Friday, November 9th.
Lu Ye was jolted awake by a series of howls.
"Awwooo~~ Awwooo~~"
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.
"Awwooo? (O_o)"
Growlithe blinked its mismatched eyes in confusion before suddenly realizing something.
It had to be because its move wasn't executed properly! That's why Master was upset!
That meant… more training was necessary!
"Awwooo! (｀0´)!" Growlithe howled even louder, fully committed to mastering Snarl.
Thankfully, since they lived in a private villa with excellent soundproofing, the neighbors weren't disturbed.
Lu Ye rubbed his temples.
At times like this, he really appreciated the mute function in his livestream chat.
Now that he thought about it, the Pokémon world actually had similar "sound-blocking" items (definitely not a gag, don't get the wrong idea).
For example, Machamp's Guillotine Hold could silence an opponent, preventing them from using sound-based moves.
Lu Ye lowered his gaze and looked at Growlithe thoughtfully.
Sensing his trainer's gaze, Growlithe flashed a goofy, innocent smile.
(◑▽◐)
Today's agenda was simple—saying goodbye to a few acquaintances.
After all, he had received a lot of help along the way, and it was only right to show some gratitude.
When landlady Sister Liu heard that Lu Ye was moving to Kanto, she looked genuinely reluctant.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay a little longer?" she asked.
"We can negotiate the rent if that's the issue."
Lu Ye let out an awkward chuckle.
The rent wasn't the problem…
He was more worried that the house wouldn't be able to handle the stress of his Pokémon anymore!
Seeing that Lu Ye had made up his mind, Sister Liu sighed but smiled warmly.
"Alright… I'll keep this place reserved for you. You can come back anytime."
"And the rent…?"
"It's just a small matter—don't worry about it."
Outside, several familiar faces gathered to bid him farewell.
The Neighborhood Committee Auntie, the Security Guard Grandpa, and even the Renovation Company Captain who had just started his business.
All of them wore expressions of regret and disappointment.
The Neighborhood Committee Auntie sighed, worried about the future struggle of managing stray Meowths without Lu Ye's help.
The Security Guard Grandpa lamented that his Security Log would now lack its most exciting entries.
As for the Renovation Company Captain, he was practically in tears.
He had just lost his best client.
A major financial loss!
---
Meanwhile, Gengar also had its own social circle.
It hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Lu Ye expectantly while pointing outside.
"Alright, let's go together," Lu Ye said with a smile.
"Gengarr!"
Gengar had grown attached to the Bull Training Club—it was where it had trained, become a coach, and even briefly acted as a manager.
This place had witnessed every step of its growth.
Honestly, if not for this club…
Lu Ye's life might have been a little bit easier.
Clearing his throat, Lu Ye entered the club alongside Gengar.
The moment they stepped in, the receptionist girl slumped over her desk, looking utterly dejected.
Lu Ye scanned the unusually quiet surroundings.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"The boss… ran off with his mistress."
The receptionist sighed. "So we had no choice but to shut down."
The Bull Training Club had always faced strict regulations, and its maintenance costs were steep.
With the market downturn, they had been operating at a loss.
In the end, the boss didn't even bother selling the equipment—he just bailed.
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 weather the losses and turn a healthy profit.
"Now that Gengar is leaving, too…"
The receptionist girl buried her face in her arms, groaning.
"I guess I'll have to look for another job…"
Gengar hesitated, then patted her on the back with its small paw.
Lu Ye rubbed his chin.
There was a solution to this problem.
Taking over a fully registered training club would be far more convenient than starting from scratch.
The location was excellent, and back in its prime, every training room had been booked solid.
Lu Ye glanced down at Gengar.
"Gengarr! (இωஇ)"
Tears welled up in Gengar's big, round eyes.
After a moment of contemplation, Lu Ye stepped outside and made a call.
"With all the necessary equipment included, the transfer fee is about 3,000,000 Pokedollars," Matori reported.
Matori then asked curiously, "Are you planning to open a training facility?"
"Not me—Gengar is," Lu Ye replied.
Matori: ???
Next, Lu Ye called Oleana and explained the situation.
After a brief pause, Oleana nodded.
"A training center… That is a promising investment."
After analyzing the data, she concluded, "With enough capital flow, the returns should be excellent."
"Eventually, there's even potential for a franchise brand."
Oleana's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Where did you find such a perfect location?"
Lu Ye hesitated before replying vaguely, "Uh… don't ask too many questions."
Oleana nodded thoughtfully.
Ah, so this is the business acumen of a true genius…
After hanging up, Lu Ye rubbed his chin.
3,000,000 Pokedollars?
With his income from gaming and Pokémon TCG sales, he'd make that back in no time.
This would also mark Pokémon Corporation's first step into real-world investments.
Patting the still-depressed Gengar on the back, Lu Ye smirked.
"Relax, I've got a plan."
"Gengarr?"
---
That very evening, the training facility reopened for business.
Matori and Oleana—two of the world's top management experts—had completely revived the club in just one afternoon.
Xia Quan and the receptionist girl stood at the entrance, mouths agape in shock.
"We… don't have to find new jobs?"
"Uwaahhh… Coach Gengar!! ﾍ(;´Д｀ﾍ)"
The Renovation Team Captain stepped forward, his expression filled with deep respect.
"Never thought we'd still end up relying on your orders after all!"
Lu Ye waved a hand. "No need to be so formal."
Investing in a battle facility meant taking on another loan.
But as his business ventures steadily expanded, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
After all… in economic terms, deficit spending stimulates consumption growth.
That was pretty much Lu Ye's current situation.
With everything settled, Gengar officially became the owner of the battle facility, earning yet another title.
From student to coach, then manager, and now… boss.
After single-handedly saving the facility, Gengar once again became a legend in the eyes of those around it.
Lu Ye chuckled, brushing off his sleeves as he left.
---
The evening breeze was gentle.
On the walk home, Gengar floated alongside Lu Ye, playfully licking his face with its oversized tongue.
"Will you stop that?!"
"Gengarr! o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
Hovering over its trainer's head, Gengar looked up at the starry sky and grinned widely.
Renovating the battle facility, buying all that new equipment…
It must be so that when they return to Modu, everyone will have a better place to train, right?
Master's intentions had been received loud and clear~~!
---
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.
[Erika: 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 completely ruined it.
[Red: Once my training is complete, I'll come challenge you, Teacher Lu!]
Sabrina nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
[Sabrina: Saffron City, right? I'll come pick you up at the airport.]
Erika smiled subtly, adding a bit of playful intent to her words.
[Erika: Since you're officially working at Celadon University, it would be more appropriate for me to guide you there.]
[Yellow: Yay! I'm in Saffron too! I'll come over tomorrow!] Yellow cheered
Lu Ye's expression grew increasingly strange.
Wait… is this really happening?
A full reception committee just to pick him up?
…Don't tell me Cynthia's coming too—
Bzzz—
His thoughts were interrupted by his phone vibrating.
Lu Ye 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 there.
Right after Cynthia, Matori called.
"Teacher, I'll be sending someone to pick you up tomorrow."
Lu Ye's face twitched. "That's really unnecessary. I don't want you guys exposing yourselves!"
"No need to worry," Matori replied calmly. "Those three idiots aren't good at much, but their escape skills are top-tier."
Wait.
What?
…Hold on.
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, the caller was International Police Agent "Looker".
Looker laughed heartily. "Lu Ye, I heard in your livestream that 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. "Don't underestimate the International Police, my friend! 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 and started counting the people who would be waiting for him tomorrow.
"Hey Gengar, lend me your fingers for a sec."
"Gengarr?"
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 overhead.
On the way home, he had taken his time, looking up at the sky the entire way.
Gengar floated in midair, using its tiny hands to count the stars.
Togepi rested on Lu Ye's head, already fast asleep.
Squirtle stood guard, eyes scanning the surroundings, prepared for any potential black-clad men or explosives.
Growlithe sat there, looking utterly clueless.
The gentle wind rustled Sylveon's ribbons.
The pink silk ribbon tied around Lu Ye's wrist remained completely still.
"Veeon… o(´^｀)o"
For some reason, Sylveon let out a soft hum.
Lu Ye blinked, taking in the scene around him.
In just six short months…
He had gone from living alone to having five Pokémon by his side.
So much had happened.
And yet, it had all passed in the blink of an eye.
The starlight cast a soft glow on Lu Ye's face.
A warm, gentle smile spread across his lips.
"Everyone."
"Let's embark on a new journey!"