Why is my Pokémon girl a bit strange?

"Has Sister Yiyi gone back already?"

As Qiao Ran was still spacing out, the nurse holding a teacup had somehow appeared beside him.

The nurse has to be on duty tonight too, Qiao Ran thought to himself.

"You're one of them too. You suddenly ran off during the match, and everyone went crazy looking for you."

"What I was..."

Qiao Ran wanted to explain the reason for his disappearance, or at least concoct a believable lie, but he suddenly noticed something very strange.

"Wait, what did you just call Shi Yiyi?"

"Sister Yiyi? Is there a problem? Don't you know?"

The nurse sat down on the sofa and placed the steaming teacup on the small table.

"When I was little, Sister Yiyi had already started traveling. I grew up watching her matches."

"..."

Listening to the nurse's words, Qiao Ran's mouth opened into an 'o' shape in surprise. That... person who looked like an elementary school student was actually older than the nurse????

How old is that old hag... no, that person?!

"Don't blame Sister Yiyi. She returns to Zhenhui Town to hold a competition every so often, specifically to select suitable successors for her performances. But it's been an unknown number of years, and she still hasn't succeeded. Perhaps it's already very difficult for our small town to produce someone like her."

The nurse shook her head gently, a helpless smile on her face.

"Her targeting you this time was probably just because she thought your attitude was a bit improper. She doesn't want you to waste such talent... She told me that many trainers participate in exhibition matches just out of interest. Some of them might have good talent, but with that kind of casual attitude, they've caused quite a few scandals that tarnish the exhibition matches, and eventually, they've all become mediocre."

"Don't blame her either. When you ran off, Sister Yiyi thought you were angry with her, and she was almost frantic. However, Sister Yiyi doesn't usually target people like this. Unless you say something bad about Zhenhui Town or call her short, she won't get angry."

"This..."

Qiao Ran shook his head, feeling both annoyed and amused. What was going on? Had he stepped on both of her landmines?

"I know, I don't blame her. After all, Dianxi and I won in the end."

Since the competition was over, Qiao Ran had no reason to be upset with Shi Yiyi. They had to catch the big boat to Jinling the next day to head to the next city.

Back in his room, Qiao Ran cautiously closed the door and released his Pokémon.

Looking at Dianxi, who was lying on the bed, her face flushed red, tightly wrapping herself in the bedsheet, Qiao Ran gently shook the money in his hand.

"Heh heh..."

"Master... your smile is so strange." Dianxi covered herself with the blanket, still refusing to let go.

—Vulpix's clothes were really too ill-fitting.

Qiao Ran touched his cheek. He didn't even understand why his smile turned wicked when he looked at Dianxi holding the money.

"Um... Before we board the ship tomorrow, how about we go shopping for clothes first?"

He just wanted to buy clothes together.

Also, a quick question: who is everyone's most hoped-for female character (human) in the Pokémon world?

Section 33 033 [Departing to Board the Ship]

The next day, Qiao Ran woke up very early.

Not only to catch the ship, but he also had to go to the clothing store to pick out some suitable clothes for Dianxi.

Dianxi didn't come out to choose herself. With Vulpix's assistance in measuring, she gave her body data to Qiao Ran and entrusted him with the responsibility of picking out clothes.

"If it's clothes chosen by Master, I'll definitely like them... So, for my first time buying clothes, I still want to wear what Master chooses for me."

"This... Alright."

Although a bit hesitant, Qiao Ran finally accepted this arduous task and then got up early, squatting by the entrance of the clothing store waiting for it to open.

If he didn't go now, Dianxi might not have suitable clothes for the next few days. It would be a shame if she couldn't enjoy her time on the ship as a human.

The miniature Dianxi's figure was even more pitiable than Vulpix's. This difference was even more pronounced after trying on clothes. As a princess, Dianxi couldn't tolerate such undignified attire, at least, she didn't want to appear like this in front of Qiao Ran.

After finally waiting for the women's clothing store to open, Qiao Ran and Vulpix skillfully browsed the store. Qiao Ran swore that this skill wasn't innate but was honed by these Pokémon.

—His ability to pick out women's clothing might now be stronger than his ability to pick out men's clothing.

"Yes, this one, this one, this one, and this one. What...? Buying for a daughter? Wait, do I look that old? I'm still underage?"

Qiao Ran's mouth twitched. He quickly asked the unobservant salesclerk to pack up the several pink and tender children's clothes in front of him. Although Qiao Ran's appearance wasn't earth-shatteringly handsome, he could definitely be classified as good-looking and refined.

After paying, Qiao Ran carried the large bags.

These were all princess dresses personally selected by Qiao Ran, including one that was very similar to a wedding dress. He believed Dianxi would definitely like them. However, besides these, there was still a problem of no small consequence that needed to be resolved.

So, Qiao Ran turned to Vulpix and very earnestly, seriously, instructed her: "Absolutely do not tell Dianxi that these are children's clothes, or she will definitely be angry."

"Mhm... Mhm, I know."

Vulpix also nodded seriously. She would absolutely protect this secret to the death, guarding it with her life. Even though the clothes she herself wore were only slightly better than children's clothes, Vulpix didn't mind these things.

As for Dianxi, she was on the other extreme—she cared about it quite a lot.

If she knew she was wearing children's clothes, her dignity as a princess would be completely ruined. Although Dianxi could gain a beautiful, slender figure after Mega Evolution, unfortunately, this state couldn't last long. After the Mega was undone, she would revert to her original loli form.

After packing the clothes he'd chosen, Qiao Ran left with Vulpix. As for underwear, he also took care of that at a nearby shop.

"Is it okay? The underwear... it's all pink?" Vulpix looked a little worried, unsure of Dianxi's preferences.

"Probably... it's fine. Dianxi should quite like this color. Besides, each set has a different pattern."

Qiao Ran was also a bit worried, but he didn't show it. Moreover, choosing underwear for Dianxi was quite convenient—at least he didn't have to worry about her upper body size.

Returning to the Pokémon Center, Qiao Ran entered the Pokémon Pioneer Land and handed the purchased clothes to Dianxi. Dianxi took them, opened the packaging, and began looking at them one by one.

"Does Master like this kind...? I thought it would be more..."

"More what?"

"No... it's nothing. This kind is also... quite nice, very cute... I like it very much..."

Dianxi's cheeks were slightly flushed, especially when looking at the underwear.

After speaking, she hugged the pile of clothes and ran into the tent.

"Master, don't peek!"

"I know, I know."

Qiao Ran shook his head helplessly. What was there to peek at?

— If there was anything he wanted to see, he had already seen it all yesterday.

Not long after, Dianxi came out after changing. Qiao Ran found that she had chosen a pink and white dress this time, and the style and color perfectly matched her dignified princess demeanor.

She was truly... beautiful.

"How... how is it?"

"Very good, as always."

Qiao Ran gave her a thumbs-up, acknowledging her. Dianxi's appearance was flawless; even in her human form, she was top-tier, not to mention the unique aura that others couldn't replicate.

She possessed the nobility of a princess, the playfulness and cuteness of a fairy, and was even as steady and reliable as a rock.

With such a good foundation, she could outshine many people even if she wore nothing at all.

"Th-thank you, I'm so glad Master likes it." Dianxi cupped her cheeks and smiled happily.

Receiving Qiao Ran's approval was enough for her.

After packing up, Qiao Ran said goodbye to the nurse. After leaving the Pokémon Center, he called out Vulpix and Dianxi in a secluded corner.

"Hee hee hee, because I earned a lot of prize money, I bought three tickets for this boat trip, and upgraded to a more luxurious large ship!"

Qiao Ran proudly waved the spoils of his victory in his hand, and under the sparkling gazes of the two girls, he handed one ship ticket each to Dianxi and Vulpix. They happily accepted them.

"So, during this time, you both need to stay in your human forms. As for Suicune... I'll talk to her later. When she can also take human form, I'll compensate her too."

"Okay!"

"Let's go board the ship, Master!"

Dianxi stepped forward and directly took Qiao Ran's arm.

Vulpix, seeing this, was stunned for a moment, then did the same, taking his other arm.

"W-wait! We're still on the street, what are you doing???"

Qiao Ran's mouth twitched. Did they want him to be burned alive on the street?

Qiao Ran even felt the gazes of the surrounding passersby turning unfriendly. If looks could kill, he would have died ten thousand times over.

Section 34: 034 [The Grand Ship]

"I didn't expect this ship to be quite large."

After checking their tickets and passing security, Qiao Ran, Dianxi, and the others boarded the cruise ship bound for Jinling.

The ship was truly massive, appearing at least ten stories high from the outside. Its facilities seemed comprehensive, and Qiao Ran even suspected there might be additional entertainment options onboard.

"This is amazing, Master! I'm actually standing on the water!"

Dianxi exclaimed excitedly while standing on the deck. As a Rock-type Pokémon, it was her first time in such a unique position.

However, Qiao Ran immediately covered her mouth.

"Shh—Call me 'Gege' here. If you keep calling me 'Master,' there will definitely be trouble."

Qiao Ran gave them a serious look. He didn't want to be handcuffed and taken away by the police on the ship. Qiao Ran was even certain that if they continued to address him like that in public, it would inevitably happen sooner or later.

After speaking to Dianxi, Qiao Ran turned his attention to Vulpix.

"Vulpix, it's the same for you. From now on, you have to call me 'Gege.' Also, your names are now Qiao An'an and Qiao Liuliu. Don't forget, don't forget."

"Okay... I understand, Master... Gege."

Vulpix nodded her little head, but she still subconsciously uttered the forbidden word.

"You..."

Qiao Ran rolled his eyes helplessly. Why did this address sound worse and worse??? Master... Brother???

"How about this, Vulpix, when you're around other people, try to stay quiet."

"Okay," Vulpix replied. She actually looked relieved. It was clearly much easier for her to stay quiet than to change her address or anything like that.

After boarding the cruise ship and chatting with the crew, Qiao Ran learned that the ship wasn't actually starting its journey here, but was just passing through.

The cruise ship would be picking up passengers and resupplying here, and its final destination was one of the southern hubs—Jinling.

"Zhenhui Town used to be a quite famous port, but its development has declined recently. Times change, you know."

The crew member replied with a smile, then ran off to help his companion lift large and small boxes. According to him, these boxes contained food and daily necessities. Since there were many people on the cruise ship, these items were used up quickly.

After bidding farewell to the enthusiastic crew member, Qiao Ran began to look for his room. Since there were only three of them, Qiao Ran had booked a larger room. With the three of them, the size of this room was more than enough.

Even if Suicune wanted to come out at night, she could make do on the floor.

The daytime passed quickly. Before Qiao Ran, Dianxi, and the others could experience much, the day was gone.

What really annoyed Qiao Ran was that in some public places, people kept trying to bother Vulpix and Dianxi, but he, their temporary "brother," shut them all down.

"Brother, it seems like there's a swimming pool on the ship, but I..." Dianxi passed by the pool and seemed to have an urge to try it, but she looked a bit afraid of the water.

"Let's take it slow. Tomorrow, we'll go pick out some swimsuits first."