I'm live-streaming Pokémon science popularization on New World.

After the live stream was turned off, the campsite fell silent, with only the crackling of the campfire and the babbling of the stream remaining.

Lin Dao stretched his stiff shoulders and looked at Li Hao, who was packing up the equipment.

"Li Hao," Lin Dao poked at the fire, making the flames burn brighter, "you've seemed quite distracted all day, is something wrong?"

Upon hearing this, Li Hao put down the power bank in his hand; the indicator light had been off for quite some time.

He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Brother Lin, it's like this... all the power banks and spare batteries I brought are used up."

"Our live streams are very intense. Although we can sometimes use solar panels to tide us over during the day, it's simply not enough. And..."

He paused, his tone complicated, "The number of viewers in the live stream is almost over a million, and the total revenue from tips over the past few days has already... has exceeded five million."

Li Hao's eyes lit up, but then a sense of unease crept in: "I want... I want to go back to Chengdu. Not just to replenish power, but also to upgrade our live-streaming equipment—we need to buy professional cameras, a stable satellite network terminal, and high-capacity energy storage. And our camping gear too—the tents need better wind and rain protection, and we need to replenish our cooking utensils, medicine, tools… We've been out in the wild all the time, and there are so many things we can't manage. Also… I want to buy some good medicine for my mother; her illness…"

His voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.

Lin Dao listened quietly, his gaze fixed on the outline of the forest in the darkness, his fingers unconsciously stroking the cool surface of the Gene Wedge.

Returning to the city... this means temporarily leaving this newly established peaceful place and stepping back into human society to face potentially more complex situations.

But Li Hao is right; sustained wilderness survival and high-quality live streaming cannot rely solely on enthusiasm and existing rudimentary equipment.

"Indeed," Lin Dao said slowly, "it's time to go to the city to replenish supplies and equipment. Our live stream needs a more stable power supply, better filming equipment, and some professional tools."

"For example, actual medical kits, professional outdoor gear, and even some research equipment."

He turned to look at Li Hao, his gaze firm: "Alright, I'll take you back to the city tomorrow. We'll split the tips 50/50."

"No way!" Li Hao immediately objected. "Brother Lin, you earned most of this money, how can I take half? I'll just take a small portion; the money for the equipment will come from that, and the rest is yours!"

Lin Dao shook his head, his tone leaving no room for argument: "Listen to me. First, the live stream will be done by the two of us. You'll be in charge of the equipment, operations, and interaction, while I'll handle the content. Neither is dispensable. Second, your mother needs money for medical treatment; it's an emergency. Third…"

He paused, his voice softening: "I need a reliable partner, and between partners, the distribution of profits must be fair. You take half; don't try to refuse."

Li Hao's eyes instantly reddened. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but no sound came out.

In just a few days, he went from a small-time streamer who took risks to make money to one of the top streamers with millions of followers.

From being terrified of Pokémon to now being able to naturally stroke a Zigzagoon's head, from a bad role model who worried about his mother's medical expenses to a son who can share the burden of the family...

All of this is because of the person in front of me.

"Brother Lin... I..." Li Hao's tears finally fell. "I really... I'll kowtow to you!"

He was about to kneel down when Lin Dao pulled him up first: "Alright, don't be so dramatic, you're a grown man."

Lin Dao patted him on the shoulder, his tone gentle but firm, "We are partners, we've been through thick and thin together, so naturally we should share the rewards. This money isn't just a reward, it's the 'fuel' for our next operation. Take it, get things done, that's the greatest help you can give me."

He pointed towards the tent, trying to ease the tension: "Look, the serpent bears are all laughing at you."

Sure enough, the Pokémon in the camp were all attracted by the commotion.

A corner of the tent flap was quietly lifted, and the little head of the serpentine bear peeked out, its dark eyes gazing curiously in this direction.

Pichu squeezed out too, sparks flashing on its cheeks. Even Kangaskhan raised its head, casting a gentle gaze upon them.

For Pokémon, emotions are the easiest thing for them to perceive.

The serpentine bear seemed to sense Li Hao's excitement and gratitude. It trotted over, rubbed its head against Li Hao's leg, and made a comforting "purring" sound.

Looking at the Zigzagoon comforting him, Li Hao wiped away his tears, picked up the chubby little guy, and shouted to all the Pokémon around him, "Wait! I'll bring you all delicious food when I get back! Lots and lots of berries! Soft cushions! Light-up toys!"

The snake-striped bear seemed to understand "delicious," and excitedly cooed, rubbing its head against Li Hao's chin.

Pichu also hopped around, making cheerful "Pichu Pichu" sounds.

Lin Dao felt a warmth in his heart as he watched this scene. He waited until Li Hao calmed down before speaking, "Perfect timing. I saw a video of a solar-powered new energy vehicle with a very long range. You should buy one. That way, we can transport all the necessary equipment here, and we can use it to charge the equipment later."

Li Hao looked up, his eyes still red, but a smile had already appeared on his face: "Yes! Having a car will make things much more convenient! Brother Lin, what do you need? Give me a list, and I promise I'll buy it all!"

Lin Dao nodded and began to mentally calculate what he needed: professional live streaming equipment, solar charging system, outdoor research tools, medical supplies, food reserves... and most importantly, some basic tools. Now that he had accumulated quite a few points, he might be able to try making the simplest Poké Ball.

"We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning," Lin Dao finally decided. "The sooner we go, the sooner we'll come back. The safety of the camp..." He looked at Growlithe and Kangaskhan.

The Growlithe immediately straightened up, let out a steady bark, and its eyes were firm.

The kangaroo nodded gently and pulled the little kangaroo closer to its paws, indicating that it would protect this temporary home.

As night deepened, the campfire grew weaker.

Lin Dao looked at the sleeping Pichu in his arms, then at the sleeping Pokémon around him, and finally gazed at the starry sky.

Tomorrow, he will temporarily leave this forest and step into human society.

There are people who understand and support him, as well as people who doubt and fear him; there are scholars who crave knowledge, and those who may want to control him; there are simple partners like Li Hao, and there are also complex and unpredictable power struggles among various parties.

But he had to go.

Because bridges cannot be built only in forests; they must extend into the human world, into every city, every family, and every heart.