Chapter 20: The Legend of Yanhuang Region
"Hahaha! You're incredible! You made her so angry that she stormed out without another word!"
Liu Shuyun burst into laughter, not caring about her image at all. Her melodious voice filled the room, and her eyes sparkled with amusement. She had just witnessed Zhong Ling leave, clearly furious at being outwitted by Renjiro's calm deflections.
But Renjiro wasn't smiling. He walked over to Liu Shuyun, his expression serious, his eyes dark and focused. His voice dropped to a low tone as he asked, "What's going on, Liu Shuyun? Why did you open the door for her?"
The change in his demeanor startled Liu Shuyun. The laughter died on her lips, and she immediately lowered her head. She fidgeted with her hands, guilt creeping into her voice. "I—I'm sorry. I thought it was you knocking, so I opened the door without thinking."
Renjiro's frown deepened. "Do you think I'm the kind of fool who'd go out without my keys? What if it hadn't been Zhong Ling at the door? What if it had been someone dangerous?"
His voice was filled with a quiet intensity, and Liu Shuyun felt her heart sink. He was right—she'd acted carelessly. Today it had only been an investigator. But next time?
"I'm sorry, Renjiro. Please don't be mad. I know I was wrong." Liu Shuyun's voice softened as she moved closer. She gently took hold of his arm, swinging it slightly in a playful, coaxing way. She looked up at him with pleading eyes, trying to ease the tension. "Don't be angry anymore, okay?"
Renjiro tried to keep his stern expression, but the warmth of her touch, the gentle sway of her body, and the soft, sweet scent of her perfume made it difficult. His gaze briefly drifted over her. Liu Shuyun's tight skirt hugged her curves, accentuating her slender waist and shapely hips. The black stockings she wore only added to the allure, sparking endless imagination.
He coughed, looking away, trying to regain control of his thoughts. "Ahem. Go pack up your things. It's not safe here anymore. After dinner, I'll take you back to Magic City."
"Today?" Liu Shuyun's smile faded. The idea of leaving so soon, of being apart from Renjiro, caught her off guard.
"Yes. Today," Renjiro said, his tone firm. He knew it was for the best.
"Alright. I understand," Liu Shuyun said softly. She released his arm, turned, and walked toward his room to pack. There wasn't much—just a few changes of clothes. As she glanced around the small house, a pang of reluctance filled her. She'd come to feel safe here, warm, and protected. But she knew Renjiro was right. Staying any longer would only invite more danger.
Magic City offered better protection. The Pokémon Alliance had a strong branch there, and those hunting her wouldn't dare cause trouble on its turf. Still, leaving felt bittersweet.
After a while, she pushed open the door and called out, "Renjiro, let's leave tomorrow morning instead, okay?"
From the kitchen, where he was preparing their meal, Renjiro's voice answered, "Alright. Tomorrow morning it is."
There wasn't much difference between leaving tonight or at first light. As long as they didn't linger too long.
---
At dinner, Liu Shuyun found herself picking at her food. The thought of leaving weighed on her heart. She glanced at Renjiro and asked, trying to change the mood, "Renjiro, which university do you plan to apply to?"
Renjiro chewed thoughtfully before replying. "Imperial Capital University."
"Imperial Capital University?" Liu Shuyun blinked. "Why not Magic City University? It's just as good. The professors are excellent, and you'd be closer to home."
Her tone was hopeful. If he stayed in Magic City, she'd have more chances to see him, to be near him.
Renjiro shook his head lightly. "The books and documents at Magic City University aren't as comprehensive as those at Imperial Capital University."
Liu Shuyun tilted her head, puzzled. "Books and documents? What's so special about the ones in Imperial Capital University?"
She had studied at Magic City University herself, but the library had never really interested her. In her mind, all big university libraries were the same.
Renjiro set down his chopsticks. "I want to find some old records—documents about Mew."
"Mew?!" Liu Shuyun repeated, her brows furrowing. She hadn't expected that answer at all.
Renjiro nodded. "Yes. That's the real reason I want to go to Imperial Capital University. Their library is the largest in the Yanhuang Region. They have rare documents that aren't found anywhere else—not even in national libraries."
"But Mew?" Liu Shuyun murmured, trying to understand.
According to the ancient legends of Yanhuang Region, Mew was said to be the ancestor of all Pokémon—and even humans, in some beliefs. But modern scientists had long dismissed Mew as a myth. There had never been a confirmed sighting, not a single fossil, not a trace of evidence. As far as the scientific community was concerned, Mew was simply a creation of ancient imagination—a symbol, not a creature.
"Renjiro, you do know that Mew is considered extinct? Some scientists even say it never existed at all."
Renjiro's eyes shone with determination. "I don't believe that. I'm sure Mew still exists somewhere in this world."
Liu Shuyun stared at him, momentarily speechless. His confidence was unwavering, his belief unshakable. For a moment, she felt her own certainty waver. Could the scientists be wrong? Could Mew truly be out there, hidden from humanity's eyes?
Renjiro continued, his voice steady. "There are so many Pokémon we thought were legends once. Lugia, Ho-Oh, the Three Beasts of the Land, Sea, and Sky—at different points in history, people believed they were myths too. But they existed. They were just hidden, waiting for the right time to be seen."
He looked out the window, as if imagining those mighty creatures soaring over distant mountains or deep oceans, beyond the reach of human greed and destruction.
"The world is vast, Liu Shuyun. There are places humans have never explored, mysteries we've never solved. I believe Mew is out there, waiting. And I'll find it."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The room was filled with the soft clatter of dishes and the quiet hum of the city night outside.
Finally, Liu Shuyun smiled gently. "Then I hope you do. And when you find Mew… I hope you'll tell me first."
Renjiro met her gaze, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "Of course."
---
The next morning, they rose early. The air was crisp, and the streets were quiet as dawn's first light painted the sky in soft hues of gold and pink.
Liu Shuyun carried her small bag, walking beside Renjiro as they left the house behind. She glanced at him, his face calm and focused, his eyes already looking toward the future.
In her heart, she silently wished him luck—not just in finding Mew, but in whatever adventures awaited him.
Because deep down, she knew: this was only the beginning of Renjiro's legend.
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