Pokémon: Did you play Pokémon today?

Chapter 377 Bamboo Orchid: Tonight, let me be willful just this once...

late at night.

Fenglai City finally emerged from the hustle and bustle and regained a rare tranquility.

A sea breeze gently caressed the streets, carrying a faint salty scent, while the distant sound of waves could be heard faintly.

Shirashu almost staggered back to Daigo's villa.

After taking a shower and changing into comfortable pajamas, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the bed.

Physical fatigue is secondary; the main issue is mental fatigue.

So much happened today.

Establishing a connection with Giratina, intense battles in the Ultimate Dimension, and a forced connection with Zeraora —

All of this consumed a great deal of his energy.

I slept very soundly, without dreams or consciousness.

I don't know how long I slept.

Boom—

A gentle knock on the door woke him from his deep sleep.

Bai Zhou opened his eyes groggily, only to find himself in complete darkness.

He stared blankly at the ceiling for a few seconds before realizing it was a knock on the door.

Who is it?

He turned his head with difficulty and glanced at the digital clock on the bedside table.

1:23 AM.

At this time—

He struggled to get up, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and tried to regain his senses.

"Here it comes—"

He muttered to himself, his bare feet sinking into the cold floor as he walked to the door.

open the door.

The moonlight, like water, poured down through the corridor windows, illuminating a slender figure.

Bai Zhou's sleepiness vanished almost instantly.

Her long, golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, the ends still damp from her bath, exuding a delicate fragrance.

She was wearing a light purple silk slip dress.

The nightgown is made of excellent quality; it's soft and fits snugly against the skin.

With her soft breathing, the curves of her body were outlined.

The two thin straps hung precariously on her delicate collarbone, as if they would slip off at the slightest pressure.

The neckline was slightly open, revealing a patch of fair skin, and further down, the curves of her breasts were faintly visible.

She casually draped a thin, off-white cardigan over her shoulders; it was more like it was hanging there than being worn.

As the night breeze gently sways, it seems to both resist and welcome.

The hem of the nightgown only reached above the knee, revealing a pair of straight, slender, and perfectly shaped calves.

The moonlight shines on it, giving the skin a warm, ivory-like texture.

She wasn't wearing shoes; she was standing barefoot on the floor, her toes round and cute, her nails painted with a light pearlescent color.

It is bamboo orchid.

The champion, who was usually dignified, powerful, and aloof, appeared outside his door in this languid manner.

The hazy moonlight cast a soft glow on her.

Those gray eyes shone brightly in the night, yet carried a hint of a dreamy emotion that they would never normally show.

Her cheeks were slightly red, not the blush of shyness, but an unnatural flush.

Bai Zhou stood there, stunned, his mind still a bit muddled and completely unable to function properly.

"—Bamboo orchid?"

He had just opened his mouth, before he could say a second word.

Zhu Lan reached out and pressed her hand against his chest.

That hand was soft yet strong; through the thin nightgown, he could feel the warmth of her palm—it was a little hot.

She pushed hard.

Caught off guard, Bai Zhou stumbled back two steps.

Zhu Lan stepped across the threshold, and with her other hand, she pulled him over.

pat.

The door closed softly behind her, making a faint sound.

Part of the moonlight was blocked, leaving only a faint glimmer of light seeping through the gaps in the curtains, shrouding the room in darkness.

Before Bai Zhou could even stand up straight, Zhu Lan exerted her strength again, shoving the hand that was pressing against his chest.

He lost his balance and fell backward, crashing heavily onto the soft bed.

The mattress bounced and caught his body.

He didn't have time to react.

Zhu Lan seized the opportunity to lunge forward!

She braced herself on the sheet beside his ear with one hand, leaning slightly forward.

With her other hand, she forcefully grabbed his shirt collar, firmly pinning him to the bed.

Looking down from a high vantage point.

Looking down at him.

Bai Zhou: "???"

What... what kind of development is this?!

"Wait—Zhu Lan, you—"

His voice changed, filled with disbelief, shock, and a hint of panic he himself didn't even realize.

Zhu Lan did not answer.

She simply looked at him, her gaze slowly sliding from his eyebrows to the bridge of his nose, then down, and finally landing on his lips.

The gaze was so focused that he felt like prey being locked on.

Bai Zhou finally realized that something was wrong.

They were too close at that moment; he could almost feel her warm breath brushing against his cheek, and smell the faint scent of her hair and body—

The smell of alcohol.

Did she drink?

Bai Zhou was startled.

It wasn't just a light buzz; I had actually drunk alcohol, and quite a lot of it.

The smell of alcohol mingled with her natural, elegant fragrance, creating a strange allure.

In the instant he was thinking.

Zhu Lan lowered her head and bent down.

Without any warning, she kissed his lips.

Bai Zhou froze, his mind going completely blank.

The smell of alcohol was stronger.

The breath that followed his breathing made his mind even more confused.

Soft, slightly cool, and with a faint fragrance.

Zhu Lan's kiss was very light at first, as if she was testing the waters.

But soon, she deepened the kiss.

Her hands rested on either side of his head, her long golden hair cascading down, enveloping them in a private space.

After an unknown amount of time, she slightly raised her head.

Their breathing became erratic and intertwined rapidly.

Bai Zhou finally regained a sliver of reason.

No, she's drunk.

He wanted to raise his hand to push her away, but looking at her stunningly beautiful face with an unusual blush so close to his, he was afraid that he might hurt her if he used too much force.

Even knowing she was a champion with physical abilities far exceeding those of ordinary people, instinctive concerns still prevailed in this situation.

"Zhu Lan, listen to me—"

Zhu Lan lowered her head again, interrupting him.

This time, it's deeper and more lingering.

It even carries a hint of aggression.

Her assertiveness left Bai Zhou somewhat overwhelmed.

That control and aggressiveness that is usually hidden beneath elegance is now fully revealed.

It turns out she wasn't lacking in assertiveness; she was just constantly restraining herself.

But now, she no longer wants to restrain herself.

Bai Zhou raised his hand, unsure of where to put it.

But his remaining rationality allowed him to turn his head with difficulty, take a deep breath, and his chest heave violently.

"Wait, Zhu Lan, wait—"

This can't go on any longer.

His gaze sharpened, and the power of the super-counter silently seeped into Zhu Lan's consciousness, attempting to soothe her somewhat disordered mind and dispel the effects of alcohol.

That is the power of purification, which can dispel all negative states.

This includes the effects of alcohol.

Zhu Lan's body trembled slightly.

She could feel the warm current flowing through her, and the drunkenness in her body quickly dissipated, leaving her with an unprecedentedly clear mind.

but----

She didn't move.

She remained on top of him, still looking down at him.

The dazed look in his eyes quietly faded, replaced by another unfathomable emotion.

Bai Zhou turned around and met her gaze.

"you----"

He was stunned.

Zhu Lan looked at him quietly, a slight smile playing on her lips.

Moonlight streamed in through the gaps in the curtains, outlining her beautiful profile and that meaningful smile.

"Are you awake now?"

Bai Zhou asked tentatively.

"Um."

Zhu Lan responded softly, but showed no intention of getting up.

"—Then why—"

"Bai Zhou."

Zhu Lan interrupted him.

Her voice was soft, but very earnest.

I know you have many concerns.

Bai Zhou fell silent.

"Azure likes you, I can tell."

Zhu Lan's voice was calm, as if stating a fact, but beneath that calmness lay emotions he couldn't decipher.

"There are probably others—you yourself may not even realize how likable you are."

She slightly raised her hand, her fingers gently tracing his cheek, from his brow bone to the bridge of his nose, finally stopping at his lips.

"Bai Zhou."

She called his name softly again.

Do you know how worried I was the day you disappeared?

L

I thought you wouldn't come back.

Her voice was a little choked up, but she quickly suppressed it.

"I recognize that rift. It's a rift in the Reverse World. Giratina is looking for you."

"What could make it so angry—"

She paused, staring straight at him.

"You are important."

"It's very important to me."

Bai Zhou opened his mouth, as if to say something, but Zhu Lan gently pressed her finger to his lips.

"Let me finish."

She took a deep breath.

"I like you."

"It started a long time ago."

"I know this is selfish, and I know you may find it difficult."

"I know you're an idiot, always trying not to hurt anyone, but in the end you've backed yourself into a corner."

Her gaze went straight into his eyes.

"But I don't care."

"Bai Zhou, all I want is you."

Bai Zhou's heart skipped a beat.

He looked at the woman in front of him.

She is a Sinnoh champion, a mythologist, and a goddess in the hearts of countless people.

She was powerful, elegant, and calm, as if she would never lose her composure.

But now, she's lying on top of him, wearing a thin nightgown, saying these words.

Even after sobering up, he still didn't back down.

"————Bamboo Orchid".

Bai Zhou's voice was somewhat hoarse.

"I----"

Zhu Lan leaned down slightly, closing the distance once again.

Her nose was almost touching his, their breaths mingling.

In his grey eyes was an undisguised possessiveness and determination.

"Don't say it."

"Let me be willful just this once tonight—"

She kissed him again.

Bai Zhou was completely at a loss.

His hand finally fell and gently wrapped around her waist.

The moonlight shone down and fell on the two of them.

The atmosphere in the room was quiet yet ambiguous.

He could feel her heartbeat through the thin nightgown; it was faster than a calm champion should be beating.

Knock knock, knock knock, knock knock, wait a minute.

This heartbeat—why does it sound like—it's not coming from her?

Thump thump thump—

It wasn't a heartbeat, it was a knock on the door!

The two of them froze simultaneously!

Zhu Lan suddenly raised her head, her eyes instantly turning sharp as she looked towards the door.

Bai Zhou's eyes widened in shock; he was completely stunned!

who?!

Who else would come at this time?!

"Brother Bai Zhou? Are you asleep?"

This time, his voice carried a hint of probing and hesitation, as well as a trace of barely concealed nervousness.

It's the voice of Azure!

White Boat's pupils trembled!

Zhu Lan's eyes lit up.

Instead of letting go of Bai Zhou, she leaned down and whispered in his ear, in a voice only the two of them could hear.

"Don't make a sound."

"After all, you wouldn't want Azure to know all this, would you?"

That tone, that manner, that deliberate pause—it was clearly—

Bai Zhou: "???"

Oh no, I've become the wife of someone who's having an affair?!

Under Bai Zhou's horrified gaze, Zhu Lan nimbly rolled off the bed, grabbed him, and retreated a few steps to the position behind the door!

If the door is open, this area is an absolute blind spot!

Bai Zhou was pressed against the door, his back pressed against the cold door panel.

Zhu Lan pressed herself against him, one hand on his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat, the other hand covering his mouth.

A sly smile flashed in her eyes.

dong dong.

Azure knocked twice more on the door, then muttered something under her breath.

"—Could she really have fallen asleep?"

Bai Zhou's heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of his chest.

Zhu Lan leaned close to his ear, her breath faint, her warm breath brushing against his earlobe.

"She seems really worried about you."

Bai Zhou stared at her, his eyes filled with shock and accusation, as if to say, "Do you even know what you're doing?"

Woman! You're playing with fire!

Zhu Lan smiled.

Then, she kissed him again.

Meanwhile, from outside the door, Bilan's voice came intermittently.

"Brother Bai Zhou—when I hugged you backstage today—that's not what I actually wanted to say—"

"What I meant to say was—I—"

Her voice grew softer and softer, revealing the shyness and hesitation unique to young girls.

"Actually, a long time ago—I—"

Inside the door, Bai Zhou was almost breathless from Zhu Lan's kisses, while Bi Lan's voice came through intermittently.

The double stimulus left his mind blank, and he lost all ability to think.

Zhu Lan kissed him deeply and forcefully, as if to declare something.

Outside the door, Azure was still speaking softly.

"When you came out of the Reversed World today—I was so scared—"

I thought you wouldn't come back—

"I----"

She remained silent for a long time.

Inside the door, Zhu Lan finally released Bai Zhou's lips, her forehead pressed against his, their breaths mingling.

Both of them could hear the faint breathing outside the door.

Then, Azure's voice rang out again, tinged with a soft laugh.

"----Fool."

"I'm so glad you're alright."

Goodnight, Brother Baizhou.

The footsteps gradually faded away until they disappeared completely at the end of the corridor.

Zhu Lan listened intently for a while, and only after confirming that Bi Lan had really left did she take a small step back and look at Bai Zhou.

Under the moonlight, his face was flushed, and even his ears were burning.

His eyes were as complex as those of a domineering CEO in a novel.

"you----"

Bai Zhou was panting.

"You did it on purpose."

"Um."

Cynda readily admitted it, smiling like an Ice Eevee that had just stolen a fish.

"It was intentional."

"you----"

"Mr. Shirashu".

Zhu Lan interrupted him again.

She reached out and gently stroked his cheek.

"Even I would get angry if you ruined the atmosphere at a time like this."

She cupped his face in her hands, making him look directly into her eyes.

Tonight, you are mine.

She spoke softly, word by word.

Then, she kissed him again.

This time, there were no disturbances from outside, no interruptions, only the quiet moonlight shining down, witnessing everything.

Bai Zhou closed his eyes and finally gave up struggling.

That's it.

Since things have come to this, let's go to sleep.

Uh, no, let's leave it at that for now.

He tightened his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace.