Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

Let's bring our attention back to Xiaozhi's "storytelling".

"...This forest is located in a relatively secluded area, far from major towns and roads, with very little human activity. Because of this, the ecology here is well preserved, and many relatively weak or timid Pokémon choose to live here."

Cui Zi's gaze fell upon the lush green forest outside the window, and her voice softened.

“I initially lived here simply because I liked the peace and quiet. But I gradually discovered that these little guys occasionally run into trouble—sometimes it’s an unintentional disturbance from a large Pokémon passing by, sometimes it’s natural injuries, and sometimes… it’s the influence of a few unfriendly trainers.”

She looked away and gently stroked the edge of the wooden table, where several unprocessed herbs still lay.

“I’ve learned some traditional herbal knowledge and have gradually figured out how to take care of them. I wouldn’t call myself a professional, but at least I can provide a place for them to rest and recover when they are injured, sick, or frightened.”

She paused, as if remembering something, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Over time, we became like tacit neighbors. I took care of them, and they... kept me company. That's about it."

Xiaoxia seemed to be deep in thought.

"That's like being a childcare worker..."

Cui Zi gently shook her head, her smile carrying a hint of humility.

"It's not that formal; it's just a lifestyle I've chosen."

"Oh! I see! You're a really nice person!"

"Pickup!"

Ash appeared with Pikachu on his head, a pom-pom hanging from his arm, and Oddish and Paras around his feet, moving over like a mobile Pokémon shelf.

He nodded repeatedly upon hearing Cui Zi's words, his expression serious.

The Pokémon all nodded in agreement.

Cuizi: "...?"

No?

It seems like I'm the one who's in charge here, right?

43. Bulbasaur, you didn't want this either...

After Cui Zi treated them to a meal, night had fallen.

The three, exhausted from a long day, rested for the night in the wooden cabin in the woods.

The next morning.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the wooden windows, casting warm, dappled patterns of light into the room.

Xiao Gang and Xiao Zhi got up very early together.

Let's chat briefly.

The two then went about their own business.

Ash and his Pokémon went to their daily training session.

Xiao Gang, on the other hand, was busy at the makeshift stove outside the house, full of energy.

As the spatula flew across the surface, an enticing aroma quickly filled the air.

Not only did it awaken a host of Pokémon, but it also attracted the curious gaze of Midori.

They used every trick in the book.

Xiao Gang transformed simple ingredients into a delicious and visually appealing breakfast.

Even Bulbasaur, who disliked Brock in every way, was not satisfied.

After tasting it, they could only lower their heads and rummage through the empty plates in front of them with their paws, unable to find any fault with it.

After a satisfying meal and a good night's rest, they were ready to eat and drink.

Ash and Misty decide to continue their journey.

Although Xiao Gang was still a little reluctant to leave, he was under Bulbasaur's 'gentle' gaze.

In the end, they didn't dare to cause any more trouble.

Please take good care of yourself on the road.

As she was leaving, Cui Zi came out carrying several cans of her carefully blended flower tea.

After looking around, his gaze swept over Brock, who was full of anticipation, and Ash, who was reluctantly saying goodbye to a group of Pokémon.

Ultimately, it fell on Xiaoxia, the only normal person.

"It's just a small token of my appreciation, nothing valuable, please accept it."

"You're too kind. In the end, we're the ones who have troubled you."

Xiaoxia accepted the gift with both hands and thanked them politely.

Unlike Ash from the mountains and Brock, a survival master, he grew up in a big city like Cerulean City.

In terms of etiquette, Xiaoxia is competent.

After saying goodbye to all the Pokémon, Ash and Pikachu distributed the things they had picked during their morning exercise.

Finally, Ash's gaze settled on Bulbasaur.

Noticing Ash's gaze, Bulbasaur immediately lowered its head uncomfortably, unconsciously scratching at the soil around its feet with its right forepaw.

Bulbasaur!

Xiao Zhi strode up to it and squatted down without hesitation.

"You're amazing!"

He gave a thumbs up.

"By the way, would you like to go on a trip with me?"

Xiao Zhi didn't say much and directly extended the invitation.

Bulbasaur was stunned for a moment.

The claws that were scratching the ground stopped.

After hearing the story Xiao Zhi told yesterday, it was indeed somewhat tempted.

It glanced at Ash, then at Midori behind it, and at the cabin in the woods it was protecting, along with all the Pokémon.

His eyes revealed obvious hesitation.

In the end, it only let out a soft cry.

"seed……"

"I see..."

Having understood its meaning, Xiao Zhi nodded and fell into deep thought.

Bulbasaur...

Cui Zi, who was secretly observing from the side, immediately raised her hand to cover her mouth.

Her eyes were slightly red and filled with tears.

These are tears of emotion!

Bulbasaur, you have me in your heart!

She originally thought that Bulbasaur was definitely going to be kidnapped by Ash with a series of punches!

I'm already mentally prepared!

Wiping away her tears, Cui Zi stepped forward.

"...Although I'm glad you chose to stay, if you continue like this, you'll become a frog in a well."

Seeing through Bulbasaur's thoughts, Midori gently touched the seed on its back.

"With your talent, you should be able to go much further."

"seed!"

"Weren't you really enjoying Xiaozhi's story last night?"

She wasn't very interested in traveling, but Bulbasaur was different.

She could tell that Bulbasaur definitely longed for it.

Bulbasaur's momentum weakened instantly.

With its head down, it began to scratch the ground with its claws.

"Don't worry about us. You've taken care of us for a long time. It's time for you to go and pursue your own path."

Midori smiled and looked at the other Pokémon.

"Besides, we're not as weak as you think!"

Seeing the Pokémon nodding in agreement, Bulbasaur shook its head.

"seed!"

It was still somewhat uneasy.

"Miss Midori! I also think Bulbasaur makes a lot of sense!"

Brock, who had somehow found himself on the same wavelength as Bulbasaur, spoke with a serious expression.

Bulbasaur immediately gave him a grateful glance.

Although this person's eyes always seemed a bit off, he was surprisingly able to say something so reasonable at a crucial moment!

That's practically in line with the frog's nature!

"In that case..."

Xiao Gang suddenly slammed the backpack on his shoulder onto the ground.

Arriving beside Bulbasaur, his face radiated a glow as if he had found a new direction in life.

"...Then why don't I stay here too!"