Chapter 108: Squirtle Wants to Become Stronger
Lu Ye clutched his head with both hands, slumping dejectedly onto the sofa. In his mind, he could almost see another house sprouting wings and flying away. Blue's suggestion made the already strained household finances even worse.
Lu Ye let out a long sigh. "With just 3 Pokémon, I can barely keep things together… If I really became a Trainer, wouldn't I be doomed?"
Saying he wasn't worried would be a lie. The cost of being a Trainer was clear. But Squirtle, like Eevee and Haunter, had already become part of the family. Ignoring it would only make Lu Ye feel guilty. Besides, as long as Teacher Lu kept working hard, he could eventually pay off his debt…
Taking a deep breath, Lu Ye's confidence surged again. "It's just another million in debt," he sneered. "With so many games to… borrow ideas from, how can I not pay off a mere 6 million?!"
When people face hardships, the spirit of self-reassurance always arrives on cue. Thinking of Red's Snorlax, which cost 2 million a month just to feed, Lu Ye felt oddly comforted. By that calculation… maybe I'm even saving money?
"Good thing I'm not a Trainer." Lu Ye nodded optimistically. "Take it slow… and I'll be rich one day!"
Lu Ye called the Devon Corporation. Last time, he'd spent over a million on Eevee's Power Anklet and earned a lifetime VIP card. VIP installment plans only required a 100,000 down payment. Gritting his teeth, Lu Ye used the money he'd won gaming with Cynthia the previous night to cover it.
"There should be game revenue next month," Lu Ye muttered. "Why does this feel like a one-way street…"
That afternoon, the delivery arrived at Lu Ye's place. Accompanying it was a sharply dressed manager, who smiled respectfully and said, "You have excellent taste! Our customers are all veteran Trainers."
Lu Ye was stunned. "I've only been here twice…"
"If there's a second time, there'll be a third!" The manager grinned. "You're dignified and impressive—clearly championship material! I'll give you a 10% discount next time!"
Lu Ye immediately shut the door. "Haunter, show him out!"
The manager, locked out, still called out loudly, "An 8% discount! We can negotiate!"
Grinding his teeth, Lu Ye placed the package on the coffee table. "There won't be a next time… I swear on Eevee's treadmill!"
"Eevee?!" Eevee leaped up to headbutt Lu Ye's knee, but he easily grabbed it by the scruff of its neck.
"Not so fast, kid," Lu Ye smirked. "Still a bit too green!"
"Eevee! (〃＞皿＜)"
Seeing the package, Haunter drifted over, drawn by the scent. "Hauunter! (¯﹃¯)"
Squirtle approached too, though it doubted the package was for it. But curiosity sparkled in its eyes.
"Don't look so surprised. It's for you," Lu Ye smiled at Squirtle.
"Squirtle?!" Squirtle was stunned.
"Your big bro and big sis both have theirs. This one's yours." Lu Ye unwrapped the package. A chill emanated from the finely crafted wooden box. Inside was a 5ml bottle of Mystic Water, glimmering with a beautiful blue sheen. In nature, solid Mystic Water cost at least 6 figures. Lu Ye shivered involuntarily.
Also included were powdered Water Stones and Aqua Gems for purifying water—perfect for Squirtle's growth.
"Squirtle…" Squirtle's eyes widened, unsure how to react.
"Hauunter!" Haunter chuckled, giving Squirtle a little push.
Looking up at Lu Ye, Squirtle scratched its head shyly. "Squirtle⁄(⁄⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄⁄)⁄"
Lu Ye smiled warmly. Bonding with Pokémon meant responding to their needs and hopes. Like Haunter's Dusk Stone and Eevee's Power Anklet… they were family. Squirtle deserved no less. It might seem like Lu Ye was pretending to be wealthier than he was… but hey, what's another 6 million in debt? Teacher Lu could handle it!
"I hope this means it'll stay quietly in its tank tonight…" Lu Ye sighed. "I'm really pulling out all the stops here!"
Squirtle's eyes shimmered with tears. Even at Modu University's breeding center, it hadn't felt warmth like this. Big Sis might rough me up… but I know she's helping me learn Iron Defense. And Haunter… that's just teaching me to be wary of the world's dangers. Though Lu Ye seems frugal, he still bought such precious items for me.
"Squirtle! /(ㄒoㄒ)/~~" I'll work even harder!
Lu Ye poured the Mystic Water into the tank, scattering the Aqua Gems at the bottom. The shimmering water resembled a bed of multicolored stones. A plain tank now looked like a beautiful aquarium…
Squirtle circled the tank cautiously, testing the water temperature with its paw. Then, flipping over the edge, it sank into the clear water and squinted contentedly. "Squirtle! (o≖◡≖)" Blowing bubbles, it retreated into its shell, sinking to the bottom. This feels amazing!
According to Blue, this formula enhanced Squirtle's affinity with Water-type moves. But more importantly, it helped heal injuries. Tapping the glass, Lu Ye said softly, "Getting stronger is important, but getting hurt isn't worth it."
Squirtle's motivation differed from Eevee's or Haunter's. Haunter had excellent self-discipline. Eevee wanted to repay kindness. Squirtle, cautious by nature, wanted strength to ease its paranoia. Perhaps Modu University's competitive environment played a role… but here, Squirtle didn't need to be so wary.
"With me around, no one will bully you." Lu Ye smiled. "Just do what makes you happy!"
Squirtle peeked out of its shell, pressed its face against the glass, and blew bubbles. "Squirtleヾ(⌐■_■)" It nodded seriously. It followed Lu Ye because he recognized its potential. This was a debt of gratitude. Squirtle's true goal was to help Lu Ye achieve his dreams.
The outside world was dangerous… but with careful growth, it would fulfill its master's wishes! Lu Ye's genuine feelings flowed through the aura to Squirtle. Squirtle's eyes gleamed with determination.
Master, your grand ambitions… I will make them a reality!