Chapter 395: Teacher Lu’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
By the time the electricity bill was paid and the lights came back on, an hour had already passed.
Staring at the electric bill, Lu Ye winced in pain.
With this level of power consumption, anyone would think I’m raising an Electivire at home!
But since tonight was New Year’s Eve,
Teacher Lu still earnestly prepared for a thorough cleaning and tonight’s dinner.
In the group chat, everyone also became aware of the special holiday.
“Happy New Year, Teacher Lu!” Blue grinned. “Don’t forget the red envelopes!”
Teacher Lu: “@Steven.”
【Group member ‘Steven’ has sent a group red envelope, come and claim it!】
Ali: ! Daisy exclaimed, “That’s more than my entire week’s allowance!”
Sophia: “Thanks, Steven-san!”
Lu Ye was stunned for a long moment.
I just casually mentioned him, and a real tycoon dropped a red envelope!?
Gold: “@Red @Green @Lance @Lorelei……”
Gold: “I’ll give it a try too!”
【Group member ‘Gold’ has been removed by admin ‘Green’】
Lu Ye paused.
So this is the legendary “you try, you die”?
Silver: “…You weren’t gonna send one anyway, were you?”
【Group member ‘Green’ has sent a group red envelope, come and claim it!】
See?
That’s the difference between low and high emotional intelligence!
Lt. Surge gave a thumbs-up: “Kicked the spiky-head first and then sent one—solid detail!”
Lu Ye re-approved Gold’s join request and consoled him:
“No worries, I only got 0.1 yuan anyway.”
“How much did Yellow get?”
“…Over ninety bucks.”
“Pfft!”
“One more word and I’ll mute you for 24 hours!”
Even on New Year’s Eve, Ash was still grinding away at the Battle Frontier.
And his progress had skyrocketed.
In just a few days, he had reached the third facility—the Battle Dome.
“Who’s the Dome Ace?” Brock asked curiously.
“Tucker,” Ash scratched his head. “Beating him means I’ll get the third symbol—Tactics Master.”
“Then ask Teacher Lu for advice,” Green said. “With his guidance, you’ll clear it in no time.”
Ash nodded vigorously: “Please, Teacher Lu!”
Teacher Lu: “No problem, when are you paying tuition?”
“Huh?”
Just a joke—Lu Ye remembered Tucker’s team consisted of Arcanine and Swampert.
Swampert has a 4x Grass weakness, so Sceptile could finish it with one Leaf Blade… assuming Taillow could use Tailwind to give Sceptile the first strike.
If Tucker changed his lineup last-minute… given Ash’s Flying-type skill level, Taillow and Charizard could still sweep.
After giving Ash a special lesson, Ash suddenly understood.
“Thanks, Teacher Lu! After I beat Tucker, I’ll send you a gift!”
Lu Ye nodded in satisfaction.
This kid’s got potential.
As evening approached,
After calling his parents to report in safely, Lu Ye looked around.
The little ones were happily cleaning the house.
Calling it “cleaning” was generous—it was really just an excuse to goof off and play.
“Ka-meh!” Blastoise’s water hose sprayed two streams of water—whoosh!—drenching the whole living room.
“Bui~ (*≧▽≦)” Sylveon bounced around in the puddles, splashing water everywhere.
“Chagi dooyi~” Togepi clutched a broom taller than itself, sweeping with utmost focus.
“Gengaa~!” Gengar kicked over the floor-cleaning robot that Rotom had possessed.
Trying to steal my chores? No way!
Rotom-brand “Cleaning Robot” flailed helplessly on its back, unable to flip over, nearly crying.
“Can’t understand, Roto! o(TヘTo)”
The slacker Teacher Lu and Duck Duck stood to the side, unsure what to do.
“How about we go prep the ingredients?” Lu Ye suggested.
“Gaa! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧” (Great idea, quack!)
Calling it a New Year’s feast was a bit much—it was really just a simple two-person dinner.
Plus, a selection of favorites for each of the little ones.
A new year could begin just like that, and that was perfectly fine.
“Batteries probably count as a main dish, right?”
Lu Ye looked at the dinner he was prepping for Rotom.
Suddenly, he thought of the battery lunchbox from Sixty Million Dollar Man.
“Adding a bit of motor oil might enhance the flavor…”
By the time all the ingredients were ready, it was already five in the afternoon.
The setting sun cast its golden light into the freshly cleaned home, making it shine…
Lu Ye: “Why does cleaning always make it more of a mess?!”
Instantly, a chorus of noisy chatter, howling, and “bui~” cries echoed through the house.
Lu Ye rubbed his forehead helplessly.
Yet surrounded by all these Pokémon, he couldn’t help but smile.
“Alright, let’s all pitch in and clean up slowly together!”
…
As night fell, a gentle rain began to fall outside.
Lu Ye turned on the long-unused living room TV, letting the festive New Year gala fill the house.
“Togepi, don’t sit so close to the TV!”
“Dooyi~” Togepi wobbled back to the table, then snuck back to the screen the moment Lu Ye looked away.
“Chance of snow tonight: 99%, Roto!” Rotom reported.
“A snowy year brings a bountiful harvest.”
Lu Ye smiled gently, suddenly sensing a familiar Aura.
The door lock clicked softly—Rotom flew to the camera alert.
“Suspicious target detected!”
“Beep beep… 99% chance it’s Garchomp! Recommend full security protocol, Roto!”
“Relax.”
Lu Ye cleared his throat. “That’s Cynthia’s Garchomp!”
“Cynthia, Sinnoh Champion? Beep beep, can’t understand, Roto!”
Snowflakes drifted in from outside, along with a delicate fragrance.
A tall blonde woman, the black fur on her collar dusted with snow, golden hair falling along her slim waist and shapely chest.
Like she’d come home, she unzipped her black leather boots.
“So tired,” Cynthia murmured.
Lu Ye’s eyes dropped to her silk-stockinged feet.
“Want me to give you a massage?”
A cold gaze cut across him—from both Cynthia and Garchomp.
Even Sylveon let out a disdainful “bui.”
Lu Ye stood his ground.
He even considered putting his hands on his hips.
What’s wrong with a man liking beautiful things?!
“Did you come all the way from Sinnoh?” Lu Ye asked.
“I was already on the way when you called,” Cynthia said with a smile. “I’ve got a good memory.”
Lu Ye nodded thoughtfully.
“Then you can shower first—dinner’s almost ready.”
“Okay.”
Cynthia nodded obediently, then raised her pale gray eyes slightly in warning. “You know what I’m about to say.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll just stand by the bathroom door.”
“Absolutely not.”
“That’s asking too much… or rather, goes against human nature.”
A blush crept across Cynthia’s fair cheeks. She turned her head and lifted her chin, golden hair cascading down her waist to conceal her flushed face.
“…You’re allowed to peek, but not clearly. Only when I say you can… understood?”
“Understood.” Lu Ye nodded solemnly.
A small step for phase progress, a giant leap for strategic victory!
…
Rustling sounds came from the changing room.
Then, the splash of water echoed through the bathroom.
With his heightened Aura perception,
Lu Ye realized for the first time just how convenient this power could be.
Then, a soft whisper echoed from the bathroom: “C-come in.”
“Louder?”
“……”
“Then I’m coming in.”
“…Okay.”
As he opened the door, the steamy mist blurred everything—he could only vaguely make out a silhouette in the tub.
The flushed blonde soaked in the bath, only her face peeking out from wet golden hair, blowing bubbles: “P-p-peek enough?”
“Almost.”
“Please leave.” Cynthia smiled gently behind the steam—her voice was ice-cold.
“Be careful not to catch a cold. Don’t soak too long or you’ll get dizzy.”
Lu Ye closed the door, knocked lightly on the glass, and smiled. “We’ll start dinner soon.”
Cynthia gave a soft nasal hum.
“…Mm.”
Returning to the living room,
Lu Ye muttered—next time, he had to boot this Paladin out.
What’s a beacon of holiness doing in my house?!
“Gaa?” Duck Duck glanced sideways, then shivered.
“Gaa! (´థ౪థ)σ”
Oh no—that was the look he gave the food earlier!
As Lu Ye plated the dishes,
The sound of a blow-dryer came from the dressing room.
Outside, fireworks exploded in colorful bursts; inside, the gala’s music harmonized with the lively chatter.
The little ones couldn’t wait to reach for the food.
Lu Ye tapped the bowls and chopsticks: “Wait till I say go!”
“Graaaw…” Garchomp reluctantly pulled back its blades.
Then suddenly paused.
Wait, why am I listening to him?!
“Graaaw!” But it waited patiently anyway.
Fine… a bit more hunger makes it taste even better!
Cynthia stepped out of the bathroom, drying her silky golden hair with a white towel.
Looking at the lavish dinner and all the Pokémon around the room, a faint smile appeared in her beautiful eyes.
“I’m starting.”
“Sorry for the humble fare.”
Outside, wind and snow danced; inside, the gala approached midnight.
What kind of scenery will the new year bring?
Lu Ye glanced at the flushed Cynthia.
Then at the Pokémon all around him.
“Bui~! (｀皿´)ﾉ” Sylveon was fighting Garchomp for food.
“Ka-meh… ヾ(⌐■_■)” Blastoise and Lucario were training Aura together.
Gengar and Rotom were fighting over who got to clean up; Togepi was sending New Year’s blessings to Mew.
Arcanine zoomed around the room; Sirfetch’d pondered his ducky destiny.
No matter what, as long as Trainer and Pokémon resonate with each other, they’re sure to see even more beautiful views.
Lu Ye smiled softly. He turned and locked eyes with Cynthia.
Those were autumn-tinted, pale gray eyes full of charm.
“Let’s meet in Sinnoh after the New Year,” Lu Ye said.
“We can take our time,” Cynthia smiled. “I can wait for you.”
Lu Ye scratched his cheek.
“There might still be some things to handle… or juniors to take care of. But it won’t take too long.”
Cynthia simply listened quietly, smiling without a word.
Midnight passed—New Year had arrived.
“Happy New Year.”
“Happy New Year.”
They exchanged their greetings.
The gala’s chimes rang out, and vibrant fireworks lit up the sky outside.
Snowflakes drifted softly through the air, as lights glowed in every home.
…