"That's a real shame," Lin Zhi muttered, a look of genuine disappointment washing over his face.
"So, do you want the Pidgey or not? If you're going to pass, I'll just sell it to the government," Zhao Xuan said, rolling his eyes with a huff of mock annoyance. The way Lin Zhi looked at him made it feel like keeping the Shinx was a waste of talent in his hands.
Lin Zhi snapped out of it instantly. "I want it! How could I not? I can actually trade this with a friend of mine. He's been looking for a high-potential Flying-type for his second Pokémon. An Elite-lineage Pidgey is more than enough."
"Since we're friends and classmates, just give me eight million," Zhao Xuan stated plainly, cutting straight to the chase.
He knew the market. An egg with Elite potential usually fetched around ten million. Asking for eight million was a "friendship discount" in the truest sense.
"Of course, I can't 100% guarantee it'll hit the Elite rank. But it's at least 'High' potential. Since it hasn't hatched yet, I can't be certain," Zhao Xuan added as a cautionary note.
His system provided a special "Identification Eye," but it was restricted to his own Pokémon. He couldn't see the hidden stats of unhatched eggs or wild creatures.
"No worries. If it hits Elite, the guy got a steal. If it stays at High, it's still a great pull," Lin Zhi nodded dismissively. He understood the risks; not even professional breeders could guarantee potential with absolute certainty.
But as the old saying goes: Dragons beget dragons, and phoenixes beget phoenixes. With an Elite-rank parent, the offspring's baseline was naturally much higher than average.
"Alright then. Here's the egg. Just transfer the funds when you get home," Zhao Xuan said, pulling the Pidgey egg from his bag and handing it over.
"OK. I'll have my dad wire the money as soon as I'm back," Lin Zhi replied, cradling the egg carefully.
"Hey, Zhao Xuan! Now that you've made such a huge profit, aren't you going to treat the brothers to a meal?" "Exactly! I've been eating dry rations in that Secret Realm for a month. I've lost ten pounds! I need some serious nourishment." "Me too..."
The other Trainers began to chime in with laughs and jokes.
"Why should I pay? The Principal is definitely going to host a welcome-home banquet for us!" Zhao Xuan laughed, joining in on the banter.
"Brother...!"
Just as the group was laughing, a crisp, melodious voice—reminiscent of an oriole singing in a valley—drifted into the room and directly into Zhao Xuan's ears.
The voice was like celestial music. Zhao Xuan didn't even need to turn around; the sheer familiarity of that tone told him exactly who it was. Sure enough, everyone turned to see a petite and pretty figure standing by the slightly weathered door of the lounge.
She was graceful, her skin as fair and delicate as mutton-fat jade. Her eyes, sparkling like stars in the night sky, were fixed intently on Zhao Xuan.
"Your sister is looking for you. Go on," Lin Zhi said with a smirk, leading the others out to give them space.
Zhao Xuan smiled and stood up. He doted on Li Yunjie more than anyone. This time, the Pichu egg was intended specifically for her.
Pat...
Before Zhao Xuan could even close the distance, Li Yunjie sprinted forward like a swallow returning to its nest, throwing herself into his warm embrace.
In an instant, the light, fresh scent of a young girl filled his senses. Zhao Xuan felt her slender frame press tightly against him. His hands instinctively found her waist, and he lowered his head slightly, his nose brushing against her soft hair as he felt her deep attachment to him.
"Missed me that much?" Zhao Xuan's voice was low and gentle, like a spring breeze.
"Mm..." Li Yunjie nodded softly, pressing her head against his solid chest. She listened to the steady, rhythmic beat of his heart, feeling a sense of peace and security she hadn't felt in a month. It was as if the world had shrunk down to just the two of them.
A moment later, Zhao Xuan led her to a nearby chair. He reached into his bag and pulled out the remaining gift. "Yunjie, I couldn't make it back in time for your birthday. This is your makeup present."
"Wow! Brother, you're the best! Is this... a Pokémon egg?" Li Yunjie gasped in delight, her hands trembling slightly as she took it, terrified she might drop it.
"Don't worry," Zhao Xuan laughed. "Pokémon eggshells are incredibly tough. They don't break that easily."
It was true. Unless hit with extreme force, a Pokémon egg could survive a two-meter drop onto concrete without a crack. If they weren't that durable, Zhao Xuan wouldn't have carried them loose in his backpack.
"But Brother, these are so expensive. You should sell it! You could use the money to make Corviknight stronger, and you'll be safer the next time you go to a Secret Realm."
Even though she wanted a Pokémon, she wanted her brother to be safe more. She tried to push the egg back toward him.
"You silly girl. This is for you; I'm not taking it back," Zhao Xuan said, his heart warming at her concern. "Besides, I didn't just find one. I just sold another for eight million. That's more than enough to boost Corviknight's training."
Li Yunjie let out a small cry of surprise before finally hugging the Pichu egg to her chest. She immediately began firing off questions like a "Ten Thousand Whys" book—how to care for the egg, what it was like in the realm, and a dozen other things.
Zhao Xuan didn't show a hint of impatience, answering every single one. Even though they weren't related by blood, he had always viewed her as his own flesh and blood.
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