After they entered the villa, Ye Qing wasted no time getting to the point.
"Teacher Guo, have you thought about your future plans?"
She'd heard from Ye Bo that Teacher Guo disliked the hustle and bustle of big-city life. Even though his strength was undoubtedly impressive, Ye Qing couldn't agree to let her daughter stay in this remote village indefinitely. After all, classes at Shanghai Pokémon University were set to begin in just a month's time, and Su Qingxue would need to return to Shanghai eventually.
Regarding this question, Guo Yi had already made his decision. If he wanted to recruit talented students in the future, a big city offered far more opportunities. Moreover, Wu Yao, who possessed Agatha's template, was also studying at Shanghai Pokémon University, making it a place he intended to go.
So Guo Yi replied straightforwardly, "Actually, I plan to apply for a teaching position at Shanghai Pokémon University. That way, it'll be convenient for me to continue guiding Qingxue."
Ye Qing visibly relaxed at his answer. It was good their intentions aligned; she didn't want to quarrel, especially since it would put her daughter in a difficult position. She could clearly see how much Qingxue respected her teacher.
Tang Rong, hearing that Guo Yi intended to teach at Shanghai Pokémon University, immediately grew interested. "Shanghai Pokémon University? Teacher Guo, I have connections there. Would you like my help? By the way, what's your current teaching rank? First-Class Instructor or Special-Grade?"
Tang Rong's uncle was the director at Shanghai Pokémon University, and helping a promising teacher secure a position wasn't a big deal, especially given his exceptional strength.
"Technically," Guo Yi admitted openly without hesitation, "I'm currently just an Assistant Instructor."
"Eh? An Assistant Instructor?" Tang Rong was visibly startled.
Su Qingxue quickly jumped in to explain, "Aunt Tang, that's because Teacher didn't bother taking the evaluation. Otherwise, with his abilities, he'd at least be a First-Class Instructor."
Su Qingxue, who knew Guo Yi's true strength, wasn't bothered at all by formal ranks. After all, even associate professors didn't necessarily have Pokémon of Champion-Tier strength.
Even so, prestigious schools like Shanghai Pokémon University were very particular about ranks. Tang Rong considered for a moment, then slowly said, "If you're an Assistant Instructor, you'll only qualify for a standard teaching role, and the pay won't be great. Are you alright with that, Teacher Guo?"
Since she'd already made the offer, Tang Rong wouldn't retract it. However, given his official rank, the best she could do was secure him the position. Higher pay or better conditions weren't within her control.
"I have no problem with that," Guo Yi replied casually.
He didn't care much about salary. After his recent adventure in Thunder Valley, his wealth had increased by millions, at the very least. If he could easily secure a place at Shanghai Pokémon University, pay was the least of his concerns.
"Well then, since everything's settled, we'll return to Shanghai tomorrow," Ye Qing said with a smile. "Qingxue's birthday is coming up soon. We'll have to arrange something special."
"Yes!" Su Qingxue cheered happily. "I'm finally going back to Shanghai!"
She deeply missed Shanghai and all her friends. Previously, due to safety concerns, she hadn't contacted anyone except her mother—not even her best friend. Now that the danger had passed, she could finally return to her normal life.
Guo Yi naturally had no objections. He himself looked forward greatly to Shanghai. However, that night, an unexpected piece of information forced him to alter his plans:
[In three days, Flight 573 from YN City to Shanghai will encounter a spatial secret realm mid-flight and be attacked by a Champion-Tier Legendary Pokémon, Zapdos. All 233 people aboard will perish. Defeat Zapdos to allow Beedrill to break through.]
[Price: 3000 Mentor Points]
A Champion-Tier Zapdos…this would be the perfect opponent for Beedrill!
Guo Yi had struggled to find suitable opponents for Beedrill through the [Opportunity] function. Champion-Tier Pokémon weren't easily encountered, and after searching extensively, he'd found nothing suitable—until now.
Besides, saving an entire plane full of passengers would earn him significant merit.
Thus, early the next morning, Guo Yi informed Ye Qing that something had come up and he wouldn't join them immediately.
"Teacher, did something happen? Do you need my help?" Su Qingxue asked, worriedly furrowing her brows. Seeing Guo Yi's abrupt change, she assumed he'd encountered trouble.
Guo Yi shook his head and politely declined her offer. "It's a personal matter—I need to handle it myself."
Seeing her teacher's determination, Su Qingxue didn't insist further.
"Alright then. See you in Shanghai, Teacher!"
"See you there."
After they said their goodbyes, Su Qingxue departed for Shanghai with her mother, while Guo Yi unfolded the map he'd acquired last night with the opportunity.
"Let's go, Beedrill. Whether or not we break through depends on this battle."
"Bzz!"
...
"Attention, passengers of Flight 573 from YN City to Shanghai. The aircraft will begin boarding soon. Please proceed to the boarding gate."
At YN International Airport, the boarding announcement repeatedly echoed through the terminal.
"President Shu, it's time to board." In the VIP lounge, a secretary in professional attire gently reminded the woman flipping through documents beside her.
Shu Xinni closed the files, rubbed her sore eyes, and rose. "Alright, let's go."
Her original purpose in coming to YN City was to acquire medical device technology, but unfortunately, a rival company had beaten her to it, causing negotiations to collapse.
"Xiao Jiang, after we return, keep gathering information on medical treatment devices," Shu Xinni instructed as she settled into her seat in the first-class cabin. "There's still a huge gap in the Pokémon treatment market. We absolutely have to seize this opportunity first."
"Understood, President Shu!" Jiang Rou nodded earnestly. "I won't let you down."
Noticing Shu Xinni's bloodshot eyes, Jiang Rou gently reminded her, "President Shu, you haven't had proper rest these past few days due to the negotiations. Please rest now—I'll wake you up when we land."
Shu Xinni didn't refuse. The negotiations had drained her thoroughly. After requesting a blanket from the attendant, she quickly fell into a deep sleep.