c146: The Haggard Curator Lin
"Okay, Master Lin. Please sort out a full report and send it to me immediately. The higher-ups want it now."
Chen Xiaoxiao's tone was firm as she spoke to the weary Gym Leader.
"I understand. I'll have it organized and delivered right away," Lin replied without hesitation.
He ended the call, then immediately instructed his secretary, Mina, to compile an official action report, while he provided key details.
On her end, Chen Xiaoxiao drafted her own brief account of how the operation had unfolded her discovery of the smuggling trail, the pursuit, and the captures.
Within the hour, Lin forwarded the finished dossier directly to her Pokédex. She combined his report with hers and transmitted both to Leng Xin's secured device.
"Phew."
Exhaling deeply, she leaned back, glad to be finished with the paperwork. From here, the political fallout was no longer her concern.
Still, her curiosity pulled her into the familiar "system interface" she used to track her growth.
Chen Xiaoxiao
Gender: ♀
Age: 16
Special Ability: Advanced Psychic / Pokémon Language (telepathic comprehension of Pokémon speech)
Current Team
Solgaleo — Lv. 85 (Champion-tier, Primary)
Gardevoir — Lv. 82 (Champion-tier, Primary)
Latias — Lv. 81 (Champion-tier, Primary)
Espeon (Sun Pokémon) — Lv. 79 (Elite Peak)
Metagross — Lv. 76 (Elite Peak)
Meowstic — Lv. 71 (Elite Advanced)
Togekiss — Lv. 71 (Elite Advanced)
Lapras — Lv. 67 (Elite Intermediate)
Ampharos — Lv. 51 (Quasi-Elite Advanced)
System Points: 17,134
The numbers told the story. Since the Zapdos incident last year where she had faced the Legendary but failed to defeat it her team had grown steadily. Solgaleo's level remained dauntingly high, requiring immense experience to advance further, but Gardevoir had risen another rank, and Latias had solidified her position after besting Ampharos in training.
Her other partners had each climbed at least a level, and though she'd once spent all her system points to equip Ampharos with held items and TMs, yesterday's long operation had replenished them by more than ten thousand.
It was, in every sense, a full harvest.
Chen Xiaoxiao allowed herself a small smile, humming a tune as she bathed and retired early.
---
The next morning, after her daily training and a quick breakfast with Gardevoir, she skimmed the Pokédex newsfeed. Headlines covered local events—minor scandals, sports updates, even an article about a challenger winning the Guancheng Gym Badge the day before.
But there was nothing no mention of Hui, Bai Mao, or the syndicate's collapse.
"As expected," she murmured. "The League hasn't released the details yet. Too many officials are involved… and with smuggling across borders, the investigation will take time."
Finishing her tea, she changed clothes and stepped out into the morning air with Gardevoir at her side. This time she walked instead of teleporting the hotel was close enough to the Gym.
"Miss Chen Xiaoxiao, good morning! Looking for the Gym Leader?" the receptionist greeted warmly.
"Yes," Chen Xiaoxiao smiled. "Is Master Lin in?"
"He's in his office. Please, this way."
It was only a little past 8 a.m. the Gym hadn't officially opened, so the receptionist personally escorted her. At the office door, she knocked, and Lin's voice answered from within.
"Come in."
Inside, Lin sat at his desk, thick files spread across it. His beard was unkempt, his eyes shadowed from lack of sleep.
"Oh, Xiaoxiao, so early? Sit down," he said with weary surprise.
Chen Xiaoxiao chuckled as she sat. "Master Lin, you look exhausted. Don't tell me you worked all night again?"
Lin leaned back, massaging his temples. "Hah. Once you sit in this chair, you'll understand. When things go smoothly, life is quiet. But the moment a crisis hits, you drown in problems."
Her smirk faded; the fatigue in his voice was too genuine to tease further.
"Still," Lin continued, forcing a laugh, "I don't believe you came here just to see me complain. Out with it."
"I wanted to see the rescued Pokémon with my own eyes," Chen Xiaoxiao said simply.
"Ha! So I was just the side visit, then?" Lin chuckled, pointing at her.
She grinned back but nodded firmly.
"Most of them were transferred to League custody last night. But a batch remains for assessment. If you'd like, let's go together."
He pushed aside the documents and stretched his neck.
"Not too busy?" Chen Xiaoxiao asked, gesturing toward the paperwork mountain on his desk.
Lin's expression soured. "These won't vanish on their own… but since you're here, you might as well help me later. For now, let's inspect the Pokémon together. We'll take the League convoy instead of teleporting I need the time to breathe."
Chen Xiaoxiao smiled faintly. "Alright. I'm not in a hurry. If I can help, I will."
"Good! Mina, prepare a vehicle."
Moments later, Mina reported back, and Lin rose with renewed energy. Together, they walked down to the underground garage, where a black stretch car idled.
"Please."
Lin opened the door for her like a gentleman.
"Thank you."
Chen Xiaoxiao slid in with Gardevoir, taking the right seat, while Lin and Mina sat opposite.
With a low hum, the vehicle pulled out of the Gym's underground lot, carrying them toward the League facility where the rescued Pokémon awaited.
---
30+ advanced chapter on patreon....Visit patreon now to read my exclusive content... posting 5 chapters per day, Our collection is now available on PATREON
visit patreon.com/Elbertovic to view 30+ advanced chapters
Please subscribe guys