Chapter 184

"Hmph, we won't..."

"You can buy anything. I've saved up a little money recently, so consider it my Present."

Qiao Ran is quite generous to those close to him. He doesn't need an endless amount of money; just enough to get by is sufficient. Besides, he recently saved a large sum of money from Sabrina.

Beside Qiao Ran, Lillie and Mei looked at Xia Fei and also entered into a mutual flattery mode.

They kept asking Qiao Ran on the way there how to get along with her cousin, especially Lillie. Because of her own special experiences, she cared a lot about the special bond of family, and she would definitely do her best if given the chance.

"Are you Qiao Ran's cousin? I didn't expect you to be such a cute kid."

"Is this the school uniform here? It really is... quite distinctive, and it suits you well."

Xia Fei wanted to argue back a bit, like retorting or confronting him directly, but when she actually stood in front of Qiao Ran, facing several pairs of friendly gazes, she ultimately backed down.

Especially the two older sisters who looked to be around the same age as her, but whose temperament and appearance were outstanding, made her blush with their compliments.

That's great... We're about the same age as her, and she's already traveling abroad?

Were they all my cousin's travel companions?

"Really... you can buy anything?"

Really?

Xia Fei saw a smile on the man's face that made her want to kick him, but Xia Fei took a deep breath and ultimately resisted the urge.

"Well... alright then, I'll... reluctantly accompany you for a stroll."

Xia Fei swore that it was definitely not because the other party gave too much; she just happened to have more time today.

She wouldn't easily forget being stood up.

Just because this guy delayed it for a long time

She hadn't been here for a few days, and to prevent the stockpiled food from spoiling, her mother cooked the same meals for several days in a row. She still couldn't get that feeling out of her head.

"Come on over, are you Xia Fei's friend?"

Suddenly, Qiao Ran looked at the girl standing next to Xia Fei who hadn't spoken for a long time. Her gaze seemed to be fixed on something, and she was staring blankly into space.

"Are you watching... Nebby?"

"Huh? Huh?"

The girl seemed startled, and her cheeks quickly flushed red.

"I... well, because I'm so cute... sorry!"

She quickly apologized, and her polite actions and expression reminded Qiao Ran of Lillie from before.

Was he also a child with very strict family discipline?

"What's your name? My name is Qiao Ran, and I'm Xia Fei's cousin."

"I... my name is Nian Xiaoxiao."

The girl gave her name.

Is it Nian Xiaoxiao?

Qiao Ran stroked his chin. This surname is quite rare.

Furthermore, why is this person's Aura somewhat different from others?

Qiao Ran spent some time strolling around the neighborhood with the girls, and kept his promise to buy Xia Fei and Nian Xiaoxiao what they wanted.

The people who weren't very familiar with each other before gradually became acquainted through their conversations.

Of course, it was Lillie and Mei who took the initiative to act as a bridge of communication. Girls can easily discuss their own preferences together. As for Qiao Ran, sometimes he could only sit on the sidelines and pet Nebby.

Strictly speaking, Nebby is not Qiao Ran's Pokémon, but Lillie's partner. However, whether it's because of Lillie herself or because Qiao Ran possesses the Aura Power, he seems to be able to gradually sense some of Nebby's inner thoughts.

Moreover, since Nebby is a baby Pokémon, its body is even more honest than its mind. At least, after experiencing how comfortable it is to be stroked by Qiao Ran's left hand, it has never refused Qiao Ran's embrace.

While the girls in front of her were chatting about fashion, there was one girl who wasn't particularly interested. She glanced at the Nebby in Qiao Ran's hand, but quickly looked away.

"You seem quite curious about it?"

"Hmm... I like all cute Psychic type Pokémon."

After being caught peeking, the quiet Nian Xiaoxiao didn't deny it, but nodded. As she gradually became more familiar with the situation, she slowly opened up.

Are those star-like clouds really part of the body?

"Why don't you touch it and see?"

Qiao Ran's eyes flickered. He hadn't revealed Nebby's attributes, but how did this girl know?

She knows Nebby...? No, that's clearly impossible. Even in the Pokémon world, only high-ranking members of the Aether Foundation would know about Nebby. Could it be that this is just her personal guess?

However, Nian Xiaoxiao exudes a friendly Aura, which not only Qiao Ran but also Nebby herself can probably feel. This is also the reason why Qiao Ran chooses to trust her. Moreover, judging from her appearance, Qiao Ran does not think that she is a bad person who would have ulterior motives.

However, when the girl heard Qiao Ran's words, she suppressed her excitement and cautiously reached out her hand, but Nebby dodged away on her own.

"Mo... Momo."

It hid behind Qiao Ran 'Qiao Ran arm and then clung tightly to his chest, making it seem as if it had no intention of leaving.

"Ah... hahaha." Nian Xiaoxiao was a little frustrated, but she wasn't discouraged. Her quick emotional adjustment made Qiao Ran take another look at her.

Nian Xiaoxiao then asked, "You two seem to have a very good relationship. Is it Pokémon you've raised since birth?"

"No, it's not actually my Pokémon."

"Huh?"

Amidst Nian Xiaoxiao's surprised expression, Qiao Ran pointed with his eyes at Lillie in front of him. Although Qiao Ran appeared calm, it still stirred up a storm in Nian Xiaoxiao's heart.

How could something so close not be one's own Pokémon?

Is this even possible?

Ultimately, as Present from Qiao Ran, Nian Xiaoxiao chose a Munna Eater plush pillow, while Xia Fei chose a... slightly expensive Sabrina co-branded lipstick.

"Um, is it really okay to buy something like this? And... you really like Sabrina?"

Qiao Ran's expression was a bit strange; he didn't even know where to begin criticizing.

Buying this kind of thing for his cousin? Won't his Rage Aunt tear him to shreds and throw him out? Besides, this guy's in the prime of his youth, how did he suddenly fall for Sabrina?

"What? Is there a problem?"

"This is Miss Sabrina's only collaboration product right now. Besides, you said you'd buy anything, so don't go back on your word!"

Xia Fei's eyebrows furrowed, and she gripped the lipstick tightly in her small hand, looking determined not to give it back.

Whether this thing is easy to use or looks good is secondary; the key is...

This item is the same one that Miss Sabrina used in the show, and it even has Sabrina's signature printed on it. Its collectible value is absolutely off the charts.

If I could show it off in front of my classmates, hehehe.

"... Okay... that's fine."

Seeing Xia Fei's unyielding attitude, Qiao Ran didn't force her to do anything. Although most parents considered these things as a waste of time, Qiao Ran always felt that it was better to keep these interests within a suitable range than to completely reject them.

After all, he himself had come this far step by step.

After finishing her shopping at the mall, Xia Fei was satisfied Harvest what she had been dreaming of. Before, she could only watch from the sidelines whenever she saw it in videos, and she could only steal a few glances through the glass of a boutique whenever she passed by. This time, however, her dream had truly come true.

Seeing that it was about time, it was time to take Qiao Ran and the others to find a place to stay. After helping Qiao Ran and the others settle in, the group would go to Xia Fei's house for dinner together.

Xia Fei's gaze swept over Qiao Ran, Lillie, and Mei's faces. She had heard from her mother that there would be three guests tonight, one of whom was her cousin, and the other two... she hadn't really expected them to be two girls.

Is there some deeper meaning behind calling them all over...?

Where are you staying? Which Inn did you find?

"Let me check the location."

Qiao Ran opened her phone, scrolled through it, and pointed it out on the map.

"This location is... not a hotel?"

Xia Fei seemed lost in thought, while Nian Xiaoxiao on the other side had a rather strange expression.

"Wait, this... this location, isn't this the Trainer Community at the Magic City Gym?"

"Besides... this building should only be occupied by those Ace Trainer, right?"

Nian Xiaoxiao's words immediately attracted everyone's attention, even Xia Fei looked at her friend in surprise. "Eh? Really?"

"Really." Nian Xiaoxiao was absolutely certain, as if she were talking about her own family situation.

"Etc."

After listening to her friend's words, Xia Fei seemed to realize that something was not quite right, and she turned her gaze to Qiao Ran.

"Wait, then why are you living in a place like this? Are you from the Magic City Gym??"

Xia Fei greeted them warmly.

"Forehead."

Qiao Ran scratched his cheek, debating whether to tell a lie to cover it up. After all, he had no idea that there were so many intricacies to this place.

However, since Nian Xiaoxiao said this is a dedicated apartment, then that means... everyone living here should be registered, right?

If that's the case, then making excuses is probably pointless, since such a lie will crumble as soon as it's exposed.

There's not much point in keeping it a secret.

Amidst Xia Fei and Nian Xiaoxiao's bewildered stares, he finally revealed the answer—

"Um... okay, actually, this house was lent to me by Sabrina..."

Xia Fei: "...??"

What is that? Sabrina????

"Who did you say...?"

Xia Fei was full of question marks. Had her cousin just blurted out some incredible name?

She could swear that it was absolutely not a case of her hearing wrong and thus having some kind of illusion.

"Are you kidding?"

"No..." Qiao Ran shook his head helplessly. Did he look like someone who would joke around?

"Sabrina... you mean that Sabrina?"

"Yes."

"No... impossible!"

"I don't believe you. You must be lying to me, right? Isn't there someone with the same name at the Magic City Gym?"

Xia Fei still refused to believe Qiao Ran's words. Logically speaking, Qiao Ran seemed to be visiting Magic City for the first time, and she even had to show him around and guide him to places. How could he possibly know Sabrina?

Could it be some online friend I knew before???

That's absurd; there's absolutely no way that's possible.

Besides, she's been talking about Miss Sabrina for so long, how come this guy hasn't said a single word? If they were really that close, how could he not say anything?

"You're definitely lying to me... Humph."

Qiao Ran remained speechless. "..."

No, I've told the truth, so why doesn't anyone believe me?

"Never mind, I'll be staying here for the next while anyway. But I doubt this is where Sabrina usually stays. I'll introduce her to you another time."

Qiao Ran didn't want to explain too much. Just thinking about Sabrina gave him a headache. To be honest, he wasn't good at dealing with strong, controlling women like her. If she hadn't been so generous, Qiao Ran wouldn't have obediently stayed at the place she arranged.

During this time, Nian Xiaoxiao didn't say a word, but her gaze towards Qiao Ran gradually became filled with curiosity.

The Trainer Community in Magic City Gym —this wasn't just something she mentioned casually.

A fabricated claim.