep early before drifting off himself.
The night passed without incident...
September 26th, a Saturday, Cheng Tian indulged in a rare sleep-in, waking up only at 10:32 AM.
Froakie was playing with Yamper in the living room, while Cheng Tian washed his face, brushed his teeth, and then checked his phone.
The 99+ notifications on QQ stunned Cheng Tian.
Tapping into it, he realized that in one of the group chats, Bai Yun and Lin Lin had been chatting and sending memes back and forth, with Su Han occasionally joining in.
They had been talking continuously since 8 AM.
Bai Yun had also been @-ing Cheng Tian to join the chat, but he hadn't seen it earlier.
My Wife Miku: @OrangePeel Stop sleeping! Get up and party! How can you sleep so much at your age?!
However, Cheng Tian's phone did contain some useful messages.
Mom: Work is busy today, so I won't be back for lunch. Go out and buy something to eat.
Well, he would have to settle for eating out today.
Cheng Tian twitched his mouth. Since it was almost noon anyway, he put on some clothes and prepared to go downstairs.
After preparing lunch for Yamper, Cheng Tian put on a white T-shirt, black shorts, and a black mask, recalled Froakie into its Poké Ball, and headed out.
Due to the heat, people on the street were not wearing much, and Cheng Tian enjoyed the feast for his eyes along the way.
The young women on the street wore less and less fabric, their snowy white thighs exposed to the air, forming the most beautiful, pristine scenery of summer.
"Indeed, summer is the best season," Cheng Tian nodded in admiration.
Quite a few girls were attracted to Cheng Tian as well.
Because Cheng Tian's attire was very refreshing today, the black mask covering his handsome face, combined with his short black hair, gave him the image of a clean-cut young man.
While waiting for the bus at the stop, several female students bravely approached him to ask for his QQ number.
In response, Cheng Tian smiled.
Although his face was hidden by the mask, the way his eyebrows curved when he smiled made the female students feel shy.
"Sorry, I don't have QQ," Cheng Tian said with a smile.
The students, unwilling to give up, tried to ask for his phone number. Without even thinking, Cheng Tian immediately replied, "I apologize, I don't own a phone."
Cheng Tian then boarded the bus and left, leaving the few female students bewildered in the wind.
On the bus, Cheng Tian looked at their slightly annoyed expressions and scoffed inwardly.
"Heh, trying to trick me? Try putting on a thicker layer of foundation next time."
These women suddenly asking for his contact information clearly intended to lure him out and then, catching him off guard, harvest his kidneys.
Yes, that must be it! Cheng Tian nodded confidently.
Given his terrible luck, how could genuine romantic fortune possibly land on his face?
Moreover, while he was a gentleman, he usually only looked at 'study materials' and enjoyed the summer sights on the street; he wasn't so weak as to freeze upon seeing black stockings.
As he mused, the bus carried Cheng Tian away, heading toward the commercial street.
After getting off the bus, Cheng Tian walked straight toward the commercial street's specialty food area.
It was very lively there at noon, and the cries of vendors could be heard everywhere.
A man with a Centiskorch was selling barbecue on the side of the street. Oil dripped sizzling from various meat skewers and gluten sticks onto the charcoal, causing the flames to leap higher.
People constantly stood in front of the barbecue stall waiting, unwilling to miss out on such a delicacy, even if they were sweating profusely from the heat.
"Is it ready, boss?" The vendor fanned the grill while brushing on sauce. "Don't rush, don't rush. There are still plenty ahead of you."
Next to a middle-aged man was a large wok filled with chestnuts, which a Machamp continuously stirred with its hands, earning Cheng Tian's admiration.
Of course, there were also people pushing freezer carts labeled "Wholesale Popsicles," which drew a crowd of children begging their parents to buy some. A Delibird stood on the freezer, constantly releasing cold air to cool the surroundings.
Cheng Tian found this very novel; in his previous life, he had never seen Pokémon working alongside humans.
As he continued walking down the street, a store sign caught his attention.
"Battle Noodle House Grand Opening... Chance to win a free meal through battle, all drinks free..."
Cheng Tian's eyes brightened. "This is the place!"
Walking into the restaurant, the cool air from the air conditioning made Cheng Tian feel completely refreshed.
Sitting down at a table, Cheng Tian saw a QR code pasted on it, featuring a cute Psyduck avatar with the message: "Please scan the code to order. A dedicated server will deliver your food~"
"Quite smart," Cheng Tian commented. He took out his phone and scanned the code. A menu popped up, and after browsing for a while, he finally ordered a 15-yuan Pork Bone and Egg Drop Noodle Soup.
After waiting for about five minutes, a bowl of pork bone noodles was served.
Golden noodles were scattered throughout the bowl, large droplets of oil floated on the soup, and white-and-yellow egg drops mixed with the noodles, garnished with green chopped scallions. The rising steam carried an enticing aroma.
Cheng Tian couldn't help but feel his appetite stir. "This looks really good!"
He picked up the vinegar dispenser next to the table and poured some into the bowl.
Then he used his chopsticks to toss the noodles and mix them well. He immediately slurped a large mouthful.
The noodles entered his mouth, filling it with fragrance.
Chewing the noodles mixed with scallions released a burst of savory onion flavor.
Cheng Tian was instantly conquered by the taste. "It's delicious!"
It took him ten minutes to finish the bowl of noodles. Cheng Tian let out a satisfied burp; the meal was excellent.
Just as he picked up his phone to pay, he suddenly remembered the sign posted outside the door.
"Win a battle, get a free meal..."
Thinking of this, Cheng Tian walked to the counter and asked.
"Excuse me, is it true that you can get a free meal by winning a battle?"
The server smiled and replied, "Of course. You can go to the battle area over there. If you defeat one of our staff members, you will get a free meal."
Following the server's directions, Cheng Tian arrived at a battle area within the restaurant, where a staff member was already approaching him.
"Hello, sir. Are you here for the free meal battle?"
"Yes, I am."
Hearing this, the staff member smiled and said, "Please prepare your Pokémon. The match rules are 1v1. If you defeat me, you win a free meal."
Both parties walked onto the field. The staff member was the first to throw a Poké Ball, and a Beedrill brandishing poison barbs appeared on the field.
"Come out, Froakie."
The surrounding diners' attention was drawn over; having a Pokémon battle to watch while eating was certainly a bonus.
"Then excuse us! Beedrill, Double Team! Use Twineedle!"
The staff member seized the initiative. Five Beedrill immediately appeared on the field, waving their arms and rushing forward.
"We'll use Double Team too!"
In an instant, five Froakie also appeared on the field, moving quickly and dodging the Twineedle attack.
"Use Bubble to knock them down!"
The Froakie pulled off the foam from their necks and hurled it toward the Beedrill.
"Use Agility to dodge, then use Pin Missile!"
Beedrill immediately dodged the bubbles at extreme speed, simultaneously launching Pin Missile to attack Froakie.
Continuous Pin Missiles shot out, shattering the illusions one after another.
"Now! Water Pulse!"
Suddenly, the real Froakie leaped up, and the Water Pulse in its hands slammed into Beedrill.
Beedrill let out a wail, but at the same time, it raised one arm, the stinger covered in purple.
Beedrill used Poison Sting, aiming for Froakie.
"Use Lick to wrap around its arm!"
Froakie whipped out its tongue and wrapped it around Beedrill's arm, hanging in mid-air.
"Use Pursuit!"
Beedrill raised its other arm, dark-type energy gathering, and used Pursuit to stab Froakie.
Froakie forcefully retracted its tongue, pulling its body up to the same height as Beedrill's arm, and swung out Cut, blocking the stinger.
"Froakie, whip up a Whirlpool!"
Hearing the command, a vortex quickly appeared and enveloped Froakie.
Beedrill was simultaneously damaged, ultimately letting out a cry of pain before falling to the ground, unable to battle.
"Great," the crowd cheered, applauding.
In Cheng Tian's mind, Froakie's data changed: its level increased by one, reaching Level 14.
"Excellent, another level up!" Cheng Tian rejoiced internally. This brought him closer to Level 16.
The staff member was only going through the motions. Seeing Beedrill defeated, he recalled it, stepped forward, and said with a smile, "Congratulations on winning a free meal. Welcome back next time!"
Cheng Tian wasn't in a hurry to leave. He returned to his seat, prepared food for Froakie, and watched it eat while enjoying the air conditioning inside the shop.
He wasn't stupid; it was scorching hot outside. Why go out when he could stay inside?
So, Cheng Tian took out his phone and watched *Naruto* with Froakie until it finished eating.
Cheng Tian patted Froakie's head. "Are you full?"
"Froakie!" Froakie nodded, indicating it was full.
Seeing this, Cheng Tian recalled it and walked out of the noodle house.
Immediately, a wave of heat struck him. "Ugh... it's really hot."
Cheng Tian suppressed the urge to go back inside for the air conditioning and walked onto the main street.
He wasn't in a hurry to go home; since no one was there anyway, he might as well wander around here for a bit...
Southeast of the food street, Su Han stepped out of a car. The driver's side window rolled down.
"Take your time, Miss. I'll wait here," Uncle Wang said with a smile.
"Alright, thank you, Uncle Wang." Su Han nodded and headed into the depths of the food street.
Today, Su Han was wearing her usual white shirt. The fabric stretched tightly over her chest, making one worry whether the material could withstand the pressure.
Below, she wore a smoky gray JK skirt, and her two long, beautiful legs were encased in tempting black stockings, making the exposed snowy white skin in between even more alluring.
Su Han was clearly in a good mood. This was her first time visiting Bingzhou's food street to try the local delicacies, and the thought of tasting foods she'd never had before brought a sweet smile to her face.
"Stinky tofu! Fragrant and stinky stinky tofu! Come and try some!"
A vendor's shout attracted Su Han. Seeing the stinky tofu stall, she swallowed hard.
In Shanghai, she always had to maintain the image of a young lady and rarely got to eat this kind of street food.
Yet, tasting it just once had made her unable to forget the unique deliciousness.
Since no one recognized her here, she decided to go try some.
Thinking this, Su Han's eyes happily narrowed into slits. She quickly walked up to the stall and said, "Boss, one serving of stinky tofu."
"Coming right up, beautiful! Just a moment!"
After a short wait, a boxed serving of stinky tofu was handed to Su Han. "That'll be five yuan."
Su Han scanned the code to pay, then happily used a bamboo skewer to pick up a piece and put it in her mouth.
Her pearly teeth gently bit down, and the stinky tofu, with its lingering fragrance, tumbled around in her mouth.
Feeling that it was a bit hot, Su Han parted her red lips, letting out steam, but she was reluctant to spit it out.
"So hot, so hot, so fragrant, so fragrant."
Just as the girl walked forward while looking down and eating, her forehead suddenly bumped into a solid back.
"Oops... I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
Su Han quickly apologized. The figure turned its head, and a familiar face appeared before Su Han's eyes.
Cheng Tian, who was also holding a box of stinky tofu and enjoying it immensely, felt someone bump into him. He turned his head and, surprised, mumbled somewhat incoherently.
"Su Han!?"
Su Han froze on the spot. A moment later, she blushed and squeaked, "A-A-A-A-Ah!"