The next morning, Chen Shi took Ash and Gary out to play by the river in the backyard.
On a sudden whim, Chen Shi asked a question.
"Ash, what's your dream for the future?"
"Me? My dream is to become a Pokémon Master, of course!"
Ash said it loudly.
Gary shot him a disdainful glance. "Try memorizing the type matchup chart first."
"And you think you can become a Pokémon Master?"
Ash wilted at those words, unable to offer a single retort.
Those type matchup charts were practically gibberish to him. No matter how many times he looked at them, he could never remember them.
Chen Shi smiled. "Then you'll have to work hard, Ash. It's difficult to become a good Pokémon Trainer without enough knowledge."
"Okay, Brother Chen Shi. I'll remember that!"
Ash clenched his fists, pumping himself up.
Gary, however, got angry. "I told you, you're not allowed to call my granduncle 'Brother'!"
"Why can't I? I'm going to call him that anyway," Ash shot back.
The two children immediately started arguing, neither willing to give in, their faces flushed with indignation.
Chen Shi simply watched from the side with a smile, making no move to stop them.
These two friendly rivals went through this every day, and he was long used to it. Before long, they would make up and go chasing Butterfree together.
Childhood friendships were just that simple and sweet.
Just then, Professor Oak walked up beside him and looked at the two children in the distance.
"The summer camp I'm organizing is about to begin. A lot of children will be coming here tomorrow, and I'd like you to help keep an eye on them."
Chen Shi was a little surprised. Professor Oak had indeed organized a summer camp and invited many children.
It