Chapter Thirty-Four: Journey to Caiyou City
After the midterm exams concluded, a two-week vacation followed. That span of time coincided perfectly with the Grand Verdant Festival of the Hoenn League.
Cheng Cheng had already promised Ash and Pikachu that he would watch their battle, and he was not one to go back on his word. Yet he hoped to bring someone else along as well.
“Muzi, do you have any plans for the next two weeks?”
“Not really. My home is quite far from here, so even if I went back, I wouldn’t have much time to stay. I was planning to travel around the neighboring cities.”
“Have you heard of the Grand Verdant Festival?”
“The Grand Verdant Festival? You mean the tournament held by the Hoenn League?”
“That’s right. In a few days, the Grand Verdant Festival will be held. A friend of mine is competing this time, and we can get pretty good seats.”
“Really? That’s wonderful! I’ve always wanted to see what a regional tournament in Hoenn is like.”
“Then it’s settled. We’ll set out together tomorrow morning.”
“No problem.”
From Mauville City to Verdanturf could be reached by boat or by car. Because of the time constraints, Cheng Cheng opted to fly. Instead of heading directly to his destination, he first stopped in Fortree City to check in on his breeding house.
“The air here feels so fresh.”
“Of course. Eighty percent of Fortree City is forest, and many people even live up among the trees.”
“Come on, we’re almost at my breeding house.”
It wasn’t long before Cheng Cheng and Muzi arrived at the Psychic Breeding House.
“Welcome back!”
“Oh, it’s the boss! You’re finally home! You’ve been gone three months, and we’ve sold all the Pokémon in the shop. Ali and I had no choice but to make and sell Pokémon food and Pokéblocks.”
“Sorry, I haven’t had much time lately. Tell you what, you and Ali try to source some Psychic-type Pokémon or eggs. As long as we don’t lose money, it’s fine. If that doesn’t work out, just focus on selling Pokéblocks and food. While I’m out this time, I’ll see if I can bring back some more Pokémon.”
“By the way, who is this young lady?”
“She’s my classmate, Muzi Saito. This is my employee, Lily. And Ali should be inside making Pokémon food.”
“We’re heading to Verdanturf for the festival and will stay here just one night before leaving again tomorrow. You can finish up work early today. In the future, if there isn’t much to do, feel free to leave early—you don’t need to stay longer than necessary.”
“Understood, boss.”
“Let’s go upstairs.”
Cheng Cheng led Muzi up to the second floor.
“Your breeding house is quite nice. The floor and ceiling both seem a bit special.”
“That’s thanks to a friend of my father’s who helped with the design. I’m not sure exactly how he did it either.”
When Cheng Cheng opened the door to the second floor, Muzi was immediately drawn in by the sight.
The entire room was arranged in perfect harmony, as if even a single addition would disrupt the balance. A faint, pleasant fragrance lingered in the air.
“This is amazing. Even your home is beautifully decorated.”
“Yes, that uncle did all the interior work too.”
“Make yourself comfortable—I’ll go boil some water.”
Cheng Cheng went into the kitchen and began heating water.
“Do you live here alone?”
“I do. My mother passed away a long time ago, and last year my father left as well. Now it’s just me.”
“I see. I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right.”
“What would you like for dinner tonight?”
“Anything is fine.”
“I’ll go buy some groceries then. Just relax here for a while.”
“I want to come with you.”
“There’s no need. You can explore the rooms freely—take a look around. And please keep an eye on the kettle for me.”
“Alright, I’ll see you soon.”
“Be quick.”
Once Cheng Cheng had left, Muzi looked around the room. It was indeed very pleasant, with fresh air and a soothing comfort.
Although Cheng Cheng had said she could wander at will, Muzi chose simply to sit and wait. When the water boiled, she found some tea in the cupboard and brewed two cups.
Half an hour later, Cheng Cheng returned.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s no trouble. It’s comfortable here.”
“Is it? That’s good.”
“Here, have some tea.”
“You made it yourself? Not bad at all.”
Cheng Cheng took a sip.
“Relax a while longer, I’ll go make dinner.”
“I’ll help you.”
“No need, I can manage.”
“I’d like to help—being alone is a bit dull.”
“All right, then help me prep these vegetables.”
Working together, the aroma of cooking soon filled the air.
“Cheng Cheng, is that you back?”
A woman’s voice called from outside the kitchen—it seemed Aunt Meixu had arrived.
“Aunt Meixu! You’re just in time, dinner’s almost ready. Join us!”
“Is that so? I won’t stand on ceremony, then. I’ve been wanting to try your cooking.”
“And who is this?”
Aunt Meixu looked at Muzi.
“This is my classmate, Muzi Saito.”
“Hello, Auntie, just call me Muzi.”
“Muzi—a lovely name. You and Cheng Cheng must be close?”
“We get along. Cheng Cheng often studies with me.”
Cheng Cheng almost burst out laughing at Muzi’s words. If anything, they spent more time daydreaming together in class.
“This is the first time Cheng Cheng’s brought a girl home. He’s never brought anyone else before—you’re his first guest.”
“That’s not true, Aunt Meixu. Don’t tease—I’ve invited people before, they just didn’t want to come.”
“Oh, please. Don’t I know you well by now? Let’s eat.”
Aunt Meixu sat down, with Cheng Cheng and Muzi on either side.
“Let’s dig in.”
Aunt Meixu picked up a piece of greens and tasted it.
“This is delicious.”
“Really? Let me try.”
Muzi picked up a piece and chewed; it really was flavorful.
“Cheng Cheng, these dishes are a bit different from usual. Where did you learn to cook them?”
“I picked it up when I was living with some friends before.”
“When was this? I don’t remember.”
“Before I enrolled in breeder school.”
“I see.”
Cheng Cheng told a small lie—how could he say he had learned in a previous life?
After a while, Aunt Meixu put down her chopsticks.
“I’m full, I’ll be going now. You two can take care of the dishes. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Aunt Meixu.”
“Goodbye, Auntie.”
After Meixu left, Muzi moved closer.
“Cheng Cheng, what’s your relationship with Aunt Meixu? She seems to know you well.”
“Aunt Meixu was an old flame of my father’s.”
With that, Cheng Cheng began clearing the table and took the dishes to the kitchen.
Muzi was momentarily stunned—did people really say things that directly?
After washing the dishes, Cheng Cheng decided to take a shower.
“I’m off to shower. Make yourself at home.”
While Cheng Cheng washed, Muzi sat on the sofa, holding her Goomy, lost in thought.
Click—thud.
Cheng Cheng finished bathing and stepped out.
“Ah!”
He suddenly remembered there was someone else in the house. At that moment, he was wearing only his underwear.
Living alone for so long, he’d grown used to wearing just underwear after bathing, forgetting that today he had company.
“Sorry! Sorry!” Cheng Cheng hurried back to his bedroom and quickly got dressed.
After he finished, he took a deep breath at the door and walked out.
“I’m really sorry, I forgot you were here.”
“Hmph. Pervert.”
“Who’s a pervert? I swear it wasn’t on purpose.”
“Pervert. Where am I supposed to sleep tonight?”
“My parents’ room. It hasn’t been used for a while, but I’ll tidy it up—it’ll be fine.”
“Fine, then. I’m off to shower. You go fix my room.”
With that, Muzi headed for the bathroom.
Knowing he was in the wrong, Cheng Cheng had nothing to say and went to prepare the room.
Girls do take a long time to shower. After over an hour, Muzi emerged from the bathroom, and Cheng Cheng had long since finished.
“Filthy pervert, is my room ready?”
“I told you, I’m not a pervert. And now I’m filthy, too? It’s ready.”
“Then I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”
With that, Muzi entered the room and locked the door. Cheng Cheng heard the click of the lock.
“Am I really a pervert?” Cheng Cheng wondered to himself.
He thought it over, shook his head, and decided not to dwell on it. Returning to his own room, he sat on the bed and began to meditate.
The next morning, Cheng Cheng made breakfast and went to wake Muzi. Just as he was about to knock, she opened the door herself, wearing a light blue dress—she looked beautiful.
“Hmph. Pervert.”
Cheng Cheng looked away.
“I’m going to eat.”
Muzi sat at the table and began to eat. Cheng Cheng shook his head and joined her. After breakfast, they headed for Fortree City airport and boarded a flight to Verdanturf.
Meanwhile, Ash and his friends had already arrived in Verdanturf. After a week of training, the tournament was about to begin.
It was the day before the official start, and Ash was running his Pokémon through their final practice.
He chose Pikachu and Grovyle for a mock battle.
“Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!”
Pikachu’s Thunderbolt flashed toward Grovyle, who nimbly dodged.
“Grovyle, use Bullet Seed on Pikachu!”
Grovyle’s Bullet Seed raked toward Pikachu, who managed to evade.
“Now, Pikachu, use Quick Attack!”
Pikachu’s Quick Attack struck Grovyle successfully. Just as Ash was about to continue, a voice interrupted them.
“Ash! Pikachu!”
Cheng Cheng and Muzi, having just landed, arrived at the scene.
“Cheng Cheng! It’s been a while.”
“Pika—”
“Pikachu, it’s been a long time.”
Cheng Cheng took the chance to give Pikachu a fond pat.
“By the way, who’s this?”
Ash glanced at the girl beside Cheng Cheng.
“She’s my friend, Muzi.”
“Hello, I’m Muzi.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Ash, and this is Pikachu. These are Brock, May, and Max.”
“Hello, everyone.”
“Hello, young lady!” Brock took Muzi’s hand. “May I invite you to a splendid date?”
For some reason, seeing this made Cheng Cheng feel a twinge of annoyance. He was about to intervene, but Muzi was faster.
With a swift shoulder throw, Muzi sent Brock crashing to the ground.
Cheng Cheng shuddered inwardly—thank goodness he’d run quickly last night.
“Ash, were you practicing?”
Cheng Cheng quickly changed the subject.
“Yes, the tournament starts tomorrow. We need to train hard today.”
“How about a battle between us?”
“Sure! Brock, will you referee?”
“No problem.”
“Go get him, pervert!”
“I told you, I’m not a pervert,” Cheng Cheng muttered.
He and Ash took their positions, and the battle was about to begin.