Money, Why Do You Disappear So Fast?

After getting over his excitement about the changes in himself today, Hu Bin started worrying again. Pokémon Training Halls were expensive, and he had no idea whether his wallet could hold out.

Aside from basic training in stamina, reflexes, agility, and so on, the Training Manual called for high-tech equipment as the difficulty increased, rather than just the kind of exercises they had done that morning. Training moves and strengthening type-based abilities also required special environments, so they needed a professional facility like a Pokémon Training Hall.

And so, with a heavy heart, Hu Bin took Vulpix out.

Vulpix ran along energetically the whole way, while Hu Bin followed behind, consoling himself. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If he couldn't bear to part with his money, little Vulpix couldn't get stronger.

They soon arrived at the Pokémon Training Hall. Through its glass windows, Vulpix saw all sorts of Pokémon training inside, and sparks of excitement lit up those big eyes.

"Vul!" I want to get stronger than them!

Once they entered the Pokémon Training Hall, a pretty, welcoming young receptionist greeted Hu Bin and Vulpix.

"Mr. Hu, our Training Hall has professional equipment to meet the needs of different Pokémon, as well as specialized environments where they can learn to adapt. We have an Ocean Simulation Field, a Volcano Field, a Forest Field, an Icefield, and more, all designed to help Pokémon train more effectively."

The receptionist then led them to the Icefield. A snow-white world unfolded before their eyes, with even the trees and hills blanketed in snow.

Vulpix was beside itself with excitement at the sight, repeatedly looking at its Trainer, Hu Bin, and crying, "Vul! Vul!" Its eyes were eager, and it could hardly wait to go in and try it out.

Seeing how adorable little Vulpix looked, the receptionist covered her mouth with a smile. "Sir, you're welcome to take your Pokémon inside and give it a try."

Hu Bin could see how eager Vulpix was, so he smiled at the receptionist. "Sorry for the trouble!"

After putting on the down jacket the pretty young woman had brought him, he took the impatient Vulpix into the snowy field. Plenty of Pokémon Trainers were already training their Pokémon there, and Hu Bin spotted many Ice-type Pokémon, including sharp-clawed Sneasel, lazy-looking Swinub, and black-faced Jynx with their sultry lips.

An Ice-type Vulpix native to Alola, however, was particularly rare. Many Pokémon Trainers found themselves watching the adorable Vulpix rolling around in the Icefield, every last one wearing a doting father's smile.

Danger! Danger with a capital D! These Pokémon Trainers, who already had Pokémon of their own, earned their partners' scorn. Sneasel, Swinub, and Jynx all shot their Trainers sidelong looks. You already have me, and you're still thinking about other Pokémon? Pah! Cheater!

Vulpix frolicked in the snow with a delighted smile, apparently loving the environment.

Seeing Vulpix so happy in the snow lifted Hu Bin's spirits too. Although, in his eyes, this wasn't a snowfield so much as a place piled high with red banknotes, what did that matter? As long as my little Vulpix is happy!

And so Hu Bin made up his mind to buy an annual membership here. No matter how broke he got, education was one thing he couldn't skimp on!

Having made his decision, Hu Bin relaxed and accepted his fate. Then a mischievous grin spread across his face. He scooped up some snow, packed it into a little snowball, and gently tossed it at Vulpix as it rolled around.

Before Vulpix could react, the snowball hit its little face. Its big eyes widened in bewilderment for a moment before it realized its Trainer had thrown a snowball at it. Bad Trainer!

It puffed out its cheeks in protest at its Trainer's prank.

Hu Bin couldn't help laughing at Vulpix's adorably fierce expression. Grinning mischievously again, he made another little snowball and threw it. After that morning's training, Vulpix reacted quickly this time and dodged it.

Vulpix was furious with its prank-loving Trainer! One serving of Curry Rice isn't going to make up for this!

It charged at Hu Bin with adorable ferocity, determined to teach its Trainer a little lesson.

Why didn't Vulpix throw little snowballs back? Because the adorable little thing's arms were too short!

Seeing Vulpix charge at him, Hu Bin started running too, dodging Vulpix while making and throwing little snowballs.

As they chased and dodged each other, Hu Bin and Vulpix had more and more fun. Vulpix could no longer keep up its puffed-cheek scowl, and a radiant smile spread across its little face.

A Pokémon Trainer nearby shook his head with a smile at the sight. "They really are close!"

Then he looked at his own Sneasel. Sensing its Trainer's gaze, Sneasel shot him a sidelong look.

Its eyes seemed to say, What is it, buddy? Got a problem?

Exhausted from playing, Hu Bin and Vulpix lay in the snow, panting, and smiled at each other.

Their trial visit to the Pokémon Training Hall ended perfectly. Vulpix had had a wonderful time, and its little tails wouldn't stop wagging.

Hu Bin's heart, however, felt as though a Blizzard had swept through it—utterly chilled!

After the receptionist's enthusiastic introduction and under Vulpix's earnest gaze, Hu Bin gritted his teeth, stamped his foot, and bought an annual membership to the Pokémon Training Hall, along with a set of Strength-Training Wristbands suitable for Vulpix, one for each leg. The set and the annual membership cost a total of 200,000 yuan.

Hu Bin was back to square one overnight. He had originally held the princely sum of 250,000 yuan, but after two days of spending, he had less than 30,000 yuan left in savings.

Looking at his bank balance, Hu Bin wanted to cry, but no tears came.

I'll have to find some part-time work. Combined with the living allowance my parents give me, that should cover expenses for Vulpix and me. Boo-hoo, being a Pokémon Trainer costs so much! Money! Why do you disappear so fast?

His only consolation was that the receptionist, charmed by little Vulpix's cuteness, had thrown in plenty of little gifts: Pokéblocks, a massage gun suitable for Pokémon after training, and a large tub of Berry protein powder formulated for training. It made Hu Bin feel that there was still warmth in this world. Good-looking Pokémon really could get away with anything!

Just then, the system's voice rang out: "Congratulations on finding a suitable training environment and taking another step toward the pinnacle of Pokémon training. Reward: one Lottery Ticket."

Hu Bin instantly perked up. With the receptionist seeing them off, he took Vulpix and headed home in the light of the setting sun.

"Vulpix, let's go home and wash our faces, then have a good prize draw!"

"Vul!" Vulpix replied happily.