Chapter 59 Old is gold.
It's all very messy.
Xia Mu was momentarily exhausted.
The information he'd gathered in such a short time was far too complex.
He wasn't stupid; it clearly reeked of conspiracy.
Even knowing his parents wouldn't harm him and would only think of his best interests, he still felt uneasy.
Indeed, this was a good thing for him, and he did have feelings for Sonia; her looks and figure were definitely appealing.
However, for two people to be together, appearance alone wasn't enough; there were too many factors to consider.
They needed to share the same values, similar thoughts, common topics, and so on.
These were the initial requirements, and then came the tests of personality, habits, and even every aspect of life…
If even conversations were full of targeting and purpose, if they couldn't even appreciate each other, then even if they came together with external forces, they wouldn't be happy.
However, Xia Mu was certain of one thing: Sonia definitely didn't have a boyfriend right now.
Although she and Leon were childhood sweethearts, they hadn't developed a romantic relationship, either in the game world or in the real world.
At least for now, that's how it is. Even if they end up together in the original story, it will be several years from now.
Otherwise, Professor Magnolia wouldn't have brought Sonia along, much less allowed Xia Mu to approach her granddaughter with ulterior motives.
It must be said, experience counts.
Professor Magnolia directly laid things out in front of him; how they choose to act and how they interact will all depend on Xia Mu's actions.
And of course, there's Sonia's choice as well.
At this moment, Sonia was clearly very unhappy about being manipulated.
So, after learning the truth, she began to look at Xia Mu with a targeted gaze.
Xia Mu felt a chill run down his spine under her gaze, unsure how to respond.
The crucial point was that he was also a victim.
"Would you believe me if I said I knew absolutely nothing about this?"
"Do you think I would believe you?" Sonia rolled her eyes, clearly not believing her.
While she was unhappy, she didn't truly dislike Xia Mu.
At least he was handsome and refined in appearance, and his manners were generally good.
From his Pokémon, it was clear that Xia Mu was a responsible person.
Especially regarding Gardevoir, it was certain that Xia Mu wasn't the type to have violent tendencies, pursue quick results without considering feelings, and had very sound values.
Thinking too much, Sonia suddenly blushed again, shook her head, and inwardly scolded herself for overthinking.
She became even more determined in her resolve: she would decide her own future, and her grandmother couldn't force her.
"Alright, Sonia, Xia Mu really didn't lie. Only I, Xia Mu's parents, know this. Besides, this child truly doesn't lie; his eyes are sincere and clear—that can't be faked." Professor Magnolia patted Sonia beside her, explaining for Xia Mu.
Mature and shrewd, Xia Mu admired Professor Magnolia greatly.
She truly could tell he couldn't lie.
Xia Mu himself knew that when he lied, he often avoided eye contact and made fidgety movements.
"Is that so? But why did I feel like his gaze towards me was strange from the very beginning?" Sonia recalled Xia Mu's somewhat naive appearance when they first met.
Xia Mu was extremely embarrassed and said, "I was just being polite. We're acquaintances, shouldn't we look at each other properly? Didn't you look at me too?"
"Is that so?" Sonia's serious expression was full of confidence.
She felt Xia Mu had ulterior motives.
Watching the two engage in a heated argument like a young couple arguing, Professor Magnolia couldn't help but burst into laughter.
It seemed she was reminiscing about her younger self.
Her laughter made both Xia Mu and Sonia feel a little embarrassed.
"For the next period of time, you two should try to get to know each other. Xia Mu, you're going on a trip anyway, why not take Sonia with you? She'll be helpful," Professor Magnolia said meaningfully.
This old lady was clearly offering assistance.
Regardless of her relationship with the Xia family, or rather, with Uncle Blaine, Xia Mu's goodwill towards her skyrocketed just for that.
She seemed quite serious and imposing on the surface, but she was actually quite easy to get along with.
"Grandma, you want me to go on a trip with him? But I know nothing about the Kanto region," Sonia said anxiously.
"Isn't Xia Mu here? Although it's his first time traveling, I can tell he's quite capable and can protect you. Besides, with the Xia family protecting you, you can take this opportunity to see the customs and culture of the Kanto region.
Didn't you say you wanted to visit Kanto not long ago?" Professor Magnolia said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Having lived for decades and possessing exceptional intelligence, she had a masterful grasp of social dynamics.
"Okay, okay." Sonia was persuaded by Professor Magnolia and could only agree for the time being.
Seeing her granddaughter agree, Professor Magnolia looked at Xia Mu and said, "What's wrong? Are you unwilling? I quite like you. The way you looked at my precious granddaughter at first…"
Before Professor Magnolia could finish her teasing, Xia Mu coughed twice and interrupted, "I understand. I'll take good care of her and won't cause any trouble."
"Hmm, that's good." Professor Magnolia nodded with a smile and said nothing more.
Xia Mu and Sonia exchanged another glance, their heavy hearts written on their faces, but neither said a word.
...
The limousine drove from the port through the relatively prosperous city to Cinnabar Town, near the volcano's crater.
The Cinnabar Gym was located here, and because it was built near a volcano, the temperature here was extremely hot year-round.
Fortunately, its location was excellent; the sea breeze from the ocean neutralized the heat, making the climate mild, like a tropical rainforest.
Upon arriving near the volcano, Xia Mu saw its strangely shaped form and couldn't help but recall the original story.
Ash's battle between Charizard and Blaine's Magmar seemed to have taken place at that crater.
What I remember most vividly back then was when the Magmar unleashed its massive Flame Burst, which Charizard caught barehanded and tossed into the air.
And that wasn't all; the Flame Burst transformed into a medium Flame Burst, then into a small Flame Burst, before finally vanishing...
I didn't think much of it as a child, but now that I'm older, I find it incredibly 'fun'.
[Speaking of which, this volcano reminds me of two other volcanoes.] Xia Mu thought to himself.
These two volcanoes are Mt. Ember on the One Island and Mount Fire God on Fire Island in the Orange Islands.
In the game, Mt. Ember on the One Island is home to a Moltres.
He wondered if it was the same in this world.
If there really was one, he'd like to try and catch it.
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(End of Chapter)