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When the little marsupial saw them from afar, it immediately hopped and skipped happily towards them.

The Growlithe of today is no longer the lively and energetic boy it once was. It calmly stepped forward, gently touched the little Kangaskhan's forehead with its nose as a greeting, then turned to the Kangaskhan's mother, and gave a respectful and friendly growl as a greeting.

The mother Kangaskhan responded gently, watching with loving eyes as the little ones quickly started playing together—Pikachu seemed to be telling the Baby Dragon and the little Kangaskhan some kind of adventure, and the Baby Dragon and the little Kangaskhan listened with shining eyes.

After playing for a while, Pikachu seemed to suddenly remember something, and then, with its Bagon and Kangaskhan, ran towards the forest that Heracross liked and the rocky beach where Onix often appeared, clearly intending to visit all its old friends.

Growlithe didn't join the fun; instead, it stayed near the marsupial mother, acting as a temporary "caretaker" and enjoying a moment of peace.

On the way to the research institute.

As He Zhong led the way, he reported to Lin Dao on the specific details of the trainer's development.

"The Trainer Program is progressing... a bit slower than expected." He Zhong's tone was somewhat complicated.

"To date, only 198 new trainers in Chengdu have successfully established stable partnerships. The data from other cities is even less optimistic, with the fewest having only around 40 people."

He paused, then brought up a matter that had caused considerable distress for the local government.

"Mayor Zhou went to great lengths to secure a limited number of opportunities to interact with the 'Domineering Panda' group. Currently, only one young woman who previously worked at the Giant Panda Conservation Base has managed to gain the approval of a playful panda through her professional knowledge and long-cultivated affability."

"Mayor Zhou was so anxious that he developed blisters on his lips. On the contrary, the elite personnel from the response bureau that Director Zhao Lan arranged have achieved good results, and several of them have already gained the approval of the mischievous panda and even a few domineering pandas."

"Things are going much more smoothly with the military and the Ministry of Public Security," He Zhong said, changing the subject.

"Their contact with the target groups (such as Beedrill, Spearow, Magnemite, etc.) is holistic and mission-oriented. Coupled with the high quality and discipline of the personnel, it is easier to build mutual trust with those Pokémon groups that value strength and order, resulting in a considerable number of catches."

Lin Dao nodded thoughtfully: "I have a general understanding of this situation."

"For wild Pokémon, the instinct to 'become stronger' is ingrained in their genes. The tempered demeanor and professionalism displayed by military and public security personnel are easily recognized by Pokémon as 'powerful potential partners'."

He slowed down and analyzed seriously: "Ordinary newcomers lack this kind of 'proof'. It is indeed difficult to impress those Pokémon who have survived in the wild and have a natural pursuit of strength in the short term with goodwill and patience alone."

"This takes time—either you gain trust through years of professional experience, like that panda keeper; or..."

Lin Dao looked at He Zhong: "Once the incubation center is operational, the newborn Pokémon will be like blank sheets of paper. They will choose trainers who are pure of heart and have growth potential, and then both will grow together."

"Once these trainers and their partners have gained sufficient strength, they can return to the wild and prove through battles that 'following humans can make you stronger,' thus creating a virtuous cycle."

Lin Dao continued, "I heard that a national-level Pokémon incubation and breeding center has been established in the capital, which gathers Pokémon eggs found from all over the country. This trip also includes an investigation and assistance mission in this regard."

At this moment, Lin Dao noticed the exquisite jade-green Poké Ball on He Zhong's waist—this was the standard model officially issued to him.

"Old He, what's going on...?" Lin Dao raised an eyebrow. "You've recruited a new partner? I've never heard you mention it before."

He Zhong scratched the back of his head, a rare look of embarrassment on his face.

"Originally... there was a very gentle Oddish that accepted me. But when I came home from vacation last time, my daughter saw me. The ten-year-old girl hugged the Oddish tightly and wouldn't let go, saying with tears in her eyes, 'Daddy, can you let it stay with me?'..."

He sighed, but his smile remained gentle: "I consulted the Oddish plant, and it seems to like my daughter quite a bit. So now, the Oddish plant is a 'permanent resident' in our home, responsible for helping my daughter with her homework and watering the plants. As for me..."

He Zhong patted the Poké Ball at his waist: "This ball is a keepsake."

Lin Dao couldn't help but laugh.

This heartwarming "family sharing" model may be another possibility for trainer culture, not about exclusivity, but about making Pokémon a bond that connects families.

"Speaking of the research team," He Zhong's expression became subtle as he recalled something, "there's something you need to know... more than 70% of the Pokémon in the camp have now established partnerships with the researchers."

He lowered his voice: "For this, Professor Wang Nianhao, the research director, was cornered in Mayor Zhou's office and complained about for an entire afternoon."

Mayor Zhou's exact words were: "The number of new trainers in our Chengdu is already tight, and you researchers have taken more than half of them internally! This is a scramble for opportunities!" Professor Wang could only explain again and again that it was "research-related" and "for the convenience of data collection"...

Lin Dao couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He could imagine Mayor Zhou, who was determined to build a second "Pokémon Capital" after New Town, looking extremely anxious.

The mayor's enthusiasm for the development of Chengdu was evident from the very beginning of the cooperation between Lindao and the government.

Amidst their laughter and conversation, they arrived at the renovated camp research center.

Lin Daoxian warmly greeted Dr. Wang Nianhao and other researchers who came out to welcome him, and they exchanged updates.

Then, his gaze was drawn to two figures calmly conversing under a tree not far away—a mother kangaroo and her newly returned Growlithe.

Upon asking, I learned that the Kangaskhan mother was asking Growlithe to help look for her three little guys—Pikachu, Bagon, and Kangaskhan—who had gone off on another "adventure" and hadn't been seen for a long time.

Lin Dao held his forehead and smiled bitterly.

Previously, the snake bear was like a reliable older brother, leading a few little guys on adventures everywhere. Now, the snake bear is following Li Hao to venture into the business world.

The responsibility of being the "big brother" seems to have fallen to Pikachu, who has evolved to be more clever, yet remains lively and active.

These energetic little guys seem to have an endless passion for the mission of "exploring the world with their little brothers".

"Let's go," Lin said to Growlithe, "I'll find them with you and bring them back."

After giving some instructions to He Zhong and Shen Yu'er, Lin Dao went to find the three little guys with Growlithe.