"It's almost noon, and there are still so few customers," Heath sighed as he glanced at his old, worn-out phone. He had hoped to make some money today, but business remained slow.
This was typical for the humid weather, especially with the thick fog. Going out meant getting a head full of dew, like a free hair wash, so people were reluctant to leave their homes or offices.
Heath knew his cooking was good, but it wasn't addictive enough to make customers come back every day.
If his food were that addictive, Officer Jenny Maple would likely have immediately investigated his food truck to ensure he wasn't adding any illegal substances, similar to how some shady chefs in his previous life used illicit ingredients to make customers dependent on their food.
"Farfetch'd, are you particularly skilled with knives?" Heath asked, noticing his Pokémon practicing its wok skills.
"Farfetch'd?" Farfetch'd tilted its head in confusion, then nodded confidently.
"Farfetch'd says his knife skills are top-notch," Zorua remarked, lounging on a chair with a book.
Heath smiled, appreciating such confidence in a Pokémon. He opened his cabinet and pulled out the prize he had won earlier—a mythical knife, the Fog Blade.
"Try this knife," Heath handed the Fog Blade to Farfetch'd, who examined it with interest before gripping it awkwardly.
"Not like that. Hold it this way," Heath demonstrated a proper grip. Farfetch'd imitated him, understanding how to handle the blade.
Heath nodded in approval. Farfetch'd had the strength to wield the Fog Blade, but such a weapon was too long and not allowed in official battles.
"It's a shame we can't use those techniques here, or I'd master them," Heath sighed, storing the sword back in the cabinet. Farfetch'd was better off with its trusty leek.
"Trainer, you seem to have a lot of strange items," Zorua noted as they returned to the food truck.
"Yes, collecting odd things is my hobby," Heath admitted, then noticed Zorua holding the Dream Microphone.
Seeing Zorua about to use it, Heath quickly retrieved it and breathed a sigh of relief.
"It's just a microphone. Why can't I use it?" Zorua asked, feeling wronged.
"Because it's dangerous," Heath explained, locking the Dream Microphone away with a fingerprint lock to prevent future mishaps.
He ruffled Zorua's head to comfort her and checked his phone, realizing it was already noon.
Usually, Heath would be serving customers by now, but the persistent fog suggested that today's lunch business would also be slow.
"You're brave to be running your stand," a familiar voice said. Heath looked up and saw the Jenny from yesterday smiling at him.
"Are you the inspector?" Heath recalled what Officer Maple had mentioned and asked curiously.
"Hey, you figured it out. But don't tell anyone I'm here," the Jenny replied, her expression turning serious.
Heath nodded, promising not to tell anyone but deciding to inform Officer Maple via text.
"Do you have a vending permit?" Jenny Kim asked sternly. Heath sighed, fetching his permit from the food truck. Jenny Kim checked it and nodded in satisfaction.
"Your name is Heath? We seem to have a connection. I'm Officer Jenny Kim," she introduced herself with a smile. Heath, recognizing her friendliness, greeted her politely.
"Little Heath, what do you usually sell here? Any illegal items?" Jenny Kim teased with a grin. Heath squinted at her, feeling she was toying with him.
"Officer Kim, you misunderstand. Everything I sell is legal," Heath assured her, not wanting to be falsely accused and risk losing his food truck.
"Of course, I know that. Oh, someone's coming. See you next time," Jenny Kim laughed, waving goodbye as she left.
Almost immediately, a customer approached and ordered fried rice. As Heath prepared the dish, he marveled at Jenny Kim's keen sense, noticing people approaching before he did.
After serving the customer, Heath found himself with more free time. To pass the time, he studied for his upcoming driving test.
"If I pass the theory test, I'll face the practical one next. Driving in this humid weather will be a challenge," Heath thought, looking at the foggy city. Viridian City seemed like a misty water town, with only the occasional sound of Pokémon breaking the silence.
He took a deep breath, the damp air refreshing him, making him feel more alert.
"Alright, time to study!"
(End of Chapter 88)