"Well, Gu Yuan, you should know that as a researcher, it's very easy to forget the time once you get completely engrossed in something." After leading Gu Yuan into his lab, Professor Oak spoke with a hint of guilt.
"I know. I can understand, Professor."
"That's good. But how about we just keep this matter from your mentor? What do you think?" Seeing Professor Oak's somewhat ingratiating request, Gu Yuan felt he might need to re-evaluate Agatha's standing in Professor Oak's heart.
"No problem," Gu Yuan agreed immediately. "By the way, this is the letter my mentor asked me to give to you." Honestly, Gu Yuan was quite curious about what Agatha would say in the letter.
Taking the letter, Professor Oak began to read through it.
The Professor's expression couldn't help but darken, which ironically made Gu Yuan feel a sense of danger. If Agatha truly scolded Professor Oak harshly in the letter, Gu Yuan would undoubtedly be the perfect punching bag.
Although Oak wouldn't go so far as to kill him in anger, giving him a good beating was certainly possible. With so many Elite Rank Pokémon nearby, Gu Yuan genuinely dared not be reckless.
Just as Gu Yuan felt nervous, he watched Professor Oak put the letter away and immediately regain his smile. "Let's go, Gu Yuan. I'll show you to a room here first. You'll be staying here for a while."
"I'll tell you what you need to do later. Follow me for now."
Seeing Professor Oak's smiling face, Gu Yuan still couldn't relax. Unfortunately, he had already entered the tiger's den, so he could only obediently follow Professor Oak's instructions.
"Let's go. I'll take you to eat first. We can talk while we eat." After settling Gu Yuan in, Professor Oak enthusiastically led him to the dining area.
"Sit down for a moment. I'll go make some instant noodles for you right now." "Oh, what flavor would you like?" Watching Professor Oak prepare to show off his skills, Gu Yuan couldn't help but roll his eyes. Anyone who knew would realize you were just making instant noodles, but someone who didn't would think your grand posture was for preparing a Manchu Han Imperial Feast.
"Professor Oak, please give me a chance to show what I can do. I also have some good dishes here that I'd like you to taste." Taking two seconds to think, Gu Yuan still preferred to eat his own prepared semi-finished food rather than instant noodles.
"Huh? You can cook, too?"
"Just a little. Please wait a moment." Saying this, Gu Yuan walked ahead into the kitchen.
Opening the refrigerator, Gu Yuan was greeted by various types of instant noodles and some rotting vegetables. Although he had been mentally prepared, he still couldn't help but shake his head when he actually saw it.
Frankly, considering his identity and status, it wouldn't be excessive for him to feast sumptuously every day. Yet, who would have thought he would eat so miserably? Is this the essential quality for a researcher?
Abandoning the idea of using locally sourced ingredients, Gu Yuan began preparing the food. Seeing that there was still some meat left over in his backpack, he quickly grilled some meat, finishing the semi-finished food instantly.
An enticing aroma filled the air, and Professor Oak, who had originally been slightly worried about what kind of cuisine Gu Yuan would present, now became expectant.
"Alakazam, help serve the dishes." To prevent Professor Oak from eating all his food, Gu Yuan had taken out all the supplies he had on hand. The quantity of the food was so large that he had to release Alakazam to help.
Through the use of psychic power, delicious dishes were delivered to the table one by one. Smelling the enticing aroma, Professor Oak had long since forgotten about instant noodles, but he waited patiently for Gu Yuan to arrive.
"Everyone eat together, so there won't be any leftovers." Poké Balls opened one after another. Gu Yuan released all of his Pokémon, instantly filling the entire dining table.
"Wow, Gu Yuan, your Pokémon are quite uncommon in the Kanto region." As a researcher, with just a glance, Professor Oak could distinguish what region these Pokémon were from and their associated information.
"That's right, and I have master to thank for that." Oak nodded and said nothing more. Pokémon that were rare to ordinary people were nothing special in Professor Oak's eyes. Unless a Pokémon carried some secret that could be researched, nothing could make him enthusiastic.
"Come on, Professor. Please try my cooking."
"Alright, I won't hold back, then!" Taking the chopsticks, Professor Oak hesitated no longer and immediately started eating.
Having eaten instant noodles for too long, Professor Oak was immediately conquered upon tasting the other delicious food. His chopsticks were moving so fast they nearly created an afterimage.
Due to Professor Oak's powerful battle strength, Charizard and the others felt immense pressure and began to exert themselves (to eat).
Realizing that a smokeless battle was about to commence, Gu Yuan quickly used his quick hands and eyes to pull some dishes into his own bowl.
"Burp—" Professor Oak put down his chopsticks and leaned back in his chair with a look of contentment. After eating their fill, Charizard and the others were also languid.
"Gu Yuan, your cooking is truly excellent. I'll have to trouble you for the next few days." "The task Agatha asked me to do is simple: I am to mentor you." Professor Oak straightened his body and began to discuss the main business.
As a researcher, Oak's knowledge reserve is definitely more than adequate. Considering that Gu Yuan had not received systematic training, Agatha specifically sent Gu Yuan to Pallet Town to be mentored by Professor Oak.
This training includes education on various subjects: matters to pay attention to in battle, techniques, how to raise Pokémon, and how a Trainer and their Pokémon can conduct joint operations, and so on. It can be said that even without the title of researcher, Professor Oak is an excellent mentor capable of helping a Trainer grow quickly.
What Gu Yuan needs to do next is to receive his mentorship here. Professor Oak will only let Gu Yuan go collect his eighth Badge once he feels it is appropriate or when the Indigo League draws near.
"I understand. Please be sure to guide me a lot in the future!" After learning the details, Gu Yuan lost his previous nervousness and became somewhat expectant instead. Professor Oak's mentorship, he thought, should not disappoint him.
"Grandpa, I'm home! Aunt Delia even asked me to bring you lunch!"
"Yeah, yeah! Professor Oak, I came over to visit, too!" Before Professor Oak could speak, two slightly childish voices rang out one after the other.
Next, Gu Yuan saw miniature versions of Gary and Ash rush in. In this moment, Gu Yuan's attention was completely captured by Ash.
Similarly, Ash and Gary were wondering, Who is this older brother who is appearing in Professor Oak's lab?