c17: Another "Plane" Exchange
After exchanging Espurr and Nyula (Sneasel) eggs, it felt as though their streak of luck had ended. Until well past five in the afternoon, the trainers who came seeking advice on Psychic-, Ice-, or Flying-type Pokémon displayed mediocre qualifications at best.
The highest aptitude observed was only quasi-Elite, and none brought truly rare Pokémon. The most promising was a Taillow, a dual Normal/Flying-type. Even after evolving into Swellow, with a base stat total of just 455, it fell short of Chen Xiaoxiao's standards. Compared to Pokémon like Pidgeot, whose Mega Evolution offers greater utility in battle, Swellow felt underwhelming. It might as well have been "Didi compares to Bi Diao" a backhanded joke among battle strategists.
"Hey, it's you?"
Chen Xiaoxiao and Leng Yue, lounging listlessly at the table, heard a surprised voice and looked up. It was someone familiar.
Leng Yue gave a disinterested snort and went back to tinkering with the Pokédex.
"I'm sorry about earlier. I caused you trouble, and I really appreciate your help."
The familiar face turned apologetic and bowed slightly.
"Hehe, that was fast. You got out already? Recover your money?"
Chen Xiaoxiao teased lightly.
"Yeah... They released me after taking my statement. I'll be notified in a few days if the money turns up."
The boy was the same young Trainer who had been conned earlier. It took guts to come back here and keep shopping so soon after. That kind of nerve deserved a bit of admiration.
"By the way, I'm Xu Fei, just started my journey this year."
He smiled sheepishly as he introduced himself.
"Nan Yunxu?" Chen Xiaoxiao's heart skipped a beat.
"Ah? Yes, that's me Nan Yun Xu. You know of my family?"
Xu Fei was surprised that she picked up on his lineage from his surname.
"Nan Yun Xu… does that name remind me of a Darmanitan?" Chen Xiaoxiao asked, avoiding a direct answer.
The Xu family of Nanyun Province was one of China's better-known fire-specialist clans, residing near the Living Volcano in Chongteng City a renowned Fire-type haven. According to long-standing rumors, a Moltres once used as the ace of a Champion from the Xu family had returned to roost in that very volcano after its master passed.
Though none of the current descendants had risen to Region Elite or Champion status, the family's legacy was no joke. Every generation of family heads commanded at least three fully trained Fire-type powerhouses. Even without modern fame, their strength commanded respect.
"...I'm not from the main line, just a branch," Xu Fei said, clearly uncomfortable.
"Well, I'm Chen Xiaoxiao. This is Leng Yue."
Had Xu Fei claimed direct lineage, Chen Xiaoxiao might've dismissed him with a scoff. But admitting to being from a side branch earned him enough sincerity to warrant a proper introduction.
"Wait Chen of the Shencheng Psychic clan and Leng of the Johto Region Ice line?" Xu Fei asked, eyes wide. After witnessing the strength of Chen Xiaoxiao's Gardevoir earlier, he had already suspected as much. And Leng Yue was guarded by an Elite-ranked Trainer an uncommon luxury.
Chen Xiaoxiao's lineage was murkier, since the Shencheng Psychic family was reputed to produce only sons, according to most records.
Leng Yue, though, was unmistakable. The rare surname, paired with her air of quiet authority, pointed unmistakably to the daughter of Huaxia's Ice Elite, Leng Xin.
"Mhm. Now speak."
Chen Xiaoxiao nodded, her tone sharpening.
"Speak? About what?"
Xu Fei blinked, caught off guard.
"What do you want to exchange? You think we're here for small talk? Do we look like the kind of girls you can strike up a random chat with?"
Chen Xiaoxiao's tone turned icy.
Leng Yue, who had been little more than a silent presence, lifted her gaze and locked eyes with Xu Fei coldly.
"Uh no! I mean yes—yes, I came to make a trade! I want to exchange for an Ultimate-grade Fire Stone. But I only have a Pokémon that evolves into a Flying-type. The value might not match, so I'm willing to offer additional compensation."
Xu Fei, flustered by Chen Xiaoxiao's shifting tone and glare, hurriedly clarified.
"What Pokémon is it? Show me."
Chen Xiaoxiao cut to the point.
"It's a Togepi. I encountered and caught her in Nanyun Province while en route to the capital. But… she doesn't seem to like me very much. So I'd rather exchange her. I believe she'll be better off with someone like you."
Xu Fei spoke while retrieving a Poké Ball. With a click, he released a small, egg-shaped Pokémon. Her body was predominantly pale yellow, encased in what resembled a cracked white shell decorated with red and blue triangle markings. Five short spikes crowned her head there was no mistaking it. This was a Togepi.
"Toge~pri!"
The moment Togepi emerged, she glanced around, then locked eyes with Xu Fei and burst into pitiful wails.
"Aw, don't cry, Togepi. Are you hungry? Look here there's food. Want some?"
Chen Xiaoxiao immediately stepped in, scooping Togepi into her arms and offering her a handful of premium Fairy-type Pokéblocks, freshly synthesized by her system. They were high-grade, the sort of nutritional supplements designed for optimal growth and happiness in Fairy-types.
Thankfully, Togepi's childlike nature kicked in. The moment she spotted food, the tears ceased. With a sniffle, she began nibbling contentedly.
Chen Xiaoxiao sighed. She understood now what Xu Fei meant when he said the Pokémon didn't like him. It wasn't dislike it was incompatibility. Togepi cried too easily, and Xu Fei, being a young male Trainer just starting out, clearly hadn't had the patience or the resources to handle such a needy Pokémon.
She looked at the crumbs on Togepi's lips and raised an eyebrow.
"What were you feeding her? Fire-type Pokéblocks?"
From her seat, Leng Yue lifted her eyes, offering Xu Fei a withering glance filled with silent judgment.
"..."
"Genius."
Xu Fei flushed. The silence spoke volumes.
"I didn't have a choice! I was deep in the wilds at the time. All I had were Fire-type Pokéblocks!"
He scrambled to explain himself.
"What about regular food?"
Chen Xiaoxiao's follow-up question struck like a Thunderbolt. Xu Fei looked blank for a second, then groaned internally.
"Right! I could've just shared my own food with her… Why did I think only Pokéblocks would work?"
Chen Xiaoxiao shook her head and rolled her eyes, then pulled up Togepi's data using the advanced scan function of her Pokédex:
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Togepi
Gender: Female ♀
Level: 10 (Common Intermediate Tier)
Type: Fairy
Nature: Timid (↑ Speed, ↓ Attack)
Ability: Serene Grace – Doubles the chance of additional effects occurring from moves
Hidden Ability: Super Luck – Raises the critical hit ratio by one stage
Potential: Elite-tier
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Seeing the scan results, a knowing smile touched her lips. In her heart, she chuckled another rookie Trainer giving away a goldmine.
Elite potential, paired with Serene Grace? If she adjusted the nature to something more defensive and equipped her with a Scope Lens (properly translated from the in-game Zoom Lens for manga localization consistency), this Togepi would evolve into a formidable Togekiss a fairy-fortress capable of Serene Grace-induced paraflinch strategies.
"A top-grade Fire Stone like this goes for around 60 million Pokéyuan on the current market. Your Togepi, while technically not a traditional rare Pokémon, has Elite potential and desirable abilities. Fairy-types like Togepi sell as eggs for around 30 to 40 million. Let's take the average 35 million. That means you'd still owe me 25 million. Fair?"
Chen Xiaoxiao spoke calmly. Though she had every opportunity to exploit the trade, she chose to be fair given the Pokémon's worth.
"Deal. That's reasonable." Xu Fei nodded, relieved by her integrity.
"Transfer the amount. You can verify the stone yourself."
Chen Xiaoxiao tapped open her Pokédex's encrypted payment interface and slid it across the table. She followed it with the Fire Stone, retrieved from her storage case a flawless, vivid crimson gem humming with elemental energy.
"Togepi, you're with me now, okay? Look this is Solrock, and this is Espurr. They'll be your new friends."
As she spoke, Chen Xiaoxiao released the newly acquired Espurr to join the group. The Psychic-type blinked curiously at the bubbly Togepi, who chirped in reply.
"No issues." Xu Fei confirmed the authenticity of the Fire Stone, then completed the bank transfer via Pokédex. Afterward, he handed over Togepi's Poké Ball with both hands.
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