029 Ripple's Sincerity
"Wow! We're really eating at Jing Di Lao? I've been wanting to try this for ages!"
Qin Xin's face lit up with excitement. She had often heard classmates talk about how Jing Di Lao was famous for its flavorful hot pot and exceptional service, making her eager to try it.
"But, big brother… isn't it too expensive?"
Despite her excitement, Qin Xin hesitated. She had been raised to be frugal, and from what she'd heard, a meal at Jing Di Lao could easily cost hundreds of Poké Dollars per person. With four people, they could end up spending nearly six to seven hundred Poké Dollars on a single meal.
"It's fine." Qin Yun waved his hand nonchalantly. "I just won 200,000 vouchers today. We can afford to splurge a little."
Qin Xin's concern instantly disappeared, replaced by a bright smile. The thought of all that prize money made her eyes curve into cheerful crescents, almost like a round, golden Meowth Coin.
Serena and Ripple exchanged glances, their expressions softening as they realized how much Qin Yun had to work for every step forward.
A civilian trainer, competing without financial backing, rising through the ranks on his own, it was impressive.
Ripple's resolve strengthened. Yes, I've made the right decision. She had already decided to invest in Qin Yun, knowing that with the right resources, he had the potential to become an Elite-class Trainer in the future.
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Inside Jing Di Lao
The restaurant lived up to its reputation. The interior was stylish, the aroma of simmering broth filled the air, and the selection of Pokémon-friendly dishes was surprisingly extensive.
Wanting to make sure his sister enjoyed herself, Qin Yun preemptively ordered a variety of dishes, knowing that Qin Xin would hesitate to spend too much on her own.
"Kirlia, Fomantis, come out."
Since they were in a private dining room, Qin Yun took the opportunity to call out his Pokémon. To him, Kirlia and Fomantis weren't just battle partners they were family. It was only natural that they should eat together.
"Chiru~!"
"Doduo~!"
As soon as they emerged, Kirlia and Fomantis immediately hugged Qin Yun affectionately, making Ripple's eyes widen in envy.
"Wow, your Pokémon are really attached to you, Qin Yun."
"Of course," Qin Yun smiled. "They're my family."
"You should let your Pokémon out too," he added.
Ripple nodded. "Come out, Arcanine!"
Serena followed suit. "Come on out, Eevee!"
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[Pokémon Scanned: Eevee]
Type: Normal
Ability: Anticipation (Can sense dangerous moves from the opponent.)
Strength: Beginner - Advanced
Potential: High - Top
Moves: Tackle, Quick Attack, Baton Pass, Sand Attack, Swift
Pokédex Entry: "Eevee's genetic structure is incredibly unstable, making it highly susceptible to environmental influences. It is capable of evolving into the most diverse range of forms among all Pokémon."
---
Qin Yun's eyes widened slightly.
A beginner-level Eevee with such high potential?
He had to admit he was impressed. He had assumed Serena was more focused on Pokémon Contests rather than battles, yet even without actively seeking combat prowess, she had raised an Eevee to this level.
As expected from the most popular female protagonist in the anime… even when she's not trying to be strong, she still raises amazing Pokémon.
Seeing the others call out their Pokémon, Qin Xin's eyes shone with longing.
If only I could be a Pokémon Trainer too…
Unfortunately, she still had over a year before she was eligible to receive her first partner Pokémon.
Serena, perceptive as always, noticed her expression and gently held her hand.
"Don't worry, Kayleigh. Soon, you'll have your own Pokémon too."
Qin Xin's eyes sparkled with determination.
"Mm!" She nodded enthusiastically.
---
The Reality of a Trainer's Journey
Unlike Qin Yun, who had to struggle for resources, both Serena and Ripple had the backing of powerful families.
For civilian trainers, reaching even the level of a Gym Challenger required enormous effort.
For elite-born trainers, that was merely the starting line.
The gap between classes in the Pokémon world wasn't just about money it was about access to high-tier Pokémon, advanced training methods, and exclusive competition circuits.
To people like Serena and Ripple, even becoming a Pokémon League Champion was only a stepping stone toward greater ambitions.
But to someone like Qin Yun who had no support system just reaching the Elite Four level would be considered a miracle.
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Dinner & The Offer
The dishes arrived, fresh ingredients simmering in the rich broth. The Pokémon happily enjoyed their share, with Kirlia's face turning red from the spicy soup, making Qin Yun chuckle.
As the meal neared its end, Ripple put down her chopsticks and fixed Qin Yun with a serious gaze.
"Qin Yun, I watched your match today."
Her tone had completely changed. This wasn't casual conversation anymore.
"I won't beat around the bush. I came here tonight because I want to invite you to join my family's Pokémon Training Program."
Qin Yun blinked, slightly surprised.
"Wait," Ripple said quickly, before he could respond. "At least hear me out before deciding."
Qin Yun nodded, though he wasn't particularly interested.
Both Serena and Qin Xin immediately stopped eating, realizing how important this moment was.
Serena, in particular, knew just how difficult it was for someone like Qin Yun to remain competitive without support.
Yes, Qin Yun was undeniably talented.
But talent alone wouldn't be enough to stay on top.
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Ripple's Proposal
Ripple took a deep breath.
"If you accept, here's what my family will provide you."
1. A High-Potential Pokémon
Except for certain rare species, you may choose one Pokémon with a high-tier potential rating.
Serena and Qin Xin gasped.
"Wait… what?!" Serena's eyes widened.
Obtaining a high-potential Pokémon even one at the lowest tier was an offer worth hundreds of millions of Poké Dollars.
If Qin Yun was lucky, he could even request a rare or starter Pokémon with high potential, which could easily cost 200–300 million Poké Dollars.
---
2. Monthly Resource Support
Three boxes of Mid-Tier Energy Cubes per month.
One box of High-Tier Energy Cubes per year.
A monthly stipend of 200,000 Poké Dollars for training expenses.
Qin Yun's jaw almost dropped.
A box of Mid-Tier Energy Cubes contained 12 cubes, worth approximately 100,000 Poké Dollars each.
A High-Tier Energy Cube was worth 2 million Poké Dollars, and that was if you could even find one for sale.
Just from this alone, Ripple's offer was worth 5.6 million Poké Dollars per year in resources.
---
Qin Yun's Decision
Qin Yun exhaled slowly.
He hadn't expected Ripple's sincerity to be this overwhelming.
This wasn't just a casual offer.
This was an investment in his future.
Would he accept?
Would he reject it and continue walking the hard road alone?
Qin Yun stared at Ripple, deep in thought.
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