Chapter 47: Cynthia: Interesting
Beating that challenging level after so much effort, only to clear it so effortlessly? Cynthia was stunned.
Are we even playing the same game?
Through the team voice chat came Lu Ye's excited shout: "Boss, come quick! I found some rare materials!"
Cynthia paused for a moment, her beautiful eyes lighting up. "Don't move, I'm on my way!"
…
Outside the window, the twilight bathed the world in golden hues as a flock of Pidgey called out on their way home.
The voice through Cynthia's headphones was tinged with fatigue, carrying a languid drawl, like a soft groan during a stretch.
"I'm logging off."
"Alright."
Lu Ye yawned. "Next time, remember to book in advance. My schedule's packed."
Cynthia hesitated for a moment. A Master-level trainer obviously wouldn't be free all the time, and she couldn't just act on a whim.
"Okay."
She nodded obediently, brushing aside her golden bangs as she replied earnestly, "Next time, I'll make an appointment in advance."
Lu Ye chuckled. "By the way, why do you always use Garchomp?"
Cynthia froze slightly, about to respond, but then heard Lu Ye's teasing tone.
"Don't tell me you're a Cynthia fan too?"
"Hmm…" Cynthia hesitated briefly.
How absurd would it be for the Sinnoh Champion to keep pestering someone to play games?
Let alone the fact that revealing her identity online would be a foolish move. Cynthia smiled faintly and countered, "Are you a Cynthia fan?"
"Of course! I'm a big fan," Lu Ye said, reminiscing. "I've liked her ever since I first watched Diamond and Pearl."
"What's Diamond and Pearl?"
"Oh, nothing, just another name for the Master League."
Cynthia maintained her calm tone. "You could try challenging her in the Master League."
"No, I don't want to be a trainer."
Lu Ye glanced at the Haunter next to him. It was rubbing its belly tearfully, visibly protesting its hunger.
"Gengaa…"
Hurry up and eat, would you? Look at how starved I am!
Lu Ye laughed. "Alright, I'm logging off. Let's talk again next time!"
Cynthia seemed like she wanted to say something, but in the end, only let out a soft "Mm."
"One more thing."
"What?"
"Have you ever heard a Primarina's song? It reminds me a little of your voice."
A faint smile tugged at Cynthia's lips.
"Thank you. Your voice is lovely too."
Lu Ye laughed. "See you!"
The other party had logged off. In her room, an elegant Glaceon leapt onto Cynthia's lap, curling up docilely against her chest.
Cynthia tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear and gently stroked Glaceon, murmuring to herself.
"A tactician who doesn't want to be a trainer?"
The corners of Cynthia's exquisite lips curved slightly, blossoming into a stunning smile.
"Interesting."
…
Lu Ye removed his headset and let out a long sigh.
"As if she could really be Cynthia."
The presence of Garchomp had raised his suspicions again. So, he had casually tested the waters by bringing up Cynthia, even deliberately hinting at her identity. But her tone remained unbothered, and she even acted like a fellow enthusiast.
"I was definitely overthinking it," Lu Ye muttered, shaking his head. "The Champion of the Pokémon League wouldn't be wasting her time playing games all day."
Still, whoever this rich lady was, she certainly spent generously. Even if her looks were just average, her voice alone was enough to spark the imagination.
Lu Ye suddenly slapped his cheeks firmly.
"You're destined for greatness!"
"Even if it's tempting, how can you rely on your looks to make a living?"
His phone buzzed again.
[Cabbage Ice Cream: Don't forget to send me the bill—I'm afraid I'll forget.]
[Teacher Lu: Got it.]
Haunter, who had been floating nearby and witnessed everything, cast a sidelong glance at Lu Ye.
"Gengaa?" (That's it?)
"Being a gaming companion doesn't count as freeloading! Technical work isn't mooching!" Lu Ye defended himself.
He continued rambling about incomprehensible things like "Pokémon expenses are high" and "I really don't want to be a trainer."
"Gengaa Gengaa~!! o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
Haunter burst into laughter, filling the room with a joyous atmosphere.
…
Time flew, and Lu Ye's exam week arrived as scheduled.
The first episode of Teacher Lu's Midnight Diner was now ranked third in the lifestyle section. At the top of the list was Professor Oak's Backyard Diary.
Although Professor Oak himself didn't post on Bilibili, he had hired a dedicated team to manage his account. Their daily routine involved using high-definition cameras to document the Pokémon living in his backyard.
"Pancham is so cute~~!"
"Whoa, a herd of Tauros!"
"Thousands of acres, and you call this a backyard?"
After watching half an hour of Pancham, Lu Ye happily gave the video a like. For lunch, he made bacon and eggs.
Haunter, displaying refined manners, laid out a napkin for itself and used a knife and fork to elegantly cut the bacon.
Lu Ye raised an eyebrow. "Don't forget to pack later—we're heading back home for a visit!"
"Gengaa?"
Since he didn't plan to go home during summer break, Lu Ye decided to visit his parents during exam week.
His hometown was a small village nestled against the mountains and rivers, about 2 hours from Modu. After packing and preparing gifts for relatives and neighbors, Lu Ye boarded a high-speed train.
A bus transfer later, he arrived. The earthy scent of the countryside greeted him, the sky clearer, and the sound of flowing rivers filling his ears.
"Be careful not to scare anyone!" he reminded.
"Gengaa!"
Haunter, carrying a large bag of luggage, nodded confidently.
At the village entrance, a little girl with pigtails was riding a scooter. When she spotted Lu Ye, she abandoned the scooter and ran toward him.
"Brother Lu!"
Her innocent smile, missing a few teeth, beamed brightly as she dove into Lu Ye's arms.
Lu Ye chuckled, ruffling her hair.
"Xinxin, did you miss me?"
"Mom said you'd definitely bring gifts!" Xinxin said shyly.
"You little rascal! Here, this is for you."
Lu Ye pulled a shrunken Poké Ball from his pocket and handed it to the girl. "Your gift!"
"A… Poké Ball?"
Xinxin stammered. "Isn't this too expensive?"
Poké Balls cost 500 yuan apiece, so her reluctance was understandable.
"I heard from your mom that you've been wanting to catch a Pidgey. I'll take you up the mountain this afternoon," Lu Ye promised.
Xinxin's eyes sparkled as she threw her arms around Lu Ye's neck, planting a big kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, Brother!"
Haunter, observing from behind, imitated her and poked its cheek with a grin.
Xinxin froze for a moment before going rigid, then burst into tears.
"Mom, there's a ghost!"
Haunter, caught off guard, fumbled through the luggage for tissues, but the girl had already run off crying.
"Gengaa…"
Haunter drooped its head dejectedly, its face turning gray with disappointment.
Lu Ye patted Haunter reassuringly. "Want me to give you a kiss instead?"
Haunter rolled its eyes in disgust, hoisted the luggage, and floated ahead in defeat.
Lu Ye felt a twinge of sadness. You've changed. You weren't like this before evolving…
As Lu Ye stood there reflecting, Haunter floated farther and farther ahead, nearly reaching the village entrance.
"Wait for me!" Lu Ye shouted. "And don't scare the kids again!"