Advancing to the Top 32 of the East Donghuang Division Tournament was already an impressive achievement.
The Modu University school team members all called to congratulate him.
Curious, Lu Ye asked, "Coach Zhai, how many from our school made it through?"
As a major hub for Trainer talent, Modu University secured several spots in the Donghuang Tournaments every year. The East Donghuang Division Tournament was no exception. In last year's tournament, a quarter of the Top 16 came from Modu University.
Given Lu Ye's outstanding performance in the "Baby Cup," it was only natural that he was receiving attention.
Coach Zhai thought for a moment and said, "In the Top 32, you're the only one from our school this year."
"Among the juniors and seniors, only four made it… So for sophomores, you're the last one standing."
"By the way, this is a huge win for the school. You should go see the old principal—he might give you something nice."
"Haha, I'll hang up now!"
Lu Ye quickly ended the call.
"Tsk, this kid is just too shy..." Coach Zhai chuckled, shaking his head.
Since Lu Ye was too embarrassed to ask, he figured he'd put in a word with the old principal on his behalf.
A secret technique, some rare resources, or even a Pokémon—whatever it was, with the principal's generosity, it would definitely be worth it!
---
Back home.
Lu Ye took out the warm Pokémon egg from his bag and gently rubbed it in his hands.
"Grow up well, okay? Don't let your old man's heartfelt teachings go to waste!" He spoke earnestly.
The Pokémon egg wobbled slightly before settling down again.
Sylveon pouted, trying to snuggle into Lu Ye's arms as well.
Laughing, Lu Ye picked up Sylveon too, idly playing with the pink ribbon on its neck, deep in thought.
From today's battle, it was clear that Growlithe had improved significantly.
With its weight advantage, training it in Body Slam seemed like the natural next step.
Even though he had won another match and had to wake up early next week, the little ones still deserved a reward.
---
The night had fallen.
Lu Ye tied on an apron. "Alright, tell me what you guys want to eat. I'll cook!"
Gengar tilted its head, rummaged through the cabinet, and handed Lu Ye a Dragonfruit.
"Gengarrr! (¯﹃¯)"
"You want something spicy?"
Lu Ye pondered for a moment.
"Yeah… It's getting cold. Spicy food sounds perfect."
Squirtle and Growlithe had no objections.
As for Sylveon, Lu Ye smiled and said, "You can have a separate dish."
"Syl~veon! (≧∀≦)"
By now, it was already 8 PM. The city lights shimmered as warm lights flickered on in homes across the neighborhood.
Lu Ye set up his camera, opened his livestream, and changed the title: "Teacher Lu's Comfort Food Kitchen."
Viewers poured into the stream, utterly baffled.
"Holy crap, Teacher Lu is actually cooking!"
"I thought he was a battle master, but turns out he's just a chef."
On-screen, Lu Ye skillfully held the tofu with his long fingers. The knife spun twice in his hand before he effortlessly began slicing.
"Damn, that's professional!"
"I used to do that too… when I still had both hands."
"That knife work! Even a Bisharp wouldn't be sharper!"
Only now did everyone suddenly remember—
Teacher Lu… was also a late-night food content creator!
"Damn, I clicked in way too carelessly!"
"I already have the title for the next episode!"
"What's he making?"
"An East Donghuang dish—Mapo Tofu," Lu Ye said. "For seasoning, I added Lao Gan Ma and chili. It's basically Charizard-level spicy."
"Hiss—"
As the vibrant red chilies hit the pan, the flames illuminated Lu Ye's sharp features.
The viewers collectively swallowed their saliva.
The oil shimmered as the finely chopped chilies sizzled in the pan, their deep red hue glistening. The rich aroma of fermented bean paste mixed with the crackling of Sichuan peppercorns.
Minced beef was added and stir-fried until fragrant, the intense aroma practically seeping through the screen.
A splash of water sent steam hissing into the air, turning the broth into a fiery red concoction.
"I'm starving!"
"My Farfetch'd Set suddenly doesn't seem so appealing anymore…"
"Streamer, were you a chef before?"
As he added the cubed tofu, Lu Ye effortlessly flipped the wok, chatting casually,
"Long-time viewers know—before I was a streamer, I was actually a chef…"
"???"
"Last time, you said you used to sing under a bridge!"
"360 professions, and Lu Ye has mastered them all."
Once the tofu had absorbed the flavors, Lu Ye thickened the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, making the broth velvety and rich.
Gengar sniffed the air, its tongue circling its lips.
Growlithe panted, drool already pooling beneath it.
Moments later, Lu Ye turned off the heat and plated the dish in a pristine white porcelain bowl.
He sprinkled a generous handful of freshly chopped green onions over the steaming Mapo Tofu, the red oil sizzling as wisps of fragrant steam curled into the air.
The scent practically leaked through the screen.
Viewers gulped.
"You think Lu Ye just talks about food? No, he actually brings it to the table!"
"Lu Ye is the real deal!"
"Damn you, opening the stream when I haven't had dinner yet!"
This dish, a certain priest's absolute favorite from Donghuang cuisine, would no doubt get a nod of approval. (Kirei Kotomine is crying internally.)
Lu Ye's Mapo Tofu was on par with that of a top-tier chef.
It might not literally glow, but in terms of taste, it was damn close.
Amid the wails of hungry viewers, Lu Ye ended the stream.
He placed the dish on the dining table, where his Pokémon stared at it with solemn expressions.
"...Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Lu Ye sat down, scooped up a piece of tofu drenched in red oil and minced meat, blew on it, and took a bite.
"Hot! Damn, that's spicy!"
The silky tofu melted on his tongue, rolling across his taste buds before the intense heat exploded in his mouth.
It was a numbing, fiery sensation, yet softened by the richness of the chili oil.
His face flushed red.
For a moment, he hallucinated a Charizard soaring through the sky, spewing a massive Fire Blast.
Boom!
Molten lava bubbled.
One more bite, and he'd probably start seeing Groudon!
With a sharp gasp, Lu Ye hurriedly cracked open a bottle of cola, shoveling rice into his mouth before chugging down a refreshing gulp.
Mapo Tofu was truly the perfect dish to go with rice!
Seeing Lu Ye's reaction, Gengar hesitated, then reached out with a trembling little hand to grab a spoon.
It first licked the red oil on the spoon's bottom, eyes widening. Then, in a single gulp, it swallowed the tofu.
"Gengarrr!!"
Face flushed, Gengar quickly scooped more tofu over its rice and dug in with frantic speed.
Thud!
Lu Ye blinked.
Growlithe had buried its head in the bowl, its tail wagging furiously.
"Squirtlee…" A bead of cold sweat slid down Squirtle's forehead.
The next moment, Growlithe lifted its head and opened its mouth wide.
A small flame flickered at the tip of its tongue, embers gathering—triggered by the Dragonfruit's spice! A Flamethrower was about to burst out!
Lu Ye's expression twisted.
It had been struggling to learn this move for over a month… but now, one spicy meal, and it just got it?!
If Flint found out about this, he'd probably explode from frustration!
Damn, Growlithe!
At the last second, Squirtle reacted, shooting a Water Gun straight at the tiny flame.
Boom!
Lu Ye stared, stunned, at the Growlithe that had been sent flying—then at the massive scorch mark on the wall.
Squirtle coolly adjusted its sunglasses.
"Squirtlee!ヾ(⌐■_■)"
Good thing I was prepared!
Lu Ye wiped his face, a complicated look crossing his expression.
"A simple Water Gun would've been fine. No need to go all out with Hydro Pump…"
Shaking his head, he chuckled, "But still, thanks, Squirtle."
"Squirt."
Squirtle carefully scooped up a piece of Mapo Tofu, gently blowing on it before taking a bite.
Master.
If I had used Hydro Pump… things wouldn't have been this simple.
Growlithe, now thoroughly soaked, got up and shook itself off, sending water droplets flying everywhere.
"Arrroooo~~凸(｀0´)凸"
Growlithe howled triumphantly, full of self-satisfaction.
It had mastered a new move just like that!
I'm amazing!
Meanwhile…
"Hello? Yes, same place as last time."
Lu Ye dialed a number, his tone completely calm.
"Sorry to trouble you again."