Using the dinner invitation at Mr. Qianli's house as an excuse, Baimu declined Shuji's challenge.
Shuji looked disappointed.
"Don't dwell on it, your brother will figure something out." He said goodbye to this crafty Little Ghost, retrieved his Pokémon like Aggron, and returned to the Petalburg Gym.
Previously, he entered through the front door; this time, he used the back door.
Qianli happened to be drinking tea. Seeing him, he quickly waved, "You came at the right time. A granny just brought me some Lavaridge Immortal Shell. You should try it."
"Lavaridge Immortal Shell!"
Baimu's eyes lit up. He had longed for this specialty from Lavaridge Town, but it was rarely available outside. The specialty store in Littleroot Town always had lines, making it impossible to buy, forcing him to give up.
Unexpectedly, he spotted it at Qianli's place.
Eagerly, he picked up a piece to examine closely.
As soon as he held it, a fragrant blend of roasted rice, mixed with some seaweed and soy sauce aroma, wafted towards him. Taking a bite, the crunchiness was unmatched, as the fresh seaweed and savory sweet soy sauce exploded on his tongue.
"Delicious!"
Baimu's eyes shone, releasing Mawile and Chansey to share with them—though he initially intended to let more Pokémon have a taste, he felt too shy.
Crunch, crunch, one piece, two pieces, three.
In no time, he and his two Pokémon finished the large plate.
Seeing the empty plate, he blushed a little, "Sorry, I couldn't stop myself."
This stuff is even more addictive than Wang Wang Immortal Shell, really scary.
"Hahaha, no problem, we understand. Seeing you enjoy it so much makes us happy!"
Qianli laughed unaffectedly, pouring him another cup of oolong tea, "When I was a kid, I was just like you; once tasted, I couldn't stop. It's perfectly normal."
"When you were a kid?"
Baimu was momentarily puzzled, then realized that Animation's Qianli may not be like in games or the special series, having moved from other regions to Johto, likely a Hoenn local.
Evening.
Mitsuko prepared a table full of delicacies for him, more extravagant than lunchtime.
Though not at the level of radiant cuisine, the ingredients Mitsuko used were top-notch enough for Baimu to eat until he couldn't take any more.
His Pokémon were the same; Deino, lacking insight, even stuffed itself until it felt like puking.
"Idiot, lost control a bit and just stuffed yourself!"
Baimu couldn't help but scold with a laugh.
Qianli observed his Pokémon, giving high marks, "They're all wonderful Pokémon! You've cultivated them well."
"You're too kind..." He smiled modestly, hesitated a moment, then asked, "Qianli, do you know the Gym in North Petalburg City?"
"North Petalburg Gym? Of course, I know. Are you planning to earn your second badge there?"
Qianli asked curiously.
"Not at all." Baimu shook his head and shared what happened yesterday.
Upon hearing this, Qianli immediately fell into thought. After a long pause he said, "I see, trapped in a crisis of closure... No wonder there hasn't been any news lately."
"I initially thought North Petalburg Gym would somewhat alleviate the pressure here."
Qianli said helplessly, "Being renowned results in virtually no holidays throughout the year. I even privately asked those I know to help... and yet we reached the point of closing."
Baimu asked, "Did you authorize his brother to distribute flyers at the door?"
"I could only manage this small favor." Qianli sighed, "Last year, I met the young Hall Master once, but he was probably too nervous to properly communicate. I worried too direct help might overwhelm him."
Too nervous to face an idol?
This is a common occurrence.
Baimu thought, this person needs to stand up for himself, no help will make much difference otherwise.
——
The next day.
Baimu got up early.
Intending to visit North Petalburg Gym one last time for a farewell and to inquire about its plans, he didn't expect Shunsuke already waiting at the door.
"Baimu!"
Shunsuke approached, bowed deeply without a word, "Please help me!"
"How can I help you? Give you ideas?" Baimu didn't refuse outright but asked first.
"I heard from Shuji that you have a good relationship with Mr. Qianli and even had dinner at his house. I want to ask if you can accompany me to meet him."
Shunsuke said embarrassedly.
"You... alright then, it's okay."
Initially intending to mock Shunsuke's timidness, upon reflection it's likely the "idol halo" of Qianli is too dazzling for Shunsuke to handle, "But let me make it clear, I'm not responsible for conveying your messages."
"Huh?"
"Don't 'huh,' if you lack the courage to speak with Mr. Qianli, then you can't communicate effectively to learn from him."
Baimu patted Shunsuke's shoulder, "Draw on the courage to apologize to Officer Jenny, just imagine it's your brother causing trouble again, and this time Mr. Qianli is the target!"
"This—I see, alright."
Shunsuke nodded helplessly.
They got in the car.
"I mean, did you make an appointment?"
"Of course, I did!"
"If I refuse, would you still go? You wouldn't just ditch, would you?"
"Ditch? Um... It would be disrespectful to no-show after making a reservation, so I suppose I'd go anyway…"
"You'd go no matter what, so why do you need me there? Stop the car and let me out!"
"Don't! Please, accompany me!"
Seeing Shunsuke's hands start shaking, Baimu immediately stopped teasing him. If things turn sour, it'd be problematic.
Soon.
They arrived at the Petalburg Gym.
Shunsuke took several deep breaths at the entrance before being pulled inside by Baimu through the back door, successfully meeting with Qianli.
"Finally, you're here, Shunsuke."
Qianli's expression was calm and composed, exuding a sense of warmth.
Shunsuke, however, seemed as if facing the ultimate boss, sweating profusely, taking ages to utter the first words, "Ma-Master Qianli, I'm Shunsuke, the Hall Master of the neighboring North Petalburg Gym..."
This guy really isn't up to it.
Seeing this, Baimu whispered by his ear, "Take courage, calm down, you're making Qianli uncomfortable and wasting his time! You get it!"
After hearing this, Shunsuke immediately steadied a bit. Although his voice still trembled, he managed to communicate normally with Qianli.
He couldn't help but glance at Qianli, who returned a reassuring look as if saying, "Leave it to me."
Thus.
Baimu decisively assumed the role of blocking the door to prevent Shunsuke from finding a chance to flee like last year.
——
Must say, Baimu blocking the door was the right move.
As Shunsuke repeatedly tried to convey his predicament to Qianli, seeking help but failing, he attempted to excuse himself several times.
Due to the blocked door, he had to continue alone with his idol.
Qianli seized the chance for potential extra rest, finally imparting his seasoned experience when Shunsuke revealed everything.
Spanning two and a half hours.
Their conversation finally concluded.