Chapter 6: I Have Something Else to Do, Let's Talk Next Time
Shuangyang Street—this was the beating heart of Shuangyang City, its most prosperous commercial hub. The street was lined with shops, stalls, and markets selling just about anything one could imagine. From everyday necessities to rare luxury goods, if you wanted it, chances were you could find it on Shuangyang Street. The morning air was filled with the aromas of freshly baked bread, roasted coffee, and the crisp tang of new merchandise. The street bustled with life as vendors hawked their wares and customers bargained with enthusiasm.
Early that morning, Renjiro rose from bed, feeling unusually refreshed. The excitement of what lay ahead kept him from sleeping much the night before. After dressing neatly, he summoned his Beedrill, who buzzed loyally at his side, and together they headed toward the café where he was to meet Liu Shuyun.
The café was a small, stylish place on the corner of the street, its glass walls letting in streams of warm sunlight. Renjiro picked a seat by the window where he could watch the lively street outside. After ordering a cup of coffee, he settled into his chair, pulled out his phone, and waited patiently for Liu Shuyun to arrive.
All he knew about her was that she was a woman. Their brief conversation over the phone hadn't revealed much else. He had no idea what she looked like or what kind of person she was. Still, something told him she was serious about their transaction.
Renjiro took a sip of his coffee, feeling the warmth spread through him. Then, out of habit, he unlocked his phone to check messages. His class group chat was lively, as usual.
[Class teacher Feng Ye]: Classmates, the national Pokémon college entrance examination is only six days away. How is everyone's preparation going?
[Cao Ruifeng]: Don't worry, Teacher Feng. My father hired a professional trainer as my sparring partner. My Teddiursa has improved a lot. I'll definitely make you proud and get into a top college.
[Wei Kai]: Wow, I'm so envious! How much does it cost to hire a professional trainer?
[Cao Ruifeng]: Not expensive. Just about 10,000 yuan a day.
[Tang Qishui]: 10,000 a day isn't expensive? The life of a local tyrant is different indeed.
[Shu Wan]: Sigh... I don't aim for a famous university. As long as I get into an ordinary one, I'll be happy.
[Wu Guo]: Shu Wan, you're too modest. You'll surely get into a 985 or 211 university.
[Shuangzheng]: I feel the same. I don't care which college, as long as I get into the trainer department.
[Rui Yiran]: Come on, everyone! We can do it!
[Logan]: Haha! I hope I draw someone like Renjiro in the battle test. Free points for me!
[Cao Ruifeng]: Logan, don't joke. Renjiro doesn't even have a Pokémon. How's he going to take the exam?
[Logan]: True! If he had one, we'd knock it out in seconds for easy points.
Renjiro's brows furrowed as he read their messages. He hadn't expected the conversation to suddenly revolve around him. He clenched his phone tightly but took a deep breath.
The national Pokémon college entrance exam was similar to the old college entrance exam of his past life, except now it included Pokémon elements: a written test and a battle test. Only those who passed both could apply for the trainer department at universities, the first step toward becoming a professional trainer.
Cao Ruifeng, the one mocking him, was a wealthy kid who had tried to humiliate Renjiro with money before, only to be rejected flatly. Since then, Cao and his lackey Logan had seized every opportunity to ridicule him.
But today, Renjiro wasn't in the mood to stay silent.
[Renjiro]: I have a Pokémon, and I'll take the battle test. You'd better hope you don't face me, or you'll regret it.
He sent the message, calm and firm.
[Logan]: Haha! Did you see that, Cao? He has a Pokémon!
[Cao Ruifeng]: I can't wait to battle him. Free points for sure!
Renjiro ignored their nonsense. He closed the chat, feeling no need to argue further. If they crossed paths during the exam, he'd let his strength do the talking.
Just then, a private message popped up.
[Shu Wan]: When did you get a Pokémon? There's only a few days left. Do you want help with abilities or training?
A small smile tugged at the corners of Renjiro's lips. Shu Wan had always been kind, often defending him from bullies.
[Renjiro]: A few days ago. Don't worry, I'm strong enough.
He thought back to his battle with Li Mengxue and nodded to himself. His Beedrill's power exceeded anything his peers could produce.
[Shu Wan]: That's good. Good luck on the exam 😊
[Renjiro]: Thank you. I really mean it.
On the other end, Shu Wan blinked in surprise. For once, the boy she'd defended so often wasn't being stoic or distant. Her cheeks flushed pink.
"This blockhead actually said thank you today…"
Encouraged, she sent another playful message:
[Shu Wan]: So, how will you thank me? 😘
Renjiro glanced at the time. He saw Liu Shuyun's car pulling up outside the café.
[Renjiro]: I have something else to do. Let's talk next time.
Shu Wan stared at the screen, stunned. Then, in a fit of frustration, she grabbed the Bewear plush on her bed and shook it violently.
"Dead wood! Dense as an oak!" she muttered, her face red. "Couldn't he at least ask me out to thank me?"
But thinking of his family's situation, she sighed. "Forget it. He probably can't afford to."
---
Meanwhile, Renjiro rose as Liu Shuyun stepped out of her car. She was tall, elegant, and wore a simple white dress that highlighted her figure without being flashy. There was an air of sophistication about her as she entered the café.
Their eyes met, and she smiled slightly, recognizing him from his confident posture and the Beedrill by his side.
"You must be Renjiro," she said, extending her hand.
"Yes. And you must be Liu Shuyun." He shook her hand firmly.
They both sat, and for a moment, there was silence as they studied each other. Liu Shuyun was surprised by how young he looked—too young to speak with such authority last night. But his gaze was calm, steady, and full of quiet confidence. He wasn't lying. She felt it.
"Shall we get down to business?" Renjiro asked.
Liu Shuyun nodded. "Yes. I've transferred the funds to an escrow account. Once I verify your method works, the money is yours."
Renjiro took a sip of coffee. "That's acceptable."
For the next hour, he explained the steps to evolve Feebas into Milotic, every detail carefully laid out. Liu Shuyun listened intently, asked sharp questions, and jotted down notes.
By the end of it, she was convinced. "You really do know the secret," she said softly. "I'll have my people test this immediately."
Renjiro nodded. "I'll wait for confirmation. But I assure you—it will work."
They parted ways after agreeing on follow-up communication. As Renjiro stepped back onto the busy street, a sense of satisfaction filled him. The funds from this deal, combined with what he had planned for the Ultra Ball production process, would secure his future.
He glanced up at the bright sky, determination burning in his eyes. His journey was just beginning.
---