novel-bin Chapter 382 I have few friends, but... many?
Chapter 382 I have few friends, but... many?
Chapter 382 I have few friends, but... many?
Xia Chi originally thought he didn't have many friends in this world.
But when he carefully considered the list of people he planned to invite to the island to celebrate the New Year together, he found that there seemed to be quite a few.
Divided by region.
President Yeci and Qishu from the Padiya region will definitely be invited; there's no need to elaborate on these two.
Although we haven't seen each other much since the competition in Kitakami Township, we've kept in touch. The roster has been expanded by 1.
As for Grandpa Xuezhong, who lives far away in Beishang Township, Xia Chi had originally extended an invitation, but considering that the two elderly people were too old to travel such a long distance, he had to regretfully decline in the end.
Dr. Foutu and his wife, who were at the bottom of the Padia Pit, were also busy with the construction of the Paradoxical Paradise and declined Xia Chi's invitation.
Next is the Hoenn region.
Of course, Daigo and Michael, these two best buddies, should be invited.
Both of them were very happy to receive the invitation and readily agreed to be there on time.
Adam, on the other hand, smiled meaningfully during the video call, indicating that he had other plans for those few days.
When Xia Chi curiously asked, "What are you going to do?", he remained silent, only nodding with a smile.
Xia Chi twitched her lips and immediately hung up the phone.
LSP, huh, pshaw!
As for why you understood it instantly, that's none of your business!
They also got in touch with Manon Xiachi from the Water City. She was currently traveling and cultivating in the Eastern Huang region, preparing for the Eastern Huang Conference the following year.
They happily agreed to come and visit.
Latios, who was standing nearby, seemed to have heard Xia Chi's voice on the phone and became even more enthusiastic.
Clearly, this sister-obsessed guy is eager to reunite with Latias.
There's not much to say about the Galar region.
They spent a total of some time in Armor Island and Miyamon City.
The only people they interacted with were Senior Brother Dandi and Master Ma Shide.
Both of them said they would bring housewarming gifts.
As for the Unova region we just left...
Xiao Ju'er, Ju Laoda and his daughter Ziyu, and Xia Ka and Alice all readily agreed.
Others declined for various reasons.
Finally, there's the Donghuang region where I am located.
After looking around, I realized that my hometown had the fewest people I could invite.
That's really quite rare.
Even so, Xia Chi sent invitation messages to Yu Muxue, the champion, as well as two friends from Shanghai universities, Chen Zhenze and Lin Lange, whom he hadn't contacted in a long time.
I just haven't received a reply yet.
Winter days are exceptionally short. By the time Xia Chi had contacted almost all the friends on the list, the setting sun outside the window had already completely sunk below the distant horizon.
As dusk settles and the city lights begin to twinkle...
To be precise, the bright lights on this small island are only in the main residential area on the beach side.
As I stepped onto the balcony for some fresh air, I could smell the enticing aroma of Latias and Blaziken preparing dinner from the kitchen downstairs, along with the playful laughter of Winged Hair and Victini chasing and playing.
Hearing that familiar and reassuring voice, Xia Chi smiled knowingly.
He leaned on the railing and gazed into the distance at the deep, tranquil sea under the night sky, where twinkling stars began to appear.
A long-lost sense of peace and contentment slowly washed over him.
In the night sky not far away, a white dot of light was steadily approaching, standing out against the deep blue backdrop.
Xia Chi looked closely and saw that it was Rahiram, who had been missing for almost a whole day.
Although her wings were not seen flapping violently, her speed was astonishing.
In the blink of an eye, the graceful white figure landed lightly on the wide balcony, its pure white wings folded without stirring up a speck of dust.
"Where have you gone to inspect your new territory? You haven't been seen all day."
Xia Chi walked forward with a smile and teased.
Reshiram shifted slightly, a soft white light emanating from his body. His massive form rapidly shrank within the light, adjusting to a relatively smaller size more suitable for indoor activities.
She replied telepathically, "I have created a sensory barrier around the island and above it, composed of my primordial fire energy."
Her icy blue eyes looked at Xia Chi, and she continued to explain, "From now on, if any malicious energy entity attempts to forcibly break in, or if any abnormal energy conflict occurs on the island, as long as we are within the scope of this planet, no matter where we are, we will be able to clearly sense it immediately."
Xia Chi felt a slight warmth in his heart upon hearing this.
Although he didn't show it on his face after Da Wangyan reported the suspected intrusion incident last night, he wasn't completely at ease inside.
Unexpectedly, Rahiram not only took this matter to heart, but also quietly resolved his concerns in the most direct and reliable way.
She really made me cry my eyes out!
However, according to Lehiram, it is equivalent to laying down a more convenient "monitoring system" that does not require charging or internet connection.
This undoubtedly provides ample security for the island.
Especially when I'm not home.
The reliability of the barrier constructed by Reshiram, one of the Three Dragons of the Way, is beyond doubt.
"Thank you for your help, Rashiram."
Xia Chi patted her fluffy head.
To be honest, Reshiram in its normal size is sacred and majestic, making it unapproachable, but after shrinking, that majesty reveals a touch of exquisiteness and cuteness, like a high-end doll, and it feels surprisingly good to the touch.
However, Lehiram wasn't someone anyone could easily manipulate. She unceremoniously shook off Xia Chi's hand, thinking to herself, "It was just a casual thing."
Xia Chi smiled slightly.
If it were really just a "casual thing", would you spend the whole day on it?
However, Xia Chi only thought these words to himself and did not expose Reshiram's arrogance.
"Let's go downstairs for dinner. I bought lots of delicious food today, so we don't have to worry about running out."
"...If I really eat as much as I want, no matter how much you buy, it won't be enough."
The man and the dragon chatted as they walked downstairs.
Perhaps because it was related to "eating", Lao Mi showed amazing talent in digging winter bamboo shoots. When Xia Chi came to the living room, she was almost surprised by the scene in front of her. Near the door, there was a large pile of winter bamboo shoots covered with fresh soil on the open ground.
Milton was covered in mud, looking like a newly unearthed artifact, showing absolutely no signs of futuristic technology.
Upon seeing Xia Chi come downstairs, it immediately raised its head, its electronic eyes, composed of dots, flashing with a "seeking praise" light, while wagging its tail and making a boastful sound towards Xia Chi.
"Hiss!"
Xia Chi kicked it, both amused and exasperated, "Go rinse it off quickly, it's filthy."
Milton also experienced a performance-type dragon attack, his body shrank slightly, the light in his electronic eyes dimmed instantly, and he switched to a pitiful expression.
Xia Chi sighed helplessly, knowing that if he didn't cooperate, this charade wouldn't end.
His face instantly switched to an expression of utter shock and admiration, and his voice rose several octaves.
"Wow, you dug up so many winter bamboo shoots, Milton! That's amazing!"
Having received the exaggerated praise he expected, Millardon was finally satisfied, and his aggrieved expression vanished.
After letting out a joyful shout, it ran briskly towards the bathroom, leaving a trail of muddy footprints.
Watching its carefree retreating figure, Xia Chi couldn't help but click her tongue and shake her head with a laugh: "What a drama queen..."
While sitting in the living room watching a melodramatic 8 PM drama typical of Donghuang, Cattleya added, "Hmm, you're quite similar in that respect."
Summer Pond:
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It must be said that winter bamboo shoots are especially sweet at this time of year.
Whether it was due to self-promotion or not, Xia Chi even felt that the wild game from her own island was excessively delicious.
However, Yui and Gadria soon expressed their approval as well.
"The bamboo shoots are especially sweet today, they taste really good."
Uniqlo savored it carefully.
"Yes, the cooking time and the ingredients themselves are both excellent."
Cattleya also gave her affirmation.
Having determined that it wasn't psychological, Xia Chi thoughtfully stroked his chin and speculated, "Could it be that Groudon's modification... imbued this land with some kind of special energy, thus improving the quality of the plants growing here?"
As a reward for teaching the "flying" technique to those who couldn't fly, Gu Gu made some minor modifications to the island.
Yui, who had just left the "Fire Goose" identity, was also present that time. She suddenly realized, "I knew it! That's why the fruit on the island is so much better than the ones I've seen in Hoenn, both in terms of growth rate and plumpness. I thought it was due to differences in regional climate and soil, but now I know the reason!"
Xia Chi stroked his chin and looked at Reshiram, who was eating elegantly in the elven dining area, and Milton, who was enjoying his meal.
He pondered to himself.
I wonder if these two legendary figures, both considered cover gods, can provide a similar boost to the island...
However, if we're talking about Harvest Moon... then the Lady Crown, who is known as the goddess of abundance, is the real professional fit?
Forget it, let's talk about this later.
He no longer has the energy or inclination to travel all the way to the Crown Snowfield to find some Crowned King.
The first day back home passed quietly in this busy, fulfilling yet peacefully happy rhythm.
The next day, Xia Chi had just woken up when he received news that his first guest was about to arrive in Shanghai.
"Sister Yeci and I have already set off~ We'll arrive in Shanghai tomorrow morning. Am I the first one to arrive?!"
(^ ∇^)
Just by looking at the words, Xia Chi could almost hear Qi Shu's lively, cheerful voice, tinged with a hint of pride.
He calculated the time difference and realized that when he sent the message, it was probably evening in Niangguang City, Padiya.
So, they should have arrived in Shanghai around noon?
So we'll arrive here around noon?
While brushing her teeth, Xia Chi replied, "Setting off so soon? Okay, I'll pick you up at the airport on time."
As for the second half of Qi Shu's sentence, Xia Chi was too embarrassed to say it.
Although you set off very early, Qishu, Cattleya came back with me.
This time, the green plum was no match for the sudden influx.
No, what kind of weird metaphors are these?
There are not many flights from Padiya Niangguang to Shanghai.
After a quick calculation, Xia Chi pinpointed the train that Qi Shu and President Ye Ci were on.
After lunch, Xia Chi rode his Milerton to the airport.
Upon closer examination, in a sense, the political aspect of the Pokémon world's alliances is actually quite weak.
The arrival of the league president and champion, along with one of the Four Heavenly Kings, would have been a high-profile state visit in my previous life.
But in this world centered around trainers and Pokémon, all of this seems so ordinary, like a casual visit between friends.
Considering that he just won the championship in the Evil Attribute Expert Tournament with a stunning performance of "one against six" throughout, his popularity in the Donghuang region is currently at its peak.
To avoid causing unnecessary crowds and disturbances at the airport, Xia Chi deliberately chose to wait in a relatively quiet area outside the arrivals area.
This is not narcissism, but rather a clear understanding of the current situation.
Rotom's phone vibrated, and a cheerful message popped up on the screen: "We're here~ Achi, where are you?"
Xia Chi replied, "Wait a moment at arrival gate number 3, I'll be right there."
He carefully lowered the brim of his hat and adjusted his sunglasses and mask—this disguise made him think that even his own mother might not recognize him immediately.
However, just as he stepped into the waiting area and before he could even send a message to let them know his exact location, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure running excitedly toward him out of the corner of his eye.
That iconic two-tone dyed long hair, who else could it be but Qi Shu?
Summer Pond:
'
'
He was speechless for a moment.
No, even I don't recognize myself in this outfit. How did you spot me in the crowd?
However, the airport pickup process went more smoothly than Xia Chi had imagined.
"Achi! Here, here!"
Qi Shu ran up to him, waving with a grin, showing no signs of fatigue from the long flight.
Xia Chi took off her sunglasses, revealing a smile, and saw President Ye Ci walking calmly behind Qi Shu.
"Sister Yeci, Qishu, it's been a long time."
Xia Chi went up to him, his tone filled with a sincere welcome: "This invitation came rather hastily, I hope it hasn't disrupted your original plans."
"Absolutely not!"
Qi Shu eagerly answered, a bright smile blooming on his delicate face, as if stars were twinkling in his eyes.
"As soon as we received your message, Ye Ci and I immediately adjusted our plans. Visiting your new home is much more interesting than staying cooped up in Niangguang City!"
President Ye Ci smiled and nodded: "The year-end alliance affairs have been mostly handled. It's a holiday, and I was wondering where to go to kill time. Your invitation is just in time."
See, that's why people say he's qualified to be the president of the Padiya League—his emotional intelligence!
However, despite saying that, Xia Chi preferred Qi Shu's honest and cute answer.
"Alright, let's talk about catching up when we get back."
Xia Chi snapped out of his thoughts and said with a smile, "There are too many people and too many eyes here, let's go back to the island first. You must be hungry after your long journey. I have already asked Latias to prepare a sumptuous meal to welcome you back."
Ye Ci nodded and said, "Qi Shu and I had some light meals on the plane, so we're not hungry yet. But the elves definitely need to replenish their energy. Thank you, Xia Chi."
"Sister Yeci, you're too kind."
Xia Chi waved her hand and smiled, "When you come here, it's like coming home. Just relax."
Suddenly remembering something, Qi Shu asked, "By the way, Achi, what's the name of your island?"
Xia Chi was slightly taken aback.
Maybe...it seems...it appears...I really did forget to name the island?
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