With the Mew Fossil in hand, Chen Huan left the Nature Reserve in high spirits. The fossil was a treasure with immense research value, and he could hardly wait to return to Jindu Academy to study it.
Aier and Chu Xin, meanwhile, chose to stay at the Nature Protection Center a while longer. Chu Xin had yet to recover from his injuries, and the treatment there was quite good, so he decided to recuperate before leaving. Aier stayed by his side to look after him.
One morning, Chu Xin opened his eyes in his unfamiliar room at the Nature Protection Center and turned to look at the sunshine outside. The sun was especially bright that day-perfect weather for training Pokémon.
Lying in bed, Chu Xin looked at the cast on his left hand and shook his head helplessly.
He had sustained the injury while fighting the members of Team Rocket. Xiao Wu had entered the Trick Room their opponents had set up, been struck by Houndoom's Hyper Beam, and fallen from the sky. They had nearly died in the woods. Only Xiao Wu's quick reaction and timely recovery had allowed them to land safely.
Still, the fall had left Chu Xin with some serious injuries. He had felt nothing during the battle, but an examination after his return revealed a minor fracture in his left hand. Only at Sister Aier's insistence had he agreed to have it put in a cast so it would heal faster.
Chu Xin had just finished dressing when Aier entered the room. Seeing that he was already up, she smiled and nodded.
"I never thought you would get up so early, young master. Back at home, I always had to make sure you got out of bed. You really have grown up."
Chu Xin's cheeks