Chapter 106: The Gift (Seeking Investment, Requesting Monthly Votes!!!)

Early the next morning, after gathering once more for a simple breakfast, everyone prepared to go their separate ways.

Since Chen Ou and Bai Ci were pressed for time, they entrusted Dr. Omiki with the task of escorting Dr. Yew to the airport. Conveniently, the airport was located in Golden City, and after seeing Dr. Yew off, Dr. Omiki had to hurry to Shin Town for research. During yesterday’s debate with Chen Ou, both he and Dr. Yew had uncovered quite a few hidden truths—secrets that could resolve many of the lingering questions in their years of research.

Meanwhile, Wataru and Guso decided to visit the Silver Mountain hot springs...

Chen Ou repeatedly urged—and somewhat timidly encouraged—them to bring his regards to Akakuren, especially since he mentioned that Akakuren was living like an ascetic at Silver Mountain. After all, they were all friends. So, Chen Ou asked them to bring plenty of good food for Akakuren, enough for three people, since the guy had quite an appetite.

Of course, Chen Ou confided this to Guso secretly, while Wataru wasn’t around.

After all, Wataru had been tricked by Chen Ou too many times; if Chen Ou said it in front of him, he wouldn’t believe it.

However, this time Chen Ou truly had no intention of fooling Guso—after all, he was still counting on Guso to act as his courier. There really were three people over there now.

Of course, if you asked about Chen Ou’s true motives... well, it wasn’t certain. Ever since the dream, he had been quite intrigued by “Old Hong” and his chaotic love triangle.

But based on Chen Ou’s understanding of Wataru, it would ultimately be Wataru—the free-spirited, sharp-tongued one—who’d get tricked again.

One can only judge others by oneself. After all, Chen Ou and Wataru were quite the pair of troublemakers.

Chen Ou was well aware that if he went to Silver Mountain himself, he would undoubtedly be met with a severe beating from Akakuren.

After solemnly handing over the necklace and parchment to Guso, instructing him to deliver them to Shirona, Chen Ou departed with Bai Ci.

He planned to swiftly conquer the Golden Gym...

If he didn’t take it soon, he really wouldn’t have time to collect badges.

So, he set off toward the Golden Gym with Bai Ci.

“Chen Ou, I heard that the Golden City Gym Leader, Naji, is a psychic-type trainer comparable to Cynthia?” Bai Ci asked as she observed the bustling streets and vibrant scenery of Golden City.

“That’s right. Naji’s psychic powers are strong and his techniques unique. He has quite a few terrifying little tricks—like turning people into dolls,” Chen Ou said absentmindedly, basking in the sunlight and yawning.

He hadn’t slept well last night... And who would, really? The fact that he’d restrained himself from rushing out to try his new abilities was impressive enough.

What do you expect from a man who’s found a new toy?

So today, he had reverted to his usual lazy, carefree self. Of course, the trip back to the original world didn’t help—Chen Ou knew well how he behaved there. He thought five years of training would make him more mature, but after returning home, all his masks were stripped away...

He was just a plain old slacker.

But there’s nothing wrong with being a bit lazy. Even Slacker King, as idle as he was, remained a top ace Pokémon for many.

Besides, Chen Ou was much more diligent than Slacker King.

Honestly, if you’re lazier than Slacker King, you’re probably beyond saving.

Chen Ou yawned again...

The sunshine was warm on his skin, so feeling sleepy was perfectly reasonable, right? If it were gloomy and cold, not wanting to leave the bed would also be reasonable. The sound of rain tapping was a deep-seated sense of security encoded in human DNA—so feeling drowsy was only natural!

“So, Chen Ou, are you confident?” Bai Ci, unlike Chen Ou, was bubbling with energy as she bounced along, tilting her head to look at him.

“I’m sure to win three-on-three, about eighty percent confident in two-on-two, and definitely lose six-on-six!” Chen Ou’s answer was blunt, not even needing to pause and think.

“Why?” Bai Ci tilted her head in a different way.

“In three-on-three, I can handle N with Infernape single-handedly. But in two-on-two, the new Chimchar has just hatched and lacks combat strength, so one team will inevitably be at a disadvantage.”

Speaking of Chimchar, this little guy was truly extraordinary. Just hatched, its level wasn’t even fixed yet. Yet it already had Flame Punch, Thunder Punch, Bulk Up, and Focus Energy...

Who inherits four moves at birth???

They didn’t yet know if its nature was Iron Fist or Blaze.

That would only be determined after the juvenile phase ended in a week, so Chen Ou wasn’t worried.

“Then why do you definitely lose six-on-six?”

Hearing this, Chen Ou gave Bai Ci a big eye-roll.

“I don’t have six Pokémon. If it’s six-on-six, I have to admit defeat. After all, I’m the challenger, not the Gym Leader. Gym Leaders can play 4v6 or even 2v6 formats, but I can’t…”

Bai Ci was momentarily speechless but found his logic sound.

“Wait, that means if you only have four Pokémon, even if you collect eight badges, you still wouldn’t qualify for the Quartz Conference, right?”

Suddenly remembering something, Bai Ci said this.

Chen Ou immediately stopped in his tracks...

Damn, he hadn’t thought of that bug...

If he didn’t have six Pokémon, he really wouldn’t qualify for the Quartz Conference.

But with his picky taste in Pokémon... the remaining two would probably be hard to find.

“No worries. In the end, I’ll just borrow some. Find someone to trade or gift me a Pokémon. Then after the tournament, I’ll return it,” Chen Ou said after pondering.

Bai Ci considered it and agreed it was a reasonable solution.

“In that case, I’ll lend you my Shroomish!” Bai Ci smiled slyly.

Watching Bai Ci’s smile in the sunlight, Chen Ou was momentarily stunned, then realized his lapse and cleared his throat with mock seriousness.

“Bai Ci, are you interested in Servine?”

Bai Ci walked alongside Chen Ou, hands behind her back, looking curious.

“Yeah, I like it quite a bit. Why?”

Chen Ou shook his head.

“Nothing, just realized I haven’t given you a welcome gift since we met. I’ll find you a Snivy or an egg later.”

“Oh! Now that you mention it, I don’t think I’ve prepared any gifts for you either!” Bai Ci said, flustered.

“No need... As an elder, it’s only proper I give you something,” Chen Ou said, ruffling Bai Ci’s head. He was quite a bit taller, so his hand easily rested atop her head.

“Hey! You’re only five or six years older than me…”

“That’s not enough??” he teased.

With their playful banter, Chen Ou and Bai Ci continued walking toward the Golden Gym.