Chapter 321: Only a Rich Lady Can Keep Me Warm
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden ripples across the sea as the cries of Wingull echoed through the air.
Lu Ye withdrew his gaze, preparing to say goodbye to Lance beside him.
“Heading back already?” Lance asked. “It’s not often you visit Hoenn. Might as well pick up some local specialties before you go.”
Lu Ye found that reasonable and nodded. “What about you, Mr. Lance?”
The red-haired man stood there, arms crossed under his cape, sighing.
“Overtime.”
“There’s still cleanup work, plus coordinating the officers…” Lance rubbed his temples. “It’s just one task after another.”
Lu Ye blinked.
You know… he and a certain Champion from Galar would probably have a lot to talk about.
Anyway, all the troublesome follow-up stuff—well, that was what “criminal busters” like Lance were for. Surrounded by blushing Officer Jennys,
Lu Ye rose with Gengar and headed toward nearby Kanaz City.
“That’s him, right? The famous Teacher Lu?” one Officer Jenny whispered.
“He’s even more handsome in person than the pics in our family group chat!”
“I heard the cousin from Yuhong City is close with him. Should I go get his contact info?”
“Stop daydreaming.” A senior Jenny replied calmly. “As far as I know… Teacher Lu is already taken. Even the Joys gave up on him.”
The Jennys instantly deflated—then turned their grief into motivation.
Criminals, brace yourselves. Today is judgment day!
“You alright?”
Lu Ye opened his communicator, looking at the trio on screen, smiling like dopes.
“Thanks to you, meow!” Meowth rubbed his paws together. “Couldn’t be better!”
“Arbok and Weezing are safe and sound too,” Jessie beamed. “Their companions have also been released back into the forest!”
“And… we picked up a new friend!” James tossed a Poké Ball.
Out popped a Cacnea, covered in spines—also known as Cacturne Jr.—who immediately gave James a joyful face-hug.
“Ow! Get off me, Cacturne Jr.!” James howled.
Watching this Xenomorph-like scene, Lu Ye let out an awkward cough.
Come to think of it, all the Pokémon James catches seem to have a thing for his head…
In the original anime, this Cacnea was handed off to Sai So to raise.
But it wasn’t a big deal. Sai So was in the group chat too—not like a "Pidgeot abandoned for ten years" situation.
“Cacnea has so little presence… I almost forgot Sai So was even in the chat,” Lu Ye muttered.
“So should we resume your mission now?” the trio asked.
Lu Ye nodded slightly.
After hanging up, he called Proton to check on the situation in Hoenn.
“Hoenn still has a ton of remnants from Team Magma and Team Aqua,” Proton said. “That’s why the region’s been hard to stabilize.”
“Lord Giovanni always looked down on those two groups… but if they could be absorbed, I’m sure he’d be pleased.”
Lu Ye fell silent for a moment.
The two leaders, Maxie and Archie, should already be GG’d by this point in the story.
Letting Team Rocket infiltrate Hoenn would also expand its influence.
But this whole "Team Rocket recruiting villain groups" vibe made Lu Ye twitch at the corner of his eye.
Did I… accidentally set something huge into motion?
Rainbow Rocket?!
“…C’mon now, they’re villains!”
Lu Ye chuckled to himself.
“Me? Teacher Lu? I’m an Interpol Inspector, thank you very much. A good, law-abiding citizen!”
Night fell.
After a long day, Lu Ye and Gengar headed to Kanaz City.
Home to Devon Corporation HQ, Kanaz was known as a tech capital, though it had a surprisingly green environment.
Looking up at Devon’s towering skyscraper, Lu Ye couldn’t help but sigh.
As expected of you, rich boy Steven!
A visit to Kanaz naturally meant a meal hosted by the local.
Twin-tailed Roxie not only treated him to dinner, but also gifted some local delicacy: Magma Rice Crackers.
In theory, next time Gengar gets paralyzed, there’d be no need for a Pecha Berry—just chew one of these crispy rice crackers, which tasted eerily like those from Want Want.
“Gengaaa~ (￣～￣)” Gengar crunched on the rice crackers happily.
In the night breeze, Lu Ye and Gengar walked out of Kanaz Gym.
Behind them, Roxie was nearly in tears after getting soloed by Sylveon.
“Take care…” she said gloomily.
Lu Ye patted her shoulder, mood complicated. “It’s okay. You’re not the first, and definitely not the last.”
Roxie blushed, then asked shyly, “Who else… has it happened to?”
Lu Ye looked at the sky. “Sabrina’s Saffron Gym?”
Roxie paused, then broke into a grin. “Oh, then that’s fine! Teacher Lu, you’re always welcome back!”
Should’ve said so earlier. If even Sabrina got soloed, then losing to him wasn’t shameful at all!
“Bui~ o(´^｀)o”
Lu Ye glanced down at the ribbon on his arm—Sylveon had raised her head, pink bow fluttering in the breeze.
Roxie’s skill level was about average for a Gym Leader.
Even so, Sylveon could now solo Kanaz Gym.
In terms of raw power, she was already beyond Gym Leader level—reaching “Master” tier.
Lu Ye’s expression turned odd.
You literally laze around in bed with me every morning…
So why are you already this strong?!
On this cold winter night, Teacher Lu tightened his coat and muttered:
“My standing in the house… is at risk.”
Looking at his current team:
Gengar, Sylveon, and Squirtle made up the first tier.
With Aura boost and full evolution into Blastoise, Squirtle might even suppress Gengar temporarily.
Arcanine and Lu Ye himself were in the second tier.
After all, street fighting involved the Trainer too.
As for Sirfetch’d and Togepi—
Maybe… Sirfetch’d is slightly stronger?
Lu Ye had mixed feelings and coughed. “No big deal… I’m still a few years away from Elite Four level!”
Besides, if Arcanine really were that strong,
Just going grocery shopping might blow up the house!
“Awoo~ (O_o)??” Arcanine tilted his head, eyes twinkling with wisdom.
“It’s nothing…” Lu Ye scratched Arcanine’s chin.
“Let’s head back to Saffron City. Got a business trip in a few days!”
December 27, Sunday – Saffron City.
Morning mist clung to the windowpane.
Teacher Lu lifted the covers to find Sylveon snoring softly, curled up beside him.
It was still early. Togepi nestled in its eggshell, leaning on the pillow.
“Awoo~” Arcanine lay on the carpet, flaxen fur giving off a sense of security.
Lu Ye got up quietly, careful not to disturb them.
In the fish tank, Squirtle snapped open an eye—then relaxed once he saw it was Lu Ye.
Lu Ye twitched.
I knew you weren’t sleeping. Bet you’re training your Aura non-stop!
Breakfast at Teacher Lu’s was usually Pokéblocks paired with the little ones’ favorite dishes.
Steam rose from the stewpot with a hiss hiss hiss.
In the kitchen, Lu Ye and Gengar sat quietly, waiting. Neither said a word.
A peaceful morning.
His phone buzzed.
[Cabbage Ice Cream]: Good morning.
[Teacher Lu]: Up this early?
“I told you.”
Cynthia’s smile came through the screen.
“Ability Swap—I’ve got Early Bird now.”
Lu Ye paused. “Then what am I now? Slow Start or Truant?”
Cynthia giggled even more sweetly. “You’re definitely Guts.”
So I’m brave, huh?
Lu Ye looked out the window. The forecast said flurries. The sky was dark and overcast.
He smiled faintly and murmured:
“Really hope the New Year comes soon…”
Eterna City, Sinnoh Region.
Known for its long history and statues of the time-space dragons, Eterna was peaceful.
A blonde beauty in a black coat closed her book. Another day of research done.
“Phew…” Cynthia let out a breath and smiled at the short-haired woman behind her. “Let’s go. We’re done for the day.”
The woman, wearing oversized sunglasses and carrying herself with elegance, nodded. “Aren’t you going to disguise yourself before shopping?”
“The people of Eterna already know me well enough.”
Cynthia had no airs about her, just like a certain down-to-earth “sponsor guy” from the countryside.
“After shopping, I’ll head back to the League.” Cynthia listed her schedule, then sighed. “I just want to slack off for a whole day…”
“Kalos fashion is all about ritual,” Diantha smiled. “A new outfit really lifts your mood.”
Cynthia didn’t comment. Maybe it was her natural beauty… or her indecisiveness.
Her wardrobe mostly consisted of that one black coat.
Eterna’s fashion boutiques had a classic, vintage style—just the way Diantha liked it.
As they walked through the antique streets, Diantha explained, “This year, Kalos is all about retro trends…”
Cynthia half-listened, eyes drifting to a men’s store window.
Diantha paused. “Yeah… some men’s styles can work for women too.”
Cynthia said nothing, just compared the coat in the window to someone’s image in her mind.
He seemed taller, right?
Suffering from choice paralysis, Cynthia tilted her head slightly.
After a long pause, she pushed open the door and said with a smile:
“I’ll take that one.”
December 28, Monday – Morning.
Teacher Lu received a package from Cynthia.
Inside was a plaid overcoat, soft and high-quality.
No brand name he recognized—but clearly expensive.
He opened a video call and asked in surprise,
“For me?”
“Who else?”
“How long did you take to pick it?”
“…Not long.”
Lu Ye was instantly moved.
Not long?
Yeah right!
He pictured the blonde beauty staring at the store window from afternoon till dusk…
Lu Ye bit his lip.
I live for Cynthia!
“Actually… Diantha helped me pick it,” Cynthia said, slightly embarrassed. “Otherwise, I’d have taken until morning.”
Lu Ye: “Then I’ll help you choose next time.”
“Uhh…” Cynthia fell into deep thought, then blushed and nodded.
So whatever I pick… Cynthia will wear?!
YES!! Lu Ye clenched his fist.
Bunny ears, here we come!
Come to think of it…
If Lu Ye hadn’t mentioned it, Cynthia probably would’ve forgotten all about that ¥5,000,000 thing.
Lu Ye sighed with emotion.
In this cold winter, only a rich lady and Sylveon can bring me warmth…
With New Year approaching, Cynthia busied herself with League event planning in Sinnoh.
After ending the call, Lu Ye looked to the sky and started calculating his own schedule.
He’d promised to help Professor Oak after New Year’s.
Before that, Teacher Lu resumed his usual “walk the dog, tease the duck” lifestyle.
That afternoon, the P1 Grand Prix Champion was officially announced.
Not just the fighting forums—word even spread to their chat group.
“@Teacher Lu, this year’s P1 champion is your student,” said Aunt Lorelei.
Lu Ye blinked. “Bea?”
“Yep.” Lorelei sent a video—it was Bea’s victory speech.
The little fighter, clutching the Championship Belt, stood there awkwardly, face red.
When the host asked for a message, she simply mentioned her mentor: Lu Ye.
The internet exploded.
Some mocked Lu Ye for skipping the tourney.
Others praised it as a way for his student to shine.
If he held back, it’d go against his style. But if he went full strength, Bea would’ve lost.
So by giving up his spot, he let her take the spotlight.
“His student won, and you still question Teacher Lu’s strength?”
“Not to hate, but maybe he was scared of losing to his student!”
But the moment Bruno sent a challenge letter, all doubt vanished.
This was the Fighting-type Elite Four member, Bruno, issuing a formal challenge to Lu Ye.
And a man of Bruno’s insight wouldn’t challenge a weakling—
Clearly, Lu Ye just thought the tourney was too low-tier!
“Teacher Lu’s sending students to Baby Cups now?”
“He’s getting cocky!”
“Come on, P1 only gives a belt. The prize money’s not even good…”
“Teacher Lu’s over Baby Cups. RIP my fandom!”
Lu Ye scrolled the forum, confused.
“Wait… what’s this letter from Bruno about?”
“Oh, ignore that musclehead.”
Lorelei replied nonchalantly. “Bruno sends challenge letters to everyone, even me.”
Lu Ye stared blankly.
In the manga, Red got ambushed by Lorelei while heading to Bruno’s challenge.
So this is… a Kanto Elite Four tradition?!
“Bruno’s probably not satisfied with fighting humans anymore,” Lance said, coughing. “He’s been picking fights with giant Steelix lately…”
Damn. Nearly forgot—Bruno’s practically a humanoid Pokémon!
Half an hour after Bea’s win,
She called, stammering her thanks to Lu Ye.
“This was all your hard work,” Lu Ye smiled. “Keep pursuing the fighting path!”
Bea’s eyes flickered. Then she nodded firmly.
To keep walking the path of fighting… and challenge the man at the end of it.
Was this his true intention?
Maybe, like Bruno,
Her master was already an Elite Four-level fighter—or even stronger…
Bea clenched her fists.
She’d make him her goal—and keep fighting onward!