Most of the houses lining the streets were two-story wooden buildings, their walls weathered pale gray by the sea breeze. Fishing nets and dried fish hung beneath the porches.
Warm yellow porch lights glowed outside several dojos. Apprentices, finished with a day of training, were leaving in small groups. Some recognized Xinhai as he rode past and raised a hand in greeting.
After riding for more than ten minutes, the white building of the Pokémon Center came into view ahead.
Xinhai parked his bicycle, let out Eevee and Gardevoir, stored the bike in his backpack, and headed inside.
The glass doors automatically slid open to either side, and warm yellow light spilled out, bathing the small area before the entrance in bright warmth.
Nurse Joy was organizing documents behind the front desk. Hearing footsteps, she looked up, her gaze pausing on Xinhai's face for a moment before she broke into a pleasantly surprised smile.
"Xinhai? Long time no see! Are you here in Dewford Town for special training at the Dewford Gym again?"
"Yes. Sorry for the trouble, Nurse Joy. Could you arrange a room for me?" Xinhai walked to the counter with a smile and handed over his Pokédex.
Nurse Joy took the Pokédex and performed a few operations on the terminal. Her eyes swept over Xinhai's face, and her tone gained a hint of concern. "You haven't had much rest lately, have you? You look a little tired."
"It's not too bad, really. Everyone's working hard, after all. I can't fall too far behind!" Xinhai said with a smile.
Nurse Joy smiled and shook her head, handing back his Pokédex and room card. "You still need to rest properly. Your room is on the third floor, room number XXX."
"Alright, thank you." Xinhai accepted the room card, thanked