Exploration

Under the astonished gazes of the other customers, a server led Dian and Yue Jifei into an exceptionally spacious private room.

There were elegant sofas, a television that had just been switched on, a comfortable climate-control system, and a round dining table in the center.

"When will the rest of your party arrive? We'd like to let the kitchen know when to start preparing."

The server turned on the lights, adjusted the temperature, then took out a small notepad and asked.

"It's just the two of us."

Dian smiled. "Our Pokémon will be eating too, so please prepare special tableware. Thank you."

"Oh! Of course."

Realization dawned on the server. After asking about their tastes and any special requests, the server left.

The door closed softly behind them.

"Meow..."

Espurr breathed a sigh of relief and returned to its usual expressionless look.

This Espurr really didn't seem to like crowded places. Perhaps it was just like its Trainer.

Dian glanced at Yue Jifei, who had already taken out a novel and begun reading.

"Do you like assorted noodles?"

He looked at the food photograph hanging nearby and found it rather interesting. "I hear this restaurant's noodles are pulled by Fighting-type Pokémon, and all the ingredients have some connection to Pokémon."

"That's just a marketing strategy, isn't it?"

Still absorbed in her novel, Yue Jifei replied calmly, "Are you really that easy to fool, Mr. Dian? If so, I'm quite pleased."

"Dream~"

Misdreavus drifted around the room. It was probably delighted at the prospect of eating assorted noodles that would satisfy its curiosity.

Dian smiled and raised another topic. "Noodles have always been long and thin. Do you know why?"

"Hmm~"

Yue Jifei seemed a little interested. She smiled. "Isn't it because they're easier to eat that way... No, that answer's