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Lin Dao watched this scene quietly, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

This girl possesses a resilient core that far surpasses her outward appearance, like a small blade of grass striving to grow upwards from a crack in the rock.

But she also harbors a sensitive heart that yearns for recognition yet fears being hurt.

Her promises are now incredibly sincere and heartfelt, but reality is often more complex and cruel than imagined.

Trainers who successfully catch Pokémon are extremely rare these days, especially those "amateurs" who have no background and gain Pokémon recognition purely through their own qualities.

Once Zhao Yan and Momomo's affair becomes known to the outside world, how much attention, temptation, pressure, and even scheming will she face? Commercial endorsements, media hype, and the attempts by various forces to win her over or scrutinize her…

Can this young girl, who has just left her rural hometown and is still inexperienced in the ways of the world, really distinguish and resist everything? Will her original aspirations be distorted by the allure of fame and pressure?

Lin Dao didn't want to see a star that had just begun to shine be obscured by dust or destroyed by a storm too soon.

He stepped forward, and waited until Zhao Yan calmed down before speaking gently and solemnly: "Zhao Yan."

Zhao Yan raised her head, her eyes still red, but her gaze had returned to its clear state.

She quickly put down the mushroom, stood up, and looked at Lin Dao somewhat awkwardly.

"Regarding your life afterward and the cultivation of mushrooms," Lin Dao's voice was steady and clear, carrying a reassuring strength.

"I will give you a letter of recommendation, recommending you to work in the ecological maintenance department of Beiqu District, Xinyuan City."

"The main responsibilities include caring for the seedlings in the planned arbor forest, as well as assisting in monitoring and maintaining the environment of the newly established Pokémon habitat."

Zhao Yan's eyes widened slightly. Xinyuan City! That legendary city of miracles!

"The job includes room and board, and the salary is sufficient to guarantee your basic living in New Edge City, with a certain amount of surplus for the regular cultivation of mushrooms."

Lin Dao continued, "The environment there is relatively simple, and most of the people and things you come into contact with are related to ecology and research. This allows you and Mushroom to adapt and grow in peace without being affected too much by external disturbances too early."

He paused slightly, his gaze becoming more profound, as if he could see into the distant future: "This is both a job and a relatively quiet period of learning and relaxation."

"You can take advantage of the resources and relatively quiet environment there to systematically learn Pokémon knowledge and train diligently with Shroomish."

Zhao Yan understood the protective meaning in Lin Dao's words, and her nose tingled again.

She was used to relying on herself from a young age, used to being looked down upon and working hard, and rarely felt such comprehensive care without any sense of charity.

"However," Lin Dao changed the subject, his tone becoming more expectant and forceful, "I also have a request, or rather, a goal for you."

Zhao Yan held her breath, her hands unconsciously clenching tightly, the straps of the canvas bag digging deeply into her palms.

"With Mushroom in hand, train hard and work on your teamwork." Lin Dao looked into her eyes and said, word by word, "Then, go and participate in the 'China Pokémon Rookie Tournament' to be held in New Edge City a few months from now."

Newcomer Competition! Zhao Yan's heart skipped a beat.

That was the first officially announced national tournament open to all new trainers, and it was of great significance!

"Go to that stage," Lin Dao's voice seemed to carry a guiding force.

"Show everyone the story of your growth together with Mushroom, the bond you built from the moment you met, and the sweat and determination you put in to become stronger."

"Prove to the mushroom with your fighting spirit that its choice today was right, and that its trust is worth entrusting."

Lin Dao's gaze swept over the quietly listening mushroom.

"And prove it to yourself, Zhao Yan, that you can go further, that you and your partners can create your own brilliance and value."

Zhao Yan raised her head, her face still streaked with tears, but her eyes gradually brightened.

She didn't quite understand Lin Dao's deeper considerations—those complex issues about media attention, commercial temptations, and tests of human nature were still too far removed from her.

But she understood one thing: Lin Dao was giving her an opportunity, a stable starting point where she could nurture her partner with peace of mind and prove each other's worth.

She released the mushroom-shaped object, took a step back, and bowed deeply and precisely to Lin Dao. Her voice trembled slightly with emotion, but it was exceptionally clear: "Thank you! Mr. Lin... Teacher Lin!"

Lin Dao smiled and nodded: "Yes, just call me Teacher Lin. I look forward to seeing you shine on the field."

The Pikachu on his shoulder chirped happily, as if cheering Zhao Yan on.

Baby Dragon and Little Kangaskhan had also come over at some point, looking at Zhao Yan and the mushroom beside her with curiosity and friendliness.

The Growlithe sat quietly at the foot of the path, its tail wagging gently.

Sunlight filtered through the trees, falling on the girl and the mushroom.

In the distance, the bear cubs and the other Pokémon watched this scene quietly before dispersing—they knew that this "selection" had come to a successful conclusion.

Zhao Yan took out the Emerald Green Poké Ball from her waist, a Pokémon she had repeatedly cleaned but never used, and turned to Mushroom, her voice gentle yet firm: "Mushroom, would you...become my partner?"

Without hesitation, Mushroom reached for the Poké Ball.

The Poké Ball opened, and a soft red light enveloped the tiny mushroom's body, turning it into a stream of light that sucked it into the ball.

Then, the Emerald Fairy Ball gently leaped from Zhao Yan's palm, hovering in mid-air. Faint white steam began to emanate from around the ball, while it began to rotate and bounce rhythmically and steadily.

Once, twice, three times.

Finally, after three steady thumps and steam eruptions, the rotation stopped and the steam suddenly dissipated.

"Click".

A soft but clear locking sound rang out.

Pikachu jumped onto Lin Dao's shoulder, Bellatrix and Kangaskhan leaned against him, and Growlithe watched with satisfaction. Lin Dao looked at Zhao Yan, who was picking up the Poké Ball and laughing and crying at the same time, and said softly:

"The true encounter between a trainer and a Pokémon is never about one conquering the other, but about two hearts yearning to become better recognizing each other at the right time."

Zhao Yan finally calmed down. She carefully fastened the Green Poké Ball that had captured Mushroom back onto the belt around her waist, and then bowed again to thank Lin Dao, the safety officer Xiao Wang, and the Pokémon that had not yet completely left.

Lin Dao sent the recommendation letter, which he had prepared beforehand and which bore his electronic seal and the contact information of the Xinyuan City Ecological Department, to Zhao Yan's old mobile phone. He also gave her a few brief instructions on precautions and follow-up arrangements.

"Teacher Lin, well... I'll head back now. I'll prepare well and report to Xinyuan City on time!"

Zhao Yan's face radiated an unprecedented glow, a light illuminated by dreams and filled with hope.

"Go ahead. Be careful on the road." Lin Dao nodded.

Zhao Yan bowed again, then, with tired but unusually light steps, followed safety officer Xiao Wang toward the park exit.

Her back was still slender, but her spine was straight, as if boundless power was growing within her.

Lin Dao watched her figure disappear at the end of the tree-lined path, then turned his gaze to his side.

"Alright, shouldn't we get down to business?"

He patted Pikachu on the head, then smiled at Growlithe, Bagon, and Kangaskhan.

"Go check out the camp, discuss the relocation with Salamence, and then pick up the Pokémon that are willing to go to Newland City."

"Pikachu!"

"Aww!"

The Pokémon responded enthusiastically.