Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

She took two steps back to maintain a suitable distance from the peony, and it was visibly clear that the girl's nervousness had lessened considerably.

"But they haven't taken any drastic actions. Can't we unite and clearly tell everyone that we are no longer alone?!"

"of course can."

Looking at Mudan's tense little face, Nanyin did not intend to expose her identity as the real leader. She just wanted to teach the child a lesson.

Often, rash actions can lead to lifelong regrets. Even a seemingly insignificant thorn can cause inflammation and ulceration when it gets into a wound.

The best approach is to be careful from the beginning, slowly removing the small thorns and resolving all potential problems. Avoidance and disappearance are always the worst options.

Only by thoroughly understanding the situation and clarifying the sequence of events, ensuring that all involved parties comprehend the circumstances, can the best decisions be made.

"I just want to tell Peony that you can't always run away from things and wait until everything is about to fail before you think about making amends. Perhaps this is a little difficult for you, but as you enter adulthood, you have to take the first step. You are only in first grade, you have plenty of time, just adapt slowly and be honest with yourself."

Glancing at the neatly tidied room behind the girl and the suitcases placed to one side, she roughly understood that, given the girl's personality, she probably intended to dilute the influence of the Tianxing Team by having the real leader leave, allowing the students who had united to disband on their own and return to normal campus life.

However, Peony overlooked one thing from beginning to end: she was not clear about what she, as the Fairy Queen, truly symbolized within the Celestial Star Team.

If things continue this way, perhaps those bullied children will forever remain immersed in this unsuccessful collective uprising. Even when faced with disciplinary action from the school, they will fantasize that if the real leader were still alive, they could reunite and overcome all difficulties, instead of disbanding with peace of mind and returning to normal life.

Perhaps, this introverted girl, Peony, might even consider sacrificing herself to have the punishment for the Tianxing team revoked, or concealing her true identity to personally handle the consequences of this operation.

If they choose to run away, it will dampen the spirits of the students and gradually cool their enthusiasm. It will also make the girl feel extremely ashamed after learning the truth. If they choose to take responsibility, it will make the members of the Tianxing team feel even more guilty, and the conflict will intensify.

"I......"

Just as Nan Yin had thought, Mudan did indeed intend to leave alone after the impact subsided, but after listening to the girl's advice, she found herself in a dilemma.

A timid nature made the path of honesty incredibly difficult, but leaving abruptly would clearly disappoint his companions. Fortunately—

"You can hesitate, you can pause, but you must never give up halfway. To finish what you start is the mark of maturity."

"Moreover, the school has never intended to punish the Tianxing team."

"Eh?"

The girl gasped in surprise and looked at Nan Yin in disbelief, as if waiting for her further explanation.

"That's right, the students in the Tianxing team did nothing wrong. Under the command of that real leader, they acted with restraint and never violated school rules. Despite having a numerical advantage, they did not resort to violence. How can this be considered a conflict? It was just a strong voice from the victims to the perpetrators."

"If possible, I would like to get to know such an outstanding group leader."

No longer addressing her as "boss," Nan Yin raised the corners of her lips and gently murmured the word "leader."

After a long silence, the girl with red and blue highlights finally raised her head, her face flushed, and looked directly into Nan Yin's clear eyes.

She was delighted by her teacher's approval, ashamed of her previous avoidance, and embarrassed by the girl's unreserved praise.

To be honest, Peony has always had very complicated feelings about Nanyin music.

Unlike Nemo, who sees Nan Yin as a formidable rival, Papa sees Nan Yin as a mentor.

For Mudan, the initial experience was seeing the girl's photos on the platform, followed by the appointment she was given, and then meeting her in person. She received a lot of help from the former and was also impressed by her confident and gentle temperament. Her words and actions carried more weight than anyone else's.

The girl admired and longed for this senior, especially since these words struck a chord with Peony.

"...I understand. I will try to persuade them to disband the Celestial Star Team, as their leader."

It is a promise.

"That's good. However, I plan to leave Parthia for a while, so I've prepared a gift for you before I go."

She took out a fluffy Eevee backpack from behind her. This tailor-made gift was not purchased from a store, but was sewn by Nan Yin bit by bit by drawing the needle and thread with her telekinesis.

Similarly, it is no longer the original Eevee's smaller, brownish shape. Instead, it imitates the beautiful Sylveon, which is as gorgeous as a flower, with its ribbons waving and confidently displaying its beauty to the world.

"I hope that you and that little Eevee can gradually shine with your own unique brilliance."

With that, she waved goodbye, leaving behind only her increasingly distant silhouette.

After an unknown amount of time, Peony finally calmed down, gently picked up the backpack placed on the door frame, and slowly tried to raise the corners of her lips, showing the sincerity of a child's first smile.

"...Thank you, Teacher Nanyin."

As if sensing something, or as if hearing a voice, just as the words of thanks were uttered, Nan Yin happened to turn her head and catch a glimpse of her blond friend.

Just like countless afternoons, Korni tilted her head slightly, letting her hair fall freely, and casually took her hand, asking inquiringly.

"Nanyin, where is our next stop?"

Chapter 182 The Ideal Dragon and N's Whereabouts

The engine propelled the plane, and with the landing gear retracting, the pure white bird soared off the runway and into the azure sky.

In the initial moments after takeoff, the unstable pace always caused the fuselage to vibrate slightly. Taking advantage of this moment of restlessness, the white-haired girl turned her eyes and looked through the square window at the crowd below that was becoming increasingly distant.

Nemo, Pipa, Peony, Claver, Ginja, and Yeci.

A week is neither short nor long; it seems to pass in the blink of an eye. For example, she has already boarded a flight to United States.

When the alarm clock rang and she arrived at the airport with her suitcase, she found that all the friends she had met on this trip were there, waiting for her in the waiting area as if they were telepathically connected.

A hint of fatigue lingered in the corners of his eyes, and occasionally, tears welled up in them.

To be honest, Nan Yin was inevitably moved. She felt that she had not done anything particularly good, but had only offered help to the best of her ability. It was hardly a deep favor, and she did not deserve such attention from others.

The girl's thinking was not wrong, but she did not realize that providing help in times of need is far more profound than adding to someone's existing success.

Despite his confusion, he knew that this parting was not a permanent farewell. Due to the special nature of the Zero District in Padia, even the Alliance Chairman, Ye Ci, could not unilaterally decide the entry and exit of outsiders. Therefore, he had to wait a little longer in order to reunite with Zhenyi Fa.

It wouldn't breed discontent. Nan Yin knew that all parties in Padia had invested heavily in Area Zero, and since she wasn't a local trainer, entering this highly confidential place was naturally not easy.

Slowing down her thoughts, she gently brought the Scorpion King, which was soaring and swimming freely in the cabin, back to her side. This land was still far from United States; even by plane, it would take more than ten hours.

During the day, even when watching the changing sky through the window, it's difficult to maintain energy and interest for long, especially during the morning and afternoon.

She took out her phone from her bag. Just yesterday, she had told a group of acquaintances where she was going, and naturally received a lot of caring and concerned words, such as Grandpa Fu's comforting words about her life and Ma Xiu's inquiries about her goals.

Looking up again, Nan Yin saw her friend with a smile on her face, her heart and eyes brimming with joy, and she couldn't help but feel a little curious.

"What's wrong? Why are you laughing so happily?"

She lifted her fingers to accentuate her curved hips, lowered her head slightly, and glanced sideways at the smiling girl.

"When Grandpa found out I was going on another long trip, he tried to dissuade me again with all his heart. He had said before that I was no good enough to go anywhere, but when it came down to it, he panicked."

With her head held high and her face beaming, Korne's tone was undeniably proud, revealing the old man's importance in the girl's heart.

“You’re always so petty. How could Mr. Cocoble not care about his only granddaughter?”

"Hmph, I have no desire to inherit the gym's name. Besides, as a trainer, I'll definitely be stronger than him in the future!"

She spoke with conviction, but as she finished speaking, Korni secretly glanced at Nan Yin and murmured to herself.

—With you by my side.

"It's good that you have a general plan."

Gently stroking Eevee's fur, watching the little beast sway its pointed ears up and down, Nan Yin didn't offer much comment on her friend's thoughts.

Perhaps Kerni's goal wasn't very clear and was just a passing fancy, but for a girl who was only seventeen, it was already quite good that she was able to actually try and strive to achieve it.

Moreover, ambiguity does not mean ineffectiveness. Recognizing the present and implementing measures step by step is also a good option.

She thought this to herself, but the next moment, a sudden question startled her and left her in a state of hesitation.

"So, what are Nanyin's plans for the future?"

Nan Yin paused, her fingers gripping the straw for a long time before finally releasing her grip and letting the milk coffee in her cup ripple.

"...Perhaps, it's about reaching the pinnacle of trainer status, standing before the figures I once longed for, or perhaps it's about finding peace of mind in protecting a group of animals, and walking together peacefully and fulfillingly."

Looking out at the high mountains shrouded in white mist, and then at the small animal resting with its eyes closed at its base, her tone grew increasingly firm as she spoke, until the very last word.

"To settle down and start a family" is a fitting description.

Since leaving Miarei, Nan Yin has set a goal of climbing to the top of the mountain. The reason she hesitates now is more because the question is directed at someone else.

In the past, Korne was just a friend, but now, he could no longer see her in the same light.

With her brows furrowed and her fingers lightly tapping the table, the girl was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't even notice when Korni leaned in to look at her for a long time.

Undeniably, no matter what state she was in, Nan Yin's focused demeanor was extremely natural and pleasing to the eye.

As she pondered the words "settling down and starting a family," and reflected on their time together, Korni couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

Her sleeping with her friends and her harmonious relationship with the fairies seemed no different from her life after starting a family.

Yes, Korne never hides her affection for Nanyin. This beautiful and elegant figure is not only her friend, but also her rival as a trainer and a mentor on her life's journey.

The girl learned so much from him, and also owed him so much in return.

She dislikes others getting too close to Nanyin, and feels bitter about the former's attention being focused on others. This possessiveness shouldn't exist, but Ke'erni can't suppress these feelings.

I've gotten used to having her in my life, and I always want to share interesting experiences with her. Even when I'm far away, I subconsciously wonder what she's doing. Can this be pure friendship?

Obviously not. It's mixed with too many emotions: dependence, gratitude, and longing, but not at all dislike.

For the past decade or so, the girl had been kept close to her elders, never experiencing love or understanding what emotions were. But if one had to describe her in a single word, it would only be—

I like the word "like".

Without hesitation, Corinne confessed her feelings, staring intently at her friend until the latter came to her senses, before slowly looking away.

Social norms bind the mind and body. While same-sex love is not taboo in Carlos, it is not exactly open either. At least, the girl is unsure how Nan Yin views her or whether she can accept this distorted friendship.

Calm and composed, seemingly unfazed by anything, gentle and kind to friends, decisive and ruthless to enemies—this is how Korni sees her partner, a peak that an ordinary girl can never reach.

Already hesitant to express herself, and even more afraid of being rejected by Nan Yin after revealing her feelings, the girl could only maintain her cheerful demeanor, make jokes, and stay by his side as always, gradually melting away this misunderstanding.

This is true for Korni, and it is also true for Nanyin.

Her two lifetimes broadened her horizons, making her calm and composed in the face of adversity, but the memories of the past still had too much of an impact on her.

Humans must live independently; no one can survive without another person.

Those were the instructions her mother had given her.

Nan Yin understood that the other party simply wanted her to be an independent person with her own opinions.

She's always like this, always hoping to be independent, even if she loses all her family, relatives, and even her lover, she can still live a good life.

Saying goodbye to university, entering society, leaving home, and living in a high-rise building, with no human interaction except for necessary social interactions, perhaps she has not been able to be as resilient as her mother said, but the day-to-day work and the mindset of being self-centered have gradually turned her into a person.

When you spend a lot of time alone, it naturally becomes a habit.

She never even tried romantic love with the opposite sex, only giving her children what she lacked in the past, fearing that she might neglect one thing and hurt their feelings. She never even thought about liking someone of the same sex.

This is the reason why the girl was so distracted after learning that Korne had feelings for her.

This isn't exactly straightforward; it's just that the young woman in the famous Southern Melody couldn't accept the change in their relationship, couldn't sort out her feelings for the former, and didn't know how to address this barrier.

The hesitation between the two sides led to conflict. As the voyage continued, each with their own thoughts, they fell asleep one after another, rarely even exchanging glances.

Perhaps only the insightful Diancie could see clearly and explain the emotional entanglements and right and wrong between the two, but some things, if not spoken by the right person, lose the possibility of reaching a happy ending.

Time settles beneath the fluctuating nasal sounds, and when the announcement of the flight's arrival time rings in your ears, the accumulated weariness dissipates like fleeting clouds.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this flight is about to arrive at Shuangliu Airport in Fuyuki City. We hope that all passengers will keep their Pokémon under control to avoid congestion during disembarkation..."

Listening to the multilingual announcements, they also packed their small luggage. Larger items were mostly shipped via freight and needed to be retrieved after they left. What they needed to do now was to check for omissions and prevent problems before they occurred.

"Buy~"

With a loose ribbon and a lazy stretch, Eevee's fur was quite bushy and messy after half a day of rest, but with a flick of the fingertips, the child regained its clean and elegant appearance.

As she smoothed down her friend's unruly hair, Nan Yin's expression remained unchanged, except for a hint of unease hidden deep within her eyes.

"Cornee, check your luggage. Make sure you don't leave anything in the cabin."

They intended to interact in the same way as before, but after only a moment, the girl almost couldn't contain her emotions, her face contorting with a troubled expression, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. Fortunately—

“I’m not a child anymore, so don’t always think of me as so careless. On the contrary, Nan Yin, you only thought about these children when you woke up, and you didn’t even tidy up your own clothes.”

Korni reached out to straighten her friend's wrinkled skirt sleeves, exhaled a deep breath, patted her cheeks, and looked down at the unfamiliar city beneath her feet.

"Fuki City is famous for its airport, which has the widest runway in the United States. As a result, its cargo aviation industry is highly developed and can be called a pillar industry here."

After quickly regaining her composure, Nan Yin saw the curiosity on her friend's face and took the opportunity to tell him about the past and present of this area.

"I've heard that, apart from Shuangliu Airport, the most eye-catching place in this city is the Tower of Paradise in the distance."

Following the girl's gaze, the towering spire and spiraling staircase filled Korni with heartfelt admiration.

"It feels like a tomb tower similar to the one at Songshinsan."