"Dear passengers, we have arrived at our destination, Magic City. Please take your luggage with you and get off the plane in an orderly manner."
The soft, polite voice of the flight attendant echoed repeatedly through the cabin speakers. Outside, the sky was just beginning to brighten with the first light of dawn. The clock indicated it was a little past five in the morning, and the Magic City airport bustled quietly as other flights arrived.
Renjiro slowly opened his eyes and looked out of the airplane window. His sharp gaze softened as he took in the sight of the awakening city below, its lights flickering like distant stars. He took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief now that they had landed safely.
Gently, Renjiro turned toward Liu Shuyun, who had fallen asleep against him during the flight. He patted her lightly on the back, speaking in a soft voice. "Wake up, we've arrived."
Liu Shuyun let out a sleepy murmur, like a kitten reluctant to leave the warmth of its nest. Instead of moving, she instinctively snuggled deeper into Renjiro's arms, seeking comfort in his embrace. It was hard to believe that the elegant, confident CEO, who always exuded authority and strength, could look so vulnerable and adorable at this moment.
"Come on, we have to get off soon. The flight attendants will start urging us if we stay seated," Renjiro said, his voice carrying both amusement and gentleness as he tried again to rouse her.
Passengers had already begun retrieving their belongings and filing out of the plane. Yet, in stark contrast, the two of them remained seated, almost as if they wished to extend these rare moments of closeness.
Finally, with a reluctant sigh, Liu Shuyun lifted her head. "Alright, alright," she whispered, a sleepy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She rose from her seat, smoothing her hair and trying to compose herself, though her heart was still racing.
She couldn't deny it anymore. Despite the age gap, despite her status, despite the logic that told her otherwise—she was falling for this boy, this remarkable young man who, despite being ten years her junior, held himself with a strength and confidence that few could match.
As they disembarked, Renjiro and Liu Shuyun walked quietly through the airport. There was no rush now. The dangers of the previous days were behind them, at least for the moment. In the Magic City, with the presence of the Pokémon Alliance's branch headquarters, those who sought to harm them would think twice before making a move.
Halfway through their walk, Renjiro suddenly broke the comfortable silence.
"I have something to tell you," he said, his tone serious.
Liu Shuyun glanced at him, a mix of curiosity and anticipation in her eyes. "What is it?" she asked, her heart skipping a beat. Could this be... was he going to confess? The thought sent a blush creeping up from the base of her neck.
Before Renjiro could speak further, Liu Shuyun, unable to contain herself, blurted out, "I'm willing to wait! Two years, five years... it doesn't matter! I'll wait!"
Then, without hesitation, she threw her arms around his neck, clinging to him as if she never wanted to let go. In that moment, all her doubts and worries vanished. The world might judge her, age might separate them, but she didn't care. Being with Renjiro made her feel alive.
Renjiro was stunned, completely caught off guard by her sudden declaration and passionate embrace. That wasn't what he had meant to say at all—but as he stood there, feeling her warmth, he realized there was no point in explaining. How could he reject the affection of such a beautiful, sincere woman?
"A woman is like a wolf at thirty and like a tiger at forty… the ancients did not lie," Renjiro thought, his lips curving into a small, helpless smile.
From that moment, Liu Shuyun's mood brightened. The shadow of their earlier separation fears had lifted, replaced by a newfound happiness. She clung to his arm, her head resting gently on his shoulder as they walked, content and at peace.
Renjiro couldn't help but chuckle softly. This was the real Liu Shuyun—the one hidden beneath layers of strength and responsibility. A woman who wanted, simply, to be loved.
"Renjiro," she said softly, "what are your plans? Are you going to stay in Magic City until the college entrance exam, or will you head back to Shuangyang City?"
Renjiro gave her a playful look. "Do you want me to leave or stay?"
Liu Shuyun hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "Of course I hope you stay… I mean, do as you like!" she said, quickly switching to a tone of mock indifference. But the blush on her cheeks betrayed her true feelings.
Renjiro laughed. He loved how flustered she became so easily now. "Alright. I'll stay here for a few days. I'll head back when the exam draws near," he said at last.
Liu Shuyun beamed. "Really? That's wonderful!" The thought of spending a few more days together filled her with joy.
Two hours later, they arrived at Liu Shuyun's residence—a magnificent villa nestled in an upscale district of the city. As they stepped inside, Liu Shuyun spread her arms wide. "I'm home!"
Her voice echoed through the spacious house, and almost immediately, a gray blur dashed from one of the rooms and leapt into her arms.
"Xiao Hui!" Liu Shuyun cried out affectionately, burying her face in the soft fur of her beloved Purugly.
Renjiro's eyes widened as he assessed the Pokémon.
Pokémon: Purugly
Type: Normal
Gender: Female
Level: 52
Ability: Defiant (prevents lowered stats and boosts Attack when stats are lowered)
Moves: Quick Attack, Slash, Swagger, Play Nice, Hypnosis...
"A level fifty-two Purugly…" Renjiro murmured, genuinely impressed. Achieving such a level wasn't easy. It spoke not just of the Pokémon's potential but also of the skill and dedication of its trainer.
Under Liu Shuyun's care, Purugly had grown stronger and plumper than most of its kind, but also more lovable. Renjiro wondered, half-jokingly, if the creature had leveled up as much from battling as from being spoiled with delicious food.
"Xiao Hui, this is Renjiro," Liu Shuyun said, setting the Pokémon down and leaning gently against Renjiro. "He's… my boyfriend."
"Meowth?" Purugly blinked, looking at Renjiro with curious golden eyes. (Boyfriend? Is that something I can eat?)
Renjiro crouched down, stroking the soft fur on the top of Purugly's head. "I'm not food, but I can make food for you," he teased, feeling the warmth of the cat Pokémon's body beneath his fingers.
Purugly immediately perked up at the mention of food, circling around Renjiro eagerly and even flopping onto its back in a bid to charm him.
Liu Shuyun pouted. "Traitor. I'm your trainer, and you're already trying to curry favor with him?"
Renjiro grinned, thoroughly enjoying the interaction. "Would you like to have a cat yourself?" he mused aloud, already imagining how nice it would be to have a Pokémon companion of his own to greet him like this every day.
Liu Shuyun watched the scene with a mixture of amusement and mock jealousy. She couldn't help but feel that her treasured Purugly had been won over far too easily. But as she stood there, gazing at Renjiro, her heart felt full. Maybe it wasn't just Purugly who was falling for him.
The morning sun streamed through the villa's wide windows, casting everything in a warm, golden light. And for the first time in many days, Renjiro and Liu Shuyun felt at peace—ready to face whatever challenges the future held, as long as they could do it together.
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