His Parents' Opposition

The next day, Aier arranged for Chu Xin to visit his father's company, Chu Lian's Infinite Energy Company.

Standing outside, Chu Xin and Xiao Wu stared in amazement at the skyscraper towering into the clouds. Was this really where his father worked? It was far beyond anything he had imagined.

With Aier leading the way, Chu Xin finally met his father.

Chu Lian was sitting at his desk, working through the documents on it. When he saw Aier, he smiled and nodded.

"You're here, Chu Xin. Dad still has some work to finish, though. Your mother is out working, and she won't be back for a while. Could you entertain yourself for now and let Aier keep you company?"

"That's fine. I'll take a look around."

Aier then led Chu Xin out of Chu Lian's office.

Once they were outside, Chu Xin sighed and turned to Aier.

"Aier, tell me the truth. What exactly did my parents want to see me about?"

"Well, they just wanted to see you and check what injuries you had."

Chu Xin gave Aier a frustrated look.

"Do you think I'm an idiot? Dad clearly knew all about my condition. He didn't look surprised at all. If he didn't know, he should at least have been a little shocked!"

Looking at the somewhat embarrassed Aier, Chu Xin felt frustrated himself.

"Dad definitely didn't call me here just to see me. Come on, Aier, tell me what he wants so I can be prepared."

Aier had not expected Chu Xin to notice something was wrong so quickly. In the end, she told him the truth.

"Actually, Mr. Chu called you here because he wants to have a talk with you. He doesn't want you to become a Monster Handler. That path would be too hard on you."

Chu Xin was still a little surprised by Aier's words. He had not expected his parents to oppose the goal he had firmly chosen. Still, it was no big deal. Becoming a Champion Trainer was a goal he had already set, and he would not abandon it over such a minor setback.

"Aier, what do you think I should do?"

Everyone needed approval, after all, so Chu Xin still wanted to know what Aier thought of him.

"Me? I don't have any particular opinion. You should decide your own future, young master."

Aier looked at Chu Xin calmly. In her eyes, he did have some talent for battling, but it was not enough to become Donghuang's Champion. Once he encountered a few difficulties, he would soon recognize the limits of his abilities.

Does she still doubt me? Well, that makes sense. In their eyes, I'm still young. A child's dream really isn't something they take seriously.

If I want them to acknowledge my abilities, I'll have to produce some results. Looks like I have to get my Monster Handler license. Only then will I have something to show my family and earn their trust.

Xiao Wu, who was beside him, naturally did not understand their conversation. Still, perceptive as he was, he noticed Chu Xin's low spirits.

"Wu." (Are you okay, Chu Xin?)

"I'm fine, Xiao Wu."

Chu Xin smiled and reached out to stroke Xiao Wu's smooth forehead. No matter what, he would become a Champion Trainer. That was his dream. Even if he fell along the way, he would have no regrets. Those who chased their dreams would never suffer.

While Chu Xin and Aier were strolling through the company, a duck suddenly crashed into Chu Xin's leg.

Is that... a Farfetch'd?!

Farfetch'd looked rather bedraggled. He had even lost the leek he carried, and all the feathers on one wing had been plucked out.

"Quack! Quack, quack!" (H-help! This duck's about to die!)

What's going on?!

While Chu Xin was still reeling in surprise, a chef rushed up to him with a kitchen knife in hand.

"Whose kid is this? Hand over that duck right now. It's an ingredient our hotel prepared for tonight, not your toy."

They're actually using Farfetch'd as an ingredient! Is that really okay?

Chu Xin recalled the Pokémon lore. There did seem to be something odd about the descriptions of Farfetch'd.

Things like "Farfetch'd has tender, succulent meat" or "Farfetch'd carefully selects the most delicious leek," and so on.

It seemed Farfetch'd really was delicious as an ingredient.

Huh? Why am I starting to crave it?

No, no! As a Trainer, how could I abandon my love for Pokémon over food?!

Seeing that Chu Xin kept ignoring him, the chef grew anxious. Losing an ingredient was no small matter.

"Hey, brat! Did you hear me?!"

The chef reached out as he spoke, but Aier stopped him.

"Oh, could you let me have this Farfetch'd? I really like him. Name your price, and I'll buy him."

"He's an ingredient for the hotel, not your toy."

The chef clearly had no intention of listening to him. Chu Xin shook his head helplessly. Just then, his father called, apparently wanting to have their talk. Chu Xin turned to Aier beside him.

"Dad needs to see me, so I'll leave this to you. I'm taking this Farfetch'd. Work it out with the chef."

After giving those instructions, he turned and left with Farfetch'd, leaving Aier to deal with the furious chef.

Once Farfetch'd escaped the chef's clutches, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. Still, he had no idea what his future held.

"It's all right now, Farfetch'd. You're safe. You can go wherever you want."

Chu Xin stroked Farfetch'd's feathers. After his encounter with the chef, so many had been plucked out that he looked quite bare.

But Farfetch'd was at a loss too. He did not know what to do next, so he simply followed behind Chu Xin.

"All right. If you want to stay with me for now, go ahead."

Chu Xin summoned Xiao Wu and left Farfetch'd in his care. Since they were both Pokémon, surely they could look after each other.

After settling Farfetch'd in, Chu Xin went to his father Chu Lian's office. His mother, Tian Shuyao, was there too, but this time she looked very serious, without her usual playful air.

"You're here. Let's sit together for a while. After we've had a talk, we'll get something to eat. I've booked a table at the hotel downstairs."

"Dad, I know what you want to say, but I'm determined to take this path. I want to become a Champion Trainer!"

Chu Xin did not waste words with his parents. He stated his goal right away.

Chu Lian was a little surprised, but he quickly recovered.

"All right. Since you already know, I'll be frank. I don't want you to take the path of a Monster Tamer."