Vulpix grew stronger

"Vulpix, use Quick Attack and weave around the tree stumps. You can do it!"

"Vul, vulpix!"

Vulpix became a streak of white light, darting nimbly beneath one tree stump after another.

"Stop! Very good, Vulpix. 4.1 seconds! Not bad—you were half a second faster than last time."

After stopping and hearing Hu Bin's praise, Vulpix gave a sweet smile.

"Vulpix!"

For the past week, Hu Bin and Vulpix had gone to the Pokémon Training Hall every single day without fail. They did basic training in the mornings, then headed to the Icefield in the afternoons to practice moves and train Vulpix's control over Ice-type energy.

Through this repetitive training, Vulpix had improved in every way. With the added help of the Body Enhancer, Weighted Wristbands, Curry Rice, and Pokéblocks, Vulpix's speed, strength, reflexes, and command of moves had all improved greatly.

But our adorable little Vulpix hadn't found it boring at all, because Hu Bin stayed throughout every training session and even trained alongside Vulpix! There was also the Curry Rice he made for lunch and dinner! With a mouthful of curry, a sip of milk, Pokéblocks for dessert, and massages from Hu Bin, Vulpix felt ready to burst with happiness.

Training with Vulpix every day had greatly improved Hu Bin's physique as well. The six-pack he had originally gained through the Body Enhancer had begun to show the faint outlines of an eight-pack after this week's training.

Still, after such a busy week, Hu Bin felt he had become a master of time management. Every day was busy and fulfilling, and Vulpix's growing strength made him feel deeply gratified. Something else pleased him even more: the lottery ticket from the system had won him expert-level Massage Technique!

It was the highest-level skill Hu Bin possessed, and the expert-level Massage Technique made him feel incredibly capable. The skill was so useful—not only could it ease a Pokémon's fatigue, but it could also strengthen the bond between a Trainer and their Pokémon.

"All right, Vulpix, take a break first. We'll practice catching balls in a bit!"

"Vulpix, vulpix!"

Vulpix jumped into Hu Bin's arms to rest, eyes narrowing contentedly.

Hu Bin gently wiped away Vulpix's sweat and offered some water.

Just then, his phone rang. Hu Bin picked it up and answered. It was his mother, Zhao Lifang.

"Son! How have you been? Little Vulpix has hatched by now, right?" came a cheerful, boisterous woman's voice.

"It's been almost two weeks already. We're training together right now," Hu Bin answered rather helplessly.

"Honestly, why didn't you tell me when Vulpix hatched? Hurry up and turn on the video so I can see little Vulpix!" Zhao Lifang was somewhat displeased that Hu Bin hadn't told her about the hatching.

Hu Bin switched on the video as he muttered, "I thought you two might be busy!"

Once the video connected, a well-kept middle-aged woman appeared on the screen, with few wrinkles on her face. Looking delightedly at Hu Bin, she said, "Son, looking good! You've slimmed down so much, and you look a lot more handsome—just like me! Come on, let me see little Vulpix."

Hu Bin lifted Vulpix into view for his mother. Suddenly faced with a stranger on the phone looking so delighted, Vulpix seemed a little confused.

Noticing that confusion, Hu Bin gently explained, "Little Vulpix, this is my mom. Come on, say hello!"

After Hu Bin's introduction, Vulpix was no longer confused and raised a little paw, greeting Zhao Lifang with a smile.

"Vulpix!"

"Oh! So adorable, and so lively! Hello, little Vulpix!"

A Pokémon as beautiful as Vulpix was a natural heart-stealer, the dream of nine hundred million girls. Zhao Lifang was won over in an instant!

Hearing Zhao Lifang's greeting, Vulpix answered with a beaming smile.

"Oh, little Vulpix is just too cute! Son, you've done a great job. I can tell you two get along wonderfully, and you've raised Vulpix very well."

"Of course! Vulpix and I are great partners! Isn't that right, Vulpix?"

"Vulpix, vulpix!" Of course!

"You've done a fine job raising Vulpix, son!"

At that moment, a somewhat imposing middle-aged man walked over to Zhao Lifang. He glanced at Hu Bin and Vulpix on the phone, then spoke with a smile.

This was Hu Bin's father, Hu Jiaxing, a rather stern-looking middle-aged man who had been one of Hu Bin's idols since childhood.

"Well, just look at whose son I am!" Hu Bin said with a touch of smugness.

"You really do have a silver tongue." Hu Jiaxing shook his head with a chuckle, his heart full of pride as he looked at his son.

"Dad, Mom, how have you been lately?" Hu Bin asked his parents.

"We're doing quite well. Alola University is on break, and we were planning to come home to see you and Vulpix, but there's a summer camp here that needs us as counselors, so we can't get away," Zhao Lifang said regretfully.

"Don't worry about it. Once summer vacation is over and I've finished my college entrance exams, I'll come visit you!" Hu Bin comforted Zhao Lifang when he saw how disappointed she was.

"Yes, yes! Your dad and I will take you out for some fun and spend plenty of time with you and Vulpix." Hu Bin's words immediately cheered Zhao Lifang up. Even Hu Jiaxing was smiling broadly and nodding repeatedly.

Finally, amid the warm atmosphere, Hu Bin reluctantly said goodbye to his parents and ended the video call.

But he couldn't stop smiling now. After learning that Vulpix had hatched, Hu Jiaxing and Zhao Lifang had generously transferred him 300,000 as a fund specifically for raising Vulpix.

Although Hu Bin had initially refused the money as firmly as he could, Hu Jiaxing and Zhao Lifang were both professionals who knew how expensive raising Pokémon could be. They insisted on giving it to him, and he could only accept.

The money also replenished Hu Bin's dwindling funds, so he wouldn't have to worry about money for the time being. Still, he needed to find ways to earn some himself. He would be catching other Pokémon in the future, after all, and there would be plenty of expenses. He couldn't rely on his parents forever.

Hu Bin breathed a sigh of relief and composed himself, then looked down at Vulpix in his arms. Vulpix was looking back at him, and they smiled at each other.

"Come on, Vulpix. Let's keep working hard and train properly. We'll go home for a feast at lunchtime."

At the mention of a feast, Vulpix's eyes lit up. Vulpix jumped out of Hu Bin's arms and looked at him, brimming with fighting spirit.

"Vulpix, vulpix!" Let's go! I'm going to train, get stronger, and eat a feast!