Chapter 82 - Chapter 81: Zhong Ling’s Secret

"Renjiro, you live in a place like this?!"The three admissions teachers stared at Dawn Street, stunned by what they saw.Whether it was the distinguished representative from Teito University or the local recruiter from Yueba University, all of them were equally shocked.Who would have imagined that the top scorer in the entire provincial capital—the pride of this year's college entrance examination—would live in such a damp, narrow, and dimly lit neighborhood?The walls were stained with age, and the air carried a faint scent of mildew. A far cry from what they had expected for someone of Renjiro's caliber.Feng Ye, feeling the tension in the air, nodded awkwardly. "Let's head inside."---Inside, Renjiro was tidying up when his phone buzzed.It was a message from Shu Wan.[Shu Wan: Renjiro, how many points did you get in the exam?]Renjiro glanced at it and smiled. He typed back:[Renjiro: I haven't checked myself yet, but Teacher Feng just called and said I'm the top scorer in the provincial capital.]At this point, checking the official score seemed almost unnecessary.A moment later, Shu Wan's reply popped up, full of disbelief:[Shu Wan: Is this true?! The top scorer of the provincial capital?!]She knew Renjiro's abilities well—he had always been diligent, but this was a huge leap.Renjiro responded calmly:[Renjiro: It should be true. Teacher Feng is bringing the admissions teachers from Teito University, Jinjiang University, and Yueba University to meet me now.]There was a long pause. Then:[Shu Wan: Which university will you choose?]Her heart raced as she waited for the answer. She had worked so hard this year, in part because she dreamed of going to the same city as Renjiro. If he chose Jinjiang or Yueba, what would she do?Renjiro's answer was firm:[Renjiro: Of course, Teito University.]That was where he intended to go—not just for prestige, but because it would give him the best chance to investigate the mysteries surrounding Mew.[Shu Wan: Hehe 😊]Relief washed over her.[Shu Wan: Renjiro, do you have any plans tomorrow? I want to go to Lostlorn Forest to catch a Pokémon.]She invited him, hopeful.Lostlorn Forest, located near Yingchuan City, was a lush reserve filled with wild Pokémon.Renjiro considered for a moment.[Renjiro: Sure. It'll be a nice break for me and my Pokémon.]His team had been under relentless training. They deserved the rest.[Shu Wan: Really?! I'll wait for you at the high-speed rail station. We'll go together!][Renjiro: Alright. See you tomorrow.]---Just then, a loud knock echoed through his apartment."That must be them," Renjiro muttered as he moved to open the door.But when he swung it open, surprise flickered across his face."Why is it you?"Standing there was Zhong Ling, an investigator from Shuangyang City's bureau, uniform slightly disheveled, beads of sweat dotting her forehead.Without so much as a greeting, she strode inside like she owned the place and poured herself a glass of water, downing it in large gulps."Does the Investigation Bureau not allow its officers to hydrate?" Renjiro asked, amused.Zhong Ling wiped her mouth, catching her breath."I just chased down a robber. Your place was closest, so I stopped by for water."Renjiro raised an eyebrow. "And where's the robber now?""Do you take me for a rookie? My team took him to the station," she said, rolling her eyes.Then she fished out a bank card and handed it to him."What's this?" Renjiro asked, puzzled."Your bounty. Two hundred thousand. For taking out Qiu Guocheng."Renjiro accepted it without hesitation. "I figured you didn't come just to borrow water."Zhong Ling smirked but then glanced around. "You're expecting someone?"Renjiro nodded. "Yeah. The admissions teachers should be here soon."He explained about his exam results.Zhong Ling froze."You're the provincial capital's top scorer?!"She stared at him as though he'd grown another head."Are you pulling my leg?""With our 'relationship,' why would I lie?" Renjiro teased.Zhong Ling's face flushed red. "What relationship?!""You treat this place like home. What do you think?"She flushed deeper, embarrassed at how easily she'd barged in."Stupid brat!" she snapped and swatted the back of his head.Renjiro rubbed his scalp and laughed. "Zhong Ling, you're smart, capable, and beautiful. How come you don't have a boyfriend?"The playful mood evaporated in an instant. Zhong Ling's eyes darkened.Renjiro realized too late he'd touched a nerve."I—I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it," he said gently.Zhong Ling sighed, gaze distant."Do you know why no one ever sees the captain of Shuangyang's Investigation Bureau?"Renjiro shook his head."Because he's my father."Renjiro blinked. "What? Your dad's the captain?"She nodded."Seven years ago, during an incident at Wudang Mountain, an Ultra Beast appeared. The head of Wudang, Zhang Yongchang, defeated it—but the League sent investigators to explore the cave it came from. My dad was among them."She took a shaky breath."No one's seen him since."Renjiro felt a wave of sympathy."That's why I became an investigator. I swore I'd uncover the truth about Ultra Beasts and the Ultra Caves."Renjiro nodded solemnly."I'll help. I have ideas that could work—especially once the Ultimate Ball is ready."Her eyes widened. "Really? You're serious?""Of course. Why not build a Poké Ball that can capture Ultra Beasts?"Zhong Ling chuckled, wiping away a stray tear."You really know how to talk big, don't you?""Would I lie to you?" Renjiro grinned. "I'd even do it for your sake.""Alright, if you figure it out, I'll marry you!" Zhong Ling laughed, half-joking, half-relieved to have shared her burden.Before Renjiro could reply, another knock came at the door—this time, no doubt the admissions team had arrived.---