Pokémon: Starting as a Farmer Instead of a Trainer

Chapter 396 The New Year, the "Dowry" Delivered by the Great Lord Sinnoh (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

That evening, the warm and lively atmosphere emanating from the villa dispelled the winter chill. Even though Mingyou had been away from home for several months, Lucario and Tessa had managed to take good care of everything at the manor.

All the Pokémon shops in Greentown closed their shops and rushed home after receiving news that Miyu was returning home. Even though the New Year is still a few days away, the atmosphere is already like that of the New Year.

"Melo~"

Meloetta, along with the band she had trained, was happily playing moving tunes in the living room, not only to welcome Mingyou home, but also to welcome back Milton, whom she had been eagerly anticipating.

Keldeo ran around the living room, greeting Heyue and the others and introducing itself. It was also a social terrorist, but it had been isolated for too long in that destroyed future and was now finally free.

Xiao Zhao held Talebagos, looking at the tortoise with curiosity. Then she looked at Mingyou, who was telling everyone about her travels, and said with a smile, "Although I know you have a lot to say, you've only just gotten back today. After dinner, it's better to get some rest. You don't need to worry too much about the manor; everyone is quite capable."

"Well, there's nothing else to do anyway. Meloetta and the others said the school and railway in Emerald Town are all set up?"

"Yes, I came back from Cerulean City by train a few days ago. The school's renovation is quite beautiful. Danyu and I both visited it. We can officially start recruiting students at the beginning of the year. Anyway, the first phase is for children from Emerald Town, so there aren't many applicants. I can handle it by myself."

As Xiao Zhao explained, she also told the other party about her resignation from Blueberry Academy. Although this was a pre-arranged plan, the two of them would finally not have to be so far apart anymore.

Upon hearing this, Mingyou gave a meaningful smile and said, "So, I've taken it upon myself to make a decision for you regarding the school teachers?"

"Um?"

"But I can't tell you right now."

"Well……"

Xiao Zhao pouted slightly, staring at him coquettishly. Mingyou was amused by her adorable appearance and then changed the subject: "Let's put work aside for now. There are only a few days left until the end of the year. Have you gone to buy any New Year's goods in advance?"

"Yes, I've ordered everything online. Just like last year, it should arrive around noon tomorrow."

Xiao Zhao smiled and nodded slightly. She really liked the atmosphere at home during the Chinese New Year, making dumplings, writing couplets, and making lanterns together... Of all the things she had experienced, only here had she truly experienced these things.

Recalling the past, she looked at Mingyou with her eyes and couldn't help but ask curiously, "By the way, have you thought about the future? For example, your plans after the New Year?"

"Hmm...the year isn't even over yet."

Mingyou scratched his head. He really didn't have much to think about now. Milton had been found, and the manor could be run smoothly by Pokémon. He was almost evolving into a mascot himself.

However, this was a life he had always longed for. If there was one thing he really wanted to do... Thinking of this, his gaze lingered on Xiao Zhao for a moment before he looked away.

But Xiao Zhao instantly understood what the other person meant, and her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked at him with a hint of resentment. Wasn't she thinking the same thing herself?

Thinking about truly becoming family...

After a pause, she pulled herself together and coughed lightly: "If you have nothing to do, come help me at school. The kids in town all like you. I even ran into several kids the other day who asked me about you."

"After all, I've disappeared without a word for so long... Hmm, I'll wait until after the New Year to go to town and see how things have developed!"

After saying that, Mingyou stood up. Seeing that it was getting late, she put on her apron and waved her hand, "It's almost time~ Go cook!"

"Don't walk so fast, wait for me!"

Seeing the two walk into the kitchen one after the other, everyone in the living room started talking after a moment of silence. As for the topic... of course, it was the development of the relationship between Mingyou and Xiaozhao, which everyone loved.

"Mmm~"

Ponpo sat on the sofa, covering her face, gently swaying her body. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. She wondered when she would be able to prepare the best... wedding cake for them!

Over the next few days, Mingyou was busy with various tasks and basically never left the manor area. Besides dealing with the New Year's goods, he spent the rest of his time checking the ecological park. Everything was going well so far, but unfortunately, he only brought back a monster stone tablet, which was completely useless here.

And every day, Danyu and Wuli would come here to play, making dumplings and other things with them. They also took a lot of handmade props back with them, planning to decorate their homes with them.

The next day, something quite astonishing came from the investigation team's group chat. Mingyou just smiled knowingly and didn't elaborate on what it was.

Days passed by in this lively and warm atmosphere, and before we knew it, it was already the last day of the year...

"Melo~"

After the New Year's Eve dinner, Meloeta continued to entertain her companions with her band, enjoying the New Year's atmosphere. Milton, Meloeta, and Vibrant also successfully joined her band, while Talebagos, full of curiosity, also climbed over there.

Snivy, Kirlia, and Gardevoir sat on the steps in front of the door, completely absorbed in the beautiful melody of the band.

Snorlax, having eaten and drunk its fill, lay in the yard enjoying a sweet dream. Latias sat on its belly, using its Rotom phone to film Meloetta and the others playing music, and then sent the video to its friends.

Groundwing and Blaze stayed together. Its large, furry body was very warm, attracting many Pokémon to lie on it. It used to be aloof, but now it has so many friends.

Due to their personalities, Keldeo and Lucario unexpectedly get along very well, along with Garchomp. The three of them spend all their time together, discussing things related to Kyurem in the Arctic region...

As the head of the family, Mingyou was not stingy at all, and prepared New Year's gifts for them this year. He also bought the masterpiece tea bowl that he had promised for Simocha last year from a collector at a high price, along with some limited-edition fruits and vegetables.

"Here you go. I was originally planning to make one for you... but I've been so busy this year that I haven't had time to learn these things."

Mingyou said apologetically, handing over a slightly damaged teacup with a label printed on the bottom. But Simocha didn't mind at all; on the contrary, she was very excited and jumped out of the tea canister.

Its green, liquid body easily jumped into the teacup, fitting perfectly inside. At that moment, a dazzling blue light burst forth.

Under the glow of evolution, the damaged part of the teacup was successfully repaired by its liquid body, which then seeped into the bottom of the bowl, revealing a pair of liquid-like little feet and a pair of tiny hands resting on the edge of the bowl. With a smile on its face, it looked quite adorable, along with the tea whisk on its head.

"Mommy~"

"You look very energetic!"

Seeing that Simocha had evolved into Laibeicha, Mingyou nodded in satisfaction, and everyone was also attracted by the appearance of Laibeicha and gathered around.

"Haha, just don't break the teacup."

Mingyou smiled and gave a reminder, while Heyue, not far away, was sitting on the ground holding a cup of green tea, enjoying her retirement life with great comfort.

Just then, Xiao Zhao, who had just given her Pokémon a New Year's gift, rushed over and shouted, "It's almost midnight! Is everything ready?!"

"Lai Ao!"

Rahiram nodded. This year, he would use the blue flame to light the fireworks. Although he had never seen them before, he heard from others that they seemed very interesting.

Xiao Zhao ran to Mingyou's side and counted down with him. Everyone fell silent at that moment, gazing expectantly at the night sky...

"Lai Ao!"

With just two seconds left in the countdown, Rashiram used Blue Flame to ignite all the fireworks in sequence, perfectly timed for the New Year's Eve. The fireworks burst forth, painting a dazzling picture in the night sky, reigniting everyone's passion.

"Kail..."

So beautiful!

Keldeo and the other Pokémon, who were celebrating the New Year here for the first time, were captivated by the beautiful scenery and couldn't bear to look away.

Even the Kyurem, located in the polar regions, couldn't help but look up at the night sky.

With her hands clasped behind her back, King Rachel silently watched the fireworks bloom in the night sky and murmured, "Although it's not the first time I've seen this, I have to admit that this warm feeling is truly a first."

"Right~"

Mingyou smiled, then asked curiously, "So, what about you? Any plans for the new year?"

"Of course, everything is ready. Thanks to that dog that bit me, I got some inspiration, and I already have a name for the game I'm going to make!"

"Um?"

"How about calling it 'Pokémon Legends ZA'?"

"...Whatever makes you happy."

There are just too many things to complain about. Even Mingyou doesn't know where to begin. After being bitten by Zygarde, he plans to turn it into a game. How can someone like you be so petty? You must have some kind of special fetish.

However, Xiao Zhao on the side seemed quite expectant.

"Mmm~"

Ponpo jumped out with her phone in hand, smiling and waving gently.

As for what to do, need I say more!

Everyone immediately stood together, even the sleeping Snorlax was pushed over by Lucario. Mingyou and Xiaozhao stood hand in hand in the middle, smiling, looking at the camera in Ponpo's hand in front of them.

"Mmm~"

Done~

Ponpo manually adjusted the lens, allowing the Rotom phone to hover in mid-air and take a timed photo. Then, she ran forward, intending to sit between Mingyou and Xiaozhao.

Just as it was about to reach the two people, it accidentally tripped over its left foot. Before it could react, it lost its balance and fell forward. The smile on its face turned into panic in an instant, and everyone subconsciously stepped forward to help it up.

The image on the phone froze at this point, marking a perfect end to the past year...

On the first day of the new year, the manor was mostly quiet in the morning because everyone had stayed up too late on New Year's Eve, still immersed in their sweet dreams.

Until noon that day, Mingyou and Xiaozhao, with their messy hair and still looking like they hadn't fully woken up, went to the bathroom to wash up and get ready.

At the sink, both of them were brushing their teeth with their left hands. Mingyou looked utterly dejected and pretended to complain, "It's rare for me to get up this late. I don't know who was holding me and wouldn't let go, forcing me to sleep until now after waking up this morning."

Xiao Zhao gently rubbed his right arm, which he had used as a pillow all night and was still numb and unable to lift. After hearing these words, she turned her head to look at him and said, "Then you should go back to your room to sleep for the next few days. Don't come to my room. I also feel that the bed is too cramped."

"But I think we could get a bigger bed!"

"Hmm, that's a good suggestion~"

Their playful banter is a daily occurrence. Since they met, they have never had a real argument. Even when they occasionally disagree, they quickly reconcile before things escalate.

Mingyou finished washing up and getting ready first. Her right arm was basically able to support her weight. She looked at Xiaozhao, who was applying a face mask, and said softly, "Then I'll go first..."

He was about to say he was going to cook, but just then, the sound of a horned deer suddenly came from downstairs, attracting their attention. They went to the stairs together and asked what had happened.

"Yo yo~"

The monstrous deer used its mental power to grasp a package with strange patterns. It had just woken up and had no idea who had put it there. In any case, it couldn't open it and had no idea what was inside.

Upon hearing this, Mingyou and Xiaozhao exchanged a glance and then went downstairs together. The sudden appearance of such a strange package was definitely not simple!

Once downstairs, Xiao Zhao lost all interest in applying a face mask. Looking at the package on the floor, she examined it for a moment and asked, "Can I open it?"

"Let's give it a try..."

Mingyou reached out and touched the package, and the moment her fingers touched it, the package automatically disintegrated, making both of them wary. However, there was no danger inside, but rather many things that they were extremely familiar with!

"this……"

"How could this be...?"

The two stared in astonishment at the thirteen stone tablets that emerged from the disassembled package—the exact same thirteen tablets that had fallen into the spacetime rift after the Galaxy Spaceship disintegrated.

Before they could figure out what was going on, Kirlia suddenly rushed up from behind, holding her Rotom phone, which displayed the morning news.

"Nair!"

He handed the Rotom phone to Naruto. The news report showed that this morning in the Sinnoh region's Sinnoh town, Cynthia, who was celebrating the New Year with her family, had captured remnants of Team Galactic. Among those captured... even Sun was present!

"What's going on here?!"

Mingyou was increasingly confused, but Xiaozhao, who was standing to the side, pondered for a moment and guessed, "It must have been the Great Lord Sinnoh who took action and threw them all back to face the laws of this world."

Upon hearing this conjecture, Mingyou pondered for a few seconds, his gaze shifting slightly downwards to the stone slabs. If that's the case, these stone slabs must also have been sent by the Great Lord Sinnoh? After all, at the end, he remembered that the other party seemed to have mentioned sending some kind of blessing. Could it be…

"It's being treated like a dowry..."

Xiao Zhao spoke first, uttering what Mingyou wanted to say, then turned her head, looked up at her, and softly said, "Isn't that right?"

……

(End of this chapter)