Whenever you get a new baby, the urge to show them off is impossible to resist.
After recording a short video of Diancie and Manaphy playing together, Ren casually dropped it into the group chat.
Ren: New member of Pokémon Home — Manaphy, haha. What do you think?
He tapped his phone with one hand while enjoying the ice cream that had just been delivered, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.
"Mana~"
Manaphy floated closer, staring curiously at the ice cream.
"Want a taste, cutie?" Ren took a clean spoon from the cabinet, scooped up a bite, and gently offered it to Manaphy.
"Mana!"
The moment the cold sweetness touched its mouth, Manaphy's eyes lit up brilliantly. It let out a clear, delighted cry.
Ren could've sworn he saw little sparkles pop up around it—pure anticipation.
"Haha, if you like it, eat more. I'll save some for you every day."
He affectionately patted Manaphy's head and handed the ice cream over.
Manaphy felt soft and springy to the touch, almost like jelly.
"Mana~ na~"
Holding the spoon seriously in one hand and the ice cream in the other, Manaphy hummed happily.
Ren chuckled as he watched Manaphy and Diancie sit side by side watching cartoons, then glanced down at his phone.
---
From Childhood to Adulthood: Wow~ It's so cute!
This Lady Is a Big School Beauty: Judging by the look, it's Water-type, right? The cry is way too soft.
It's a Male Fox: With all due respect, it's still not as handsome as my fox.
From Childhood to Adulthood: Yes yes yes, not as handsome as your fox 😏 (FunnyFace.jpg)
LittleBird: Wait—Boss, we just left. You already got a Manaphy?!
Ren thought for a moment, then aimed the Pokédex at Manaphy.
He snapped a photo of the entry and sent it straight to the group.
---
Manaphy
Water-type · Mythical Pokémon
Ability: Hydration
Moves: Heart Swap, Hydro Pump, Dazzling Gleam, Energy Ball, Blizzard, Surf, Psychic, and more.
Born in the deep sea, over 80% of its body is composed of water.
It possesses a mysterious power that allows it to communicate with any Pokémon.
---
The group chat fell completely silent.
Legendary.
Mythical.
Those two words hit like a bomb.
A few seconds later—
It's a Male Fox: I'm sorry, my voice was a bit loud earlier. Let's pretend that never happened. Manaphy is perfect. (Jealousy.jpg)
From Childhood to Adulthood: AHHHHHH! Boss, I'm family too! Let me hug Manaphy!
This Lady Is a Big School Beauty: Boss, are you lacking a girlfriend? I'm the top school beauty in Shanghai—I can definitely help take care of Manaphy and Diancie!
LittleBird: (O_O) This move list is insane… What kind of mythical Pokémon is this?
Ren: (DignifiedAndCute.jpg)
Watching the flood of envy and admiration, Ren sent a satisfied emoji.
Showing off was only human nature, right?
What was wrong with proudly sharing his adorable Manaphy?
Relaxed and content, Ren leaned back in his chair and ordered another ice cream.
It was already close to three o'clock.
Who knew if there would be more customers later?
---
On the way home, after reading about Mythical Pokémon in the Beginner Trainer's Manual, Ava smacked her lips in awe.
"No wonder everyone went crazy over Manaphy…"
"It is the shop owner, after all," Liam said calmly. "And Diancie is also a Mythical Pokémon."
"Huh? Diancie too?"
"Ava, are you serious?" Liam twitched. "Didn't you use the Pokédex on Diancie yourself?"
"I was too excited about Bulbasaur!" Ava laughed sheepishly.
"And I didn't expect Lucas to come buy Pokémon either."
Liam rolled his eyes and glanced at Lucas's chat window.
"Lucas? The heir of the Huaqi Consortium?" Ava froze.
"Yeah. Uncle Lucas is close with Dad. He's been to our house for dinner more than once. You even added him, didn't you?"
"I don't pay attention to that stuff," Ava replied dismissively.
"And that 'big school beauty' in the group—right now the most famous one in Shanghai is Emma from the Bai family. That other girl is probably Lily, the one from the video."
Liam shook his head in amazement.
None of these people were simple.
After a moment, he stopped and hesitated.
"Sis…"
"Hm?"
"Tomorrow, ask Dad for a bit more money. Say you want cosmetics or clothes—and lend me some."
Seeing Manaphy had made his heart itch.
"Aren't you out of money?" Ava blinked.
"I usually don't spend much. My savings are with Mom," Liam sighed. "After buying Elekid, I'm basically broke. If I ask her directly, she'll definitely start asking questions."
"So you want me to do it?" Ava frowned.
"It's normal for girls to spend money. Besides, Dad won't hit you."
Ava sneered.
"Yeah, he won't hit me—but he'll lecture me to death."
She kicked Liam lightly.
"Get lost. If you want money, go ask Dad yourself."