Pokemon: A New Era Begins

c2: You're Selling This Water King for 200,000?!

"Good guy, you said that Kyogre can use Water Spout. Bai Qianqian has actually seen that in action. But you're telling me that this little guy also knows Water Spout?"

Bai Qianqian stared at the tiny Squirtle before her, still processing what she had just witnessed.

"Amazing!"

After snapping back to reality, Bai Qianqian looked at Squirtle with newfound admiration. Not only was it adorable, but it also had such an incredible skill!

The water column it had just unleashed wasn't particularly large, but the sheer force behind it was mesmerizing.

"Squirtle!"

Squirtle, as if understanding the praise, squinted its big, round eyes into slits, lifted its chin slightly, and let out a proud cry.

Its expression was full of confidence, almost as if it were a seasoned warrior flaunting its strength. Bai Qianqian and Gu Xin could practically hear the unspoken smugness in its voice.

"Wow, this is too clever!"

Bai Qianqian's eyes sparkled with excitement, though she maintained a slightly arrogant air. This turtle no, this Squirtle was something else!

"You seem to like it."

Gu Xin chuckled knowingly. As expected, how could anyone resist a smart and charming Pokémon?

"Yes! I like it a lot! Little brother, I want this little turtle!"

Bai Qianqian declared her decision without hesitation.

This wasn't the cat or dog she had originally considered when entering the pet store, but it didn't matter. She was certain this Squirtle was the perfect pet for her!

And she had drawn it from something called a Pokédex wasn't that destiny at work?

"Alright, it's our greatest honor to satisfy our customers. This Squirtle is of excellent quality."

Gu Xin's smile deepened as he continued, "So the price is 200,000 yuan. Would you like to pay by card or WeChat?"

The words landed like a thunderclap in Bai Qianqian's ears.

"Of course, I'll pay with my card"

She stopped mid-sentence.

"Wait… little brother, how much did you just say?"

"The price is 200,000 yuan."

Silence.

Bai Qianqian's expression froze as she stared at Gu Xin. He blinked at her, completely unfazed.

She took a deep breath, rubbed her face with one hand, and finally blurted out:

"You're insane! You're selling this 'Water King' for 200,000 yuan?!"

She pointed at the seemingly innocent Squirtle in her arms, her tone filled with disbelief.

This was outrageous!

"You dare to ask for that much? Doesn't your conscience hurt?"

It wasn't that Bai Qianqian lacked the money. In fact, 200,000 yuan wasn't a significant sum to her at all.

But she had done her research before deciding to get a pet. A regular turtle for 200,000 yuan? That was highway robbery!

"Miss, let me clarify something."

Gu Xin's expression remained calm as he corrected her, "Its name is Squirtle, not 'Water King'…"

"And besides, do you really think 200,000 is expensive?"

Bai Qianqian hesitated and glanced at Squirtle, who was staring up at her with big, watery eyes.

"This Squirtle is highly intelligent. It understands human speech, emotions, and can even respond accordingly," Gu Xin explained.

Unlike regular animals, Pokémon possessed near-human intelligence. In the case of legendary Pokémon, their intellect could even surpass that of humans.

"And trust me, this is already a special offer since our store just opened. Consider it a new customer discount."

Gu Xin's tone was sincere as he continued, "Squirtle won't just be your pet it'll be your partner. As you spend time with it, you'll discover even more of its unique abilities."

His passion was evident. He wasn't merely selling a pet; he was introducing Pokémon to the world.

Bai Qianqian hesitated. She really liked Squirtle. It wasn't that she couldn't afford it she just hated feeling like she was being scammed.

The indignation of being overcharged gnawed at her.

"Squirtle"

A soft, affectionate cry snapped her out of her thoughts. Bai Qianqian looked down to see Squirtle gazing at her with big, pleading eyes.

She sighed.

Sigh… What a sin.

"Fine. 200,000 it is. Swipe my card."

Pouting slightly, Bai Qianqian convinced herself that it wasn't that unreasonable. After all, high-end pet dogs often cost tens or even hundreds of thousands.

And Squirtle was clearly far superior to them wasn't that worth the price?

As she reasoned with herself, she felt slightly less resentful. Yes, that was it! And besides, she had never seen a turtle like Squirtle anywhere else.

A rare species deserved to be cherished!

Wait a second

"Handsome guy, is this thing a protected species?" Bai Qianqian suddenly asked.

If Squirtle was a nationally protected animal, she would need to get proper certification to keep it legally.

"No need to worry," Gu Xin reassured her as he prepared Squirtle's essentials.

"If anything, Squirtle is far more unique than a protected species it's the first of its kind in this world."

"Besides, it's not even an animal. It's a Pokémon."

Bai Qianqian frowned in confusion.

"Pokémon?" She tilted her head. "Never heard of it before… Wait, isn't that the name of this shop?"

"That's right," Gu Xin confirmed.

"And as a welcome gift, here are your first two boxes of Pokémon Energy Cubes. These are specially formulated for Water-type Pokémon like Squirtle."

He handed over two long, wooden boxes.

"Since Squirtle is still young, these should last about half a month."

Curious, Bai Qianqian opened one of the boxes. Inside, she found neatly stacked blue cubes.

Energy Cubes? Another thing I've never heard of…

She picked one up, examining it closely. It had a soft texture, similar to jelly, and emitted a fragrant aroma that was unexpectedly appetizing.

Squirtle's eyes instantly locked onto the cube in her hand, filled with eager anticipation.

"It's made from Berries," Gu Xin explained with a smile. "You can try one yourself they're quite tasty."

Bai Qianqian hesitated, then popped one into her mouth.

Sweet. Delicious.

"Squirtle!"

Squirtle practically drooled as it stared at her, clearly wanting one too.

"Pfft here you go!"

Laughing, Bai Qianqian grabbed a handful and placed them in front of Squirtle.

Despite its eagerness, Squirtle remained obedient, waiting patiently instead of pouncing on the food.

As she watched Squirtle happily chew on the Energy Cubes, Bai Qianqian couldn't help but smile.

So cute…

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