Teacher Zhihe's Gift

Zeno had been busy with Clamperl these past few days and had not had time to visit his old school. He only learned from the villagers that Teacher Zhihe was leaving.

"Uncle Kam, what happened? Why is Teacher Zhihe leaving?"

"You heard already? I was just about to tell you. It's a good thing—she's being transferred back to Lilycove City. We should be happy for her."

Teacher Zhihe had always been good to the children. Unlike the other teachers who came from the city, she never looked down on country children. She was gentle and patient, and all the children liked her.

The previous teachers had never liked Zeno and the others much. Though they treated them well on the surface, Zeno had overheard them talking in private. They thought the children were dirty, stupid, and always asking questions, making them especially troublesome. Zeno had disliked going to school back then too. Things only improved after Teacher Zhihe arrived.

Teacher Zhihe had truly changed them a great deal. She taught Zeno knowledge, taught Xiao Hai how to battle, and taught Qingqing medicine. She nurtured their interests and hobbies without ever holding anything back.

"When is she leaving?!"

"Seems like two days from now. Oh, Qingqing came looking for you. She wanted to ask you to visit Teacher Zhihe at school with her."

"Okay, I'll go right now."

Qingqing was Kuchi's granddaughter. Her parents had both died in an accident when she was five. She had been raised by her grandfather ever since. Her family was struggling, and if not for Teacher Zhihe, she would not even have been able to attend the village school.

Qingqing was twelve this year, a full head taller than Zeno. But she was very thin and looked like she weighed even less than he did.

"Qingqing, sorry. I was busy just now and kept you waiting."

"It's fine. Teacher Zhihe is leaving soon, and I wanted to ask you to go see her with me."

"You're so thoughtful, Qingqing. Let's go."

Zeno and Qingqing got along fairly well. Back when they attended school, the three of them often walked together. It was just that she had a lot to do at home and did not have time to play with the two of them.

"How have you been lately, Qingqing?"

"Not bad. After you left, Xiao Hai applied to graduate. With both of you gone, there wasn't much point in me staying by myself. There wasn't really anything left to learn at that school either, so I graduated too."

"What are you planning to do in the future, Qingqing?"

"You know my family situation. It'll be difficult to keep studying. Teacher Zhihe suggested I take the exam to become an intern nurse at the Pokémon Center. I think it sounds pretty good."

"Good luck. I believe in you!"

Though their school was small, it was very clean. Since it was vacation, there was hardly anyone there. The school had initially been built with funds raised by several nearby villages. Later, when Lilycove City strengthened its education system, the school was expanded and many outstanding teachers were sent over.

When Zeno and Qingqing arrived at Teacher Zhihe's dormitory, she was packing her things. Teacher Zhihe was very young, only twenty-five this year. Though her looks were unremarkable and she dressed simply, she possessed a distinct air about her.

"Why are you two here?"

"We heard you were leaving, Teacher, and wanted to see you properly one more time."

The moment Qingqing saw her, her eyes reddened, filled with countless reluctant feelings. Though Zeno had prepared himself, he still felt awful now.

"Silly child, all gatherings must come to an end. Besides, your teacher isn't being fired—I'm being promoted. You should be happy." Teacher Zhihe hugged her and comforted her.

"I know. I just can't bear to see you go."

"There's nothing to be reluctant about. I'll be in Lilycove City. If you really miss me, you can come visit when you have time."

"Mm, I definitely will." Qingqing wiped her eyes, refusing to let her tears fall.

Seeing that both children were feeling sad, Teacher Zhihe wanted to comfort them.

"You came at the perfect time. I prepared gifts for you. Since you're here now, I'll just give them to you."

"Gifts?"

"That's right. Your trio made a shell wind chime for me before, and I loved it. After thinking it over, I decided to give you something in return."

As she spoke, she walked into the room.

"Qingqing, you're taking the exam to become an intern nurse, so I'll give you two books. One covers some basic medical theory, and the other contains notes on my past experience."

Neither book was very thick, but Qingqing felt them weigh heavily in her hands.

"Xiao Hai has gone traveling, and I haven't been able to contact him. I heard he plans to participate in the Hoenn League someday. Zeno, please keep this Brine TM for him first!"

"Okay, I'll give it to him when I see him."

"As for you, Zeno, I thought for a long time and realized I really didn't have anything to give you. I originally planned to gather some materials for you, but now that you're at Littleroot Research Lab, I won't embarrass myself by showing off my meager collection." Teacher Zhihe sounded helpless. What information could Professor Birch not have?

"Huh? I don't get anything?" Zeno was stunned, his hand already held out.

"Haha, I'm just teasing you. My Pelipper laid an egg not long ago. If you don't mind, I'll give it to you."

"Of course not! How could I? I'll definitely take good care of it!"

"I'm glad you like it. Take the incubator with you later too."

"Thank you, Teacher."

The three sat together and chatted for a while. Zeno and Qingqing spoke about their future plans, while Teacher Zhihe occasionally added a few words. The sadness of parting gradually faded. Looking at the two spirited children, Teacher Zhihe suddenly felt that these three years had been especially meaningful.

On the night before her departure, Big Shell Village held a grand farewell party for Teacher Zhihe.

A huge pile of firewood had been stacked on the beach. The bright bonfire not only lit up the night, but also brought warmth with it.

Zeno had suggested the farewell party. He had not expected every household in Big Shell Village to support it, turning what had been meant to be a simple gathering into something truly grand.

When Teacher Zhihe saw it, she could not help but cry. She was a very rational person, but receiving so many heartfelt blessings made it impossible not to be moved.

"Thank you, everyone. You've gone to so much trouble." Teacher Zhihe bowed to everyone.

"Teacher Zhihe, thank you for all you've done for us. Everyone is grateful to you from the bottom of their hearts. You're leaving tomorrow, and there isn't much we can do for you, so all we can offer is this farewell party. We wish you a bright future." The village chief raised a cup to her on everyone's behalf.

Teacher Zhihe solemnly drank the wine, unable to put her gratitude into words. The feast by the sea was abundant. Everyone gathered around the bonfire, ate beneath the moonlight, and happily finished the meal.

The villagers were all very warm and welcoming. Teacher Zhihe received so many gifts that she could not carry them all in both arms, leaving her helpless—her luggage had gained another suitcase.

After the meal, everyone gathered around the bonfire and performed a unique fisherfolk dance for her. The children also wanted to sing for her. Though they did not sing very well, she listened with great care.