"It's another beautiful day. Hopefully business will be good today too."
After a solid night's sleep, Ren opened the shop door and let the morning sunlight spill over him. The warmth felt comfortable and familiar.
Just as he was about to light a cigarette, he caught sight of two figures approaching from the corner of his eye.
"Yo—Mr. Jason, good morning."
Ren blinked. One of them was Jason. He immediately smiled and greeted him.
After all, customers were customers—and judging by the situation, Jason had clearly brought a new one along.
"Good morning, boss. Though you're opening a bit late today."
Jason smiled back, then glanced at the already-bright sun. It was almost ten o'clock.
"Aha… sorry about that. Stayed up a bit late last night."
Ren laughed awkwardly.
"This is my cousin, Lucas. He wants to buy a Pokémon too."
Jason didn't dwell on the topic. After all, opening hours were the owner's business.
"Good morning," Lucas said politely.
"Welcome. Since you're here as a guest, please come inside."
Ren smiled and shook Lucas's hand. Even dressed casually, Lucas carried a calm, confident air—clearly not an ordinary person.
A promising customer, Ren thought.
The three of them entered the shop. Lucas gave the interior a quick glance before his eyes immediately locked onto Dianxi behind the counter.
"So beautiful…"
He couldn't help but sigh. He had never seen such a stunning creature before.
Unfortunately, Jason had already told him last night—Dianxi was Ren's Pokémon.
Still, that wasn't a problem.
Lucas's lips curled slightly.
I'll just draw one myself.
"So, Mr. Lucas, will you be drawing today?"
"Let Jason go first."
Lucas wasn't in a rush. He wanted to watch the process once.
"I even washed my hands specially today. I'm definitely pulling something good!"
Jason wasn't shy at all. He took the Pokédex from Ren and solemnly wiped it on his pants, making Lucas's eyelids twitch.
Ren just smiled faintly.
As if that actually matters.
"Go!"
Jason tapped the button, staring intently at the black silhouettes racing across the screen.
Lucas watched as well, curious. Some silhouettes were large, some small, some bulky, some slim—there were countless varieties.
The shadows gradually slowed… and finally stopped.
"Boss… what is this?"
Jason froze when he saw the Pokémon displayed in the Pokédex.
"Huh?"
Ren leaned over to look—and then paused.
"…This is a Fennekin."
Another fox.
Ren gave Jason a strange look.
"Fennekin?"
Jason stared blankly at the screen.
He couldn't process this.
Another fox?!
And to make it worse, it was also a Fire-type—completely overlapping with Vulpix!
But…
Looking at the big-eared, golden little fox in the Pokédex—
It's ridiculously cute…
"Boss, I'll take it."
In the end, Jason made his decision.
A fox was a fox. Apparently, he just had a thing for them.
"Alright, wait a moment."
Ren smiled and nodded, then headed toward the back room.
"You'll have a companion from now on, Vulpix."
"Woo~"
Jason crouched down and gently rubbed Vulpix's head.
Vulpix blinked its big eyes and let out a soft cry.
"Tsk tsk… as expected of you, cousin. Raising two foxes."
Lucas clicked his tongue in amazement. Jason's luck was ridiculous—two foxes in a row.
Was this fate?
"Foxes are great. Mainly because they're good-looking."
Jason said stiffly.
Even he couldn't explain himself anymore.
Lucas shrugged. From the picture alone, the Fennekin did look quite nice.
"The Fennekin is here."
Ren's voice sounded.
Jason and Lucas quickly turned around.
Behind Ren, a petite, big-eared fox followed step by step, looking around curiously.
"So cute!"
Jason's eyes lit up instantly.
Its fur was a soft yellow, its ruby-red eyes carried vertical pupils, and its large ears and fluffy tail tipped with red fur made it look pure and gentle.
Ding—
Fennekin
Fire-type Pokémon
Ability: Blaze
Moves: Scratch, Tail Whip, Ember
It carries small twigs with it and chews on them as snacks. It releases hot air from its ears to intimidate opponents.
Jason checked the Pokédex info.
A fox that eats tree branches…
Looks like energy cubes would be its future diet.
"Mr. Jason, you're very lucky," Ren said with a smile.
"Fennekin is an extremely intelligent Pokémon with excellent potential. Train it well, and it'll definitely become one of your core partners."
Jason nodded seriously.
"Fennekin, he'll be your Trainer from now on. Be good."
Ren bent down and gently rubbed Fennekin's soft fur.
"Woo~"
Fennekin murmured softly, tilting its head as it looked at Jason with clear, curious eyes.
"These eyes are incredible…"
Jason carefully reached out.
In terms of cuteness, Fennekin was no worse than Vulpix—arguably even better.
Vulpix padded over curiously and sniffed at the newcomer.
Lucas watched the two Pokémon, envy practically spilling out of his eyes.
"So… how much?"
"The price for Fennekin is 200,000."
Ren smiled.
"Card. I'll pay for him later. Boss—can I draw now?"
Lucas spoke before Jason could.
"Of course."
Ren handed the Pokédex back.
"Please see which pokemon fate has prepared for you, Mr. Lucas."
Lucas took the Pokédex and exhaled slowly.
He was nervous.
This was a feeling he hadn't experienced since starting his business after graduation.
He tapped the button.
The black silhouette spun rapidly.
Jason leaned in, curious about what his cousin would get. Even the two foxes seemed interested.
One second…
Two seconds…
Three seconds…
The rotation slowed—and stopped.
A small green Pokémon appeared on the screen.
"…Huh?"
Lucas frowned.
"Why does this look like a little dinosaur?"