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

Chapter 96: Echoes of the Incident

After the live stream ended, Li Hao packed up his equipment while looking at the constantly updating data on his tablet. He couldn't help but say something to Lin Dao, who was rubbing his temples and leaning back in his chair to rest.

"Brother Lin, guess what? We're in the top ten trending topics on all the major platforms! And they're all about Stinky Mud and Officer Wang tonight!"

Lin Dao opened his eyes, his gaze showing weariness, but even more so, peace and a touch of relief.

He picked up the slightly cool water glass next to him, took a sip, and said slowly.

"As expected. This story contains so many touching elements: lurking dangers, dramatic twists, and the complete arc of the relationship between humans and Pokémon, from misunderstanding to understanding, from conflict to redemption."

"It is more powerful than any elaborate promotional video or slogan because it is real, because it is about the most basic kindness, responsibility, and the possibility of communication."

He paused, pondering what to do next.

"We need to follow up on Officer Wang Cheng and Chou Chou Mud."

"See if they need any specific help, such as professional guidance for the trainer qualification exam, or Muk's special dietary needs."

"They are not just a group now, but a benchmark that serves as an example."

"Understood." Li Hao took a note carefully. "The response team will definitely use Wang Cheng as a model to promote."

"A grassroots police officer, through patience and sincerity, gains the approval of Pokémon and works together to solve community safety hazards—this story is incredibly beneficial for popularizing the path of 'non-traditional elite trainers' and encouraging more ordinary people to approach Pokémon with equality and respect."

Just as they predicted, the online world was already in an uproar.

On major social media platforms, topics such as #StinkyMudHero#, #PoliceOfficerWangChengGainsSpecialPartner#, #CommunicationIsMoreImportantThanSubjugation#, #LindaoLiveBroadcastTwist#, and #MountainCityPoisonGasBombHorror# have been trending like rockets, firmly occupying the top spots on the hot search list, followed by a series of "hot" tags.

The number of reads and discussions on related topics has been climbing at an astonishing rate, with countless new comments and shares being generated every second.

The Zhang Xiaoling family's experience, which left them both frightened and relieved, sparked widespread sympathy and discussion about historical safety hazards.

The incredible transformation of Muk from a "nuisance" to a "purification hero" has amazed countless people with the diversity of Pokémon abilities and their potential social value.

Officer Wang Cheng's oath of surrender was devoid of any fancy words, and even carried a hint of clumsiness and nervousness.

"I may not be very good, and I don't have much money, but I will try my best to be good to you—together, we can help more people and Pokémon in need."

Yet, like the purest gold, it precisely struck the softest spot in the hearts of millions of ordinary people.

"I only knew Pokémon for battling and as pets before, but today I realized they can truly be guardians of the community and solve dangers that humans struggle to handle! I have the utmost respect for them!"

"I cried. Officer Wang's words, 'I might not be that good,' really broke me. It turns out that it's not just geniuses and the wealthy who can become trainers; sincerity and a sense of responsibility are equally valuable."

"I've been preparing for the Trainer certification exam, and the pressure is immense; I'm always afraid of failing. But seeing Officer Wang suddenly made me feel less anxious. Bonds and understanding are perhaps more important than a certificate."

"I used to avoid the stinky sludge when I passed by garbage disposal stations, thinking it was dirty and smelly. Today, my perspective has completely changed! They just look special and do special jobs; they are all lives worthy of respect!"

"Teacher Lin is absolutely right! My cat has been a bit depressed ever since we caught it. I was just thinking about how to make it stronger for battles. Shouldn't I do what Officer Wang did and talk to it more to see what it really needs?"

The level of public opinion is changing quietly.

Many people who previously harbored doubts or fears about Pokémon, or simply viewed them as "novel pets," "battle tools," or even "potential threats," have begun to actively or passively re-examine their cognitive framework.

The image of Pokémon is evolving from a simple "otherworldly creature" to a more diverse, social, and emotionally connected "intelligent neighbor."

Traditional media also reacted swiftly.

The following morning, several authoritative newspapers published in-depth reports on their front pages or important sections.

The headline of the China Youth Daily was "The Horror of the 'Poison Gas Bomb' in Chongqing: The Unexpected Protection of a Stinky Mud and a Policeman," which detailed the incident and included a commentary emphasizing that "social governance in the new era needs to incorporate an understanding and collaboration with new life forms."

Science and Technology Daily, on the other hand, took a technical approach, publishing an article titled "From 'Disdain' to 'Hero': On the Cognition of Pokémon Abilities and the Reconstruction of Social Roles," which explored how to scientifically understand and make good use of the unique abilities of different Pokémon to serve society.

Local television stations have also launched related reports in their morning news and special programs, inviting experts, scholars, trainer representatives, and community workers to discuss the topic. In random street interviews, citizens have shown significantly more positive opinions and curiosity about Pokémon.

The ripples within the system also spread in layers.

In response, the General Administration convened a video conference overnight to summarize the incident and promptly issued a detailed report, "Notification and Lessons Learned on the '0407' Pokémon Assistance in Handling Historical High-Risk Items Incident in Shancheng City," to all local branches, requiring them to organize study sessions and conduct in-depth discussions on it as a "successful example of handling non-confrontational Pokémon incidents" and a "typical case of establishing a positive interactive relationship between grassroots civil servants and Pokémon."

The report emphasizes the core principles of "understanding needs," "equal communication," and "seeking win-win outcomes."

Within the public security system, Wang Cheng's deeds were commended by higher authorities, sparking a new round of discussions about...

A pragmatic exploration of the "Police Pokémon" system.

Could suitable Pokémon be introduced as auxiliary police forces in certain specific areas (such as drug enforcement, bomb detection, pollution detection, and special environmental rescue)? How can corresponding training, support, and cooperation standards be established?

The education authorities have also taken action. It is said that relevant departments have begun research to explore adapting such positive cases that embody "life education," "responsibility," and "scientific collaboration" into appropriate content and incorporating them into the resource library for the future "Pokémon General Knowledge and Ethics" curriculum in primary and secondary schools.

Inside a room at a temporary resettlement site in Shancheng City.

Wang Cheng sat on the edge of the bed, tightly holding the Green Poké Ball that had captured Muk in his hand. The cool ball made him feel incredibly grounded, yet also carried a sense of unreality, like a dream.

His phone kept ringing from the moment the live stream ended. He was overwhelmed by calls of concern from his superiors, a flood of congratulatory messages from colleagues and friends, and even interview requests from some local media outlets. But his heart was filled with a warm sense of fulfillment.

At that moment, a special video call request popped up—it was from his son.

Wang Cheng took a deep breath, straightened his slightly wrinkled police uniform, and nervously answered the call.

On the other side of the screen, the son, Wang Hao, had obviously just woken up. His hair was still a little messy, but his eyes were incredibly bright. He tried to put on a cool expression, but he couldn't hide the excitement and pride that was about to overflow.

"Dad!" The boy's voice trembled with excitement.

"You're amazing! The whole internet is talking about you! Our class group and gaming group are all spamming about you and Muk! Everyone's saying you're a real-life superhero!"

Wang Cheng felt a pang of sadness, followed by a surge of warmth: "You brat—your dad failed the exam."

"What does it matter!" the son shouted.

"Even Teacher Lin says bonds are the most important thing! Dad, when you come back, will you teach me how to get along with you and Muk? I want to be a Trainer too!"

"Okay, okay!" Wang Cheng nodded repeatedly, his eyes getting a little hot.

After hanging up the phone, he gently stroked the Poké Ball and whispered, "Mulphur, let's—cheer up together."

""