[Drawing... please wait.]
[Ding! Congratulations, host, you've obtained '3% of Silph Co. Shares!']
Luo Yuan's eyebrow shot up.
"Silph Co. shares?"
He was taken aback.
He had always assumed his system's lottery only yielded items directly related to Pokémon.
Who would have expected it to throw out a prize like this?
For those unfamiliar with Silph Co., here's a quick breakdown:
As a major manufacturing giant spanning Kanto and Johto, Silph Co. revolutionized Poké Ball production, transforming it from a small-scale, craft-based process into an industrial enterprise, thus becoming one of the three largest Poké Ball manufacturers in the world.
But it didn't stop there—Silph Co. also produced medical supplies for Pokémon, food, and TM products, covering nearly everything a trainer or Pokémon could need.
In short, Silph Co. was deeply integrated into the lives of every trainer in Kanto and Johto.
Shares in a company this big were a fortune unto themselves.
"So, I'm a billionaire now…?" Luo Yuan muttered, almost in disbelief.
Who would've thought that all it took was one lucky draw to reach billionaire status?
Just days ago, he'd been dining out on Rocket's expense account, squeezing every penny from them that he could.
Life really did have its twists and turns.
Of course, as a high-ranking Rocket executive, Luo Yuan had long cultivated a calm, composed mindset from years of maneuvering around the League and Alliance. He wasn't about to lose his cool over a sudden windfall.
Luo Yuan understood that while the wealth these shares represented was significant, the influence they could afford him was even more so.
Three percent of Silph Co.'s stock was enough to make him a minor but notable shareholder.
After all, Steven Stone had managed to become Hoenn's Champion at a young age. It was no secret that his success was supported by both the Stone family and their Devon Corporation.
A similar comparison could be drawn with Lance, whose remarkable abilities had only earned him the position of Dragon-type Elite so far, despite his talent.
With this in mind, Luo Yuan realized that he could potentially leverage his new position as a Silph Co. shareholder to ease his way into the League.
"System, redeem the shares."
A flash of light appeared, revealing a key in his hand.
"Hm?"
Luo Yuan had expected a certificate or document.
Instead, the system sent a message directly into his mind, clarifying.
[Please visit the Pokémon Bank in Vermilion City and access safety deposit box number 30.]
Following the system's instructions, Luo Yuan made his way to the bank. Under the guidance of a staff member, he unlocked the designated safety box.
Inside were a journal and a set of documents.
The documents were unregistered stock certificates, but Luo Yuan's interest was piqued by the journal.
He flipped it open and skimmed through.
The journal belonged to someone named Sawano, an adventurer by trade.
The earlier entries detailed his explorations and adventures, but it was only in the latter pages that Luo Yuan found the information he was looking for.
"May 7th: So, Silph Co. went public? I heard the CEO claimed no one knows more about Poké Balls than he does. I'm betting everything on their stocks—I'm sure it'll pay off."
"May 9th: As expected, prices are up! Looks like Silph Co. stock will be a solid long-term investment."
"May 13th: Jackpot! Maybe I can finally buy a new car."
"May 14th: Drake invited me on an expedition, so I'm leaving the journal here. Here's hoping that when I come back, Silph Co. stock keeps climbing!"
And that was where the entries ended.
Luo Yuan glanced at the date written on the last page.
"Thirty-some years ago…"
Seeing the date, Luo Yuan quickly pieced together the story behind these shares.
It seemed that this Sawano had likely encountered misfortune during his expedition, preventing his return.
Since then, these shares had remained in the safety box, growing in value as Silph Co. expanded.
Until now, when Luo Yuan's lucky draw had led him to this long-lost key.
"What a tragedy."
Sawano had been this close to becoming a billionaire, only to meet his end on an expedition.
"Rest easy. I'll make good use of these shares."
Luo Yuan couldn't help but wonder which ruins Sawano had ventured into. If he knew, he might have even considered going to pay his respects.
He took the unregistered stock documents, stashing them in Gengar's belly for safekeeping.
As he was preparing to leave, the communicator at his waist buzzed.
"Hello? This is Luo Yuan."
Sabrina's soft voice came through on the other end. "I'm here in Vermilion City. Waiting for you at the hotel."
---
Vermilion Hotel
The hotel's name alone hinted at its prestige.
Standing at the door, Luo Yuan hesitated, eyeing the room.
He wasn't sure what to expect when he walked through that door.
Would it be a professional, all-business Sabrina?
A gentle Sabrina who had completely forgiven him?
Or perhaps a Sabrina quietly waiting to turn him into a collectible?
After a brief internal debate, he raised his hand a few times, only to hesitate each time.
But his indecision didn't last long.
The door clicked open on its own.
Sabrina's telepathic voice echoed in his mind, "Come in."
"..."
He'd been so tense, he'd forgotten she could sense his presence through the door.
No point in hesitating now.
Straightening his shoulders, Luo Yuan stepped inside.
After all, he was a man with psychic abilities too. If it came to a showdown, who could say who would come out on top?
Yet as he entered, he realized the room was empty.
The sound of running water reached his ears.
Following the noise, he turned toward the bathroom…
And then—
Through the frosted glass, he caught a glimpse of Sabrina stepping out, fully dressed.
His survival instincts kicked in immediately:
"..."
He had imagined many scenarios, but this wasn't one of them.
Ten minutes later…
With her purple hair still damp, Sabrina sat across from him, drying her hair as she smiled.
"So, do you think I'm beautiful?"
"Yes," Luo Yuan replied earnestly.
After the scene just now, anyone with normal taste wouldn't deny that fact.
"Compared to your friend Misty?"
Although Sabrina's expression remained light, Luo Yuan sensed the dangerous undertone.
One wrong answer, and he'd likely find himself aboard the S.S. Anne as a living action figure.
Thinking quickly, Luo Yuan put on a serious face. "Don't listen to Matori's nonsense. Misty and I are just friends, and besides, your figure is leagues better."
To be fair, he wasn't lying. Sabrina's figure was indeed exceptional.
As he spoke, memories of the recent scene involuntarily came to mind.
Judging by his expression, Sabrina could tell exactly what was on his mind and smiled faintly.
She leaned forward, her face close to his, whispering in a sultry tone, "Really?"
Her breath tickled his ear, sending a shiver through him.
---
T/N: I must avert my eyes!