Ye Li's gaze swept over the steaming cup of coffee before finally settling on the gentle smile of the middle-aged man across from him.
He knew perfectly well that countless schemes lurked behind that smile.
This cup of coffee was the sugar.
And wrapped beneath that sugar coating was an artillery shell.
But he showed no wariness. Instead, he put on a perfectly measured expression of flattered surprise, tinged with guarded unease.
"Thank you... thank you for your concern."
His voice sounded a little hoarse, carrying a trace of the weakness of someone who had narrowly escaped death.
"My health... there's nothing seriously wrong."
He picked up the coffee but did not drink, merely cradling it in his hands and feeling its warmth.
"My Umbreon... is it, is it really all right?"
He raised his head, his eyes full of concern for his partner.
His behavior perfectly matched every reaction expected of a young man who had just endured a major battle, was exhausted in body and mind, and felt lost about the future.
As the middle-aged official watched Ye Li's performance, his smile grew even gentler.
This was exactly the effect he wanted.
First, use kindness and concern to break down the other person's psychological defenses.
"Of course it's all right."
The official's tone was deeply reassuring.
"I promise you, it will receive care a hundred times better than anything it had in Team Rocket."
Before Ye Li's eyes, he took out an internal Communicator.
"Connect me to the Indigo Plateau Pokémon Center."
Soon, a holographic image of Nurse Joy appeared on the Communicator.
"Sir, what are your orders?"
"Immediately begin the highest-level treatment plan for the Umbreon code-named Dark Moon."
The official gave the order in a tone that brooked no argument.
"Use all the finest Potions and