Chapter Sixty-Four: The Inspector’s Tedious Routine

A delicate-looking woman with golden hair, dressed in a black professional suit, stood before Chen Ou, awaiting his command.

Chen Ou, on the other hand, felt like a wild grass tossed about by the wind.

[Du, is this really your idea of testing your staff?]
[Who told you I have a thing for blondes in black?]
[You really know how to read people…]

He reined in his wandering thoughts, shook his head, and looked at the young woman the League had assigned to assist him—a girl cosplaying as Cynthia. He asked, “May I know your name, miss?”

But seeing the confusion in her eyes, Chen Ou could only sigh. In this world, no one would mock his classical allusions; they would only throw him a puzzled glance. Though he’d resolved to integrate into this world, these small details still left him with a crushing sense of loneliness.

He let out another sigh, one even more difficult to understand.

The blonde girl, puzzled and a little worried, asked, “Dr. Chen Ou…”

He looked up, offering a gentle smile. “I’m fine. Why don’t you introduce yourself?”

Though still uncertain, the girl saw his expression and knew she shouldn’t press further. She set aside her doubts and introduced herself politely and gracefully.

“My name is Asu. I’m a volunteer from the League’s Inspectorate, a graduate of Jade Rainbow University with a degree in Public Administration. This assignment—well, Mr. Du personally arranged it for me.” At this, Asu scratched her cheek in embarrassment before continuing, “I don’t really know why Mr. Du sent me here so suddenly, but please believe me—I’m a professional. I can handle the inspection in Cerulean City for you.”

[That rotten Dodo is just messing with me, girl…]

Of course, thoughts so honest were kept to himself; saying them aloud would be too cruel.

“Let’s set that aside for now. Tell me about the progress on the reports I submitted. The issues in Cerulean City… they’re all minor,” Chen Ou said indifferently. He wasn’t particularly concerned about Cerulean City’s situation. In the end, as long as no evil organizations appeared, no large-scale Pokémon riots broke out, and routine matters like gym leader transitions and evaluations were in order, everything else was a minor issue, no matter how big it seemed. Even the appointment of a new mayor was trivial, so long as everything conformed to the League’s regulations and all required performance indicators were met. Otherwise… losing your position would be just the beginning.

Truth be told, the League’s governance was rather lax, but Chen Ou had no intention of reforming its administrative system for now. The League’s energy was limited, and under the current boom of new trainers, this relaxed yet results-oriented management wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Indeed, Cerulean City had been a headache for years.

Among the four Cerulean sisters, only Misty was truly skilled. The gym failed its evaluations year after year. If Misty hadn’t returned home in time, the gym would have changed hands by now.

Still, even if the gym closed, Sakura, Iris, and Peony could always make a living with their water performances.

“The Importance of a Family Skill.”

…Of course, inherited skills don’t really count!

As for the current Cerulean City, there was little to worry about. Issues like water contamination would lower the city’s rating, but the mayor wouldn’t be dismissed over such a minor incident.

Hmm, perhaps he should also check in on his old friend, the mayor of Viridian City. Yes, he’d remind him not to make things difficult for others—a good man, after all.

“The matters you reported have been taken over by Elite Bruno and Elite Lorelei. Champion Du is still wrapping up the poaching ring but will join the investigation once he’s finished. Miss Rui Xin… she’s already been detained by the Cerulean City police. She refuses to speak, only repeating that she’s already reported everything to you. If there are further questions, they’re to be directed to you. Because of this, Officer Jenny hasn’t used any force…”

Asu’s summary was brief but clear.

After all, when two of the Four Elites were handling a case together, there was nothing to worry about. As for Rui Xin—also known as Xue—over there…

Chen Ou massaged his temples.

“I’ll ask her some more questions myself. Have Officer Jenny’s team compile a list of what they need to know. My own hasty questioning wasn’t thorough enough.”

Asu nodded in acknowledgement.

“And have Officer Jenny tighten security—make absolutely sure no one comes to break her out. On second thought, I’ll go watch over things myself.”

Chen Ou felt utterly exhausted. Of all people, why did he have to learn from Du and Arceus? It was going to shorten his life…

Oh well, I have the same lifespan as a legendary Pokémon now…

No problem, then…

With that, a thought occurred to him: should he ask for another share for Cynthia? Maybe get several more, so everyone could benefit. No need to seek immortality—even just prolonging life and improving health would be worthwhile.

Wait, once Ho-Oh masters life energy manipulation, maybe I can make these pills myself?

Asu watched Chen Ou, who sat lost in thought, and could only feel helpless.

Dr. Chen Ou was perfect in every way: diligent, powerful, handsome, scholarly—a man of remarkable presence. Only his tendency to drift off at any time was exasperating.

Is it a flaw? Perhaps. But could it be ignored? It was certainly worrying…

After a while, Chen Ou finally snapped out of it, scratched the back of his head sheepishly, and apologized, “Sorry, Asu, I zoned out again.”

Asu smiled. “It’s fine, really.”

In truth, Asu didn’t mind at all. Compared to those who seemed sharp and capable in everything, she preferred Dr. Chen Ou, who wore his little quirks openly. There wasn’t that unapproachable air of mystery.

Chen Ou stood, about to say, “Let’s go.”

Just then, the Rotom Dex popped out.

“Bai Cai is calling, Rotom! Bai Cai is calling, Ro—”

Chen Ou swatted it aside with a single slap.

“Bai Cai is my exclusive nickname!”

He fumed.

“Beep beep… cannot comprehend, Rotom (*+﹏+*)~”

He grabbed the device and answered the call.

“Moshi moshi, Miss Bai Cai, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

On the other end, Cynthia’s voice came, laced with laughter.

“What’s this? Is Young Master Chen not happy to hear from me?”

Chen Ou felt a wave of warmth fill his heart.

“You remembered?” he said, a bit embarrassed.

It was a topic they’d discussed at Cynthia’s house—he would call her “Miss,” and she would call him “Young Master.” It was a bit childish, but back home, friends and classmates had always teased him with the same nickname.

“I remember every word you’ve ever said!” Cynthia replied, pride glimmering in her tone, as if awaiting his praise.

In that moment, Chen Ou felt as if, in this world, it was spring everywhere.