"Eighty million! Not a cent more. Don't be too greedy; you're already making a massive profit."
Chiyo Yuki saw that Feng Che was completely unmoved, so she gritted her teeth and spat out another offer.
"No. It's not about the money. I'm not selling for any price," Feng Che replied, his expression unchanging.
"Hmph, you pretentious brat! Fine, if you won't listen to reason... Go, Jynx!"
Yuki snorted coldly and summoned her strongest partner. The Jynx materialised—a humanoid Pokémon resembling a stout, noblewoman in a long red gown. With its purple face, saucer-like eyes, and flowing blonde hair, it possessed powerful telepathic abilities and could master the unique move Lovely Kiss.
"Sir, perhaps you should reconsider? The lady's offer is truly generous," Yuji, the bank representative, whispered in a peacemaker's tone.
Feng Che's eyes turned cold as a sharp aura of psychic energy began to flare around him. "I already said no. Are you planning to force a sale?"
His voice dropped an octave, resonating with a weight that made the air feel heavy. "Celadon City is under League jurisdiction, not a playground for spoiled heirs. If she attacks, Officer Jenny will have a report of Pokémon-on-human assault within minutes. Under League law, that's detention at best and a prison sentence at worst. Which one does the 'Lady' prefer?"
The sheer intensity of Feng Che's psychic pressure made it difficult for the crowd to breathe. Chiyo Yuki's face paled.
"Process the deed immediately," Feng Che commanded Yuji. "The funds have already been transferred to the bank's account."
"Curse you! Just you wait!" Yuki hissed, stomping her foot before storming out.
Shortly after, the bank finalized the paperwork. "That Skyland Breeding Center chain is massive," Yuji warned quietly. "They have deep pockets and a reputation for underhanded tactics. Be careful."
Feng Che shrugged. "Let them come."
Standing before the now-unsealed Celadon Breeding Center, Feng Che felt a wave of satisfaction. He finally had a base of operations.
"Come out, Linoone!"
He released his seven Linoone. "This is our home now."
The property was sprawling, encompassing several hills that would have cost hundreds of millions if not for the bankruptcy. It featured a seven-story main building: retail on floors 1-2, diagnostics and research on 3-5, and thousands of Pokémon eggs stored on 6-7.
Heh, they have no idea, Feng Che thought. The real reason I bought this place is the legend of a hidden Pseudo-Legendary egg tucked away in the back of the vault.
The backyard was a sanctuary of mountains, lakes, and forests—perfect for diverse training. He released his entire main team: Ditto, Corvisquire, Litten, Froakie, Ivysaur, Aerodactyl, Scyther, Magikarp, Vulpix, Alolan Vulpix, and Rowlet.
Most began exploring or sparring immediately, while Rowlet simply found a sunny patch and went back to sleep.
Feng Che then released his "captured" squad: Kleavor, Salazzle, Tentacruel, Seadra, Feraligatr, and Poliwhirl.
"You live here for now," he announced, using his psychic power to instill a sense of awe in them. "No trouble, or you'll deal with me. Behave, and you might become official staff."
The captured Pokémon settled in, acting as both live-in sparring partners and a deterrent to any low-level thieves.
"坂木 (Giovanni) gave me ten days to reach the Lake of Rage," Feng Che calculated. "I can hit the Saffron underground market first to collect Nakata's hidden loot, then fly to Goldenrod and head for Mahogany Town."
Before leaving, he called Froakie over. He pulled out a beautifully crafted blue bracer embedded with a Water Crystal and a high-grade Mystic Water.
"This is for you. It's made of expandable material so it won't hinder your movement. It'll sharpen your connection to water energy," he said, patting the frog's head.
[Froakie: Trainer is the best! I'll become the strongest ninja in the world!]
The bracer sat snugly on its limb, pulsing with a cooling energy that made Froakie visibly more energetic.
"Linoones, you're in charge of the grounds. Golduck, come here. You're watching the storefront. If there's trouble, message me immediately."
Golduck, being highly intelligent (though easily distracted by pretty girls), nodded eagerly.
Just then, the bell rang. A pretty young woman entered with a Growlithe.
"Hello? Is the Celadon Breeding Center open?"
Golduck:A pretty girl! My life is complete!
Golduck zoomed toward her like a blue streak, eyes turning into hearts. Before he could reach her, Salazzle stepped out from the shadows behind Feng Che. Her fire whip lashed out, coiling around Golduck's leg and dragging him away as he turned a sickly shade of purple from her Corrosion poison.
The girl stared, frozen in shock.
"Don't mind them," Feng Che laughed. "Just Pokémon interaction. We aren't officially open yet, but how can I help?"
"My Growlithe... he won't eat. Nurse Joy couldn't find anything wrong and suggested a breeder. Can you help?"
Feng Che examined the dog. "His mouth is fine, but his sinuses are congested." He used tweezers and a cotton swab to gently clear a mass of grey slime from the pup's nose. "He smelled a Grimer or Muk. The lingering stench ruined his appetite. Smelling this Oran Berry peel will fix him up."
Growlithe sneezed violently, clearing the rest of the sludge, and immediately looked perky.
"He's a bit malnourished too. Here's a formula for specialized energy blocks," Feng Che said, scribbling a recipe. "Since you're my first 'customer', this one's on the house."
Once the girl left, her friendly demeanor vanished. She met Chiyo Yuki around the corner.
"Did he see through it, Chiyo Ame?" Yuki asked coldly.
"He solved the sinus issue, but his energy block recipe is generic," Ame sneered, looking at the paper. "He's just a lucky amateur. We'll wait for him to open, then we'll crush his reputation in public."
"If you hadn't missed the auction, we wouldn't have to play these games," Yuki grumbled.
Back inside, Feng Che smirked. That girl was definitely a Skyland mole. Only a fool like Golduck would be fooled by that act. Good thing Salazzle is here to keep him in line.
He began tagging the thousands of eggs in the vault. He had a lot of work to do before the Johto mission began.
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