Xiu listened to Bao Ba's assessment of Yuto and Shirley, his expression thoughtful. "Director," He began carefully, "with all due respect… perhaps Yuto's inability to see Chanel's true nature isn't just naivety. Perhaps he's been fooled by her act? And when Shirley tried to complain, maybe he dismissed her concerns as childish jealousy, blaming her own perceived 'ignorance' or lack of effort?"
He continued, pressing the point gently but firmly. "You mentioned the resources available to Yuto – dedicated training staff, individual tutoring from teachers, everything arranged for him. He likely assumes Shirley has access to similar support, just isn't utilizing it properly.
But does she? You yourself admit you're often busy with work, rarely home for extended periods. And Yuto, focused on his own intense training schedule… does he truly have the time, or perhaps the inclination, to genuinely mentor his younger sister?"
Bao Ba fell silent, visibly taken aback by Xiu's direct analysis. He raised a hand, interrupting before Xiu could continue, letting out a heavy sigh. "Alas," He conceded, his voice weary. "I was… perhaps not the most attentive father to Yuto either, during his younger years. Always busy with the park, with research… Yet he turned out alright, didn't he?" It sounded less like a statement, more like a hopeful question.
Xiu's expression turned serious. "But people are different, Director," He countered respectfully but without hesitation. "Yuto and Shirley may be siblings, but their personalities, their resilience, their needs are not the same. And crucially," He added, "Yuto likely didn't face the same kind of persistent, targeted undermining that Shirley apparently endures from Chanel. He wasn't constantly being bullied or belittled."
Seeing Bao Ba processing this, still silent, Xiu pressed on, driving his point home. "You and Yuto both clearly love and want to protect Shirley," He acknowledged. "But perhaps your methods… are unintentionally isolating her."
He leaned forward slightly. "Think about it. She comes to her older brother, maybe wanting help with homework, maybe just wanting connection… and he, perhaps thinking he's helping, just does it for her, dismissing her struggles as laziness... does he offer to teach her, to work through it with her? Or does he just solve the immediate problem and move on?"
He then turned the focus back to Bao Ba. "And you, Director. You lament that communication with Shirley is difficult; that you rarely engage in deep conversations. Yet, just today, she came to you, asking about Vulpix's diet plan – a clear sign of newfound interest, an opening for connection.
Did you seize that opportunity? Offer to teach her how to make the food yourself? Share your knowledge, spend time with her? Or did you just give her the information and consider the matter closed?" He let the questions hang. "Perhaps," He suggested softly, "what she truly needs isn't just the answers, but your attention."
"Hmm~" Bao Ba let out a low groan, rubbing his temples, his expression deeply contemplative. He seemed to be genuinely considering Xiu's words.
"I suspect," Xiu concluded quietly, "that while Shirley lives in this house, she feels fundamentally separate from both you and Yuto. The only being who truly understands her, offers unconditional comfort… is probably Vulpix."
"Perhaps… perhaps you are right," Bao Ba admitted slowly, his expression stabilizing as he seemed to reach a conclusion. "I confess, I haven't paid enough attention to these… subtle dynamics." He looked at Xiu, a flicker of his earlier curiosity returning. "But how could you see all this so clearly? Having only just met them?"
"Maybe," Xiu replied with a slight, enigmatic curl of his lips, "it's because I was often bullied myself, once upon a time." He kept his tone light, casual, offering no further details.
Bao Ba frowned slightly at the cryptic remark, clearly sensing a deeper story, but Xiu quickly shifted the focus.
"Look," Xiu said reassuringly, "I chatted with Shirley quite a bit today. Yes, there's resentment there, towards both you and Yuto. But it's not without hope. Not yet. More communication, genuine attention… I believe things can improve quickly. Children," He added with a knowing smile, "are often just waiting to be properly coaxed, understood."
Bao Ba nodded slowly, seemingly accepting Xiu's assessment. "I understand," He said decisively. "I'll speak with Yuto. Make sure he starts paying more attention, helps her properly."
"No, no, no!" Xiu reacted instantly, waving his hands emphatically. "Director, please don't!"
Bao Ba looked surprised again. "What? Why not? Wouldn't Yuto paying more attention be a good thing?"
Xiu smiled wryly. "Director, you know Yuto's personality. Blunt, straightforward. If you tell him 'Shirley feels neglected because you don't help her enough,' what's the first thing he'll do? March straight to Shirley and confront her about it! 'Why didn't you just say something?' He'll likely invalidate her feelings, make her feel embarrassed for not speaking up directly."
He saw Bao Ba start to protest, but continued quickly. "Children need face, Director. Especially teenagers like Shirley, who already feel vulnerable, perhaps ashamed of needing help or admitting they feel left out. Yuto confronting her directly, however well-intentioned, will likely backfire spectacularly. She'll clam up, resent the interference, and the distance between them might grow even wider."
He paused, then added another strategic consideration. "Furthermore, if Yuto understands the real reason for helping Shirley – i.e., her rivalry with Chanel – his straightforward nature means he'll likely confront Chanel as well, perhaps even mentioning your involvement. That creates awkwardness with Chanel's family, potentially damages your relationship with them. Far too messy."
"Hmm, didn't consider that," Bao Ba conceded, seeing the logic in Xiu's reasoning. "So direct confrontation is out."
"But," Xiu leaned forward again, a shrewd glint in his eyes, "I do have another plan. One that could potentially help Yuto see Chanel's true colors, encourage him to genuinely support Shirley, and give Shirley the motivation and means to finally stand up for herself."
"Oh?" Bao Ba raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Tell me."
"Shirley wants to beat Chanel in a Pokémon battle," Xiu explained. "So, we help her. I'll design a rigorous training plan for Vulpix. You," He looked pointedly at Bao Ba, "discreetly provide the necessary resources – high-quality food, perhaps some specific TMs or training aids. We work together, secretly, to make Shirley and Vulpix much stronger."
He continued, laying out the scenario. "Eventually, Shirley challenges Chanel again. This time, she wins. Convincingly. Chanel, being arrogant and unused to losing, especially to Shirley, will likely react poorly. Throw a tantrum, make excuses, maybe even reveal her spiteful nature in front of others – perhaps even in front of Yuto."
He let the image sink in. "Yuto witnesses Chanel's true colors firsthand. He sees his sister's hard work pay off, sees her strength. His perspective shifts. He realizes he misjudged both of them. Guilt, admiration… it encourages him to genuinely connect with Shirley, support her properly."
He ticked off the benefits. "Shirley gets her revenge, gains confidence, develops a stronger bond with Vulpix, and hopefully finds motivation to take her studies more seriously. Yuto gets a valuable, humbling lesson about judging character and the importance of supporting his sister. You," He looked at Bao Ba, "get to repair your relationship with Shirley by being the 'supportive grandfather' who provided the resources for her success. Three birds, one stone."
He anticipated Bao Ba's concern. "As for the consequences with Chanel's family? It remains a 'childish squabble'. If Chanel complains, Shirley can simply claim she finally decided to train seriously. If Chanel's parents make a fuss, Shirley can play the victim – 'Chanel's just being a sore loser because I finally beat her.' Maybe she even 'faints' from the stress of the confrontation," Xiu added with a smirk. "Then you step in, express concern for 'poor Shirley', politely suggest Chanel needs to learn better sportsmanship… How can they argue? They lose face completely."
Xiu's plan was audacious and manipulative, bordering on ruthless. Using Chanel's own unpleasant personality against her, orchestrating a scenario to teach Yuto a lesson while simultaneously empowering Shirley and repairing family bonds…
Bao Ba stared at Xiu, a slow, calculating smile spreading across his face, the gold teeth glinting. "Using a borrowed knife to kill, hmm? Unlucky for Chanel, crossing paths with you, Xiu." He chuckled softly. "You drive a hard bargain."
Xiu's expression remained neutral. "Am I that kind of person, Director? Miss Chanel certainly didn't offend me. This is entirely a matter between the younger generation," He stated innocently. "My involvement, your involvement… purely coincidental support, of course."
"Of course," Bao Ba echoed, understanding perfectly. He nodded, accepting the plan. "Very well. Consider the plan approved." He deftly changed the subject. "Now, about the 'salary' for your tutoring services for Shirley…"
— — —
A short while later, Xiu emerged from Bao Ba's study. He found Shirley watching TV in the living room, looking bored. "Come on," He said, gesturing for her to follow him. "You can help me with something."
"Huh? Help you with what?" Shirley asked, looking confused.
"I'm helping you train Vulpix," Xiu replied reasonably. "The least you can do is help me in return." He smiled faintly. "You know I didn't have a proper education before coming to the park. I need you to teach me. Go over your old schoolwork with me."
Shirley stared at him, aghast. "What? No! I can't! Go ask Grandpa or Yuto, they know everything!" She physically recoiled onto the sofa, looking panicked.
"It's okay," Xiu insisted calmly. "We can learn together. Start from the beginning."
"I really can't!" She protested again, looking miserable.
Sigh... Xiu regarded her with a very pointed, questioning look. Understanding dawned on Shirley's face – this was clearly non-negotiable, likely part of the 'deal' Xiu had struck with her grandfather. She sighed heavily, surrendered, and reluctantly followed Xiu upstairs.
"Where do you usually study?" Xiu asked as they reached the second floor.
"Here," Shirley mumbled resentfully, gesturing towards her bedroom door. Seeing her reluctance, Xiu offered a small incentive. "Help me with this," He promised, "and I will help you beat her."
He followed Shirley into her room. It was surprisingly plain, decorated simply, almost impersonally. Monotonous.
"Huh," Xiu remarked, looking around. "I expected more… dolls? Posters?"
"I'm not a little kid," Shirley retorted defensively.
Xiu ignored the jibe, getting straight to the point. "Alright. Get out your textbooks. All of them. Starting from your very first year of school. You're going to teach me everything."
"Ah~" Shirley let out a low groan of despair. The room fell silent again, filled only with the sound of reluctant footsteps heading towards a bookshelf.