Capítulo 40: There's Something Off About My Pokémon. [40]
The next day, Lu Cheng's father arranged to meet his colleague at a café and brought Lu Cheng along. The U20 tournament had only been going on for about a week, and with one more round of eliminations, the final 128 would be decided. Even Lu Cheng was starting to feel nervous, with the task of evolving Treecko looming over him. As for Vulpix, there wasn't much urgency, since the evolution stone awaited as a championship prize—it was all up to Lu Cheng's ability to claim it.
Sighing, Lu Cheng looked out the window at the café scenery, his mind troubled. The trainer Wang Yingjie, with his Wartortle, had left a deep impression on him. Especially his "one-hit knockout" style, which exerted a tremendous amount of psychological pressure. There were also many other seeded contestants who hadn't competed yet—likely filled with hidden talents, including prodigies and rich heirs. Lu Cheng had also heard about Hu Sheng's Charmander evolving. Who would have thought that spoiled brat would evolve his Pokémon faster than him?
Though Lu Cheng outwardly maintained his usual carefree demeanor, deep down, he couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Huh?" Suddenly, he felt a pair of warm, strong hands on his shoulders. Looking up, he saw his father gazing at him with gentle eyes.
"Don't worry," his father said softly. "Even if you don't win the championship, we'll find a way to get you an evolution stone."
Despite his casual attitude, Lu Cheng's father cared deeply about everything in his son's life. Lu Cheng suddenly felt a wave of warmth, grabbed his father's hand, and nodded firmly.
"Don't worry, Dad!"
Just as his father was about to tease him, they saw their friend walk in. Lu Cheng's father called out, "Old Zhao, Zhao Dachun! Over here!"
Old Zhao was a stout man from northeastern China with a buzz cut, his scalp showing a bit through the short hair. When he smiled, the flesh on his face bunched up, making his whole face look jolly. "What's this? Why not meet at a barbecue place? Why such a tiny spot?"
"I'm treating you to something special! What'll you drink? It's on me!" Lu Cheng's father's accent slipped into a northeastern dialect as he chatted with Old Zhao.
"What's there to drink? Just give me a glass of plain water," Zhao Dachun said, then glanced at Lu Cheng with a smile. "This your son?"
Lu Cheng's father nodded. "I brought him along today to ask you about Pokéblocks."
"Come on, that's such a small matter, why'd you both come all this way?" Zhao Dachun made a phone gesture. "You could've just called me! However many Pokéblocks you need, I'll have them delivered right to your door."
"Well, it's like this, Uncle," Lu Cheng quickly explained. "My Pokémon hasn't evolved yet, and my teacher said it might be due to a lack of proper nutrition, so I came to ask for your advice."
"You've come to the right person!" Zhao Dachun beamed with pride and laughed heartily. "My Pokéblocks are famous for their high quality in Jiangcheng. Many wealthy families order from me to help their Pokémon evolve."
"What kind of Pokémon do you have? Let me take a look!"
Lu Cheng quickly summoned Treecko. Standing on the café table, dressed in its Competitive Vest, Treecko hugged its cherished branch, curiously sizing up the burly Zhao Dachun. This guy smells nice!
Upon seeing Treecko, Zhao Dachun's gaze softened, though his loud voice remained the same. "This Pokémon is well-trained!"
"Strong limbs, clearly from regular battle training, and the color of the tail is beautiful, but…"
"But what?" Lu Cheng hadn't expected such a professional evaluation and quickly followed up, feeling hopeful.
"Hold on," Zhao Dachun smiled and pointed to Treecko's chest, gently poking an inconspicuous spot. "Does this hurt?"
Treecko winced, taking a sharp breath, almost tearing up from the pain.
"What's this?" Lu Cheng was startled. Even as Treecko's trainer, he hadn't noticed this hidden injury!
"There are faint binding marks on its chest—likely from being tied up when it was younger," Zhao Dachun explained, waving his hand confidently. "But don't worry. I'll personally prepare new Pokéblocks for you and include some ointment. This little injury is nothing to worry about!"
Treecko had been captured by Team Galactic when it was young, and the injury from breaking free of the ropes had left a scar that even it wasn't aware of. Now, with Zhao Dachun's keen eye, both Lu Cheng and his father were overjoyed. There was hope for Treecko's evolution!
"And don't worry about that ointment. My wife is a specialist in making those kinds of medicinal salves," Zhao Dachun added cheerfully.
"So, how much for the new Pokéblocks and the ointment?" Lu Cheng's father asked. Friends or not, fair payment is a must when it comes to business.
"Old Lu, I won't lie to you," Zhao Dachun said, frowning slightly. "Lately, Pokéblocks have been selling like hotcakes, and I've been working overtime to make them."
"With custom Pokéblocks and the ointment, let's call it 100,000 yuan."
This was undoubtedly a heavily discounted friendship price. A standard batch of Pokéblocks alone would typically cost around 30,000 yuan, not to mention a custom order.
Without hesitation, Lu Cheng's father nodded. "Alright, I'll transfer it to your account."
"No need to go through all that trouble," Zhao Dachun waved it off with a smile. "I've got a stall on the Pokémon Market. Just place the order there. It'll help boost my seller ratings too."
"Pokémon Market? What's that?" Lu Cheng's father asked, confused. Even though he had a Magmar, he wasn't familiar with the market, and neither was Lu Cheng.
"Your son doesn't know about it either?" Zhao Dachun was surprised, but then slapped his forehead. "Oh right, I forgot. The Pokémon Market is only accessible to registered trainers!"
Although Lu Cheng had registered with the Pokémon Association, he wouldn't officially become a recognized trainer until he was accepted into a Pokémon training program.
"The Pokémon Market is a platform where trainers and merchants can buy and sell items, kind of like a Pokémon version of Taobao," Zhao Dachun explained. "You'll find that buying items on this app is much cheaper than on regular online shopping platforms!"
"No worries, though. I've got a merchant invitation code. I'll give it to your son so he can sign up."
Zhao Dachun had truly helped Lu Cheng out a lot this time! Grateful, Lu Cheng nodded eagerly. "Thanks, Uncle! I'll place an order as soon as I get home!"
"Keep it up, kid," Zhao Dachun said, standing up and patting Lu Cheng's shoulder with a smile. "Uncle Zhao has high hopes for you."
"If you ever have any questions about Pokémon training, don't hesitate to reach out. Here's my number."
"Remember, my advanced Pokémon nutritionist certification wasn't earned for nothing!" Zhao Dachun boasted proudly.
---
If there are any mistakes let me know!
Also once I reach chapter 50 here, updates will slow down!
Bye bye 5 chapters a day ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ
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