Urban Pokémon

"All right, we're here!"

Tang Rong brought her car to a stop outside an exquisite villa.

Guo Yi followed her as they stepped out together. Although this villa wasn't located in the absolute best section of Tangchen Yipin, it was far from ordinary. After all, there weren't many properties here that boasted over four hundred square meters.

"Miss Tang, you're here!"

At the villa's entrance, the property manager was already waiting respectfully. Tang Rong had called him en route, alerting the management to avoid any potential misunderstandings later.

Naturally, anyone able to buy property in Tangchen Yipin was someone important. Considering Tang Rong's own status, the manager wouldn't dare show even a hint of negligence. He'd immediately rushed out to greet them upon receiving her call.

"Miss Tang, are you planning to move in today?" he asked courteously.

Tang Rong nodded. "Almost. I'm just here to show the place to Mr. Guo. He'll be the owner living here from now on."

She pointed toward Guo Yi, clearly indicating the villa's true occupant.

The manager glanced at Guo Yi, slightly surprised by his plain attire, but his professionalism kept any skepticism from showing on his face.

"So, Mr. Guo, you're the new owner." The manager smiled warmly, extending his hand. "Hello! I'm the manager responsible for this area. You can call me Xiao Zhou."

"Nice to meet you," Guo Yi replied politely, shaking hands.

"Mr. Guo, this is your first visit. Shall I give you a brief introduction to the villa and surrounding area?" Xiao Zhou offered.

"Yes, please," Guo Yi readily agreed. After all, if nothing unexpected happened, he'd be living here for quite a while. It'd be wise to familiarize himself with the local environment.

"This way, please, Mr. Guo."

Xiao Zhou led the way, providing explanations as they walked.

"Mr. Guo, this villa has three floors. The house itself covers roughly 100 square meters per floor, and including the outdoor swimming pool and gardens, the total area exceeds 400 square meters."

Click!

The door unlocked smoothly as Xiao Zhou opened it for them.

"Mr. Guo, since the villa hasn't been occupied before, we've temporarily kept all the keys at the property management office. After completing your registration, you'll receive the full set."

As they entered, Xiao Zhou immediately offered a clear and professional explanation.

Guo Yi nodded approvingly and began looking around. The villa had a mainly European style accented with subtle traditional Chinese elements—a tasteful balance that appealed to him.

"Besides the main living room and kitchen on the first floor, there's also an extra lounge," Xiao Zhou continued. "Mr. Guo, you can decide how to use it later. It could make an excellent tea room for entertaining guests or perhaps a recreational area for gaming or playing cards."

Guo Yi glanced at the manager with amused surprise.

"Xiao Zhou, aren't you a property manager? Why do you sound more like a salesperson?"

Xiao Zhou laughed lightly. "Ah, Mr. Guo, you might not know this, but anyone who can afford property in Tangchen Yipin has considerable status. Naturally, our management team has to maintain high professional standards."

Indeed, even the security guards here had to be Veteran-tier trainers at a minimum. As a property manager, Xiao Zhou's capabilities went without saying.

"Xiao Zhou, why don't you tell me about the surrounding amenities instead?" Guo Yi smiled. "The house is already bought, so we can always inspect the rooms later."

He'd only briefly glanced around, not bothering to check upstairs. After all, there would be plenty of opportunities once he actually moved in.

"Certainly, Mr. Guo," Xiao Zhou replied readily. "The community here is entirely self-contained. Pokémon Centers, Pokémon Marts, restaurants, training facilities—everything you might need is available within the complex. Additionally, these establishments have partnerships with Tangchen Yipin, so if necessary, they can also provide door-to-door services."

Tangchen Yipin was practically a small city unto itself, encompassing virtually all daily necessities. Due to the appearance of Pokémon and Secret Realms, the total area of this world had grown exponentially compared to Guo Yi's previous life. Even in a megacity like Shanghai, known for its sky-high property values, land was not exactly scarce.

"Then let's go complete the registration," Guo Yi said, turning briefly toward Su Qingxue and Tang Rong. "I'll go with Xiao Zhou to register. You two can wait here."

"Go ahead, Sensei!"

The two women waved cheerfully, then headed upstairs to explore the rooms.

As they walked, Xiao Zhou casually asked, "If it's not too presumptuous, Mr. Guo, might I ask about your profession?"

Guo Yi had no reason to conceal his identity and answered plainly, "I'm just an ordinary Pokémon instructor. In a few days, I'll start teaching at Shanghai Pokémon University."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhou immediately offered sincere praise, "Oh! To think Mr. Guo is also teaching at Shanghai Pokémon University—you're truly accomplished at such a young age!"

As one of the top institutions nationwide, teaching at Shanghai Pokémon University was no simple feat. However, Guo Yi noticed another subtle implication in Xiao Zhou's words.

"'Also'?" he inquired. "Xiao Zhou, do other instructors from Shanghai Pokémon University live here too?"

Xiao Zhou nodded with enthusiasm. "Certainly, Mr. Guo. Let me tell you—"

Suddenly, a clear, feminine voice rang out from nearby.

"Garchomp, you can do it!"

"Just one more lap, and today's training is complete!"

Xiao Zhou chuckled lightly, shifting his topic effortlessly. "Speak of the devil, Mr. Guo—there she is!"

Not far away, a stunning young woman in athletic clothing approached, running alongside a Pokémon at her side—a Pokémon known famously as the "Land Shark," Garchomp.

[Garchomp (Dragon/Ground)]

[Gender: ♀]

[Level: Lv69 (Pseudo-Elite Four)]

[Ability: Rough Skin (Damages opponents on physical contact.)]

[Moves: Dragon Rush, Dig, Dragon Claw, Sand Tomb (Commonly used moves)]

[Tutor Moves: Earthquake, Shadow Claw, Dragon Tail]

[Egg Move: Outrage]

[Held Item: Focus Sash (Elite Four-grade)]

[Potential: Champion]

A Champion potential Garchomp? Guo Yi thought in surprise. Clearly, this lady has quite the impressive background.

A Pokémon with Champion-level potential—especially a pseudo-legendary—was something Guo Yi hadn't encountered often.

Driven by curiosity, he quickly activated his ability to check this mysterious trainer's details.

[Name: Bai Cai]

[Age: 24]

[Background: Instructor at Shanghai Pokémon University; Member of Shanghai Exploration Team; Member of Shanghai Archaeological Society; Shanghai...] (Further details omitted)

[Abilities: None]

[Template Compatibility: Cynthia, Champion of Sinnoh]

[Note: This woman possesses extraordinary talent. Recommendation: Accept as a disciple.]

Guo Yi inhaled sharply.

However, what truly stunned him wasn't merely Bai Cai's exceptional trainer template, but her formidable and extensive background. Although Cynthia's template was indeed impressive, Guo Yi had already recruited disciples with templates like Gary Oak and Giovanni, which were equally outstanding. Thus, he remained relatively composed regarding this aspect.

But seeing a background extensive enough for the system to truncate it with an ellipsis—that was a first for him.

Noticing Guo Yi's prolonged gaze, Xiao Zhou softly cautioned, "Mr. Guo, that's the lady I mentioned earlier—Miss Bai. Don't let her youthful appearance fool you; she's incredibly strong. So please consider carefully before attempting anything...reckless."

It was natural, Xiao Zhou thought, for a man's eyes to linger on a beauty. Yet, he politely offered a gentle warning to avoid any unnecessary trouble between neighbors—trouble he'd be forced to mediate.

Guo Yi coughed slightly in embarrassment, quickly retracting his gaze. "Relax, Xiao Zhou. I was simply curious about what my future colleague might be like."

Xiao Zhou nodded knowingly, giving Guo Yi a subtle, understanding smile.

At that moment, Bai Cai jogged closer with her Garchomp, greeting the manager warmly.

"It's been a while, Xiao Zhou!"

"Good day, Miss Bai." Xiao Zhou smiled back politely. Turning slightly, he added, "Ah, by the way, Miss Bai, this is a new resident here—he'll also be teaching at Shanghai Pokémon University."

Normally, Xiao Zhou wouldn't introduce new residents to Bai Cai, especially male residents, as she preferred her privacy. She'd specifically chosen to live in Tangchen Yipin to avoid unwanted interactions. But since Guo Yi would soon become her colleague, he made an exception.

"Oh?" Bai Cai's expression shifted to surprise. "I didn't expect to meet a fellow instructor here. Nice to meet you—I'm Bai Cai. I teach Pokémon Mythology at Shanghai Pokémon University, exploring legendary and mythical lore."

Ever since Pokémon arrived in this world, various mysterious ruins had gradually been uncovered, revealing ancient records of Pokémon myths. Most current knowledge about legendary Pokémon—like the Legendary Birds and Legendary Beasts—had originated from such archaeological discoveries.

"Hello, I'm Guo Yi," he replied politely, briefly shaking her hand before promptly releasing it. "I was just appointed as an assistant instructor at Shanghai Pokémon University. It's a pleasure to meet you. As for what subjects I'll teach, I suppose I'll find out when I start working."

His restrained, respectful demeanor immediately earned Bai Cai's appreciation.

"No wonder I didn't recognize you—you must be a brand-new colleague." She smiled warmly.

Guo Yi laughed lightly. "I certainly didn't expect the honor of working alongside someone as accomplished as Miss Bai. In the future, I hope I can rely on your guidance at work."

"Of course, colleagues should always support each other," she agreed pleasantly.

"Well then, Miss Bai, I still have a few matters to take care of, so I'll take my leave first."

"See you around, Mr. Guo!"

After exchanging brief pleasantries, Guo Yi followed Xiao Zhou onward to complete his registration.

Meanwhile, Bai Cai paused thoughtfully as her Garchomp continued staring intently at Guo Yi's retreating back.

"What's the matter, Garchomp? Is something wrong with that man?" she asked gently, sensing the dragon's unusual fixation.

Garchomp growled softly, communicating carefully:

"Trainer, that man…makes me feel uneasy."

"Uneasy?" Bai Cai's expression immediately turned serious.

Her Garchomp had accompanied her countless times into perilous ruins, honing a highly sensitive awareness for danger. After all, most Pokémon encountered in ancient ruins were Ghost-types, known for stealthy ambushes. Thus, her Pokémon's intuition for threats was exceptionally sharp.

If Guo Yi's presence alone could unsettle her Garchomp, then he must have Pokémon equally formidable—or even stronger.

"Interesting..." she murmured softly, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

Strong enough to unsettle my Garchomp, yet just an assistant instructor?

Even most veteran instructors at Shanghai Pokémon University didn't evoke such vigilance from Garchomp, yet this newly appointed assistant instructor had done precisely that. Clearly, he was no ordinary individual.

"Come, Garchomp," Bai Cai smiled quietly, turning to head home. "Since he lives here and we'll be working together, we'll have plenty of chances to meet. I'll find the opportunity soon enough to gauge his true strength."

Perhaps driven by her passion for archaeology, Bai Cai was filled with an intense desire to explore and uncover mysteries. To put it simply—Guo Yi had sparked her curiosity.

Garchomp roared lightly, following obediently at her heels.

---

"All right, Mr. Guo. Just sign here, and your registration is complete," Xiao Zhou directed, gesturing to the bottom of the documents.

After a quick review, Guo Yi signed his name smoothly.

"Here are the keys to your villa, Mr. Guo. And here's my business card. If you need anything, please feel free to call me anytime."

"Thank you for your help today, Xiao Zhou." Guo Yi graciously accepted the keys and card.

Truly, big companies excelled at customer service.

"Shall I show you the way back, Mr. Guo?" Xiao Zhou politely asked.

Guo Yi shook his head, declining. "That's all right—I remember the way."

"Take care, Mr. Guo!"

The manager diligently escorted him to the door before returning to his duties.

Once Guo Yi was gone, a female employee nearby asked curiously, "Manager, who was that? You personally attended to him, but his clothes looked pretty ordinary—like cheap street market stuff."

Sizing up people by their attire was basic knowledge for property staff.

Xiao Zhou glanced at her briefly before answering calmly, "I don't know his exact background. But Miss Tang personally drove him here, and judging by her respectful attitude, he's clearly someone important."

"Miss Tang..." the employee muttered quietly, sighing as if lamenting the loss of potential prey.

Ignoring her reaction, Xiao Zhou simply returned to his office.

In a place like this, it was common for employees to harbor unrealistic fantasies. As long as they didn't stir up trouble, he preferred not to interfere.