Warm Everyday Life

"First, I need to strengthen Ralts's Inner Focus. Only when its Inner Focus is strong enough will it be able to use these Psychic-type moves better." Xinhai murmured, his gaze falling on the sleeping Ralts once more, his eyes filled with anticipation and determination.

He silently planned out Ralts's training regimen as well, intending to begin with basic Inner Focus guidance exercises and gradually improve Ralts's control over psychic energy.

Just then, Torchic stirred again, poking its head out from beneath its wings and sleepily chirping, "Chamo." Xinhai snapped back to his senses and gently patted Torchic's head. "Torchic, you're awake! Want to sleep a little longer?" Torchic shook its head, gave a "Chamo~," shook out its downy feathers, and flapped its tiny wings, looking a little more alert.

Ralts also slowly woke up at that moment. It adorably stretched, the little horn on its head glowing faintly as it let out a soft, sweet "Raltsu~."

Seeing this, Xinhai smiled warmly. "Looks like our Ralts is awake too. Come on, let's go make some food."

The moment Torchic heard there was food, it perked up at once and happily ran ahead. When it reached the door, it even turned back to make sure Xinhai and Ralts were following.

Xinhai gently placed Ralts on his shoulder, and its little feet swayed slightly with his steps.

When they reached the kitchen, Xinhai began looking through the ingredients. He found fresh Berries, along with some nutritious grains suitable for Pokémon. "Today, I'll make you a nutritious Berry grain porridge, along with some special Pokémon snacks." As he spoke, he took out the ingredients and placed them on the counter.

Torchic curiously hopped onto the stove and stared at the ingredients in Xinhai's hands, its little eyes shining with curiosity. "Chamo, chamo!" it called excitedly, as if expressing its anticipation for the food. Xinhai smiled and patted its head. "Don't rush, don't rush. It'll be ready soon."

Xinhai started making the porridge. He skillfully washed the grains, put them into a pot, added the right amount of water, and began stirring.

Ralts watched from the side and wanted to help too. It used Confusion to lift itself onto the stove and called out to Xinhai, "Raltsu raltsu~"

Xinhai looked at its adorable appearance and could not help laughing. "Alright, you can do it. Just remember to go slowly and don't spill it."

"Raltsu~"

Ralts nodded and used Confusion to grab a spoon, stirring like Xinhai had done. Its movements were a little clumsy, but it was extremely serious.

Xinhai smiled at the adorable sight and went to one side to prepare the other ingredients.

Meanwhile, Torchic used Scratch to cut the Berries. Although the chunks were a little large, it finished cutting them quickly.

Xinhai picked up the larger pieces and cut them again, then rinsed them once more before slowly adding them to the pot. With the combined efforts of one human and two Pokémon, the Berry grain porridge was soon ready.

A rich fragrance filled the entire kitchen, and Torchic and Ralts eagerly gathered around.

Xinhai looked at the two little ones and smiled. "Don't be impatient. We'll take it to the living room to eat." Then, he carried the porridge and snacks to the table in the living room, served portions for Torchic and Ralts, and placed the freshly made snacks beside them.

"Come on, little ones, time to eat!" Xinhai said with a smile. Torchic and Ralts immediately crowded forward and began eating happily.

Xinhai went to the study, knocked on the door, then opened it. "Dad, lunch is ready."

Yantai, who had been looking through information inside, raised his head at the sound and smiled. "You finished cooking so quickly. Thanks for the effort, son." He put down the materials in his hands, got up, and followed Xinhai to the living room.

The moment Yantai Bai Mu entered the living room, he was drawn in by the rich aroma. Seeing the steaming Berry grain porridge and the exquisite little snacks on the table, he could not help praising them. "Mm, it smells wonderful. Looks like I'm in for a treat today."

After saying that, he sat down at the dining table, picked up a bowl, and tasted a spoonful of porridge. A satisfied expression appeared on his face. "Mm, it tastes really good. Xinhai, your cooking is getting better and better."

Xinhai smiled when he heard that. "Dad, Torchic and Ralts helped out a lot too. Torchic helped cut the Berries, while Ralts kept stirring the porridge to keep it from sticking to the bottom."

After hearing this, Yantai Bai Mu looked at the two Pokémon again, his eyes full of admiration. "It seems they're not only your good companions, but your little helpers too."

Everyone ate and chatted at the same time. Yantai Bai Mu said, "After you finish eating, bring some over to your mother. She's probably been so busy watching the shop that she hasn't had time to eat yet."

Xinhai nodded. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll bring some to Mom in a bit."

After the meal, Xinhai carefully selected an insulated lunchbox and packed the Berry grain porridge and snacks inside. He even thoughtfully wrapped a towel around the outside to keep the food from getting cold.

He carefully placed the lunchbox into his backpack. Seeing this, Torchic and Ralts happily gathered around him and followed Xinhai to the flower shop.

When they arrived at the flower shop, Xinhai immediately saw Mom Nami busily trimming flower stems.

"Mom, I brought you lunch," Xinhai said with a smile.

Mom Nami looked up, surprise appearing on her face. "Xiao Hai, why are you the one bringing lunch today? Didn't you go train after buying your things?"

Xinhai smiled and joked, "Training needs a balance between work and rest too. Besides, you've been so busy you haven't even had time to eat. No matter what, I had to come help out. I cooked today and made Berry grain porridge and snacks. Mom, hurry up and try some." As he spoke, he took the insulated lunchbox from his backpack, placed it on a nearby table, and opened the lid. Steam carrying a delicious fragrance instantly spread through the flower shop.

Torchic and Ralts also poked their heads out from behind Xinhai, calling, "Chamo chamo~" and "Raltsu raltsu~," as if urging Xinhai's mother to taste it quickly.

Mom Nami looked at the two adorable Pokémon and smiled as she patted their heads. "You two little ones came too. Thanks for the effort of accompanying Xinhai to bring me lunch."

Xinhai helped Mom Nami set the trimmed flower stems aside, pulled over a chair for her, and said, "Mom, eat quickly, or it'll get cold. Torchic and Ralts helped out a lot with this porridge today."

Mom Nami scooped up a spoonful of porridge and put it into her mouth, her face full of a happy smile. "Mm, it's so delicious. My Xiao Hai's cooking is getting better and better. And you two little helpers, it's all thanks to you."

Just then, the flower shop door was pushed open, and a young man walked in. Seeing him, Xinhai immediately stepped forward with a polite smile. "Hello, welcome. What kind of flowers would you like?"

The young man scratched his head awkwardly and said with a blush, "Hi, I want to give my girlfriend a bouquet of flowers. We're going to see an art exhibition she's been talking about this weekend, and I want to surprise her." Xinhai nodded slightly, quickly considering a bouquet arrangement suited to the atmosphere of a date.

Xinhai moved skillfully between the flower stands, carefully selecting one beautiful flower after another.

He first chose several richly fragrant Peach Avalanche Roses, their gentle pink color resembling a young girl's shy blush. Then he paired them with several pale blue hydrangeas, representing romance and happiness, and finally added a few lively sprigs of baby's breath, like twinkling stars in the night sky, giving the whole bouquet a dreamlike touch.

"How about this bouquet? Peach Avalanche Roses symbolize sweet love, hydrangeas represent happiness, and the baby's breath makes the romance feel even more dreamlike. It's perfect for a romantic date with your girlfriend," Xinhai introduced with a smile.

The young man looked at the bouquet, his eyes full of surprise. He said excitedly, "It's perfect! This is the one. Brother, thank you so much."

"Alright, I'll wrap it for you."

After the bouquet was wrapped, the young man paid, carefully held the flowers, and left happily to meet his girlfriend for their sweet date.

Just as the young man left, another customer entered the shop. Xinhai and the two Pokémon stayed with Mom Nami and continued working.

Before they knew it, orange-red sunset clouds had appeared on the horizon. Xinhai checked the time and said to Mom Nami, "Mom, it's getting late. Let's clean up and head home." Mom nodded with a smile. Though there was fatigue on her face, it was also filled with happiness.

On the way home, Xinhai carried his backpack, Ralts sat on his shoulder, and Torchic happily ran ahead, turning back from time to time to look at them.

A gentle breeze brushed past them, carrying the coolness of evening. Xinhai took a deep breath and savored this ordinary yet wonderful day.