Chapter 46: Do you really think I'm a gigolo?
The Piplup Cup semifinals are scheduled for next Wednesday, with a week-long promotional campaign leading up to it. Coincidentally, Lu Ye's final exams are also happening around the same time, after which summer vacation will begin.
Lu Ye doesn't plan to return to his hometown for the summer, so he decided to use the study week as a chance to visit his parents.
"Class, this is our last lecture of the semester. I'll take attendance, and then you're free to go!"
Professor Chen, meticulous as ever, adjusted his glasses as he stood by the lectern. As the class ended, the room erupted into cheers. Even though study week is a full 7 days and preparing for exams can be quite grueling, it still feels like a mini vacation.
From the front row, Tian Youwei turned around with an eager look. "Hey, you two, want to team up for a game later?"
Dayou looked like he had aged a decade. "I... I have to study for computer science, criminal law, and advanced math..."
"Got it," Tian Youwei gulped and turned to Lu Ye. "What about you, Lu bro? Shouldn't you be training?"
"Oh, I've got time."
Lu Ye shrugged. "I've already earned all my credits, so it doesn't matter if I fail these 2."
"You..."
The news of a first-year finance major from Modu University making it to the Piplup Cup semifinals had already spread throughout the Economics Department. Even students from the Pokémon Academy on the south campus came over just to catch a glimpse of this star player.
At least 3 students from the Battle Department had challenged Lu Ye to matches, but he turned them down. After all, they weren't NPCs you could beat for money.
The day's classes were finally over. Lu Ye checked his phone to monitor the performance of his Midnight Diner video series.
It's a well-known fact in the gaming community that Teacher Lu specializes in "dirty tactics." Though his strategies can be replicated in real life, without his level of skill, the results are usually disastrous.
This dichotomy has polarized his reputation:
"He's so cheap! Teacher Lu is so cheap!"
"How can someone as handsome as Teacher Lu also be a tactical genius!"
However, this time, Teacher Lu surprised everyone by uploading a food video. Setting aside the late-night craving-inducing factor, his cooking skills received unanimous praise from fans.
The understated narration and simple editing style of Midnight Diner struck a chord with viewers, making the series unexpectedly touching. Especially the scene where Haunter evolves with a smile—it genuinely conveyed the harmonious bond between humans and Pokémon.
One top comment in the video's comment section caught Lu Ye's attention:
"Onix used Harden: Teacher Lu's Midnight Diner strips away the noise and chaos of modern life. With its simple voiceover, it resonates deeply. Here's what I think he's trying to express..."
Another commenter replied:
"GarchompFan1996: Whoa, bro, that's some next-level analysis!"
"ArtIsExplodingThunder: Too many words, I'm sticking with you!"
Lu Ye's expression shifted through various shades of astonishment.
"Wait, is that what it means?!" He widened his eyes.
Amid the overwhelming praise from fans, the video continued to gain traction. Although it wasn't yet topping the lifestyle section rankings, it was only a matter of time.
Satisfied, Lu Ye nodded to himself. The Piplup Cup semifinals had Haunter more excited than Lu Ye himself, so he saw no need to train further. For now, his main focus was preparing for final exams.
"All right, time to hit the books."
Sitting in the library, Lu Ye pulled out his notebook and muttered to himself. His phone buzzed—an alert from his one VIP contact.
The message was curt and commanding:
"Gaming time."
Lu Ye twitched his lips. Why is it always you? Why do you always show up just as I'm about to study?!
Do you think Teacher Lu just coasts on favors?
His reply was equally blunt:
"On my way."
"Give me 10 minutes; I'll be home soon!"
Cynthia gave a faint smile before turning serious. Her gaze focused on the game screen in front of her, where an enormous Tyrantrum roared.
Cynthia had already failed over 10 attempts and was at her wit's end. That's when she thought of this professional gamer-for-hire.
"This stage is so hard," she murmured, brushing a strand of golden hair from her forehead. "I wonder if asking a master for help is too much..."
But soon, she pressed down on the controller and muttered, "Never mind, I'll just pay him later!"
Meanwhile, Lu Ye was racing through the streets, his mind singularly focused. Time is money!
If this rich lady hires someone else, I'll lose out big time!
Panting, he finally reached home. Haunter was trembling as it held a bucket of paint, nervously painting the wall.
When it sensed Lu Ye's presence, it froze, slowly turning to face him with an awkward smile. The wall behind Haunter was full of dents and fist marks.
"Don't worry. I was expecting this," Lu Ye sighed.
"Gengaar?"
"Just keep painting. I'll take you out for a good meal later."
Haunter paused, then grinned widely, nodding.
"Gengaa!"
The gaming consoles in this world were developed by Hoenn's Devon Corporation, and the concept was reportedly first proposed by Steven Stone. Though Steven was a wealthy heir, his business acumen was remarkable. If he couldn't dig up rare stones, he'd simply inherit billions instead.
Aside from Devon, the Kalos-based Lysandre Labs was still researching AR and 3D technologies.
"I wonder if we'll be able to use holograms for card games someday," Lu Ye muttered.
Setting his musings aside, Lu Ye quickly booted up the game.
"What are we playing today?"
"Monster Hunter."
Lu Ye joined the mission using a rented account. In the quest hub, a Garchomp was already waiting, battle-ready.
"You're still using Gengar?" A slightly husky yet alluring female voice came through the team chat.
"You're... still using Garchomp," Lu Ye retorted.
"Fair enough," Cynthia replied with a nod. "So, how much for taking down this Tyrantrum?"
"What do you think is reasonable?"
"Hmm... I don't really know Donghuang's prices. Just send me next week's bill."
Lu Ye felt like crying tears of joy. Is this a rich lady? No, she's a literal angel!
"It's okay if we don't win," Cynthia said thoughtfully. "This is a 5-person quest anyway. I can bring someone else to help if needed."
Her mind drifted to a potential backup teammate—Kalos' Diantha. Diantha was a prodigy who excelled in both gaming and acting.
But Lu Ye, a seasoned veteran, smirked. "You're underestimating me."
Haunter rolled up its sleeves (so to speak) and grinned menacingly at the roaring Tyrantrum. Even in this game, Teacher Lu relied on his signature Substitute-Protect-Toxic strategy.
"Well, that's... consistent, I guess," Cynthia murmured.
In the end, the "Destiny Bond" combo worked flawlessly. The monstrous Tyrantrum collapsed with an earth-shaking roar.
Boom!!
The timer barely hit 5 minutes. Cynthia's refined features were etched with shock.
"That was... ridiculously fast!"