Chapter 232: Let's Embark on a New Journey!
Friday, November 9th.
Lu Ye was jolted awake by a series of howls. "Awoo Awoo" And the worst part? The howling came in intermittent bursts, making it impossible to go back to sleep. Frustrated, Lu Ye rolled out of bed and went straight for the source—viciously ruffling a certain pup's head.
"Awoo? (O_o)" Growlithe blinked in confusion before suddenly realizing something. It must be because my move wasn't executed properly! That's why Master is upset! More training is necessary! "Awoo! (｀0´)!" Growlithe howled even louder, fully committed to mastering Snarl.
Today's agenda was simple—saying goodbye to a few acquaintances. When landlady Sister Liu heard Lu Ye was moving to Kanto, she looked genuinely reluctant. "Are you sure you don't want to stay a little longer? We can negotiate the rent."
Lu Ye let out an awkward chuckle. The rent wasn't the problem… he was more worried that the house couldn't handle his Pokémon anymore! Seeing his mind was made up, Sister Liu smiled warmly. "Alright… I'll keep this place reserved for you. You can come back anytime."
Outside, several familiar faces gathered. The Neighborhood Committee Auntie, the Security Guard Grandpa, and even the Renovation Company Captain. All wore expressions of regret. The Auntie sighed, worried about managing stray Meowths. The Grandpa lamented that his Security Log would lose its most exciting entries. As for the Renovation Captain, he was practically in tears. He had just lost his best client.
Meanwhile, Gengar had its own social circle. It glanced at Lu Ye expectantly while pointing outside. "Alright, let's go together," Lu Ye said with a smile.
"Gengarrr!"
Gengar had grown attached to the Bull Training Club—it was where it had trained, become a coach, and even acted as a manager. Lu Ye entered the club alongside Gengar. He scanned the unusually quiet surroundings. "What's going on?" he asked.
"The boss… ran off with his mistress," the receptionist sighed. "So we had to shut down."
Lu Ye's expression turned strange. …This really did feel like something a failing gym owner would do.
That being said, the club's facilities were still in great condition. With the right financial backing, they could turn a healthy profit. He glanced down at Gengar. "Gengarrr! (இωஇ)" Tears welled up in its big, round eyes. After a moment of contemplation, Lu Ye stepped outside and made a call.
"With all the necessary equipment, the transfer fee is about three million," Matori reported.
Matori then asked, "Are you planning to open a training facility?"
"Not me—Gengar is," Lu Ye replied.
Matori: ???
Next, Lu Ye called Oleana. After a brief pause, Oleana nodded. "A training center… That is a promising investment. With enough capital, the returns should be excellent." Her eyes sparkled. "Where did you find such a perfect location?"
Lu Ye replied vaguely, "Uh… don't ask."
Oleana nodded thoughtfully. Ah, so this is the business acumen of a true genius…
Three million? With his income, he'd make that back in no time. This would also mark the Pokémon Company's first step into real-world investments. Patting the still-depressed Gengar, Lu Ye smirked. "Relax, I've got a plan."
"Gengar?"
That very evening, the training facility reopened. Matori and Oleana—two top management experts—had completely revived the club in one afternoon. Summer Quan and the receptionist stood at the entrance, mouths agape. "We… don't have to find new jobs?"
"Uwaahhh… Gengar Coach!! ﾍ(;´Д｀ﾍ)"
With everything settled, Gengar officially became the owner of the battle facility. From student to coach, then manager, and now… boss. After single-handedly saving the facility, Gengar once again became a legend. Lu Ye chuckled, brushing off his sleeves as he left.
Back at home, Lu Ye opened up the group chat.
Red: Teacher Lu, are you arriving in Kanto tomorrow?
Lu Ye: You misremembered. It's the day after tomorrow.
Erika chuckled softly. "Actually, it's tomorrow at 2 PM. If you two want to battle, you can use the Celadon Gym."
A drop of cold sweat rolled down Lu Ye's forehead.
Red smiled. "No, I plan to train on Mt. Silver for a while longer."
Lu Ye let out a long sigh of relief. …And then, Red's next sentence ruined it. "Once my training is complete, I'll come challenge you, Teacher Lu!"
Sabrina nodded. "Saffron City, right? I'll come pick you up at the airport."
Erika smiled subtly. "Since you're officially working at Celadon University, it would be more appropriate for me to guide you there."
Yellow cheered, "Yay! I'm in Saffron too! I'll come over tomorrow!"
Lu Ye's expression grew increasingly strange. Wait… is this really happening? A full reception committee?
Bzzz— His thoughts were interrupted by his phone vibrating. He glanced at the caller ID and his jaw nearly dropped.
Cynthia: "What time tomorrow?"
Lu Ye stammered, "A-Afternoon… 2 PM… Saffron City Airport."
Cynthia: "Okay." Click.
The calls didn't stop. Right after, Matori called. "Boss, I'll be sending someone to pick you up tomorrow."
Lu Ye's face twitched. "That's really unnecessary!"
"No need to worry," Matori replied calmly. "Those three idiots aren't good at much, but their escape skills are top-tier."
Wait. What? …Meowth, Jessie, and James are coming to pick me up?!
Bzzz— Another call. A vein popped on Lu Ye's forehead. "Does this never end?!" This time, it was Looker. He laughed heartily. "Lu Ye, I heard you're arriving tomorrow! What time's your flight?"
Lu Ye's face darkened. "I beg you, there's really no need for a reception party!"
"How could I not come?!" Looker chuckled. "Even if I have to camp at the airport all day, I'll be waiting for you!"
…The way you're saying this, it sounds like you're planning to arrest me?!
Finally, the calls stopped. Lu Ye slumped onto the sofa. "Hey Gengar, lend me your fingers for a sec." "Gengar?"
On the eve of his departure. Master Chat Group Leader. Team Rocket Executive. International Police Inspector. Healthcare Reform Advocate. "Siege" Tactics Founder. Cynthia's rumored date. Lu Ye slowly looked up at the ceiling and stopped thinking.
The night was calm. Lu Ye and his Pokémon lay on the balcony, letting the evening breeze wash over them. "Just let me have a moment of peace," he murmured. The stars sparkled brilliantly. Gengar floated in midair, counting the stars. Togepi rested on Lu Ye's head, fast asleep. Wartortle stood guard, scanning for any potential threats. Growlithe sat there, utterly clueless. The gentle wind rustled Sylveon's feelers. The pink silk feeler tied around Lu Ye's wrist remained completely still. "Bui… o(´^｀)o"
For some reason, Sylveon let out a soft hum. Lu Ye blinked, taking in the scene. In just six short months, he had gone from living alone to having five Pokémon by his side. So much had happened. The starlight cast a soft glow on his face. A warm, gentle smile spread across his lips. "Everyone. Let's embark on a new journey!"
[Inorin Note:
If you wish to support me so I can continue to survive and afford proper food, you can join my membership on Patreon [patreon.com/InorinTL]. Be sure to check out "The Founding Pillars"—a special, limited-time tier that offers all the benefits of "The Plot Uncoverer" at a discounted price! Slots are limited, so grab yours before they run out. Besides membership, you can also donate via Ko-Fi [https://ko-fi.com/inorintl].
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