章節 78: There's Something Off About My Pokémon. [78]
But thinking about how his opponent's father had ended up teaching him a new move left Lu Cheng feeling... odd. He quickly waved goodbye to Gao Minglang.
"My mom's calling me home for dinner!"
As Lu Cheng's figure disappeared into the distance, Gao Minglang scratched his stubbly chin and muttered to himself, "That kid's not bad at all. I really like him."
"If only Xiao Lu could find a boyfriend like that…" Suddenly, he smacked his own head and burst out laughing, "What are you thinking, Gao Minglang? Girls grow up and leave the nest—she probably already has someone she likes!"
He sighed, staring into the setting sun. "I just hope she doesn't end up marrying someone like me..."
---
Lu Cheng hurried home, muttering under his breath, "I hope this doesn't cause any problems."
"What if that old man comes looking for me to settle the score?"
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he decided, Forget it, I did pay him after all!
Lu Cheng's parents were waiting for him when he rushed in. The moment they saw him, they called him over sternly.
"Cheng Cheng, come here."
Obediently, Lu Cheng walked over to the sofa. Seeing their serious expressions, he figured it was time for a "family meeting." But I haven't done anything wrong lately, he thought. I even made it to the U20 finals!
Lu Cheng's mom shot his dad a look, and his father cleared his throat.
"So, here's the thing. Your mom and I are going out to a banquet tonight, and we're not taking you with us."
Lu Cheng's eyes widened. What? Are you two having a couple's night out? He blinked at them in disbelief.
His mom glared at his dad again, who awkwardly scratched his head before explaining, "Well, you know, Grandpa Wang's grandson next door also participated in the U20 tournament."
"The results came out a few days ago—he made it into the top 100. Grandpa Wang's family is hosting a banquet to celebrate."
"They sent us an invitation, and we can't very well refuse, can we?"
His mom chimed in, "Your dad and I thought it would be best if you didn't go. We don't want to embarrass them."
Grandpa Wang's sharp-witted daughter-in-law had no idea that the boy next door had actually made it to the finals! She'd assumed her son's top 100 placement would secure them some generous gifts, so she'd sent invitations to all the neighbors.
Lu Cheng could just imagine the mix of emotions on his parents' faces when they received the invitation.
Clearing his throat, he rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess… that makes sense."
His dad also cleared his throat and added, "Cheng Cheng, keep working hard. We're not the kind of people who care about appearances."
"What do you mean by 'not caring about appearances'?" His mom scolded his dad before turning to Lu Cheng. "Cheng Cheng, I've thought it over. When you win the championship and get that acceptance letter from Jiangnan University, we'll throw the biggest, grandest banquet ever!"
Lu Cheng quickly excused himself to his room. Once there, he busied himself packing his bags and double-checking his schedule.
Tomorrow was the final against Gao Chi.
If he could beat Gao Chi, Lu Cheng would become the first champion of the U20 tournament, and the whole city of Jiangcheng would remember his name. The grand prize of 200,000 yuan in cash and a choice of any evolution stone would give Lu Cheng's strength a huge boost.
As night deepened, Lu Cheng carefully placed his two Poké Balls on the stand. His Pokémon were already fast asleep inside, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of the metallic sheen reflecting off the balls.
---
Gao Minglang staggered home, only to find his daughter, wearing a karate uniform, training with Gao Chi.
"Kick, kick, front kick, high knee!" Gao Chi barked as he held the pads up, directing his sister's movements.
Beads of water dripped from Gao Lu's short hair. With a spirited yell, she landed a roundhouse kick on the pad, tears welling up in her eyes from the pain. Gao Chi's expression remained calm as he lowered the pad, side-stepping her follow-up kick. "Take a break," he said coolly.
Gao Lu let out a sigh of relief, dropping to a crouch and rubbing her aching shin.
"What got you in the mood to train all of a sudden?" Gao Chi asked, sipping tea and blowing on the steam with his eyes half-closed.
"I've been thinking, big brother," Gao Lu said seriously. "I can't let you carry everything by yourself. I need to help out at the dojo too!"
Gao Chi glanced at her and said flatly, "You're still only a white belt…"
Gao Lu clutched her head stubbornly and declared, "I don't care! Slow and steady, I'll get there eventually!"
Gao Minglang laughed as he walked in. "Alright, Xiao Lu, your brother has a big match tomorrow. Don't go causing trouble."
Seeing her father, Gao Lu's face brightened. "Dad, you're back!"
He patted her head affectionately. "I had some good luck today, earned a little extra cash. I'll order takeout for you two in a bit."
"Fried chicken, please!" Gao Lu blurted out, only to fall silent under her brother's cold gaze.
Still riding the excitement of his match with Lu Cheng, Gao Minglang grinned. "A kid came by today wanting to train Double Team, and I taught him a good lesson."
"Kids these days don't show any respect for their elders. Naturally, my Machamp gave him a proper beating."
"But you know, his Pokémon had a good sense for it. In just one afternoon, he managed to learn Double Team," Gao Minglang said, scratching his chin. "He's got potential—reminds me of myself back in the day!"
Gao Chi, sipping his tea without a hint of emotion, remarked, "Your Dynamic Punch accuracy is too low. It's easy to dodge with Double Team."
"Ha! Accuracy isn't everything," Gao Minglang huffed. "When that punch lands, it knocks out any opponent!"
"No matter how strong a move is, if it doesn't connect, it's useless," Gao Chi retorted coldly. "I've modified your Dynamic Punch. It may be weaker now, but it almost never misses."
"That's not a proper Dynamic Punch! It's not even explosive!" Gao Minglang countered, frowning.
As the father and son continued their heated debate, Gao Lu's face grew increasingly pale. "Dad, the person you battled this afternoon... It wouldn't happen to be Lu Cheng, would it?"
The room fell silent.
Gao Minglang rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I didn't ask his name, but his Pokémon was a Grovyle. Oh, and he had a Vulpix too."
Gao Chi's expression shifted as he turned to look at his sister. Gao Lu knew she couldn't hide it any longer and confessed the whole story about trading the skill disc with Lu Cheng.
Watching her father and brother's expressions grow more incredulous, Gao Lu dropped to her knees in a full apology bow and shouted, "I'm sorry, I was wrong!"
But Gao Chi stood up slowly, unwrapping the bandages around his hands. In a low voice, he said, "Don't worry, little sister. That jerk who tricked you—"
"I'll make sure he gets what's coming to him!"
Wait, what jerk? Gao Lu was completely bewildered. Did my brother just... misunderstand everything?
She stared, dumbfounded, as Gao Chi's aura flared, blazing like a fire.
---
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