Early the next morning, with her toothbrush still foaming in her mouth, Zhou Ke sleepily sauntered into the kitchen to grab a quick bite of her favorite pears for breakfast. Her mother's shrill voice immediately cut through the air:
"Zhou Ke! That plate of pears is for Keke, don't even think about stealing it!"
Zhou Ke almost dropped her toothbrush in shock. Two days ago, her mother had practically despised little Pichu Keke, grumbling that the creature was dirty and refusing to let it climb onto her lap. What on earth had changed?
But here was Mother Zhou, not only allowing Keke to sit on the dining room table, but also offering the little Pokémon the last of Zhou Ke's precious pears.
"Mother... what about my breakfast?" Zhou Ke asked, sounding genuinely offended.
Her mother dismissed her with a wave of her hand.
"Check the fridge. Aunt May can buy more pears for you later. If you eat them every day, you'll get tired of them. And you're getting a little chubby."
Zhou Ke's cheeks burned. She was only sixteen, still growing, and hardly "chubby" in her opinion. Wasn't I the beloved daughter? When did Keke outrank me at home?
"Mom!" she cried, trying to regain her footing.
All she got was an impatient look.
"What is it now? Don't get in Keke's way, just look at her nibbling so sweetly."
Mother Zhou bent down to coo at Keke, a delighted grin lighting up her face.
"Pichu Pichu!" Keke squeaked, picking up a slice of pear and holding it out to Zhou Ke as if to share.
Zhou Ke's heart warmed. At least you're on my side, Keke. She reached for the pear, but her mother snatched it away at the last second.
"Look at that! What a cute Pichu." Mother Zhou patted Keke's head. "So polite, wanting to share. Worth every cent of that three hundred thousand. No need to waste it on the girl; she eats enough already."
Zhou Ke gritted her teeth. Three hundred thousand might be a lot, but you didn't agree to it yesterday! She opened her mouth to argue, only to have her mother drown her out by gushing over Keke's cuteness.
---
Soon after, Father Zhou appeared in the doorway, adjusting his tie for work. He noticed Keke perched on the edge of the table, nibbling gingerly at the pear slices.
"This is incredible," he murmured. He reached out and touched Keke's soft, round ears for the first time. "Zhou Ke, this Pokémon Biotechnology Company you discovered is something else. Keke's intelligence is on a completely different level."
He straightened up with a smile.
"I shared a photo of her on my group chat last night. My friends are all jealous; some even said they want one. But apparently the wait for new orders is two or three months."
Then he hurried out, already late, and called back as he left:
"I'll have Aunt May buy more pears, Zhou Ke. And get some more for Keke, she's still growing!"
Zhou Ke stood speechless. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of her parents disappearing. Growing? I'm sixteen, I'm still growing! She considered yelling after them, but held her tongue, wary of her mother's lingering temper.
---
With her parents gone, the dining room fell silent. Zhou Ke sat down with her chin in her hands and watched as Keke finished the last pieces of pear.
"Pichu?" Keke's bright eyes gleamed with concern as she held out another small piece.
Zhou Ke glanced around to make sure her mother wasn't lurking. Then she leaned over and nibbled the fruit right out of Keke's tiny paw. Speaking around her mouthful, she said:
"You have a conscience, you little rascal."
Keke's ears twitched and she hopped closer with a squeak. It was impossible to remain angry in the presence of such a loving, bright-eyed companion.
---
Meanwhile, at the Pokémon Biotechnology Company
Back in his office, Ethan studied the Pokémon monitor on his computer. Dozens of little red dots, each representing a newly delivered Pichu, were now dotting the city. He clicked on the one labeled "Keke," and couldn't help but laugh as he watched the feed from her perspective:
Mother Zhou and Father Zhou had been completely charmed. Keke had launched a "charm attack," being adorable, adapting to the house rules with ease, and even using the family's makeshift toilet bowl after just a quick lesson from Zhou Ke.
"She really won them over quickly," Ethan murmured with a grin. "Poor Zhou Ke's parents are head over heels."
He checked on the other Pichu as well; most had arrived safely, each forming a unique bond with their new owners. Some Pichu met excited children, others curious pets. Time and again, the Pichu bridged the gap with soft squeaks, silly stumbles, or signs of surprising intelligence. Even the buyers who'd initially been hesitant because of the high price had been won over.
"They paid three hundred thousand for a companion," Ethan reasoned with relief. "No one is going to throw her away so easily. And Pichu's empathy makes her so easy to love."
He closed the feed and leaned back in his chair, remembering the heartfelt farewell from Lab 2. It had been difficult to let the Pichu go, but watching them settle into their new lives brought a sense of peace. From bustling city apartments to quiet suburban homes, these bright little creatures were finding a place in their owners' hearts.
Ethan's mind shifted to the other Pokémon in development: the Squirtle Squads, upcoming genetic lines, and a particularly secretive project in the Large Culture Tank. One step at a time, he reminded himself. For now, it was enough that these first-generation Pichu were thriving in their new home.
"Let's see how many families fall in love today," he said quietly, turning to look at the skyline. Even though tomorrow would bring new challenges, the story of Pichu and their new owners was just beginning.