In a mysterious office, Xia Hunao and his two companions sat across a table from Ou Haining. Although there was fragrant tea on the table, it had long gone cold, and the atmosphere was rather somber.
Zhang Hong, seated to the right of the trio, watched his mother and Xia Hunao glare at each other, unsure of what to say. He wanted to break the ice, but a single glance from Ou Haining made him sit still and motionless. The atmosphere wasn't supposed to be like this, but at some point, things had taken a strange turn.
After this uncomfortable silence persisted for a while longer, Ou Haining spoke, "As expected of Hu Jing's son, you have quite the endurance."
Xia Hunao seemed relieved, "Thank you for the compliment, Auntie Ou."
...
Let's rewind the timeline and see what happened before.
In the secret base, Xia Hunao gestured to Zhang Hong, indicating he was ready. Zhang Hong then brought up the idea. Ou Haining, citing the unsuitability of discussing matters in the secret base, led them to this office.
The four were seated, but Zhang Hong was asked by Ou Haining to move, allowing Xia Hunao to sit in the middle.
"Alright, let's have a good talk here. About your proposal."
Xia Hunao looked at Zhang Hong, who was completely unprepared and could only let Xia Hunao take the lead.
Xia Hunao began by asking a question, "Auntie Ou, have you read the latest book released by the Pokémon League?"
Although Ou Haining was still a trainer, she didn't pay much attention to books published by the Pokémon League. Besides, what kind of books could the Pokémon League publish? The information in those books was generally shared openly among their trainer circles.
Xia Hunao spread his hands, "That's a problem then. If we had the book, it would be much easier to explain."
Ou Haining immediately took out her phone and made a call, "Hello, Xiao Jing, could you go and buy a book for me and deliver it here?"
After giving the instruction, Ou Haining asked, "What book?"
Xia Hunao replied instantly, "Living with Pokémon. The latest edition released this year."
"Did you hear that? As soon as possible."
After this task was assigned, Ou Haining waited with Xia Hunao and the others. Xiao Jing was indeed efficient; within a few minutes, she entered the office holding a copy of "Living with Pokémon."
Zhang Hong had never seen this person before and asked, "Mom, who is this young lady? I've never seen her before."
Ou Haining took the book and turned to Zhang Hong, "Why are you asking? Let me tell you, although Xiao Jing is only two years older than you, she is a talented student from Jinghai University. Even if you want to pursue her, you'll have to wait until you get into Jinghai University."
Zhang Hong's face turned red. He had no intention of pursuing Xiao Jing. Xiao Jing also blushed and said, "What are you talking about?" With that, she turned and left the room.
Ou Haining placed the book on the table and pushed it towards Xia Hunao, "The book has arrived. Let's hear your explanation."
Xia Hunao tore open the book's wrapper, "Auntie Ou, you should know what this book is for, right?"
Ou Haining nodded, "Of course. This book is the most basic reading material approved and published by the Pokémon League, used to educate elementary school children on how to interact with Pokémon."
Xia Hunao tossed the plastic cover into the trash can, "Precisely. This book is used to popularize some of the most basic Pokémon knowledge among children, and also to point out some Pokémon that appear friendly but are actually irritable and dangerous."
As the Pokémon League continuously discovered new Pokémon in the wild, "Living with Pokémon" was also constantly updated. A few years ago, an introduction to Mimikyu was added, fearing that children might confuse Mimikyu with Pikachu. After all, if you touch Pikachu, Pikachu might happily emit a small electric current. But if you dare to probe what's under Mimikyu's disguise, Mimikyu can kill you.
Since its release, this book has been loved by parents in various countries, as Pokémon have become an integral part of people's lives.
Xia Hunao then opened the book and said, "This page talks about the great strength of Pokémon. What do you think of this introduction?"
The three leaned closer and saw the text on the page: "Although Pokémon look cute, they are very powerful."
This description itself wasn't problematic. However, when the three looked at the illustration below, they saw a Machamp pinning a Gardevoir beneath it. Next to it was the accompanying text: "Strong Pokémon can overpower even a Gardevoir, let alone a child."
Seeing this illustration, everyone fell silent. Although the meme of a shiny female Machamp and a Gardevoir with a large root was only popular in Xia Hunao's previous life, it didn't stop Ou Haining and the other two from changing their expressions after seeing this image.
Zhang Hong leaned back, only feeling a bit more at ease when his back touched the chair, "Xia Hunao, you truly have some nerve, daring to show such a drawing to my mother and Sister Yu."
Xia Hunao quickly shook his head, "This is already restrained. There are even more outrageous statements. For example, when introducing Flying-type Pokémon."
Shen Yu was already blushing profusely from the image of Machamp and Gardevoir. At this point, she didn't dare to look at the book, wondering how she could secretly pinch Xia Hunao for showing her such things.
Ou Haining, having seen many storms, flipped to the page discussing Flying-type Pokémon.
The text introduction stated: "Flying-type Pokémon have wings and can fly. When they flap their wings, they can create strong winds."
It should be noted that not all Flying-type Pokémon can create strong winds with their wings. For instance, Jumpluff, despite having the Flying type, could never possibly create strong winds. The only one that idly creates winds to bother people is the Pidgeot, which is a completely different species whether it's shiny or not.
The inaccuracy of this introduction was one thing, but the illustration was quite suggestive. The illustration was drawn in a four-panel comic style. The first panel shows a male and female trainer playing in the woods. The second panel shows a Pidgey flying out. The third panel shows the Pidgey using Gust on the two trainers. The final panel shows the two trainers flying into the sky, their clothes torn to shreds by the wind.
Ou Haining's brows furrowed upon seeing this. She directly slammed the book shut on the table, "So, what is your idea?"
Xia Hunao put the book back into his backpack, "As you've seen, this book is too outrageous. Our idea is to create an electronic device that can quickly introduce Pokémon, and even introduce moves and items. This way, it can not only provide better enlightenment for children but also serve as an aid for new trainers."
Ou Haining nodded. Indeed, this so-called "Living with Pokémon" was straying further and further down the path of misleading people. If such a device were actually created, it would indeed be very helpful.
Perhaps to highlight the value of this idea, Xia Hunao asked Shen Yu, "Xiao Yu, what is the evolved form of Basculin?"
Shen Yu was taken aback and began to ponder. What was the evolved form of Basculin?
Seeing Shen Yu tilt her head in thought, Xia Hunao's first reaction was that Xiao Yu was so cute. To take another look at Shen Yu in this state, Xia Hunao didn't immediately reveal the answer.
Finally, Ou Haining interrupted Shen Yu's thinking, "Stop thinking, Xiao Yu. Basculin doesn't have an evolved form."
Xia Hunao nodded, "That's right. Basculin only has two different forms, red and blue. These are just individual differences; there's no evolved form."
"Then why did you ask!"
"Don't be angry, don't be angry. I was just trying to prove the feasibility of this Pokédex."
...
After discussing the Pokédex, Ou Haining asked them to wait in the room for a while as she needed to make a phone call. After the call, Ou Haining returned and sat before the trio, her face grim as she stared at Xia Hunao.
As time passed, it gradually evolved into the scene we saw at the beginning.
Just as Xia Hunao finished thanking Ou Haining for her compliment, Ou Haining's phone rang.
Ou Haining made a shushing gesture to the trio and answered the call.
"Mm, okay, I understand. I will convey it to them."
From Ou Haining's expression, it was clear that she was in a good mood. As she spoke, the expressions of Xia Hunao and the other two became increasingly strange.
"There are two pieces of news. One has nothing to do with you, and one is somewhat related to you. Which one do you want to hear first?"
What kind of question was that? Of course, they wanted to hear the one related to them. Who would care about something that had nothing to do with them?
However, Ou Haining didn't wait for their answer and said directly, "Bring the book."
Xia Hunao handed the copy of "Living with Pokémon" from his backpack to Ou Haining, "The official decision has been made to recall and destroy this book entirely. As for the responsible parties, you wouldn't want to know the outcome of their punishment."
Xia Hunao gasped. The efficiency of the Spirit Demon Star was impressive. In such a short time, they had figured everything out clearly, and based on the proposed handling, the penalties were likely severe.
Ou Haining raised her right hand and tapped her neck lightly with her index and middle fingers. She believed Xia Hunao would understand.
After stating the official decision, Ou Haining began to discuss the second matter, "Based on the research decision of the Minglong Kingdom Pokémon League Headquarters, the development of this project will officially be undertaken by the three of you. The development project will officially commence after your winter vacation. However, you must maintain secrecy at school, understand?"
The trio nodded. They wouldn't dare to casually refuse a decision made by the Minglong Kingdom authorities. After announcing this decision, Ou Haining asked Xia Hunao and Shen Yu to return first and began to educate her son.
"You think I don't know? This plan has nothing to do with you. It was all figured out on the spot by Xia Hunao."
Zhang Hong was embarrassed, "Well, Mom..."
"Since you've decided to become a Pokémon researcher, learn more from Xia Hunao. I have a feeling he will not be an ordinary trainer in the future."
Zhang Hong leaned closer to his mother, "Mom, can you tell me who you all are? You seem so mysterious."
Ou Haining pushed Zhang Hong's head aside, "You'll know when your winter vacation starts."