Early the next morning, when Luo Yuan opened his eyes, he found both his arms tightly clutched.
Turning his head to the left, he saw Sabrina; turning to the right, he saw Matori.
Luo Yuan sighed.
He was starting to understand Gary's complaints — sometimes, having too many girlfriends really was a headache.
Using telekinesis, he opened the wardrobe, floated a set of clothes into the air, and then used [Teleport] to directly transfer himself into the outfit, completing the whole "getting dressed" process in one smooth motion.
He glanced back at the bed.
Without their "hug pillow," Sabrina and Matori murmured softly in their sleep, instinctively shifting toward the center and into each other's arms.
Their pale arms were exposed to the morning air, and they clung to one another.
The sight...
It was simply picture-perfect.
Luo Yuan's heart gave an involuntary lurch first thing in the morning.
Still, he quickly reined in his emotions.
Work came first — he had an appointment today with President Silph for important business.
Saffron Gym was already located in a prime spot in Saffron City.
It took Luo Yuan only ten minutes on foot to reach the Silph Company headquarters.
Entering the building, he immediately noticed the differences from his last visit.
Right in the lobby, a massive holographic projection of the Silph Group's logo hovered in the air, constantly broadcasting the company's most profitable ventures to all who entered.
Taking the elevator all the way to the top floor, he arrived at the chairman's office.
Inside, aside from President Silph, there was another person waiting.
"Boss Giovanni," Luo Yuan greeted.
At that moment, Giovanni was seated across from President Silph.
This was the first time Giovanni was meeting Silph in person under his true identity — as the leader of Team Rocket.
Luo Yuan could clearly see the awe and respect written on President Silph's face.
And the reason Giovanni had come in person was no small matter.
"Have a seat," Giovanni said. "I just got here myself."
Without ceremony, Luo Yuan took the remaining seat at the table.
Stretching a hand into the air beside him, he summoned Gengar, who materialized with a mischievous giggle, pulling a thick bundle of documents out from his mouth — or maybe his stomach — and handing them over to Giovanni and President Silph.
"These are the detailed reports I had Olivia compile yesterday regarding Galar and the Macro Cosmos Group. They cover their public industries, their covert assets, and the agents they've planted within the Galar League."
The stack was thick — no way they'd get through it quickly.
Fortunately, thanks to her experience managing corporate affairs for Rose, Oleana knew better than to expect Luo Yuan to read through everything patiently. She had prepared an abbreviated summary and placed it on top.
Giovanni skimmed through the summary, gaining a comprehensive picture of how much ground Luo Yuan had secured for Team Rocket in Galar.
"Incredible," Giovanni remarked, even he unable to suppress his astonishment.
Unlike the chaotic situation in Hoenn or the slow, methodical conquest of Galactic remnants in Sinnoh, the Macro Cosmos Group under Rocket's control had already deeply infiltrated the Galar League.
Although the Darkest Day incident caused by Chairman Rose had left a stain, Oleana, now under Luo Yuan's command, had responded quickly enough to limit the damage. Macro Cosmos still maintained tremendous influence over the League.
It could be said that, among all the regions under Team Rocket's influence, Galar was now second only to Kanto and Johto in terms of control.
Now Giovanni finally understood what Luo Yuan had meant during their video call — that there was no need to press harder, only to wait patiently and fully digest Macro Cosmos.
It truly was a pleasant surprise.
"There's some bad news," Giovanni said suddenly.
"What bad news?" Luo Yuan's brows arched.
Anything Giovanni himself called "bad news" was bound to be serious.
"Don't tell me... the League Council is stirring up trouble again?"
"After yesterday's meeting, I had people reach out to Sinnoh, Kalos, and Hoenn seeking support. Hoenn and Kalos haven't given a clear response yet, but I did get some news from Sinnoh."
"Sinnoh's Champion, Cynthia, didn't go to Unova to assist the League against Team Plasma. She went as a mediator."
"The League Council is pushing for a ceasefire between the Unova League and Team Plasma — offering concessions in exchange for cooperation against us, Team Rocket."
Hearing this, Luo Yuan felt a wave of disbelief wash over him.
Had the League Council completely lost it?
In order to deal with Team Rocket, they were actually choosing to collaborate with Team Plasma?
Even with all his experience, Luo Yuan couldn't begin to fathom what on earth those League Council members were thinking.