Cheng Tian was incredibly excited now that he had decided to catch Pokémon himself.
As the saying goes, 'If you want something done right, do it yourself!'
However, he quickly calmed down. The wilderness was still very dangerous, and if he really wanted to catch Pokémon on his own, he needed to be fully prepared.
Today was Friday, with half a day of classes left, and then the weekend started tomorrow.
Cheng Tian wanted to try his luck in the wilderness for two days; it would be great if he could catch a Pokémon he liked.
But he still needed to prepare some things. Cheng Tian rummaged through a cabinet and pulled out a wallet. Opening it, he found 3000 yuan in cash.
This was all Cheng Tian's New Year's money from the past two years, and he had another 500 yuan on his phone, making a total of 3500.
This money would be his preparation for this expedition.
After arriving at school in the afternoon, Cheng Tian found Bai Yun and straightforwardly explained his desire to go into the wilderness to catch Pokémon.
Bai Yun was very surprised and initially disagreed. She insisted that her dad should help him find one, rather than him going out into the wilderness himself.
It wasn't until Cheng Tian assured her that she didn't need to worry about his safety that Bai Yun reluctantly agreed.
Cheng Tian asked Bai Yun to help him put on a show. Today, Cheng Tian would first tell his parents that he was taking Boltund to stay at Bai Yun's house for two days.
And if Cheng Tian's parents called to check up on him, Bai Yun just needed to play along.
If Cheng Tian didn't return by Sunday, Bai Yun would tell Cheng Tian's parents that after playing at her house, he had left alone with Boltund.
This way, everything would be foolproof. Cheng Tian staying at Bai Yun's house wasn't uncommon, as the two had grown up together since childhood.
The afternoon passed quickly. Cheng Tian didn't go straight home but instead went to the Pokémon store in the center of the commercial street to buy some things.
Cheng Tian bought 10 regular Poké Balls and one slightly better Great Ball.
A regular Poké Ball cost 200 yuan, and a Great Ball cost 500 yuan. In an instant, Cheng Tian was left with only 1000 yuan.
As an office worker in his previous life, he knew how hard it was to earn money, so spending so much at once made his heart ache a little. But this solo trip was still very dangerous, so being extra careful was not an exaggeration.
With the remaining 1000 yuan, Cheng Tian bought 5 Antidotes and 5 Potions.
In the wilderness, there were no Pokémon Centers to heal Pokémon at any time, and if injuries weren't treated promptly, it could be quite troublesome.
During this time, Bai Yun transferred another 300 yuan to Cheng Tian, telling him to prepare a few more Potions and to be careful in the wilderness.
Cheng Tian was naturally very moved. It was the same in his previous life; whenever he had difficulties, Bai Yun, his good brother, would always help him out. Although Cheng Tian didn't say much normally, this kindness could not be expressed in words.
After thanking Bai Yun, Cheng Tian bought a one-day supply of Repel, spending the remaining 300 yuan.
Repel: Can repel lower-level Pokémon within a certain range, especially effective against Bug-types.
After spending nearly 4000 yuan, Cheng Tian was carrying large and small bags, and it was only then, as he was about to go home, that he suddenly realized how obvious this was.
There was no other way, so he could only ask Bai Yun to temporarily store them for him. After Bai Yun learned of the situation, she had her driver help carry the items and also drive Cheng Tian home, waiting downstairs so Cheng Tian could directly get into the car and go to her house.
Sitting in Bai Yun's black car, in less than 10 minutes, Cheng Tian arrived at his own building.
He took the elevator upstairs and opened the door. Boltund happily ran over, circling Cheng Tian's feet.
Cheng Tian crouched down and petted Boltund, "I'll be relying on you tomorrow."
Cheng Tian's mother saw her son return and said, "Are you hungry? Your dad went to buy groceries. What do you want to eat tonight?"
Cheng Tian said somewhat awkwardly, "Mom, I want to go to Bai Yun's house for two days this weekend."
"Little Yun's house?" Cheng Tian's mother paused. Cheng Tian nodded, "His parents aren't home, and he wants me to bring Boltund over to play with him."
Boltund was overjoyed to hear it could go out and play, wagging its little tail.
Cheng Tian's mother thought for a moment, "Then go ahead, but you two boys shouldn't get too wild at night." Bai Yun's parents were busy with work, and Bai Yun was often home alone, so Cheng Tian's mother also felt he must be bored staying home by himself.
"Then I'll take Boltund with me now." Cheng Tian's mother took out a Poké Ball, touched Boltund, and Boltund turned into a red light and entered the Poké Ball.
"Wear the belt and clip the Poké Ball on; don't just take it out casually," Cheng Tian's mother instructed.
As a reincarnated person, it was Cheng Tian's first time seeing a Pokémon being recalled into a Poké Ball, and he instinctively wanted to try it.
However, he quickly stopped himself, assured his mother he wouldn't lose the Poké Ball, and then grabbed the belt hanging on the coat rack before leaving.
He went downstairs, got into the black car, and slowly drove towards the villa area.
Although he had been there before, every time he came, he still felt how luxurious it was.
The car drove into a villa courtyard, where Bai Yun was already waiting at the door. Seeing Cheng Tian arrive, Bai Yun quickly ran over.
After thanking the driver, the driver slowly drove away. Cheng Tian put his hand on Bai Yun's shoulder. "Thanks for your trouble."
Bai Yun led Cheng Tian into the house, and Cheng Tian took out a pair of slippers from a cabinet and put them on.
Cheng Tian often visited Bai Yun's house. There were even toiletries and bedding specifically prepared for him.
Bai Yun looked at Cheng Tian with a somewhat complex expression: "A Tian, there's really no need to go into the wilderness specifically, you..."
Cheng Tian waved his hand, indicating his stance. Seeing this, Bai Yun knew she couldn't persuade him. She sighed helplessly.
Then, Bai Yun carried a rolled-up item from the storage room. "This is a sleeping bag for the wilderness. Don't you dare sleep in a tree, kid. And other things, like a lighter, a compass, and so on."
The items were quite complete, as if she herself was going out.
Cheng Tian looked at Bai Yun gratefully, "Thanks, bro." Bai Yun also waved his hand, mimicking Cheng Tian, "Don't say so much. Go take a shower first; you smell pretty strong."
"Do I?" Cheng Tian scratched his head. It had only been three days since he last showered.
But a wash would be good. If he showered today, he would likely be covered in dirt for the next two days, at least until he returned.
Without thinking much, Cheng Tian walked into the bathroom and filled a bathtub with water, then took off his clothes to get ready to wash.
However, after a thought, Cheng Tian took out the Poké Ball containing Boltund. The Poké Ball was currently shrunk. "Tsk, how do I let Boltund out?"
Although he had watched Pokémon since childhood, everyone in the show would just pull out a Poké Ball, press a button to enlarge it, and then throw it out.
Cheng Tian tried pressing the button, but it didn't do anything. After fiddling with it for a long time, when Cheng Tian tried long-pressing the button, with a "bang," the originally shrunk Poké Ball enlarged.
It was just the right size to hold in one hand.
Cheng Tian pressed the button again, and the Poké Ball instantly opened. A red light flashed, and Boltund, wagging its little tail, appeared before Cheng Tian.
"It worked!"
"Woof woof!" Boltund happily jumped up and licked Cheng Tian's face. Cheng Tian chuckled and played with Boltund for a bit, then began to study the Poké Ball again.
Finally, Cheng Tian completely understood how to use the Poké Ball.
When the Poké Ball is its normal size, long-pressing the button will shrink it, and vice versa will enlarge it. Once enlarged, pressing the button once will release the Pokémon. To conveniently carry the shrunk Poké Ball, there is a specialized belt that matches it.
Cheng Tian tried it. After bringing the shrunk Poké Ball slightly closer to the belt, the button on the Poké Ball was attracted perfectly into the groove on the belt, making it quite secure.
"It's that convenient?" Cheng Tian exclaimed.
"A Tian, how long are you going to let the bath water run?" Bai Yun walked in at that moment, and Boltund, seeing Bai Yun who had just appeared, barked excitedly and immediately pounced on him.
"Hahaha, don't lick me, Boltund, it tickles too much, A Tian, quickly take him away, hahaha..." Bai Yun laughed uncontrollably from being licked.
At this moment, fine currents suddenly emitted from Boltund's face.
Nuzzle!
Bai Yun was immediately paralyzed. Cheng Tian watched the familiar scene with a hint of amusement, pulled an Oran Berry from his pocket, and had Bai Yun eat it. "It seems Boltund really likes you too, Bai Yun," Cheng Tian said with a smile.
Bai Yun, no longer paralyzed, had a face full of black lines and shoved Boltund back to Cheng Tian, "Every time we meet, it's the same routine. Who can stand it?" Cheng Tian nodded in agreement and comforted him, "It's okay, just get used to it like me."
"I can't get used to it. You go take a shower first, I'm going to catch up on my anime." With that, Bai Yun fled as if escaping.
Cheng Tian held Boltund, who was sticking out its little tongue, and watched Bai Yun's retreating back. "Let's go, we're going to shower too." "Woof woof!"
Entering the bathroom, Cheng Tian first tested the water temperature. Finding it acceptable, Cheng Tian held Boltund and slowly sat in the bathtub.
"Phew... As expected, a bath is truly relaxing." Cheng Tian let out a long breath, feeling his entire body relax. It wasn't just comfortable; he even felt like having an ice-cold Coke.
"Woof woof~" Boltund was also very comfortable, swimming back and forth with a standard dog paddle, emitting faint currents as it swam.
However, it didn't cause paralysis. The currents dispersed in the water, feeling more like an electric massage foot spa. A tingly, pleasant sensation.
About an hour later, Cheng Tian and Boltund finished their bath.
Cheng Tian first dried his own hair until it stopped dripping. Then, he crouched down to wipe Boltund. Boltund closed its eyes, letting Cheng Tian rub its head.
After wiping for a long time, Boltund was finally dry. However, its fur was still a bit damp. Boltund then emitted sparks, and in a short while, all the water droplets on its body were completely dry, and it looked very proud with its little tongue sticking out.
Cheng Tian smiled and patted its head, "I'll be relying on you tomorrow, Boltund."
To catch his desired Pokémon tomorrow, Boltund would be the main damage dealer.
After drying his hair and changing into pajamas, Cheng Tian carried Boltund into the living room. He saw Bai Yun sitting on a circular anime-style rug with Rem printed on it, staring intently at the large television in front of him.
Cheng Tian looked over. On the television, a blonde man reached into his chest and pulled out a black strip, yanking it forcefully, causing blood to splatter.
The man's head was suddenly covered by a yellow armor, a long chainsaw grew from his forehead, and the middle fingers of both his hands also transformed into long chainsaws.
Cheng Tian recognized the anime at a glance: "Chainsaw Man?"
Bai Yun saw Cheng Tian approach and patted the rug on the floor, "Come on over and watch with me, episode 7 just updated."
Cheng Tian, also an anime enthusiast, sat down and watched with Bai Yun. When they saw the scene where the male lead was covered in vomit after a French kiss and then threw up violently into the toilet, both of them burst into laughter.
Even Boltund barked twice in response.
After finishing the episode, the two decided to go to sleep. Turning on the bedroom light, they saw the walls covered with various Japanese anime posters. Japanese-style bed sheets and duvet covers, and even more outrageously, the curtains were also printed with Mai Sakurajima... Cheng Tian was silent for a long time, then slowly said, "As your good brother, I have to remind you, you're very likely to be mistaken for a pervert like this."
Bai Yun rolled his eyes: "As if you don't like anime."
Cheng Tian was stunned. It seemed his own room was also covered with Pokémon posters.
So, was he also a shut-in otaku???
As soon as this terrifying thought appeared in his mind, Cheng Tian immediately extinguished it. Impossible, in this life, Pokémon were real, so he couldn't be considered a shut-in otaku.
Although he also liked other anime, that didn't mean he was a shut-in otaku.
Bai Yun leaped onto the soft bed. "Alright, you're going into the wilderness tomorrow, so get a good night's sleep tonight."
Cheng Tian also jumped on. "Mmm, so soft."
Just as the two were about to sleep peacefully, they suddenly realized a serious problem. Cheng Tian: "Turn off the light."
Bai Yun: "No, I'm already warm and cozy, you go."
Cheng Tian rolled over to face him, saying pitifully, "I'm sleeping outdoors tomorrow, do you really have the heart to make me turn off the light now?"
Bai Yun replied without changing his expression: "Yes, I do."
Cheng Tian: "..."