Chapter 123: Field Course at Jade Rainbow University (Part 2) (It's my birthday today—shamelessly asking for votes!!!)

Chen Ou and Lijia exchanged some pleasantries but did not delve too deeply into conversation. The truth was, the two were not well acquainted.

Lijia was indeed a gym leader, but over the years, she had leaned more toward the field of education. For several years, she had been teaching at Yuhong University. This was quite different from Fengyuan’s Dujuan, who focused more on foundational education for children.

Although she was good friends with Chihong and Qinglü, Lijia had never been to Zhenxin Town and thus did not know Chen Ou. So when Professor Damu mentioned introducing a newly minted doctor from Zhenxin Town to teach a couple of classes at Yuhong University, Lijia was quite surprised.

After all, teachers specializing in battle classes didn’t usually pay much attention to breakthroughs in theoretical research. Upon hearing news about Chen Ou, she even called Chihong to inquire further.

“By the way! When I called Chihong yesterday, he asked me to pass a message to you,” Lijia said, covering her mouth as she chuckled and looked at Chen Ou.

“Uh, I bet it’s nothing good,” Chen Ou replied with a self-aware grin.

Lijia laughed lightly and said, “He said, ‘Once I get back to Zhenxin Town, I’m going to take down you and Qinglü...’ hahaha!”

As she spoke, Lijia couldn’t help but laugh, leaving Chen Ou awkwardly scratching his head.

“What did you and Qinglü do to make Chihong so mad? I’ve never heard him say so much at once! Haha…” Lijia laughed heartily, losing all composure. The memory was just too amusing—the tone of plaintive grievance in Chihong’s voice during that call was completely unlike his usual demeanor.

“It’s nothing really… just that I kind of tricked Xiaohuang and Xiaoxia into going to Baiyin Mountain for special training with Chihong,” Chen Ou pondered for a moment but could not think of a more flattering way to describe his actions, so he just let it drop.

Lijia’s smile froze on her face. To be honest, the relationship between Chihong, Xiaohuang, and Xiaoxia was well known among insiders, though rarely discussed in their presence.

Chen Ou’s move was ruthless—he had completely cornered Chihong. It was a living hell Chihong was trapped in, and escaping it would not be as simple as exchanging light banter.

This complicated love triangle might very well be on the verge of becoming a thing of the past.

“Although… it sounds quite troublesome, it’s not without its merits,” Lijia said after stifling her laughter and reflecting a moment, letting out a soft sigh.

Chen Ou shrugged. “It’s just for fun—besides, it’s amusing to see Chihong’s awkward expression.”

Though he spoke casually, his face showed no sign of mere amusement.

While the two chatted happily, behind them Baici and Qianchun exchanged a glance filled with mutual helplessness.

Fortunately, Lijia was still mindful of her students. “Dr. Chen Ou, I came out today with students for an extracurricular course. Qianchun here got distracted by a Ghastly and got separated from us. There’s another group of students waiting to the east.” She glanced at a Herdier nearby. “I suspect this forest may harbor some dangers. We weren’t fully prepared and originally planned to retrace our steps, but since I’ve met you, I have a small favor to ask.”

Chen Ou wiped the playful smirk from his face and asked seriously, “Go ahead.”

“Since Professor Damu introduced you to teach at Yuhong University, we’re essentially colleagues now. I hope you can help me ensure the safety of these students. Of course, if you have other commitments, I won’t force you,” Lijia said earnestly.

She was indeed a bit negligent today, and it was fortunate Chen Ou and company had arrived just in time—otherwise, Qianchun’s life might have been in danger. This was a wake-up call for Lijia: sometimes she really couldn’t handle so many students alone. Given Chen Ou’s evident skill, why not enlist his help?

It was also a good opportunity to strengthen their relationship—after all, they were friends of friends, so becoming close friends themselves wouldn’t be surprising.

Chen Ou had no intention of refusing.

“Sure, but I have one request!”

Lijia smiled. “Go ahead.”

Chen Ou smiled back. “When we return to Yuhong City, I want to have a gym battle with you as soon as possible.”

“No problem,” Lijia agreed without hesitation. The request was hardly one at all—she would never refuse a challenge from Chen Ou.

“In that case, I’m all set. It’s a good chance to meet my students early,” Chen Ou said, stretching.

Lijia called Qianchun and the Venusaur and started walking back the way she came. “The outdoor course today is for the research department class. As a doctor, you might be quite popular with them.”

“That’s not certain. I’m not some renowned doctor—just a small figure,” Chen Ou modestly replied.

Lijia shrugged.

Yeah, right. A doctor praised so highly by Professor Damu wouldn’t get compliments without merit, regardless of any master-disciple relationship.

Chen Ou recalled his Herdier to its Poké Ball, then gestured to Baici, who was placing a Chimchar on his head, and followed Lijia.

Baici ran a few steps to catch up and tugged on Chen Ou’s sleeve. Chen Ou turned his head, puzzled, and whispered, “What is it?”

Baici glanced toward Lijia ahead, then turned back to Chen Ou. “Are you sure it’s okay to get involved in someone else’s teaching like this?”

“She invited me, so she wouldn’t mind us disturbing the class. Besides, do I look like someone who can’t handle it?” Chen Ou rolled his eyes in mild annoyance.

“No, that’s not what I mean!” Baici said. “I’m saying your luck with going out is worse than running into ghosts… Aren’t you afraid of some big trouble happening and dragging these students into it? Lijia said these are research students. They’re not prepared for something serious.”

Chen Ou sucked in a breath. Although he wanted to accuse Baici of slandering him without cause, he couldn’t deny the possibility.

“Don’t jinx it… It’ll be fine,” Chen Ou said softly, gently tapping Baici’s head before lowering his gaze to ponder if something truly might happen…

Baici pouted but silently followed along.

P.S. Thank you for the monthly votes, dear readers! Thank you for your tremendous support!

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