"Good stuff?"
Ash was a bit confused and followed Xiao Mu upstairs.
Looking at the mysterious Xiao Mu, Ash always felt that something was off, but he couldn't quite pinpoint it.
A moment later, the two arrived on the second floor. It had to be said, the room was indeed a bit messy.
Xiao Mu awkwardly scratched his head, "The room's a bit messy, but it won't delay things!"
After speaking, Xiao Mu opened a locked cabinet and took out a small box from inside.
This action completely stunned Ash, "Xiao Mu, what is it that's so mysterious?"
Xiao Mu directly opened the box, revealing an album inside, though there wasn't much dust.
This proved one thing: Xiao Mu opened this box frequently, which was why there was so little dust.
The next second, Ash was utterly dumbfounded, almost blurting out a national expletive.
"Xiao Mu, you… this…" In an instant, Ash was somewhat speechless, because it was simply too shocking!
Xiao Mu chuckled, "We're all kindred spirits, no need to be so formal."
The reason Ash reacted this way was because the album was filled with pictures of Gardevoir and Milotic!
Unconsciously, Ash actually blushed a little, "What are you doing? Oh, I'm truly a gentleman!"
Although he said that, Ash still curiously glanced at it.
Xiao Mu laughed heartily, "A man's word is a deceiving ghost!"
Ash secretly thought to himself: "I'm a boy who doesn't smoke, doesn't drink. What's wrong with being a little lustful?"
"If I'm not lustful, what am I? How are you?"
Cough, cough, Ash cleared his throat, "Xiao Mu, could I borrow a step to speak?"
Xiao Mu was slightly stunned but quickly recovered, "You rascal, I understand, you want to borrow a step to speak, right?"
Just like that, the two of them, by coincidence, reached a consensus.
"Ash, remember to return it to me, and don't get it dirty!!"
Although Xiao Mu trusted Ash's character, young people can be a bit hot-blooded, and those who know, know. It was still better to remind him twice.
The sun set, and the beautiful evening glow gradually spread across the sky, eventually drifting into slumber.
Ash had already returned home. As for the one he borrowed from Gary, he had certainly put it away safely.
"Ash, is this Pikachu your partner?" Delia looked at the Pikachu on Ash's shoulder with great affection.
Because Delia herself had wanted to become a Trainer, but for some reason, it had never come to fruition.
Ash nodded slightly, "Yes, this Pikachu is now my partner, and we'll work hard together!"
Pikachu smiled very sweetly, "Pika, Pika~"
Delia reached out, wanting to pet this Pikachu. After all, no girl could resist such an obedient appearance.
"Mom, be careful!!" Seeing Delia's action, Ash quickly warned her.
But at this moment, Delia's hand had already touched it, and Ash's face turned pale.
"What's wrong, Ash? Is there a problem?"
Delia's touch was extremely gentle, making Pikachu happily smile. The harmonious atmosphere was also very warm.
"Eh? What's going on? Pikachu didn't use Thunder Shock." Ash was a bit puzzled; he had thought Pikachu would be shy.
Delia smiled gently, "Don't underestimate your mom. Back in the day, I was quite a formidable figure."
After playing with Pikachu for a while, Delia returned Pikachu to Ash, "Hurry and wash your hands to get ready for dinner. I also need to prepare Pikachu's food."
"Let's go, Pikachu! Mom's cooking is delicious." Ash was radiant and in a very good mood.
A moment later, Ash was ready, just waiting for dinner to be served.
Delia had also finished her work by then, her face full of smiles, "Dinner's ready, Ash, Pikachu."
Ash swallowed, looking at the delicious food on the table, then devoured it ravenously, "Mmm! Delicious, delicious!!"
Pikachu's food was also quite plentiful, "Pika~ Pikachu." Pikachu ate heartily, extremely satisfied.
Delia chuckled softly, "These two children are truly alike."
Just like that, the family happily finished dinner, and the atmosphere was extremely warm.
However, Ash didn't go straight upstairs but chose to help Delia clear the dishes, "Mom, you've already worked hard enough. Leave these to me."
Ash's eyes were a little moist. From childhood to adulthood, it was always this woman who had painstakingly cared for him, and he didn't know how many difficulties she had overcome.
Perhaps this gentle and kind mother, on those unknown nights, would secretly cry countless times due to the pressures of life.
Delia smiled with relief, "Our Ash has finally grown up. He knows to care for his mom."
Ash didn't hesitate, he cleaned the table and then immediately picked up the dishes and chopsticks, afraid that Delia would take them away.
"Pika, Pika."
Pikachu also mimicked Ash, wanting to help him with the work.
"Pikachu, do you want to come along too?" Ash smiled and went to the kitchen with Pikachu.
After an unknown amount of time, Ash had finished. Not only had he washed the dishes and chopsticks, but he had also cleaned the floor.
Of course, Pikachu's help was indispensable in this process.
"Mom, all the housework for today is done!" Ash was full of confidence and felt extremely proud of his labor.
Delia looked at the washed dishes and chopsticks, and the clean and tidy floor, and smiled with relief.
"Ash, well done. It's getting late, hurry and take a bath, don't catch a cold." Seeing the slight coolness of the night, Delia said dotingly.
"Oh, right, Ash, isn't Pikachu going into its Poké Ball?"
Ash was slightly stunned, "Oh, right, Pikachu, come on in."
With that, Ash took out the Poké Ball given by Professor Oak and threw it directly at Pikachu.
"Pika, Pika." Pikachu flicked its tail, directly bouncing the Poké Ball back, seemingly a bit unwilling.
Ash gave a wry smile, secretly thinking: "Pikachu's personality is really quite similar."
Because he had transmigrated to this world and came with a system, things here would also undergo some changes.
"Pikachu, you don't want to go into the Poké Ball?"
Pikachu nodded, "Pika, Pika."
Ash wouldn't force Pikachu, "Okay, I understand, Pikachu. Then you can sleep with me tonight."
Delia shook her head, "He really is a little character, just like Ash."
After washing up, Ash returned to his room. He didn't go straight to bed but picked up the borrowed album.