An abstract trainer who taught Charmander the Incinerate move

Chapter 290 Reencounter with Zhu Lan, Love in the Upper Class of United Nations TV (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Mo Zhen and Ya Di looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman in a black lace embroidered dress elegantly crossing her legs on a velvet high-backed chair in the next booth. Her slender fingers held the handle of a white porcelain cup, and a small spoon slowly stirred the cup, creating swirling circles of dark brown liquid.

Afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting a hazy glow on her waist-length, pale golden hair. A few strands fell down, obscuring half her face, but unable to hide the enigmatic smile playing at the corners of her lips.

This woman was none other than Zhu Lan, the mythology scholar whose identity remained a mystery, who had been appearing and disappearing mysteriously around Mo Zhen, sometimes handing him bricks and documents to precisely deflect bullets, and sometimes appearing at the construction site to answer his questions.

Mo Zhen was slightly taken aback, and a sharp glint flashed in her narrow eyes behind her glasses.

Although this woman's whereabouts are mysterious and her motives are enigmatic, often giving him an unsettling feeling of being pulled by invisible threads, it is undeniable that she is like a walking treasure trove of Unicron secrets, knowing far more than her book, "Chronicle of the Origins of Human and Elf Bloodlines."

He tapped his knuckles lightly twice on the teakwood table, leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and asked with the curiosity and scrutiny characteristic of an artist.

“Miss Zhulan, what a coincidence! Judging from your tone just now, you seem to know a great deal about the [Elf Era]? I wonder... how much do you know about it?”

Zhu Lan gently placed the coffee cup back onto the gilded bone china saucer, making a crisp tinkling sound.

She raised her icy blue eyes, her gaze sweeping over Mo Zhen's face before passing over Ya Di, whose cheeks were flushed with excitement. The corners of her lips deepened, revealing a composure as if she held the core secret.

She gently shook her head, her voice like a stream flowing from melting snow, clear and cool yet carrying a hint of alluring warmth.

"Understood? Mr. Mo Zhen's wording is too formal. I am a member of [Elf Era] myself."

She paused, admiring the instantaneous change in the expressions on their faces, especially the light shining in Aya's eyes, before continuing slowly.

"If you two are truly so interested in the concept of the [Elf Era]... or rather, in the 'possibilities' it presents, perhaps I can make an exception and show you the internal members-only gathering being held this week. That's not a place that just anyone can enter."

Members-only gathering?
Mo Zhen's pupils contracted slightly, and countless fragments of information flashed through her mind in an instant.

Strict entry requirements, secretive gatherings, the label of high society...

This is probably not the idyllic, pastoral gathering of like-minded people that Yati initially imagined. Rather, it is more like an elite club with extremely high thresholds and strict selection criteria. Unless you are part of the core circle or have a special introduction, you probably won't even know which way the door opens.

He unconsciously rubbed his chin, the cuff of his red suit drawing a subtle arc across the table.

Immediately afterward, Mo Zhen blurted out, with a hint of inquiry and disbelief.

"Oh, by the way, how did you get your [Elf Era] membership?"

He simply couldn't imagine how this aloof scholar of Sinnoh mythology, who studied the taboo subject of hybrids, had managed to infiltrate a small, elite club within the Unova.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Lan's icy blue eyes, which were peeking out from her hair, curved slightly, as if she had thought of something interesting. She extended her index finger and gently pressed it to her lips, making a gesture of secrecy, her tone carrying an almost teasing sense of mystery.

"Well... it was a gift from a friend."

A gift from a friend?

Mo Zhen's lips twitched uncontrollably, and black lines seemed to droop down from his forehead. A strong sense of déjà vu washed over him.

This perfunctory and generic excuse... why does it sound so familiar?
It seems that in my past life, on gaming forums, those guys who showed off their shiny legendary Pokémon with perfect IVs would always use the excuse "given by a friend" to cover up the traces of cheat codes when asked about the source...

This woman's background is incredibly complex!
Meanwhile, on the other side, Aydi was completely immersed in immense joy.

He gripped the knees of his worn-out work pants tightly with both hands, his body leaning slightly forward with excitement. His eyes, filled with an artist's thirst for unknown aesthetics, shone with an almost pious light, and even his voice trembled.

"Really? Miss Zhulan! You really want to take us there? That's wonderful! I... I can't wait to see that truly transcendent realm of harmony between humans and spirits!"

Zhu Lan did not immediately respond to Ya Di's enthusiasm. Her gaze remained fixed on Mo Zhen, looking at him with a half-smile, as if waiting for Mo Zhen's attitude.

Mo Zhen stared at her for a moment, his mind racing. Although he didn't know what this so-called "Elf Era" was, he figured it wouldn't hurt to go and broaden his horizons and gather information.

After all... it's not like he's going to fight the Dragon King. What kind of tricks can a mere members-only club pull off?

He took a deep breath, then put on that nonchalant yet all-knowing smile of an art master again, picked up his already cold cup of coffee, and gave a polite nod in the direction of Zhu Lan, his movements elegant and impeccable.

"In that case, then... I'll trouble Ms. Zhulan to take us laymen to broaden our horizons. I hope this gathering will not disappoint us."

Zhu Lan finally revealed a satisfied smile. She rose gracefully, the hem of her black gown blooming like a flower in the dark night.

"Of course, this gathering will definitely bring you unexpected surprises... So, come with me. I'll take you to experience the true prosperity beneath the surface of Feiyun City."

She led the two through the bustling streets and finally stopped in front of a members-only restaurant that looked unassuming on the outside but was extremely luxurious inside.

The heavy solid wood door slid open silently, revealing a dimly lit interior filled with a strange and unique atmosphere.

After everyone entered the restaurant, the heavy solid wood doors closed silently behind them, completely shutting out the hustle and bustle of Feiyun City.

Inside the door was a dimly lit corridor, with bizarre oil paintings hanging on the walls. The distorted human figures and elf silhouettes in the paintings seemed to writhe in the flickering candlelight.

The air was filled with a complex scent that was both sweet and cloyingly wild and fishy, ​​like spilled perfume mixed with the secretions of some kind of biological glands.

A waiter dressed in a well-tailored black tuxedo and whose face was covered by a silver-white metal mask slid silently in front of the three like a ghost.

The mask only revealed the chin and a pair of expressionless eyes, and the voice was processed, with a hoarse, electronically synthesized tone.

"May I ask what brings you here?"

Zhu Lan remained calm, her slender fingers emerging from her black lace sleeves, holding a black card with dark gold Poké Ball patterns inlaid on the edges.

The card is made of a special material that gleams with a faint light, similar to reptile scales, in dim light.

"I'm here for tonight's [Epoch Carnival]. These two are new members I introduced."

The waiter's gaze first fell on Ayti, who was still wearing his faded work clothes, clutching an old work bag tightly in his hand, his face flushed with excitement and nervousness.

The waiter's eyes, peering through the eye holes of his mask, revealed a clear hesitation, as if he were assessing a defective product that didn't fit into its surroundings.

However, when his gaze turned to Mo Zhen, even though Mo Zhen was wearing sunglasses and a mask, his signature red suit and the artistic air he exuded, cultivated through countless trials and tribulations, instantly changed the waiter's expression.

He bowed slightly, his tone becoming unusually respectful, even carrying a hint of obsequiousness.

"So it's Master Mo Zhenzhen! My apologies for not being here!"

He lowered his voice and spoke in an intimate tone, as if sharing a secret with a fellow enthusiast. "I've long heard that your artistic creations are unique and deeply moving. I didn't expect you to be a fellow connoisseur as well. Please come in; tonight's feast will surely leave you wanting more."

"Sperm lovers?"

Mo Zhen's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and a hint of amusement flashed in her eyes behind her sunglasses.

He understood that this was probably short for "people who love elves," but it still sounded a bit strange...

Yati, standing next to him, was completely absorbed in his own world. He clasped his hands together, his eyes were even a little moist, and he murmured to himself.

"I knew it! This is it! This harmonious atmosphere that transcends the mundane and breaks down barriers! My dream of unity, the artistic sanctuary I've been searching for, is right before my eyes!"

He was so excited he almost danced with joy, wishing he could immediately pull out his easel and capture the scene of this idyllic paradise.

The waiter gracefully gestured "please" and led the three through a winding corridor to an elevator that required both fingerprint and card verification.

The elevator descended very smoothly, with almost no noticeable displacement; only the fluctuating negative numbers on the display screen indicated that they were going deeper underground.

With a soft "ding," the elevator doors slowly opened.

In an instant, it was as if another world exploded before my eyes!

The enormous underground hall was extremely luxurious, with crystal chandeliers resembling inverted glaciers, refracting dazzling light.

The floor was covered with a thick velvet carpet, making no sound when you stepped on it.

The sweet, pungent smell in the air became even stronger here, mixed with fine champagne, cigars, and some indescribable, unique body odor belonging to the spirit itself.

Inside the hall, the elites from all walks of life were impeccably dressed, with the men mostly wearing custom-made suits and the women wearing expensive evening gowns.

They are currently in this members-only club, having a close interaction with their elf companions.

A portly tycoon was burying his face in the fluffy fur around the neck of a magical masked cat, taking deep breaths. The magical masked cat was making a lazy, hooked meow, its paws resting lightly on the tycoon's shoulder, its tail entwined intimately around his arm.

Not far away, a sophisticated businessman in a suit was embracing a long-eared bunny girl wearing black fishnet stockings and high heels. He lightly lifted the bunny's chin with his fingers and poured the pink wine from his glass onto its three lips. The bunny's ruby-like eyes glistened with tears as it obediently swallowed the wine, letting out a soft whimper.

There was also a young man with slicked-back hair who, as if treating a ball queen, led a Gardevoir draped in a hazy white veil and spun it slowly in the center of the dance floor.

Gardevoir nestled in the young man's arms, their slender fingers intertwined, their eyes flashing with psychic light, as if conveying silent love words, while powerful mental fluctuations permeated the surroundings.

Mo Zhen even saw a group of extremely conspicuous figures—seven or eight men with thick beards and round, full-moon-like faces. Although they wore clothes of different styles, their distinctive round faces and beards made them look like a bunch of cloned brothers!

They were surrounding a muscular, bear-like elf with a thick beard, their eyes shining as they marveled at him.

"Wow! Is this the legendary top dish on the Galar must-eat list? Those muscle lines, that wild aura..."

"Tsk tsk, as expected of an imported spirit, the quality, the aura, really impressive..."

One of them couldn't resist reaching out to touch the Martial Arts Bear Master's granite-like pectoral muscles, only to be glared at by the Martial Arts Bear Master with a calm yet warning look, though a faint, playful smile seemed to curl at the corner of its mouth...

Mo Zhen was secretly shocked: What?! This club can even get the legendary Pokémon from the Galar region, Urshifu! The power behind this club is probably not simple!

Upon witnessing such a heartwarming scene of close interaction between humans and elves, Adi was so moved that she trembled with emotion, tears welled up in her eyes, and her voice trembled with sobs.

"So...so beautiful! This is true resonance of souls! It's the ultimate harmony that transcends species barriers! My inspiration! My inspiration is surging wildly!"

He frantically tried to pull out his sketchbook and charcoal pencils from his panel bag, his fingers trembling with excitement.

【Oh my god!!!】

Xiaomengzi let out a shrill scream that almost made her faint on his shoulder, her pink body trembling rapidly with extreme excitement.

[Is this...is this really a scene that would happen in a world where the timeline is distorted?! The relationship between humans and elves can be so harmonious and beautiful, full of truth, goodness, and beauty! The future of this world isn't just good, it's not just good, it's absolutely wonderful! Light! It's so bright, I'm so excited!]

Mo Zhen remained noncommittal. As he surveyed this magnificent and harmonious feast, he sensed a strange and bizarre atmosphere permeating it...

Just then, a familiar figure walked over carrying a wine glass.

It was through the pre-made food controversy that they became friends, and together they became martial arts superstars who excelled in both the arts and sports.

He was still wearing that blue martial arts uniform-style modified suit that accentuated his physique, with a smile on his face that mixed with mystery and a sense of superiority.

"Oh my, isn't this the most popular artist in our Union Empire right now, Master Mo Zhenzhen? I really didn't expect you to be introduced so quickly and join our [Elf Era] family. Congratulations!"

Hachiku raised his glass in a gesture of respect, his tone carrying a hint of meaning. He took a step closer, lowered his voice, as if sharing some remarkable secret.

"Having arrived here, you've truly grasped the core and upper echelons of the Union. The resources and connections here are unimaginable to those mediocre people outside, even if they dedicate their entire lives to them. From now on, we are truly kindred spirits. Cheers!"

Mo Zhen immediately put on her usual social smile and raised the champagne glass that had been handed to her by the waiter.

"Mr. Hatchku, you flatter me. I came here by chance to broaden my horizons."

He gave a perfunctory reply, but inside he was a turmoil of confusion.

What does this mean? Joining this Pokémon-Friendly Club means entering the true upper echelons of Unova? What's the secret behind this? Could it be that these capitalists, who outwardly exploit Pokémon, are actually people who deeply love them...?

Before his question could be answered, his gaze inadvertently drifted to the other side of the hall, where another familiar face came into view.

The superpowered Queen Gatricia was wearing an almost transparent light pink starry dress, lounging lazily on a soft sofa. Beside her, Miss Gothic was using her superpowers to massage her temples.

Behind Cattleya stood a young woman wearing a gothic dress and red-rimmed glasses.

Almost simultaneously, Mo Zhen and the woman with glasses noticed each other, and both of them showed extremely surprised expressions, blurting out in unison.

"Hey?! What are you doing here?"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Please vote for me! (lol)
(End of this chapter)