September 22nd, Tuesday

The hype around "Uchiage Hanabi" was still going strong.

With summer fading, the song’s blend of nostalgia and anticipation resonated perfectly with listeners.

Music critics gave it rarely high scores, and record labels & talent agencies flooded Lu Ye’s inbox with offers.

Lu Ye pondered for a moment—

"It’s not about the money… It’s about the girls."

Besides, setting up his own music studio in the future was still an option.

Rejecting all business invitations, Teacher Lu happily returned to his lazy, salted-fish lifestyle.

The season had transitioned to autumn, with chilly winds and intermittent rainfall.

Lu Ye swapped his T-shirt for a button-up shirt, hugging Sylveon in his arms.

"I hate autumn," he muttered, watching the rain drizzle outside.

"Especially when it rains."

"Sylveee…"

Sylveon wrapped its ribbons around Lu Ye’s arm, the point of contact radiating warmth like a hand warmer.

"Huh, you can do this too?" Lu Ye blinked in surprise.

Sylveon huffed, clearly not in the mood to talk to him.

Outside, the rain poured down.

Inside, Growlithe, unable to go for a walk, had started digging into the couch in frustration.

Lu Ye, now completely desensitized to the Husky-like behavior, casually ruffled its head while still holding Sylveon.

"Stop that, you little menace!"

"Arf woo!!"

Growlithe dug even harder.

"Okay, okay! I surrender! Just stop already!"

A day like this was perfect for staying in, listening to the rain.

Lu Ye played a few matches with Cynthia, casually chatting about the upcoming research summit.

"It’s mainly for scholars to exchange research findings," Cynthia explained.

"Experts from all regions will attend, and you can learn a lot of valuable knowledge."

Lu Ye nodded.

Knowledge is power.

Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax… He had so many unanswered questions.

Even though he wasn’t particularly interested, since his Pokémon were advancing to this level, he had to set an example.

"Hopefully, that day comes a little later," Lu Ye muttered, already feeling a headache coming on.

Meanwhile, in his Pokémon Game Studio, progress was steady.

Molly had finished all the Flying-type Pokémon concept art, and with Devon Corporation’s support, the game was moving forward smoothly.

Except…

Big Brother Dayou’s hairline was receding at an alarming rate.

Other than that, everything was great!

Afternoon – Still Raining

Lu Ye sat in a wicker chair by the window, gently stroking the napping Sylveon in his lap.

"Haunterrr!"

Haunter floated over with two cups of steaming tea, handing one to Lu Ye before pouring itself a cup.

Listening to the rain—watching raindrops splatter against the glass, the bent tree branches, and the low-flying Taillow and Pidgey…

Lu Ye sighed contentedly.

"This is the good life."

BOOM!

Lu Ye’s face stiffened.

Turning around—

In the living room, Squirtle was doing push-ups.

Except now, the floor beneath it had completely caved in.

Its shell gleamed with a metallic sheen, and it scratched its head sheepishly.

Originally, it just wanted to try doing push-ups while using Iron Defense…

Who knew the weight boost would be so insane it actually broke the floor?!

Lu Ye’s expression turned complicated.

Iron Defense works by coating the body in Steel-type energy, forming a metallic armor to boost defense…

But this was just the first paragraph of the Iron Defense training manual.

"I haven’t even finished reading the book, and you’ve already mastered the move?!"

Lu Ye: "Squirtle, you absolute monster."

"Squirtle! (*σ´∀`)σ"

Squirtle grinned shyly, scratching its head.

It wasn’t that impressive…

After all, both Haunter and Drapion could do similar things with ease!

"Arf woo!"

Growlithe’s eyes shone with newfound determination.

Everyone’s so strong…

I need to train harder and become just as amazing as them!

That day, Teacher Lu contributed two new reaction images to the chat group:

[Shy Squirtle Blush]

[Ruffling Growlithe’s Head]

Example Usage:

Gold: "Aunt Lorelei, how do you counter Perish Song tactics? Teach me!"

Lorelei (gritting her teeth): "I swear, if you call me 'Aunt' one more time, I’m kicking you out of the group!"

Gold: [Shy Squirtle Blush.jpg]

Or—

Green: "I’m heading out for a bit. My Gym is being guarded by my Pokémon, so don’t bother coming to Viridian Gym for now."

Red: "Understood."

Lance: "Johto hasn’t been stable lately. Stay vigilant."

Gold: [Ruffling the Dog’s Head Upstairs.jpg]

A GIF of Growlithe getting its head aggressively ruffled appeared.

Its expressions were pure Husky energy.

Lu Ye had carefully selected the perfect GIF after ruffling Growlithe’s head countless times.

Lu Ye was a little surprised.

He didn’t expect Gold to be the one who truly understood the essence of this meme.

Lance: ???

[System: Group Member ‘Gold’ has been muted by Administrator ‘Lance’ for 24 hours.]

Yellow: [Ruffling the Dog’s Head Upstairs.jpg]

Yellow: "Ah, oops! I thought the one above was Gold…"

Lance took a deep breath.

"Since it’s Yellow… I’ll let it slide."

Even Red joined in, posting a "+1" along with—

[Ruffling the Dog’s Head Upstairs.jpg]

(Yellow, blushing profusely…)

For a moment, the group chat fell completely silent.

Who in their right mind dared to ruffle Red’s head?!

Did they have a death wish?!

Teacher Lu: [Ruffling the Dog’s Head Upstairs]!!!

Instantly, everyone sucked in a sharp breath.

Truly worthy of the group leader!

He had effortlessly done what everyone else secretly wished to do but never dared.

Absolute power.

As Gold remained muted, the chat slowly returned to normal.

Meanwhile, Blue—having profited massively from selling fireworks—cheerfully advertised new deals.

"Mid-Autumn Festival is coming! Buy mooncakes now for exclusive discounts!"

Green: "How do you always have everything in stock?"

Blue: "Never underestimate a merchant’s professionalism, you idiot!"

Brock: "I’ll take ten boxes. Any chance of an extra discount?"

Blue: "Of course! (giggles)"

Lu Ye: "Honestly, Brock, wouldn’t it be cheaper if you just made them yourself?"

Brock: "Oh, that’s a great idea! But… I don’t know how to make mooncakes…"

Lu Ye finally revealed his true nature.

"Then learn from me! Just pay a little tuition fee!"

Brock: "Brilliant! With Teacher Lu’s cooking skills, homemade ones should be way cheaper!"

Blue: "??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"

"How does a guy who can afford to raise a Growlithe still come steal my business?!"

Blue (voice message, fake crying): "TEACHER LU, YOU’RE A MONSTER!"

Erika (also fake crying): "TEACHER LU, YOU’RE A MONSTER!"

Lu Ye: "I’m done pretending. I’m going full villain!"

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read