"Come out, Feebas!"
With a flash of red light from the Poké Ball, a Feebas emerged and splashed into the sparkling water of the pool. Its body was dotted with irregular yellow spots, making it look rather shabby at first glance, but to Renjiro, this Pokémon had its own charm.
"Bobo~!" Feebas cried out cheerfully, finally free from its Poké Ball. It swam energetically around the pool, splashing water playfully as if celebrating its freedom.
Liu Shuyun watched the scene with a soft smile, but curiosity quickly replaced the amusement in her eyes. She turned to Renjiro and asked, "Are you really going to tell me the secret of Feebas' evolution today? Aren't you worried I'll find out and just refuse to pay the billion coins?"
Renjiro, who was leaning comfortably against the railing by the pool, glanced at her with calm confidence. After their simple breakfast earlier, he'd promised to reveal the method that would help Feebas evolve into the majestic Milotic.
"I'm not worried at all," Renjiro replied with a slight smile. "One billion Alliance coins might seem like a lot, but for a major city like Century Metropolis, it's nothing more than pocket change. You wouldn't risk your family's reputation or sacrifice the boyfriend you finally found just to save that amount."
His tone was light, but his words carried an unshakable conviction. He knew Liu Shuyun had no reason to cheat him—not now. When they first met, both had their guards up, afraid of being deceived. But after everything they'd been through, a foundation of trust had formed between them. There was no need to play those cautious games anymore.
Liu Shuyun gave him a playful shove. "What do you mean 'finally found a boyfriend'? There are plenty of people lining up to chase me, you know!"
She crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin proudly. "It's just that I didn't like any of them."
Renjiro couldn't help but chuckle at her fiery attitude. "So picky. No wonder they say cats love fish, but are afraid to get their paws wet."
Liu Shuyun rolled her eyes. "Enough teasing. Tell me—why do you need so much money anyway? What's the real reason behind it?"
Her voice softened. She remembered how, at their first meeting, Renjiro had mentioned his need for funds—lots of funds. She couldn't help but feel concerned. After all, they say that once men have money, they change. She didn't want to see him walk that path.
Renjiro didn't hesitate with his reply. "I'm starting a business. What else?"
His honesty caught Liu Shuyun off guard, but it warmed her heart. This wasn't like the secretive schemes of the past; this was something different. Something real.
"A business?!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
It only deepened her admiration for him. While boys his age were still spending their parents' money and living carefree, here was Renjiro—working hard to build his own future from nothing. A self-made man in the making.
"Yes. And it's a venture worth investing in. The prospects are enormous. Give me two years—no, less—and I'll surpass Century Metropolis itself."
Liu Shuyun burst out laughing. "You're such a braggart! Two years to surpass Century Metropolis? You're too much."
But even as she teased him, a small part of her wondered if maybe, just maybe, he could really do it. That's what made her heart race whenever she was with him—his ambition, his drive, his fearlessness.
"Do you need my help?" she offered, her tone softening again. "If I can do anything to support you, just say so."
Renjiro gave her a thoughtful look. He appreciated her sincerity.
"There's one thing you could help with, actually. Doesn't Century Metropolis run a Pokémon trading business? I want to buy some Houndour and Zubat."
Liu Shuyun blinked, a little surprised at the request. "Houndour and Zubat? Why those?"
Renjiro smiled. "Houndour's combination of Fire and Dark types makes it versatile in battle, with keen tracking ability. It'll help prevent enemies from slipping away. Zubat, on the other hand, is like a living radar—perfect for scouting and support."
Liu Shuyun nodded, impressed by his reasoning. "Alright. How many do you need?"
"Twenty of each to start with. Just deduct the cost from the 900 million remaining. I don't want to give your brothers any excuse to stir up trouble over this."
She felt a burst of affection for him. Even though he could have tried to pull strings for free Pokémon, he chose the honorable path instead.
"Consider it done. I'll have them sent to you right away."
Just then, a loud splash interrupted their conversation. Both turned to see what had caused it. Their eyes widened in surprise.
Liu Shuyun's Purugly stood proudly at the edge of the pool with Feebas clamped tightly in its jaws. The poor Feebas wriggled desperately, its tail flapping wildly as it tried to escape the predator's grip.
"Xiao Hui! Let go of that right now!" Liu Shuyun shouted, rushing toward the poolside.
Purugly hesitated, looking up at its master with big, innocent eyes. It released Feebas, who dropped back into the water with a loud splash, then slinked over to Liu Shuyun like a guilty child who'd been caught stealing snacks.
Renjiro stifled a laugh at the sight. The big, fat cat really did act like a mischievous kid.
"Xiao Hui, you can't just eat my Feebas!" Liu Shuyun scolded, though her voice softened as she rubbed Purugly's round head.
Feebas, now safe, surfaced and let out a shaky, relieved cry.
Renjiro crouched down beside the cat. "If you're hungry, I can make something delicious for you, Xiao Hui. But no snacking on our future Milotic, okay?"
"Meow!" Purugly chirped, as if agreeing eagerly at the promise of food.
"You're spoiling her now," Liu Shuyun said with mock indignation. "She'll be loyal to you instead of me."
Renjiro grinned and scratched behind Purugly's ears. "Can you blame her? I'm irresistible."
Liu Shuyun rolled her eyes again, but the truth was, her heart was full. She'd never imagined that bringing Renjiro into her life would bring so much warmth, so much unexpected happiness.
The two spent the rest of the morning planning out Renjiro's next steps. Liu Shuyun promised to contact her connections to arrange for the Houndour and Zubat, while Renjiro sketched out ideas for his future organization, noting down goals and strategies.
By noon, a package arrived—special Pokéfood, toys for Purugly, and documents from Century Metropolis confirming the Pokémon order.
Renjiro and Liu Shuyun sat together on the terrace, looking over the city as sunlight spilled across the skyline.
"I'm serious about this, you know," Renjiro said quietly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I'll build something that matters. Something that lasts."
Liu Shuyun reached out and took his hand. "And I'll be right here with you, every step of the way."
And so, as the sun set over the Magic City, a boy with big dreams and a woman with an even bigger heart began writing a new chapter of their story—one filled with ambition, friendship, and the promise of tomorrow.
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