Chapter 4: But I

Even on the other end of the phone, Ye Ci could faintly sense the urgency in Luo Mu’s words.

It seems........ he’s already feeling the pinch of cash shortage.

Ye Ci smiled knowingly and said slowly, “You don’t need to rush so much—the Orange Academy is currently on break; classes won’t resume until spring, a month from now.”

“Use this time to finish the initial construction on your property—it’ll bring you one step closer to your dream.”

“As for the Terastal Crystal........ I recall the Lighthouse Research Station built by the two doctors in South District One is very close to Flat Plate Town. I’ll handle the fees and the commission—wouldn’t it be safer if you personally delivered such a precious item to them?”

【Host, I feel like this woman has other motives.】

Luo Mu’s smile froze for an instant; he awkwardly replied in his mind, “Do you think I’m stupid? I’ve seen more tricks than you’ve had hosts. I can guess what the Chairman wants........ but let’s keep things straight—I’m jumping into this pit willingly!”

“Do you understand the value of a teacher’s iron rice bowl—only two classes a week, and the pay’s not bad!”

“This is the ultimate dream of every 996 office slave, besides lying flat at home!”

Although Luo Mu had never been to Orange Academy and didn’t know the teacher’s salary, at least it could balance his future utility bills........

And he could get the Terastal Crystal’s crafting cost for free—how could he possibly pass up such benefits!?

【But I’m 007........】

Luo Mu: “........”

For a moment, he didn’t know how to continue the conversation.

Though he was chatting with his system in his mind, Luo Mu hadn’t forgotten his actual task.

He confirmed with Ye Ci, in the manner of a responsible adult, the exact start date, salary, and other minor details. Satisfied, he waited for Ye Ci to hang up first—then nearly shouted for joy.

Yes!

Not only was the utility bill problem solved, there was even money left over!

Ye Ci promised that even during the probation period, Luo Mu would earn 50,000 per month.

Fewer duties, and he was more than content.

Though it might seem inconsistent with the status of a Champion Trainer, the more you need that title for a job, the more troublesome it becomes.......

Due to the liberation of productivity, regional Leagues had standardized prices for most items.

Pokémon-related items were slightly more expensive—like the Red and White Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls from his old game, in this world they cost ten times as much.

A bit pricier, but still within reach of ordinary people.

Land prices weren’t outrageous either, thanks to Flat Plate Town’s small size—Luo Mu bought this plot, bordering wilderness mountains, rivers, and forests, for just two million of his savings.

But if it were in a big city like Mire City or Brew City, the price would be another story........

Luo Mu weighed the Terastal Ore in his hand, pondering the future layout and operations of his farm, then asked, “By the way, do you have any system storage or inventory space functions?”

This ore was too valuable—he needed to secure it before arranging everything here and heading to South District One’s research station.

Too afraid to carry it on him, too afraid to leave it at home.

【Sorry...... I don’t have those functions.】

For some reason, Luo Mu almost sensed a hint of grievance in the text.

He sighed; he didn’t know how to comfort it, so he scratched the back of his head and began rummaging through the cardboard box.

“I remember........ there was a usable small bag in here somewhere.”

Luo Mu muttered to himself as he searched the box, until his eyes lit up upon spotting a canvas-made men’s crossbody bag.

It was probably the old lady’s handmade bag for her husband; Luo Mu felt no discomfort using belongings of the deceased—he was a firm materialist warrior.

He placed the Terastal Ore inside the small bag, adjusted the strap to keep it snug against his chest, and felt slightly more at ease.

“Hmm....... now I can go buy some essential household items.”

That night.

The dark sky was filled with countless stars; the moonlight softly illuminated the night.

A sudden gust of wind tore through the tranquil night—a blurry orange-yellow object descended from above, accompanied by a young man’s voice, tinged with annoyance.

“Slow down, slow down! There’s your dinner inside too!”

Luo Mu pushed open the rusted gate of his future farm, with his Raichu trailing behind, its back laden with packages.

“Bo~”

A slightly clumsy cry echoed—before them stood a round-bodied Pokémon, with a delicate little dragon horn on its head, two whisker-like antennae, and tiny, adorable wings proportionate to its size. It rubbed its head sheepishly, looking guilty.

Dragonite knew it might have been too excited today.......

But tonight was a feast, and it hadn’t flown freely in ages—so it just flew a little faster, that’s all.

Luo Mu rubbed his forehead—he immediately saw Dragonite had missed the point entirely, thinking he was scolding it for flying too fast and recklessly.

In truth, he was simply afraid Dragonite would accidentally drop the bottles and jars strapped to its back.

Without the essential seasonings, Blaziken would get angry.

How had such a clever Dratini, after its long final evolution, turned into this?

Yet, facing Dragonite’s pleading, affectionate gesture—reminding him of how it looked when it first hatched from its egg—all his words dissolved into a sigh, and he gently hugged it for a moment.

Given how adorable it was, he’d forgive it.

“Alright, let’s get down to business.” Luo Mu walked to Raichu’s side and took the bundles from its back.

These were bedding and household items for tonight’s sleep; Dragonite’s load consisted of tonight’s ingredients and assorted seasonings.

Luo Mu smiled and said, “I’ll go ahead and tidy up—I need to visit Dr. Aulin and Dr. Fortu in South District One tomorrow morning.”

“Raichu, you and Dragonite go to the back of the house and give the items to Blaziken.”

“Miaow~”

“Bo~”

Dragonite and Raichu responded with practiced enthusiasm and trotted cheerfully toward Blaziken’s direction.

They hadn’t eaten Blaziken’s homemade skewers in ages!

Just imagining them made their mouths water.

Skewers drenched in spices and seasonings, steaming hot, with all the fat rendered out........ Mmm!