"Then, I'll take my leave."
Li Wei had no intention of staying at Limoné's house; Cynthia, after all, had a villa in Lumiose City.
Li Wei also had to meet Steven tomorrow.
After staying at Limoné's house for several hours, Li Wei also taught Eureka some Breeder knowledge as promised.
He even let Eureka get hands-on, grooming Arcanine's fur. Although it was tiring, Eureka enjoyed it thoroughly.
Thinking of this person, who, at less than ten years old, dared to brush a Tyrunt's teeth, and who still found Tyrantrum cute even after it evolved...
It must be said, Eureka truly is naturally suited to be a Breeder; what's needed is precisely that kind of courage.
But Eureka is only barely six years old now; she still has four years until she can officially start her journey at ten.
"When you officially start your journey, come to the Sinnoh region. I'll teach you even more then."
Eureka responded loudly, "Yes!"
"We are truly very grateful."
Limoné and Laura expressed their heartfelt thanks.
Even though Li Wei had agreed, Eureka was inevitably a little disappointed due to their parting.
Looking at the dispirited Eureka, Li Wei bent down and gently stroked her head, comforting her:
"I'll still be in Lumiose City for the next two days. If I have time, I'll come to the Miare Gym to see you."
Li Wei pondered for a moment, "Perhaps there will be another surprise."
The surprise Li Wei spoke of was naturally Steven.
But whether Steven would go to the Miare Gym with him, Li Wei didn't know, which is why he said 'perhaps'.
Eureka nodded emphatically, "Mm!"
Although Eureka wasn't even seven yet, she was still very sensible.
She even tried to find a girlfriend for her brother and a sister-in-law for herself—that's something you couldn't find even if you searched with a thousand lanterns!
"We'll see you off."
"No need to bother."
Li Wei only let them see him to the door, because if they went any further, they might end up seeing him all the way home.
Cynthia's villa was indeed not far from Limoné's house, only about a kilometer away.
Li Wei walked back with Lucario and the others.
Since there were fewer pedestrians now, Li Wei released all of his Pokemon.
"Everyone, come on out!"
Li Wei didn't like keeping his Pokemon in their Poke Balls all the time; whenever he had the chance, he would let them out.
This was also why he always stayed at the Breeding Center—it was his own territory, where Arcanine and the others could run around freely.
No one knew who started it, but Li Wei and Lucario hummed songs as they walked back to the villa.
...
The next day.
Steven, who had arrived in Lumiose City last night,
did not disturb Li Wei last night.
Because... he also had a villa.
After receiving Li Wei's address,
Steven, carrying a briefcase, arrived alone.
As for Li Wei staying in Cynthia's villa,
Steven wasn't surprised; he probably realized it when they were both special teachers at the Breeding Center.
"Ding-dong--"
In a way, Steven was indeed very dedicated; he would get up early and stay up late to dig for ore, so his body clock was always set early.
Steven had stayed at the Breeding Center for a few days.
Steven had encountered Li Wei training before seven in the morning when he woke up.
So he knew that Li Wei always got up very early.
Hearing the doorbell, Li Wei opened the door and saw the familiar and handsome Steven.
"You're just in time. Let's have breakfast together."
Li Wei's breakfast was always quite simple: bread he bought last night, paired with Moomoo Milk.
But what attracted Steven wasn't the breakfast.
It was Diancie.
Diancie's bright eyes met Steven's.
Watching from the side, Li Wei actually saw a hint of shyness... and awkwardness from Steven?
This was quite normal.
Gems, ores, diamonds...
These were important components that made up Diancie,
and Steven loved these things the most.
If they were to have a Pokemon battle between Diancie and Steven... it would probably make Steven lose without even fighting...
Steven, lost his will to fight, battle impossible!
Steven stood up and introduced himself solemnly,
"Hello, Diancie, I am Stone Steven. You can just call me Steven."
How solemn was it...
Steven and Li Wei didn't use such etiquette when they first met. Steven only used it for his parents, Aunt and Uncle, and grandparents—elders of that sort.
(Steven)
Diancie repeated the name, committing it to memory.
Steven looked at Li Wei, saying earnestly,
"Please allow me to accompany you on your upcoming journey in the Kalos region."
Li Wei's mouth twitched.
Steven hadn't been this solemn even when he saw the rainbow meteorite or when he traded the Metagross ite with Li Wei!
"No problem."
Steven was unaware that this was also Li Wei's original plan.
Diancie, you're amazing!
After chatting with Diancie,
and calming down, Steven finally returned to normal. "Do you have any plans for your travels in the Kalos region next?"
Li Wei slightly raised his head,
"First, I'll go to Professor Sycamore's Lab.
I promised Dr. Platanus to research Mega Lucario's data, and he'll give me another ite.
Then, it's the Miare Gym. The Gym Leader's younger sister is a fan of mine, and I promised to see her. And... that's it."
Steven understood.
Li Wei hadn't done any planning at all.
"In that case, I'll take care of the itinerary planning from now on."
Steven had visited the Kalos region many times and knew where the scenic spots were and where was worth visiting.
Li Wei indeed hadn't made any plans.
Or rather, his plans were only two things.
Lucarionite, Diancie...
And that was it.
Since obtaining the Lucarionite and catching Diancie went more smoothly than Li Wei had imagined,
for the next ten-plus days, Li Wei's plan was to have no plan, just pure sightseeing.
"I'll leave it to you!"
With Steven around, Li Wei decided to slack off.
"..."
Steven had a feeling he'd been tricked.
"I've also assisted Dr. Platanus with his research before; it might take one to two days."
"And the Miare Gym, located in the central Prism Tower, is a worthwhile attraction even if not for a Gym battle."
Steven, whose mind was storming, suddenly said,
"Have you explored Lumiose City?"
"No."
Seeing Li Wei shake his head, Steven looked at Diancie again, "Diancie, what do you like? What are your preferences?"
(Shiny things.)
Diancie didn't elaborate much on "shiny things."
A thoughtful look flashed in Steven's eyes.
Diancie also saw shiny things in Steven, such as knowledge and wisdom.
Although he liked Diancie very much,
as a thorough Champion,
Steven would not show favoritism.
"Lucario, Metagross, Shaymin, Arcanine, what about you all..."
Steven also asked Lucario and the others for their opinions. They had about ten days, which was enough time for Steven to arrange things.
Li Wei dialed Dr. Platanus's number and arranged a time with him.
"Okay, let's go to Professor Sycamore's Lab first."