Chapter 497: Battle Chairman Zhi Mi Again, Clemont and His Sister Bonnie

"Then I shall await your arrival."

Luo Mu readily agreed to Chairman Zhi Mi's request.

To bring the farm's products to the world, both reputation and popularity are indispensable.

Just as Luo Mu had thought before, using Miss Qi Shu, who would one day become explosively popular, to promote the farm's products was also a method of building fame.

Having the farm's crops and ingredients purchased by Chairman Zhi Mi's restaurant could also spread the farm's reputation on a small scale but with high quality.

It was beneficial for both parties, a win-win situation; why wouldn't Luo Mu agree?

Perhaps finally having a chance to release emotions suppressed for a long time, Chairman Zhi Mi was like someone who had opened a chatterbox, chatting extensively with Luo Mu.

As they chatted, the conversation circling back to the initial question.

Chairman Zhi Mi looked curiously at Luo Mu and asked, "Did you come to the airport to pick someone up? It couldn't possibly be me, could it?"

This last sentence was spoken by Chairman Zhi Mi in a teasing tone.

Thinking about it, his actions were all spontaneous; how could Luo Mu possibly have known in advance and come to pick him up?

Chairman Zhi Mi was more inclined to believe that Luo Mu was originally here to pick someone else up, they just happened to meet, and everything was the work of fate.

Since Chairman Zhi Mi brought up the issue, and it was no secret, Luo Mu replied, "Coincidentally, the guest I am waiting for is also from the Kalos region; perhaps you even know them."

"Oh?"

Chairman Zhi Mi raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.

"It is Clemont, the Gym Leader of the Lumiose Gym, and his younger sister," Luo Mu said.

After recalling for a moment, Chairman Zhi Mi struck his clenched right fist into his left palm, realizing with a start, "Ah, it's him!"

The name Clemont, even though Chairman Zhi Mi rarely went to the League to handle affairs, devoting himself entirely to his chef career, he had still heard of.

This young boy had not only become the Gym Leader of Lumiose City, the most important city in the Kalos region, at a young age, but was also highly valued by the Kalos League, hailed as a once-in-a-million genius with a talent for invention.

Come to think of it, during his battle banquet back then, that Blaziken Mask holder who arrived with an invitation and wore somewhat strange attire had used the invitation he gave to the Lumiose Gym.

It was not strange that Luo Mu knew that genius boy.

Chairman Zhi Mi then educated Luo Mu on a few trivial facts that even he knew.

For instance, the circuitry for the lighting system of the Prism Tower, the landmark building of Lumiose City, was developed solely by Clemont.

There was also Coumarine City, named after a device he developed.

The two chatted very pleasantly; Chairman Zhi Mi also mentioned several times afterward that Mr. Lysandre had been probing him openly and secretly for information about Luo Mu.

This left Luo Mu speechless.

Time flew quickly, and the airport began broadcasting that Kalos Diamond Air Flight D0719 was about to land.

Chairman Zhi Mi's attention focused on the Luxray beside Luo Mu.

Chairman Zhi Mi had been observing this Luxray for quite some time; it was just that previously they were discussing other matters, making it inappropriate to forcibly steer the topic toward it.

Turning his head, Chairman Zhi Mi asked, "And this Luxray is?"

Suddenly mentioned, the Luxray, which had been quietly lying by Luo Mu's legs with eyes closed to rest, lifted its gaze to look at Chairman Zhi Mi; Luo Mu also cooperated extremely well, stroking its uniquely thick fur, and replied, "He is my starter Pokémon."

With just these short nine words, Chairman Zhi Mi understood the importance of the Luxray before him to Luo Mu.

As well as its strength, which would inevitably not disappoint him.

He enthusiastically proposed, "Let's have a battle later; since then, my strength and that of my Blastoise have improved considerably."

(?) Luo Mu looked astonished and asked, "Are you sure?"

Even Mega Blastoise couldn't get past my Cangyan Cangyan Rengui, and you still want to fight my Luxray? Yet Chairman Zhi Mi seemed to have made up his mind, nodding with a somewhat excited expression, "I am sure!"

Having a hearty and satisfying Pokémon battle could also release the pressure he had accumulated for so long! Last time there was no opportunity to battle Luo Mu's absolute main force; this time was perfect to settle this matter! Since Chairman Zhi Mi had said so, and looking at the Luxray which was subtly eager to try, wanting to verify the results of its recent special training.

Luo Mu could only compromise, saying, "Then let's battle after I've picked up the guests."

Chairman Zhi Mi asked again, "Then what about the battle venue?"

"I will arrange it; you don't need to worry about it."

As for the battle venue, using an existing one would suffice.

After all, inside the Levincia Gym, there was a private battle field, usually used by Miss Qi Shu for her own training or to accept assessments from the League.

He just needed to borrow the venue from her.

Pondering that the time should be about right, Luo Mu stood up, his gaze directed toward the distant terminal building; through the spotless glass windows, one could see a pristine passenger plane already docked outside.

It was time to pick up the guests.

Luo Mu called to the Luxray and strode briskly toward the terminal exit; seeing this, Chairman Zhi Mi also picked up his precious chef's case and followed.

"So this is the Paldea region; the air is indeed fresher than in Kalos."

Clemont pulled his suitcase with one hand, tightly holding his younger sister Bonnie's small hand, looking around curiously.

Bonnie, small in stature but mature in mind, was somewhat dissatisfied that her brother still treated her like a child; puckering her lips to undermine him, she said, "That is just your illusion, Brother."

Clemont smiled awkwardly, momentarily unable to find sufficient reasons to refute his sister.

At this moment, as if discovering something, he let go of the suitcase, pushed up the frame of his glasses, and looked into the distance, "That is... Mr. Luo Mu!"

"Really, Brother is so muddled; Father clearly said that Big Brother Luo Mu would come to pick us up!"

Bonnie withdrew her small hand from Clemont's palm, made a face at him, and skipped and jumped in the direction of Luo Mu, who was waving at them from this side.

She first pounced over and hugged Luo Mu's thigh; before she could even open her mouth to greet him, her attention was attracted by the Luxray nearby, her eyes sparkling as she exclaimed, "Wow, it's a Luxray!"

Regarding Bonnie's lively personality, Luo Mu also knew a thing or two; he did not find her flighty, but rather thought it was just right for a child of this age to be so lively.

He simply smiled and patted Bonnie's head, saying, "Does Bonnie know Luxray?"

"Mm! Brother told me that after Shinx evolves, it becomes Luxray!"

Bonnie replied, looking up with her face tilted upward.

Then, she openly asked Luo Mu.

"Big Brother Luo Mu, can I touch the Luxray?"

Luo Mu also found a child with You You Lijia's personality quite interesting; smiling, he nodded and said, "If it is willing, I have no objection."

"Yay!"

You You Lijia cheered, took two or three steps to stand before the Luxray, her eyes sparkling with stars.

"Big kitty, may I pet you?"

The Luxray glanced at her and nodded.

After all, it had followed Luo Mu to look after who knew how many "children" already; such a request was nothing.

You You Lijia's eyes lit up; she pounced directly onto the Luxray, burying her Bai Xi little face into its long fur.

The sight made Luo Mu's eyes burn with envy.

Of course, what he envied was not the Luxray, but You You Lijia.

After all, even he would not dare, in public, to brazenly bury his face in the Luxray's long fur to sniff the cat.

Hmm, at most he only dared do so at home. "Haa... haa—"

"You You Lijia, this is too rude!"

Citron, who had run until out of breath trying to catch up with his younger sister, scolded.

"It's just that you, Brother, are too restrained!"

Sticking out her tongue at Citron, You You Lijia continued to enjoy the Luxray's thick fur.

Helpless, Citron could only bow slightly to Luo Mu with some nervousness and apologize, "Mr. Luo Mu, this time we have truly troubled you..."

Before he could finish speaking, Luo Mu cut him off.

"There is no need for such formalities; I count your father as a friend, so just call me as your sister does; there is no need to be so reserved."

Luo Mu patted Citron's shoulder, easing the nervousness of this youth, who spent all day thinking about inventions and was somewhat lacking in interpersonal skills.

Citron nodded lightly and uttered an "Mm."

Chairman Zhi Mi, having watched enough of the show, also emerged from behind Luo Mu at this moment, smiling and waving to Citron, "Yo, young Citron!"

Citron first froze, then his expression changed as he exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Zhi Mi!"

Beside them, You You Lijia also pulled her face out of the Luxray's fur trap; looking at Zhi Mi with a face full of delighted surprise, she said, "It's the chef whose cooking is super delicious, so delicious that You You Lijia even considered whether Brother should marry you!"

Luo Mu & Luxray: "."

Citron, standing nearby, turned completely red with embarrassment.

Zhi Mi, however, remained perfectly at ease; he smiled gently, squatted down slightly, and elegantly kissed the back of You You Lijia's hand.

"I am honored by your praise, lovely and charming Young Lady."

"However—"

"Your brother seems to be in greater need of a beautiful bride than I am."

"Okay."

You You Lijia's cheeks flushed slightly as she mumbled a few sounds.

Having received the Citron siblings, Luo Mu smoothly led them away from Lumiose City International Airport.

Accompanying them was also the Water-type Elite Four of the Kalos region, the chef Zhi Mi.

Their next destination was the Lumiose Gym.

Upon hearing that Luo Mu and Zhi Mi planned to spar, Citron was incredibly surprised and without hesitation agreed to postpone his Lumiose City tour plan.

A battle between an Elite Four member and a Champion-rank Trainer from the Paldea region; just this single match was worth the price of the plane ticket!

As for You You Lijia, she sat on the Luxray's back, experiencing a riding sensation different from that of a Luxio, finding everything in Lumiose City fresh and often transforming into a "Ten Thousand Whys."

Along the way, Citron curiously asked Zhi Mi how he happened to be here, but Zhi Mi did not explain clearly, merely offering an excuse to brush it off.

Although Citron was not skilled in interpersonal relations, he was strangely perceptive in certain areas.

After thinking for a moment, he decided not to dig any deeper.

Questions such as why Zhi Mi would suddenly leave the Kalos region while his restaurant was explosively popular, for instance.

After all, not long ago when Zhi Mi's restaurant had opened, he had even invited Citron's entire family to come and taste the food.

They had not walked long through the streets of Lumiose City.

Before long, the outline of the Lumiose Gym appeared within their field of vision.

Meanwhile, Iono, who had just finished her livestream and was still angry, was already waiting at the gym entrance.

Ignoring her little mood swings, she was actually quite enthusiastic.

Originally, Iono had not wanted to receive Luo Mu; she was still in a state of holding a grudge.

On that day, the matter of her and her temporary partner, Kilowattrel, suffering defeat and losing all face was something Young Lady Iono remembered firmly; she was only short of hanging a sign at the Lumiose Gym saying "Luo Mu and Fidough Not Allowed."

As for Chansey? Young Lady Iono did not yet wish to offend Nurse Joy!

That detestable Luo Mu, however, had brought out Director Geeta, slapping a label on her that if she neglected guests from the Kalos region, the Director would surely be angry! Iono forced out a stiff smile, revealing a mouthful of shark teeth, and said with a smile that did not reach her eyes, "The battle field is ready; follow me."

Luo Mu felt nothing much, but Citron's body actually trembled, as if he had been frightened by Iono.

As for You You Lijia, she stared at Iono's back, pondering Zhi Mi's words from just now, lost in thought.

Following Iono into the Lumiose Gym, they proceeded all the way to the battle field.

Zhi Mi looked around and praised without stint, "Quite an excellent battle field; one can feel the care with which the owner maintains it!"

After such a round of praise, Iono was immediately flattered until she did not know which way was up.

Happily, she ran off to act as the referee.

Meanwhile, Zhi Mi winked at Luo Mu.

I cooperated quite well, didn't I?

Luo Mu, giving him plenty of face, nodded to him and walked to the other side.

Citron and You You Lijia also took their seats one after the other in the spectator stands nearby.

Especially Citron, who stared at the Luxray before Luo Mu with a slightly fanatical gaze, took out three Poké Balls and lightly pressed their buttons.

Red beams shot out, instantly constructing the figures of three Pokémon.

Luxio, Heliolisk, and Rotom.

All uniformly Electric-type Pokémon, corresponding to Citron's own identity as an Electric-type Gym Leader.

His expression was rarely somewhat excited as he instructed the three Pokémon: "Everyone must watch the battle seriously; do not miss a single detail!"

As a Champion-level Trainer whose ace was the Electric type, for Citron, Luo Mu was the object of his admiration and the one he wished to learn from.

Fortunately, he had brought his camera; this time, he must record the entire battle! The three Pokémon all cried out in response.

Especially Luxio; not to mention how much experience it could gain by watching the battle, given that Luxray was its evolved form.

Just hearing from Citron that it was Luo Mu and Oranguru who had acted as matchmakers, allowing it to reconnect with Citron, made its gaze become incomparably serious.

Down below, setting aside her personal feelings for the moment, Iono, whose puffed-up cheeks had alleviated somewhat, naturally did not miss the commotion over there; glancing toward the spectator stands, she murmured softly, "That boy is also an Electric-type user?"

At this moment, Luo Mu and Chairman Zhi Mi were also ready.

"For my side, it will be Luxray."

Luo Mu smiled slightly.

Luxray swiftly stepped into the battlefield, electric light flickering around its body.

Chairman Zhi Mi took a deep breath, gripped the Poké Ball in his hand tightly, and then threw it out.

"Even if it is not sweet, when recalled, it will still yield boundless benefits—"

"Savor this battle well, Blastoise!"

Boom! After a heavy sound of landing, amidst the swirling dust, a Blastoise bearing a thick shell stood firmly on the field.

(End of Chapter)