Charizard lay on the floor looking utterly done with life, propping its chin on one claw while rhythmically tapping the floor with the other.
Behind it, its flaming tail rested on the table, where its Pokémon Trainer was using it to heat the hot pot.
Amid the billowing steam, Chen Shi leisurely tipped in the ingredients. Before long, the beef was cooked.
Just as he was about to pick up a slice for himself, he remembered that he still had his mask on.
After a moment's thought, Chen Shi casually took off his mask and happily dug into the hot pot with Diantha.
It was only about concealing his identity. He certainly needed to hide it from shadow beings, but everyone here was trustworthy, so it didn't matter.
"Is... is it good?" Lance stared unblinkingly at the meat in the pot, his mouth watering furiously.
"It's delicious. Want some?" As he spoke, Chen Shi offered Lance a disposable bowl and chopsticks.
He looked every bit the generous host.
Lance clutched his stomach, his face twisting.
He'd made a terrible mistake. If only he hadn't eaten so many snacks.
Diantha, you led me astray!
Beside him, Steven kept his eyes closed, afraid that one more look would send him lunging for the food.
It wasn't their fault they were so pathetic. The Shelter was desperately short of food.
Even Champions like them normally received only tiny portions.
Meat was out of the question.
Chen Shi smiled, then took a bottle of red wine Steven had given him before he came here out of his backpack, along with two wine glasses.
"Miss Diantha, just eating is a little dull. How about a drink?"
Diantha glanced at Steven and covered her mouth as she laughed. "Then I'd be delighted."
Red wine was Steven's