I haven't decided on a name for my Pokémon trainer yet.

Li Yue said, "I didn't expect you to come so early."

"Well, actually I've been staying at home with nothing to do, I'm practically going moldy. I was really excited when I got Dr. Deng's invitation, so I came early this morning. Sorry, I should have told you sooner, did I cause you any trouble?" Ye Feng scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed.

Li Yue shook her head: "It's nothing. The research institute hasn't officially started work yet these past two days, so there's nothing much going on. Otherwise, the professor wouldn't have invited you to visit; we're usually very busy too."

Ye Feng breathed a sigh of relief, but the thought that Dr. Deng Ruizhe might have the Fire Stone made him sleepless that night. He couldn't wait any longer the next day, so he came directly over, forgetting that he might be causing trouble for others. Fortunately, there were no problems.

"Get in the car." Li Yue drove a small two-seater car, a cute style that didn't quite match her mature and sophisticated image.

After getting into the car, Li Yue noticed that Ye Feng's gaze was a little off, so she smiled and said, "What's wrong? Do you think I'm not suited to drive this kind of car?"

Ye Feng, whose thoughts had been exposed, nodded awkwardly.

Li Yue sighed softly: "Sigh, there's nothing I can do. Actually, I prefer cute things, but I don't look like a little girl at all, and my best friends often make fun of me."

Ye Feng fastened his seatbelt, thought for a moment, and said, "To each their own. I think this kind of unexpected charm is actually a highlight, making people like you even more. Besides, a talented woman like Sister Yue wouldn't care about external things, right?"

Li Yue glanced at Ye Feng's profile. After his short training in the secret realm, Ye Feng's demeanor had changed considerably, and his charm had increased significantly. She smiled and said, "Ye Feng, you're quite the charmer when it comes to girls. And you're not bad looking either. Tell me, how many girls have you seduced?"

Ye Feng's lips twitched: "I'm not that kind of person." Saying something nice gets me labeled a scumbag. Is it my fault for being handsome? Besides, I don't make a living off my looks.

"What's there to hide from me? Don't be shy, tell me!" Li Yue seemed intrigued and wasn't going to let Ye Feng off the hook.

"..." Ye Feng covered his face and turned away, pretending to look at the scenery along the way.

Seeing that Ye Feng didn't want to talk to her, Li Yue pouted, feeling a bit bored, and focused on driving.

···

Little Sawfish Research Institute.

Because of its large area, the research institute is located in a suburban area of ​​Jiangning City, where land prices are cheap and the same amount of funding can cover a larger area for raising Pokémon.

Ye Feng surveyed the research institute before him. A long red wall stretched out, turning a corner in the distance to enclose a large area. At the entrance was a large metal gate, with a plaque bearing the gleaming words "Little Sawtooth Research Institute."

"Isn't this Li Yue? You're already at work?" At that moment, a group of four or five people wearing red and black vests passed by, and the leader greeted Li Yue.

"No, I brought my junior here for a visit." Li Yue waved her hand.

"Alright, do as you please, we'll continue our patrol." The leader left with the others.

"Are they... trainers from the association?" Ye Feng asked, looking at the backs of those people.

Li Yue nodded: "Yes, this is the suburbs, and sometimes wild Pokémon run around. To prevent them from breaking into the research institute and causing damage, there are people patrolling specifically for this purpose. Let's go in, I'll take you to see your teacher first."

Li Yue led Ye Feng into the research institute, where they met Dr. Deng Ruizhe.

Deng Ruizhe looked to be in his fifties, wearing a white lab coat and with short hair; he looked like a researcher.

"Hello Dr. Deng, my name is Ye Feng..." Upon meeting, Ye Feng first introduced himself, then expressed his admiration for Deng Ruizhe, and thanked him for the inspiration his research had given him and for the help he had given him regarding his timidity last time. He was very happy and excited to meet him in person this time, as they had only communicated online before.

Ye Feng had carefully checked Deng Ruizhe's information again last night, and now he spoke of it fluently, as if he were a loyal fan of Deng Ruizhe.

Li Yue, watching Ye Feng's frantic flattery, was dumbfounded. "Wow, he's really good at this. I can't learn that."

Deng Ruizhe chuckled a few times, then said with a smile, "Sorry, I'm getting old and my hearing isn't what it used to be. I didn't quite catch what you said..."

Ye Feng's lips twitched. "I don't believe you! Look at the wrinkles on your face from smiling so much."

Deng Ruizhe was obviously joking, but he still felt good being flattered, unlike his students who only knew how to do research and were all like blocks of wood. His smile remained unchanged as he said, "I was just kidding. I invited you here today so you can visit my research institute. So, have you decided which university you want to apply to?"

Ye Feng said, "I plan to apply to either Beijing University or Shanghai University."

Deng Ruizhe nodded: "These two are the best universities in the country, it's good that you have such ambition. However, our Jiangning University is no worse than them." He then looked at Ye Feng with a smile.

Ye Feng was taken aback. Did this mean he was implying that he should apply to Jiangning University? He couldn't help but look at Li Yue beside him.

Li Yue whispered, "The teacher is a professor at Jiangning University."

Ye Feng suddenly realized and quickly said, "Jiangning University is also very good, it's close to home..."

Deng Ruizhe shook his head: "That's not what I meant. What I meant was, if you choose to apply to Jiangning University, you can directly become my mentor and join my research institute. Based on the results of your two previous characteristic papers, you can directly become a formal researcher."

Li Yue looked at Ye Feng with envy. It had taken her a long time to become a full-fledged researcher, and only she and her fellow researchers knew the hardships she had endured. Yet Ye Feng became a full-fledged researcher right away.

Indeed, people are different.

Upon hearing this, Ye Feng's heart skipped a beat. He knew that in this world, a doctorate wasn't just a degree title. If it included the prefix "Elf Studies," it was a special honor bestowed by the state upon those who had made outstanding contributions to the field of Elf studies—a symbol of achievement and honor.

If he could find a professor of Pokémon studies to mentor him, not only could he expand his social circle through this connection, but with the professor's guidance, Ye Feng's knowledge would also be better utilized.

And why does Dr. Deng Ruizhe think so highly of me? He's tempting me to apply to Jiangning University by offering me the opportunity to be his student and a full-fledged researcher?

"You don't need to rush to make a decision." Seeing that Ye Feng was both tempted and hesitant, Deng Ruizhe didn't mind. After all, the choice of university was related to his future. "There's still a long time before the college entrance examination. You can take your time to think about it."

Ye Feng nodded. Such an important matter could not be decided immediately.

"Alright, I have other things to do. Li Yue, why don't you take Ye Feng around and show him around?" Deng Ruizhe said goodbye and left.

Chapter 66 Growlithe's First Battle

Ye Feng followed Li Yue on a brief tour of the research institute. Due to its large size, they could only see the large courtyard where the elves roamed and a few laboratories.

Along the way, Ye Feng also tried to inquire about it indirectly, but unfortunately the research institute did not have any high-quality fire stones, only a few very ordinary ones.

Ye Feng felt it was a pity; it seemed that even the powerful Professor of Pokémon Studies had areas he couldn't reach.

Before leaving, Deng Ruizhe found Ye Feng again and handed him three envelopes containing three letters of introduction from Jiangning University, Beijing University, and Shanghai University.

During the winter break, until three days before the start of the new semester, universities across the country will be open to the public, mainly targeting senior high school students, so that they can learn about the universities they plan to apply to in advance.

"It's so good to have a powerful backer," Ye Feng remarked, touching the letters of introduction in his pocket. The three letters of introduction given by Deng Ruizhe allowed Ye Feng to visit facilities that were inaccessible to tourists, making it easier for him to gain a deeper understanding of the three universities; otherwise, he would have been just like any other tourist, only able to look around from the outside.

With two weeks until the start of the semester, Ye Feng had a full twelve days to visit the three universities.

During this time period, those places will definitely be crowded with new high school senior trainers. Ye Feng plans to talk to them about training techniques. Although most of them might be a bit inexperienced, even three heads are better than one, so maybe he can learn some special training methods.

Moreover, the average level of rookie trainers in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen is much higher than in Jinghai City. Jiangning City, as a new first-tier city, is no worse either. Ye Feng believes he can make a considerable gain.

While some people may be similar in terms of family background, there is a significant difference in the resources that the city association can provide. Otherwise, how could it be called a first-tier city?

In the world of trainers, while talent and hard work are important, resources are even more crucial. A more developed city means more hidden realms within its territory and a higher level of development, allowing it to provide more and better resources for its trainers; conversely, smaller cities face greater disadvantages in this regard. This may seem harsh, but sometimes reality is simply that straightforward and unreasonable.

Considering the distance and time constraints, Ye Feng decided to stay overnight and visit Jiangning University first, then Shanghai University, and finally Beijing University the next day.

If you have the chance, battle with any new trainers you encounter.

However, Ye Feng did not plan to let Kirlia participate. Battles against new trainers, which are essentially easy wins, would be of no benefit and would only make Kirlia complacent.

The main purpose is to let Growlithe experience in battles to improve its skills. Perhaps due to its species and constitution, or perhaps because Growlithe has been consuming Energy Cubes since birth, its infancy period is much shorter than Ralts' at the time, and it is now capable of engaging in low to medium intensity battles.

-------------------------------------

I hailed a car and arrived near Jiangning University. I glanced at the marble gate, which had a somewhat antique feel, and then found a hotel to stay in.

Checking the time, Ye Feng saw he still had some time before dinner, so he decided to check out the nearby public gaming area, play a match or two, and then go have dinner. As for the gaming club, although it would be more crowded, it required membership, and Ye Feng wasn't sure if he would apply to Jiangning University, so he didn't want to waste his time.

Arriving at the public battle arena, which is mainly a gathering place for new trainers, those with higher levels will go to the battle club. There are already quite a few trainers battling here, most of them leaving their Pokémon outside so that they can easily choose opponents.

Ye Feng turned around and his gaze fell on the lotus leaf child next to a girl.

Lotus Leaf Child, with both Water and Grass attributes, has a yellow beak-like mouth and six small blue feet, and a lotus leaf on its back that is almost the same size as its body.

This is a decent opponent. Being a Water/Grass type, Growlithe doesn't have a type advantage and is actually countered by its opponent. However, as a new trainer's Pokémon, Growlithe's overall stats are slightly better than its opponent's. Considering these factors, the battle should be evenly matched.

At that moment, the girl was also looking around, probably looking for an opponent. When she turned around, their eyes met.

"Hey buddy, wanna have a match?" Ye Feng stepped forward and greeted him.

"Me?" Jiang Chun blushed slightly as Ye Feng walked over, then pointed to herself. "Okay, no problem."

Ye Feng smiled when he saw that he had successfully made the appointment—sure enough, eye contact was the signal for battle!

Jiang Chun smiled and thought, "This guy is so handsome!"

"New Trainer, Ye Feng."

"I'm also a rookie trainer, my name is Jiang Chun."

After introducing themselves, the two walked toward a deserted area.

Jiang Chun wanted to say a few more words to Ye Feng, but Ye Feng was preoccupied with how to defeat his opponent with the moves he had just mastered, and he didn't notice the girl's resentful gaze at all.

After arriving at the arena, Jiang Chun's Lotus Leaf Child climbed onto the field and said, "It's your turn to release your spirit."

Ye Feng nodded and threw out the Pokémon.

"Awooo!" As soon as Growlithe appeared, it raised its head and howled, immediately attracting a lot of attention.

"It's Growlithe!"

"This person has a Growlithe! I'm so envious!"

Jiang Chun was also somewhat surprised, but considering that Growlithe is a Fire-type, it would not have an advantage against his Water/Grass-type Lotad, and would instead be countered. However, Growlithe's inherent stats could make up for this.

Looking at Ye Feng, it turned out that he wanted to use the disadvantage of type to suppress the advantage of Growlithe, so that neither of them would gain an advantage. Next, it would depend on the level of training of the Pokémon and their respective commands.

"Ladies first." Facing a trainer who was even newer than himself, Ye Feng decided to let her have a turn.

Jiang Chun didn't hold back and ordered the Lotus Leaf Boys to use water guns to attack.

As an experienced "new trainer," Ye Feng could tell at a glance from Lotad's reaction and attack speed that the opponent's Pokémon was reasonably well-trained, probably at a mid-level among new trainers, and could put some pressure on Growlithe.

"Use the impact to the right front!" Ye Feng ordered.

Growlithe hasn't officially started training yet, has absolutely no battle experience, lacks Kirlia's speed and reaction time, and is also lacking in teamwork. However, Growlithe can faithfully execute Ye Feng's commands, which can somewhat make up for the lack of teamwork.