Online Shopping

Evening, kitchen.

Mingyou had bought rice today. He had originally wanted to buy some meat as well, but there were still so many vegetables at home that it would be better to be a little frugal for now, so he had only bought a tray of eggs.

"Tomato egg soup, and... Hmm, that child really likes Sugar-Tossed Tomatoes. I'll make some of those too. Hopefully it'll come over tonight."

As he organized the ingredients, Mingyou was still thinking about Ogerpon. He did not have any particular thoughts about it; he simply felt that the child was terribly lonely. Without its Mask, it could only run around wearing a plastic bag. It was too pitiful.

Soon, the tomatoes went into the pot and began simmering. Taking advantage of the time, he pulled out his Rotom Phone and found an online shopping app called "Taobao," intending to see whether it sold Tangerine saplings.

"...The signal's terrible."

Watching the loading circle on the screen, he could only wait patiently. The Manor was in such a remote location, so poor reception was normal. He would install a signal booster another day.

After several dozen seconds, the product page finally appeared. The homepage recommended many popular products, such as Pokéblocks and Technical Machines. That showed they were purchased frequently, and that Trainers were the main consumer group.

"Technical Machines?"

Mingyou had intended to go straight to the search bar, but he suddenly noticed the item. He remembered that in the games, using one allowed a Pokémon to learn the corresponding move. Then he had another thought: didn't his fruits and vegetables seem to have a similar effect?

Curious, he clicked in to take a look. A Technical Machine was shaped like a small optical disc.

The method of use was simple as well. A Pokémon was given the disc and used Crush Grip on it. The information for the corresponding move was stored inside, and it would automatically turn into energy and be absorbed by the Pokémon. By utilizing the stored information, the Pokémon could learn the corresponding move more easily.

It sounded rather mysterious, but that really was how it was used. Of course, it could fail as well, but whether it succeeded or failed, the disc would be consumed.

Technical Machines were complicated to produce. They also used many energy-based materials and materials shed from Pokémon, so their production costs were considerable. The more powerful the move, the higher the cost.

"Let me see... One Thunderbolt Technical Machine costs... 10,000?! And it's out of stock?"

Mingyou was startled by the price.

A Poké Ball only cost ten yuan. If you bought ten, they even gave you a Commemorative Ball...

It seemed that either Technical Machines really did cost that much to produce, or their prices had been artificially inflated.

There were Technical Machines priced at just over 100 yuan, such as Roar, and people bought those too. The difference in price was simply too outrageous.

"Although the price is outrageous, that's actually an advantage for me. If the effect is the same but yours is cheaper, everyone will definitely come to buy yours."

At that thought, a smile appeared on Mingyou's face.

He then continued searching for Tangerine saplings. Unexpectedly, the results surprised him. Even four-year-old sturdy saplings cost less than 100 yuan.

But when he thought about it carefully, fruits were generally only nutritious and did not have much effect. They could only be made into snacks and drinks, while Berries could do all that and could also be made into Pokéblocks and Pokémon food.

The only difference was that most Berries could not be eaten directly by humans and needed to be processed, whereas fruits were plentiful and juicy and could be eaten as they were.

That was good news for Mingyou, so he directly bought three four-year-old sturdy saplings. He bought several more in case he accidentally killed some through improper care.

After filling in the delivery address and choosing in-person receipt, he was about to pay when he was dumbfounded...

"The shipping fee is more expensive than the three saplings..."

Mingyou smacked his forehead. He wanted to laugh, but he could not. He suddenly realized that his location was truly too remote. Selling fruits and vegetables in the future would probably be very troublesome unless he covered the shipping costs himself.

No wonder Kitakami was called Apple Country, yet the people there no longer sold many apples. They had begun vigorously promoting tourism to make money instead.

The shipping fee was too expensive. Although he could choose slower shipping with cheaper postage, fruits and vegetables easily lost moisture and suffered in taste, or even spoiled.

Not to mention that conditions had improved now. More places grew fruit, and their prices were lower. They shipped quickly, and livestream sellers could sell out their stock in one evening. In terms of competition, Kitakami was at a serious disadvantage.

Products with cheap shipping included and fast delivery were always the easiest to sell. Otherwise, why would Pinduoduo be so profitable? That was the reason.

"Looks like I can only sell at a loss at the beginning. Once I build up a reputation and let people know that the fruits and vegetables I sell are different, I'll be able to attract some Trainers to come here and buy them!"

Mingyou knew very well that the main customers for his fruits and vegetables were Trainers who raised Pokémon. Most Trainers who traveled and went on adventures were quite wealthy...

He paid for the order directly, choosing Pelipper Tailwind Logistics. The saplings were being sent from Violet City in the Johto Region, and they would probably arrive the morning after next.

Once he finished, the soup happened to boil. He poured in the beaten eggs, and the fragrance of tomato egg soup instantly spread through the room, attracting Munchlax, who had been eating snacks in the living room.

"Gonbi~"

"Don't rush. I still have a few dishes to fry, and the rice isn't ready yet."

Mingyou turned his head and answered, then continued preparing dinner in the inexplicably warm atmosphere.

Outside, another figure passed through the dim Orchard and arrived at the door of the brightly lit Villa. It pinched the plastic bag and cautiously peeked inside, nervously looking around, afraid that someone would not be there.

But when it smelled the fragrance of tomatoes, a smile instantly spread across its face. Since it was wearing a plastic bag, however, its vision was poor, and it failed to notice the potato chip wrapper Munchlax had casually thrown on the floor. It stepped right on it.

Smack—

"What happened?"

Hearing the commotion from the living room, Mingyou came out holding a rice scoop and happened to see Ogerpon sprawled face-first on the floor. He hurried over and helped it up.

"Are you all right?"

"Uu..."

Seeing that Ogerpon looked as if it were about to cry, Mingyou reached out and removed its plastic bag. He gently stroked its head and said softly, "Be more careful. I'll rub it for you. It doesn't hurt anymore."

"Mm..."

Ogerpon looked up at Mingyou. Hearing his comforting words, it nodded lightly and stubbornly held back its tears.

"Mhm, very good."

Mingyou held its cape and helped it to its feet, then said with a smile, "You came at just the right time. Dinner's ready. Come eat with us. I made you the Sugar-Tossed Tomatoes from last night again. Don't let Munchlax eat your entire dinner by itself."

"Mm~"

Hearing that there was more delicious food, Ogerpon nodded happily. But it did not immediately run toward the kitchen. Instead, it held Mingyou's hand and walked there slowly with him, as if that made it feel safer.

Mingyou lowered his head and silently watched it, letting out a long sigh inwardly. It was clear that Ogerpon was truly lonely. At the same time, it seemed to be afraid of something. Afraid of losing something? Or perhaps...

Back in the kitchen, Munchlax had already begun its performance. Fortunately, Mingyou had cooked plenty of rice today, so it was not immediately wiped out. As for himself, he did not eat much and could get full with just a little.

Ogerpon watched curiously as Munchlax ate its rice with such relish. Then, when Mingyou brought over a chair, it sat down obediently.

"There are no noodles today, but there's rice and tomato egg soup. Eat more if you like it. If you don't, don't force yourself to finish it."

"Mm~"

Ogerpon nodded, but there was nothing it disliked eating.

Having someone who did not dislike it and even cared about it was already enough to make it very satisfied.

It then began trying to use the tableware. Although it was very clumsy, perhaps it did not want to cause another mishap like last night and make Mingyou worry about it.

Watching Ogerpon's actions, Mingyou stared calmly for several seconds, unsure what sort of emotion he should show. Then he suddenly remembered something important.

"Oh, right. I told you yesterday that I went to town and bought you a Present~"

"Mm?"