Mawile has an innate enthusiasm for shopping.
It initially thought the stores on the Milotic were bustling, but didn't expect the department store in Littleroot Town to be larger, have more stuff, and be cheaper!
Immersed in this bustling world, it couldn't help itself and fell into a state of buying frenzy.
Fortunately, Baimu, the Trainer, possesses the trait "I Do As I Please," keeping a clear head and preventing Mawile from buying useless things.
However.
Even so, the items in Baimu's hands started piling up until he had to awkwardly carry them with both hands, following Mawile to the Pokémon Beauty Salon.
Mawile had long wanted to come here, having heard from N's two sisters and their Pokémon, occasionally seeing photos on their phones, and feeling extremely envious.
Finally, it had the chance to experience it firsthand.
"Hair styling and manicure? Dyeing? None of these seem suitable for you." Baimu stood beside Mawile, flipping through the beauty items together, "Pure and natural is the best and most beautiful."
"Kii-cho?"
Mawile blinked its big watery eyes.
"Of course, I like the natural look." Baimu nodded affirmatively, completely ignoring the awkward expression of the beautician beside him, "Personally, I think these are unnecessary, but if you think it's pretty, I support you, but think about if it gets messed up during a battle..."
"Kii-cho!"
"Alright, please give me a basic hair and skin care package for it, and also take care of Chansey and Deino." Baimu nodded satisfactorily and released Chansey and Deino.
Then.
He went to the hard surface and joint care area next door, handing Aggron and other Pokémon to the professionals there, "Please do not polish Aggron's body."
"Understood."
The staff took the Pokémon away.
Aggron views the scars on its body as a badge of honor, and if they were buffed away, it might rage and tear the place apart.
Baimu certainly didn't want to be arrested by Officer Jenny on his first day in Littleroot Town.
"Money... it's all money..."
He looked at the purchases in his bags, sighing uncontrollably. Even though he was economizing, his savings kept decreasing at a noticeable rate.
Take this grooming session, for instance; taking care of six Pokémon cost him a hundred thousand. But with Aggron and Steelix being so big, especially the latter requiring extra charges, there was no other way.
Why didn't Uncle Ranch include beauty knowledge in his health management series? This clearly also affects psychological health.
Baimu pondered, if he couldn't find a quick way to earn big money before his savings ran out, he'd have to borrow from the wealthy Shanren.
"Kii-cho!"
"What's up?"
Hearing Mawile's call, Baimu hurried over to see it making a photo-taking gesture.
"...You want a picture too?"
"Kii-cho! Kii-cho!"
"Alright then."
Baimu, with his phone in hand, snapped photos of Mawile whose head was wrapped in a towel, making a cute expression, and uploaded them to the Poké Blogger account he had set up for it.
"There, Babina and the others will definitely give you likes when they see it."
He handed the phone to Mawile, which fiddled with it for a bit, but not understanding much, gave up and returned the phone with regret.
Seeing this, Baimu suggested, "Why not… learn to read? Or recognize pictures?"
"Kii-cho?"
Mawile turned its head to look at him, pondering his words, then appeared hesitant.
"Learning to read is great, especially if you're smart, it's quick; I mastered it in three months." Baimu's words attracted sideways glances from the Pokémon Beautician.
Three months? Literate at three months old? What a prodigy.
The beautician internally criticized, observing Mawile's nod and realizing the Trainer successfully convinced its Pokémon again.
The world is declining...
---
Leaving the beauty salon.
Mawile was noticeably shinier from head to toe, resembling a brand-new toy, instantly giving a "duckling transformed into a swan" impression.
Its mood was also at an all-time high.
"Does this shine and smoothness enhancing conditioner work that well?" Baimu circled it, Mawile proudly posed and showed off.
He suggested, "Shall we buy a bottle of the same product?"
"Kii-cho!"
Mawile's eyes instantly brightened, indicating agreement.
Returning to the Pokémon Center.
Initially, Baimu didn't see Xiaogang in the lobby, but after entering the ward and heading to the dining room, he spotted Xiaogang serving food, "If you need more, just come back for a refill—Baimu!"
"Aren't you an intern Pokémon Doctor? Why are you serving in the dining room?"
He curiously asked Xiaogang.
"I'm a trainee, the Pokémon Doctor internship requires passing the relevant exams, this is part of the training stage."
Xiaogang explained, "The dining hall is short-staffed, so I'm helping out; everyone loves my cooking."
"You made this?"
Baimu's eyes lit up.
"Of course." Xiaogang replied confidently, "Please enjoy, there's plenty more where that came from!"
"Alright."
Baimu nodded, picking up three plates of curry and leaving.
Any Trainer can come to the Pokémon Center, and just by owning an Illustrated Guide, they can enjoy free room and board; the Guide isn't particularly rare in this animated world.
In other words, the numerous facilities and services of the Pokémon Center equate to local social welfare.
"Kii-cho?"
"Lucky~"
Chansey and Mawile, holding small spoons, curiously looked at the steaming curry as it was their first time tasting it.
"Try it, taste the craftsmanship."
Baimu gently suggested.
As a Japanese-themed game, much of the globally popular cuisine in Pokémon World has connections to Neon people's tastes, like curry.
He didn't quite fancy it, but the people of Pokémon World were passionately fond of such convenient and tasty food.
Scooping a spoonful into his mouth.
Indeed, the basic flavors weren't much different from those of the past life, but the curry here was far superior to the cheap stuff he had before, thanks to Xiaogang's culinary skills.
Flavors he couldn't perceive before burst upon his taste buds, with a mildly spicy taste lingering on the tip of his tongue. Various spices' aromas rushed through his nasal passage to his brain, overwhelming his senses until his fingers and toes curled and tightened.
"Mmm…"
Baimu exhaled, "It's like being drugged, this stuff is no less impressive than dazzling cuisine."
Xiaogang's culinary talent was indeed exceptional, truly an outstanding Pokémon Breeder.
He glanced at the other side, seeing Chansey and Mawile had already finished their portions, eagerly watching him.
"...You're allowed to have one more serving."
Feeling generous, Baimu decided to indulge them further, planning to let Aggron and the others have a taste too.
"Kii-cho!"
"Lucky!"
Mawile and Chansey joyfully raised their plates and ran towards Xiaogang.