Everyone Else Awakened, But I Just Opened a Pokémon Pet Shop

Compared to the previous two, Murong Nan was far more reserved. She timidly handed over her card.

"Go, Nannan! You can totally pull a strong Pokémon too!"

Cheering her on was Liu Yunlan, face buried in the thick, warm fur around Growlithe's neck.

Murong Nan didn't say a word as she placed her hand on the Pokédex.

Seeing the hesitation on her face, Su Bai chuckled gently.

"Honestly… pulling a pseudo-legendary isn't that easy."

It was obvious this icy beauty was a little short on funds.

After all, Liu Yunlan had a rich sister in Liu Yunshuang.

But if Murong Nan did end up pulling a pseudo-legendary, she might not even be able to afford to bring it home.

So understandably, she looked conflicted.

The Pokédex flashed and shifted.

Finally, a dopey-looking duck appeared before the crowd.

Rotom's mechanical voice rang out:

"Price: 800,000 credits."

"Psy…duck~ Psy~ duck~"

As soon as Psyduck hit the ground, it clutched its head with both flippers and waddled toward Murong Nan in a daze.

Its three black head feathers bounced with every step, making it look absolutely ridiculous.

It even tilted its head slightly, casting a crooked glance toward the majestic Prinplup standing proudly nearby.

Its glazed, beady eyes and clumsy, awkward movements instantly made the Pokémon seem hopelessly silly.

Prinplup, who had been loyally guarding Murong Nan, looked visibly disgusted.

With a flick of its flipper, it slapped Psyduck and spun it around on the spot.

Yet even then, Psyduck still didn't let go of its head.

It just stood there, flailing slightly, calling out pitifully to its new trainer.

The scene had everyone bursting into laughter.

"Pfft—this guy is hilarious!"

Liu Yunlan couldn't hold back and laughed out loud.

"This big yellow duck… is too funny!"

"Is this 'brilliant' little face really worth 800,000 credits?!"

"Prinplup!"

Murong Nan quickly tried to stop her partner from bullying the dazed duck.

Clearly, Prinplup wasn't too fond of the goofy newcomer.

But with Prinplup's prideful personality, that was no surprise.

Su Bai watched the interaction and shook his head with a smile.

Still, he made sure to explain things properly for the buyer.

"Looks like you've got an affinity with Water-types, huh?"

He grinned.

"Psyduck's a really decent Water-type Pokémon."

"Don't let its blank expression fool you—it's actually pretty powerful."

"And most importantly, it complements your Prinplup's combat style really well."

"But the real surprise is… this Psyduck has a Hidden Ability!"

"Swift Swim. That's no ordinary trait."

"When it's raining, this little guy's speed doubles!"

The moment Psyduck had appeared, Su Bai had already checked its data.

To his surprise, it really was a Hidden Ability Psyduck.

Though the price stays the same regardless of ability, pulling a Hidden Ability Pokémon was considered very lucky.

Suddenly, Wang Tao blurted out excitedly:

"Whoa! Hidden Ability?! Now that's something I do know about!"

"Murong Nan, your luck's amazing!"

He should know—his own Grotle had a Hidden Ability.

If not for its Shell Armor, he never could've raised it so effectively.

Out of everyone here, he probably understood better than anyone how valuable a Hidden Ability was.

Hearing Wang Tao, Murong Nan finally smiled slightly.

She felt both relieved and a little disappointed that she hadn't pulled a pseudo-legendary.

But the Hidden Ability helped ease that disappointment.

She crouched down and gently patted Psyduck's head.

Then, noticing its oddly focused eyes, she asked curiously:

"Why does Psyduck keep holding its head like that?"

"It won't let go!"

She tugged gently at one of Psyduck's flippers, trying to pull it down.

In the next instant, the round-bodied duck began to wobble and nearly fell over!

Thankfully, Prinplup sighed and reached out just in time to steady it.

The whole scene sent another wave of laughter through the store.

"This one's a born comedian! I'm dying here!"

Liu Yunlan wiped tears from her eyes and gasped for air.

"Why is it so obsessed with holding its head?!"

Su Bai was also amused but kept his composure as he explained:

"That's exactly why I said Psyduck's different from your Prinplup, even though they're both Water-types."

"Psyduck actually has powerful Psychic abilities."

"But in its current immature state, it can't control them at all."

"As a result, it suffers from frequent headaches and even watery eyes from the pressure."

"That's why it's always holding its head—it hurts."

"But those hidden Psychic powers? They're constantly building up inside."

"When that energy finally explodes... it can be seriously dangerous."

"In fact, that kind of release might even rival some pseudo-legendaries."

"As its trainer, you really need to watch out for that."

Murong Nan nodded repeatedly at Su Bai's warning, quickly letting go of Psyduck's flipper with an apologetic look.

She gave Prinplup a gentle pat and said:

"You heard that, Prinplup? You need to take good care of Psyduck from now on."

"Psyduck has it rough before it evolves, you know."

Pokémon could generally understand their Trainers.

Hearing her words, Prinplup nodded solemnly.

With a flap of its short wings, it pulled Psyduck behind it—clearly declaring:

"I'll protect you."

"Xiaonan's really like a mother now! These two little guys are in good hands."

Liu Yunshuang teased playfully.

"Honestly, Pokémon really are like children. So cute."

Su Bai nodded with a smile, then turned and gestured.

"Well then, is it your turn now, Miss Liu Yunshuang?"

The first three customers had all drawn something great, and Su Bai was curious to see what Liu Yunshuang might get.

To his surprise, she simply shook her head.

"I'll pass. I want to focus on training my Jigglypuff."

Ji Wei also chimed in, nodding firmly.

"Can't chew more than I can swallow. I'm still focusing on my Sandile."

Su Bai smiled and nodded.

"Looks like these top-tier trainers really value their first Pokémon a lot."

Liu Yunshuang laughed gently.

"Besides, I don't want to compete with these eager students."

"You can tell they're raring to go."

Just as she finished speaking, everyone followed her gaze—

Only to see Zhang Qun charge into the store waving his black card like a flag!

His adorable Gible gave a fierce (yet cute) growl the moment they stepped in.

Behind him followed a mob of young elites—rich kids and top students from Haicheng First High School.

Su Bai's lips curled into a wide smile.

"Looks like today's going to be one heck of a harvest."