Lijia, dressed in a kimono with wooden sandals, caught everyone's attention wherever she went.

Although the sight of her left Teacher Lu wanting to flee, he couldn’t. This was, after all, a task entrusted by none other than Red himself. Lu Ye still had to rely on Red and Steven Stone for future rankings.

"I heard from Red that you're traveling in the Donghuang Region?" Lu Ye asked, his tone laced with envy. "Did Yuhong University reimburse a lot of the expenses?"

"That's part of it."

Lijia smiled softly, her dimples forming faintly on her cheeks.

"The other reason is to invite you to serve as a lecturer at the Trainer Academy."

Lu Ye, leading the way, stopped dead in his tracks.

"The Trainer Academy... a lecturer?"

"Exactly," Lijia nodded. "The academy operates under Yuhong University and is located near Viridian City in Kanto."

Lu Ye's expression turned odd.

Not long ago, Professor Yamana at Modu University was urging him to enroll in Yuhong University's graduate program.

Now, in less than three months, he’d gone from a prospective grad student to a teaching position?

At this rate, would he be promoted to professor in another three months?

"I’ve never heard of this before," Lu Ye said, scratching his head. "Red never mentioned anything like this to me!"

Smiling, Lijia replied, "Compared to a phone invitation, I believe a personal visit shows greater sincerity."

Lu Ye felt conflicted.

Sincerity aside, she brought along the rare Energy Ball move, yet why did he feel so cold inside?

Sighing, Lu Ye said, "Miss Lijia, there's no need for such formality. Just call me Lu Ye."

Their conversation was in Japanese, and while Lu Ye had Japanese Lv3, the constant humility in Lijia’s tone felt awkward.

"Alright."

Lijia tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and said gently, "In short, inviting you to become a lecturer is the main purpose of my visit."

"If possible, I would like to explain the pros and cons at your residence."

Lu Ye rubbed his chin.

First it was Lillie, then Mallow, and now Lijia…

Even without a "Sweet Scent" buff, his house was starting to feel like a guest lodge.

"Could it be... I'm just too handsome?"

"Hmm?" Lijia tilted her head, not catching what he said.

"It's nothing," Lu Ye replied, pondering. "Alright, let’s head to my place first. I’ll treat you to lunch while we talk."

"Thank you."

"Card or cash?"

"Excuse me?"

"I’m kidding!" Lu Ye laughed awkwardly before adding, "Mobile payment works too!"

Teacher Lu’s financial situation wasn’t great. Hosting a league representative meant summoning a ride via "Dodrio Speedy Delivery."

Glancing at the app, Lu Ye muttered, "Shouldn’t they just call it ‘Drifloon Ride’?"

Lijia, who rarely visited Modu City, followed quietly, maintaining her composure.

Moments later, a taxi honked twice.

The driver lowered his sunglasses and exclaimed, "Yo, buddy!"

"Huh?" Lu Ye blinked. "The driver from the airport last time?"

The driver clicked his tongue. "Another one? Second time already? Another international romance?"

Lijia tilted her head, looking puzzled.

"We’re just friends!" Lu Ye corrected quickly.

The driver gave him a knowing wink. "Who hasn’t been chased down two blocks by a girl wielding a knife in their youth?"

Lu Ye: Old player alert!

At the security booth near the residential area, the neighborhood uncle noticed Lu Ye approaching with a companion. Chuckling, he pulled out a notebook and scribbled away under his reading glasses:

"August 23rd, sunny. Resident Xiao Lu brought home his fourth girlfriend. Outstanding temperament—congratulations are in order."

By now, Teacher Lu was unfazed by such things. Lijia, clearly affluent, might as well be an opportunity to cash in.

Lu Ye’s inner monologue:

"Rural dining experiences are authentic local culture! It’s definitely not a tourist trap!"

"Excuse me," Lijia said as she removed her wooden sandals at the entrance and stepped inside in white socks.

Seeing her breathable footwear, Lu Ye sighed in relief.

Lu Ye:

"Talonflame, take notes from her!"

"Gengarrr!"

Haunter scurried to boil water, one Substitute setting up tea while another tidied the room.

Lijia was astonished. "Haunter... doing housework? And with two Substitutes helping?"

"Basic training," Lu Ye said, sipping his tea. "It’s also part of Substitute practice."

"Gengarrr! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧"

"I see," Lijia said thoughtfully.

The room was modest yet clean, reflecting Lu Ye’s attentiveness.

A capable Trainer would undoubtedly be a responsible lecturer too.

Smiling, Lijia began, "Let me explain the details. As a Battle Department lecturer at the Trainer Academy, you’d gain recognition under Yuhong University’s faculty. This would significantly aid your path toward becoming a researcher."

"Moreover, the annual salary exceeds three million, with various allowances and bonuses."

Lu Ye nodded slightly.

The salary wasn’t astronomical but matched a professor’s. Yet, he knew his limits. Casual battles were fine, but gym-level matches? His team wasn’t ready.

As he prepared to decline, Lijia interrupted.

"You don’t need to answer right away," she said. "The new curriculum starts next year. If you aim to challenge the Kanto League, you could coincide it with the Quartz Conference opening."

"For a Trainer, this is a rare opportunity."

Lu Ye scoffed. "You’re talking Quartz Conference? I can barely afford six Pokémon, let alone compete!"

"Take your time," Lijia said, sipping her tea. Glancing at Eevee, she added, "I believe this aligns with your Pokémon’s desires too."

Lu Ye paused as Eevee leapt into his arms, wagging its tail eagerly.

"Vee! o(´^｀)o"

Despite his financial woes, Lu Ye’s passion for Pokémon was undeniable.

Still, becoming a Battle Department lecturer wasn’t on his radar.

"Allow me to decline," he said, shaking his head. "I only have three Pokémon, and I can’t risk anything happening to them."

"Vee?"

Eevee blinked its large eyes, gazing up at him.

Lijia nodded.

Even Champions like Alder and Green had faced misfortunes with their Pokémon. Yet avoiding all risks ignored the will of the Pokémon themselves.

After a long silence, Lijia’s eyes sharpened.

"Teacher Lu, let’s battle."

"Huh?"

"Instead of hesitating, settle this with a Pokémon battle."

"Through battling, the answers will come naturally," she added with a smile. "Isn’t that the Trainer’s way?"

Lu Ye choked.

Lu Ye:

"Trainer, my foot! You’re a Kanto League Commander! You could wipe my team out with Haunter alone!"

"I’ll use a newly captured Pokémon," Lijia said, pulling out a Poké Ball. Smiling faintly, she added, "If you win, consider taking the lecturer role. How about that?"

Lu Ye blinked.

Shouldn’t the loser be the one forced into the position? What kind of strong-arm recruitment tactic was this?

"Relax," Lijia said, glancing at Eevee. "I won’t hold back. This is just to prove your Pokémon’s resolve."

Lu Ye hesitated, looking down at Eevee.

"Go easy on me. There’s no need to win," he muttered.

"Vee! ψ(*｀ー´)ψ"

Eevee licked its paw, eyes gleaming with determination.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read