The Supply Area was far more bustling than Xinhai had expected. Though the streets were not particularly wide, the shops lining both sides offered a complete range of goods and were rather tastefully decorated.
He even saw several luxury chain restaurants that could usually only be found in major cities like Rustboro City. Behind their bright glass windows stood exquisite dining tables, while neatly uniformed waiters moved back and forth inside.
However, Xinhai did not choose any of those obviously expensive luxury restaurants. Instead, he picked one that looked distinctly local.
The restaurant's storefront was small, with an old-fashioned carved wooden sign bearing the painted words, "XX Restaurant."
Several strings of dried chilies and smoked meat hung by the entrance. The Qi of spices drifting from within immediately whetted his appetite.
When he pushed open the door, he found that the interior was larger than it looked from outside. It had an open layout, though several semi-private booths were partitioned off deeper inside by bamboo curtains.
Xinhai chose the innermost small booth, where it was relatively quiet.
After he sat down, the proprietress, wearing a simple apron, warmly handed him a menu.
Xinhai ordered several house specialties and dishes his partners enjoyed: a volcanic rock-grilled wild mushroom platter, smoked rock goat stew with potatoes, stir-fried mountain vegetables, pan-fried Berry cakes with wild berry sauce, and a large pot of nourishing soup said to be simmered with nearby spring water and a variety of herbs.
As the dishes were gradually served, their fragrance filled the entire small booth.
Xinhai closed the bamboo curtain, unfolded the portable small table he carried with him, and set out his partners' little bowls and their portioned Pokémon food one by one.
"Everyone, come out for lunch." Xinhai took out his Poké Balls. Red light flashed,