Chapter Fifty-Three: When the True Villain Appears

Chen Ou’s expression was less than pleasant. In truth, he felt rather awkward; he had never imagined himself so striking as to inspire such infatuation in a woman... especially one who was, in all likelihood, destined to become his adversary. What made it even stranger was that this woman was currently pretending to be someone else’s lover with another man. Why did he feel a strange surge of excitement at this?

Fortunately, Chen Ou possessed a basic sense of self-restraint. He enjoyed watching a drama, but had no desire to play the lead. His skin was not exactly thin either, so when Ruixin came over again and asked him to inspect the construction site, he did not refuse. Nonetheless, he instinctively kept a respectful distance from this peculiar woman.

He was self-aware enough not to believe she was obsessed with his looks—though, admittedly, his appearance was as outrageously handsome as any audience member could wish for. But unless one possessed some extraordinary power, mere appearance could hardly produce such an effect. This was, after all, a proper story; there would be no such supernatural allure that ensnared with a single glance.

Thus, Ruixin’s behavior toward him was far from normal, perhaps even a touch pathological. He was convinced she must want something from him. He wondered if what she sought was legitimate or not. Of course, Chen Ou was an upright man—he simply enjoyed helping others.

But as he glanced at Ruixin walking ahead of him, leading the way, he couldn’t help but marvel at her composure. This woman, who had shown such a strange expression upon seeing him that morning, now wore only a polite smile, her demeanor all professionalism. Chen Ou had to admire that. Only those with truly resilient minds could so calmly ignore their own embarrassment.

The two reached the work site in short order. It was evident that Rotom’s computational abilities weren’t entirely reliable. Under the direction of Junzhi and Yang Yi, the work was proceeding with great vigor, and would likely finish much sooner than Rotom had predicted.

A skilled leader truly did make a difference in efficiency. After all, humanity was a wellspring of unpredictability.

When Yang Yi saw Chen Ou arrive, he hurried over. “Dr. Chen, our work is almost done. Please, see if there’s anything else we’ve overlooked.”

Chen Ou shook his head. “Mr. Yang, I’m no expert. I’ve already offered more than enough suggestions. I won’t trouble you further.”

Yang Yi waved his hand dismissively. “How could it be trouble? Your advice has only spurred us on and helped us catch oversights. We’ve been in this field so long, we can easily miss its pitfalls ourselves!”

“If you’re sure that’s all, and since the work is nearly done, have you found the mastermind behind the Poison-type energy?”

Chen Ou smiled, declining to offer further input and turning instead to the results of their investigation.

Yang Yi’s eyes sharpened slightly. “Ruixin has probably told you already. We found a large hole, and Poison-type energy is gushing from it. Thanks to your warning, Dr. Chen, our workers evacuated quickly, and we avoided irreversible tragedy.”

There was a note of relief in his eyes, though it was hard to say how much of it was genuine.

Chen Ou allowed himself a look of relief as well. “That’s good. Leave the rest to me. I have the best protective gear in my backpack; I’ll go down and investigate myself.”

He started walking toward the site, pulling his backpack from his shoulders as he went.

At that, Yang Yi burst out, “No!”

His voice was so loud that it startled Chen Ou, who turned back in confusion.

Yang Yi’s expression was grave. “It’s too dangerous. We can’t let you risk yourself. We have workers with considerable ability, and our protective gear is excellent. Let them go down first and see if it’s safe. If it is, then you can go; after all…”

“After all, as a Pokémon Professor, my status is too precious?” Chen Ou interrupted coldly.

Yang Yi choked on his words but pressed on. “That’s right. A wise man does not stand under a threatening wall.”

Chen Ou only shook his head in silence. “I won’t force others to bear risks that are mine, nor push off duties within my power onto someone else. If I am to enjoy the glory, I will bear the danger as well.”

He looked deeply at Yang Yi. “That is my principle.”

With that, he turned and continued on his way.

Yang Yi watched his retreating figure in silence, while Ruixin’s cheeks flushed red once again.

Yang Yi sensed something, a fleeting thought slipping through his grasp. Yet, in Chen Ou, he saw something—something he once sought, or perhaps had already lost.

He struck the tree trunk beside him with a clenched fist. The blow was not forceful; the leaves trembled gently and soon stilled, causing not the slightest stir.

But in Ruixin’s eyes, Chen Ou seemed to shine. He was like the spring sun—warm and gentle, but never blinding.

“A person like this is all the more worthy of being destroyed by my own hands!” Ruixin’s words were fervent and gentle.

Yet... for the first time, Yang Yi felt a flicker of fear toward this partner he barely understood. What exactly went on in the minds of people like her?

He gazed at Ruixin, wordless.

Meanwhile, Chen Ou had no idea what thoughts stirred in the others. He had simply spoken and acted as he always did. In a sense, Chen Ou was perhaps too independent.

At the riverside, Junzhi, busy organizing the evacuation, saw Chen Ou approaching and asked in puzzlement, “Why are you here? This place is dangerous. Wasn’t it you who told us to withdraw?”

Chen Ou rolled his eyes. “My telling you to leave doesn’t mean I can’t come myself, does it?”

Junzhi tilted his head, scratching it. “Isn’t it better to call on a strong Trainer if there’s danger?”

Chen Ou ignored him, quietly opening his backpack and taking out his protective gear.

Seeing this, Junzhi frowned. “I really think you shouldn’t push yourself. Let someone else help you—it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Chen Ou donned his gear and replied, “First, I don’t like troubling others. Second, I decide what to do about my own affairs. Third…”

He gazed at the vast, smooth-edged, pitch-black pit before them, its depths unknown.

“I am the strong Trainer!”

With that, he leapt down.