Mysterious Incense
A mystical incense with an enchanting fragrance. When carried by a Pokémon, it enhances the power of Psychic-type moves. The aroma it emits subtly strengthens a Pokémon's control over psychic abilities. If inhaled by a human with psychic potential, prolonged exposure may yield similar effects.
Without hesitation, Su Feng purchased two Mysterious Incenses from the system. Retrieving them from his system space, an otherworldly scent immediately permeated the air, matching its description.
Haunter, who could also use Psychic-type moves, caught a whiff of the fragrance. The incense's effects would benefit her as well.
Ding ling ling—
Su Feng's phone suddenly rang. Only important contacts had his number, so he answered promptly.
"Hello?"
"Xiao Feng, are you at home right now?" Old Chen's voice came through.
"Yes, Old Chen," Su Feng replied respectfully.
"Good. I'll be there shortly."
"Understood."
After hanging up, Su Feng placed one incense on his bedside and another in the living room, then began tidying the house. Since this was Old Chen's first visit, he wanted to make a good impression. Fortunately, Su Feng's minimalist lifestyle meant little clutter. A quick cleanup left the room spotless.
Ding dong—
The doorbell rang. Su Feng hurried to answer it, while Haunter scrambled to prepare tea.
"Hope I'm not interrupting, Xiao Feng," Old Chen said warmly, standing at the door with two familiar figures behind him: Brother Jin and a guard surnamed Jiang, whom Su Feng had met once before.
"Of course not! Please, come in," Su Feng ushered them inside.
After changing into slippers, Old Chen settled comfortably on the living room sofa. The usually imposing Brother Jin and Jiang stood stiffly behind him, resembling timid quails. Su Feng shot an amused glance at Jin, who glared back expressionlessly.
Haunter served four cups of plain boiled water, tilting her head in confusion at the two guests who remained standing.
"You're all guests here. Make yourselves at home," Old Chen said cheerfully, thanking Haunter for the tea.
"Yes, sir!"
Only then did Jin and Jiang sit rigidly on either side of Old Chen.
"Xiao Feng, how's the Pokémon-related work progressing?" Old Chen inquired.
"Slow but steady. No major issues so far," Su Feng answered honestly.
"Good, good..." Old Chen nodded, then shifted to the main topic. "Are you aware of the disturbances caused by Pokémon in X City's pastoral regions?"
"Pastoral regions?"
Seeing Su Feng's puzzled expression, Old Chen gestured for Jin to hand over a file.
Su Feng skimmed through the reports: "A herder's yaks attacked by unknown Pokémon, causing severe losses..." "Pink, electrically charged sheep spotted in X City grasslands, deemed hazardous..." "Mysterious fires erupt on the plains, vanishing before locals can extinguish them..."
Closing the file, Su Feng already had theories about the Pokémon involved.
"Old Chen, I have some guesses about these Pokémon, but I'd need to visit the site for confirmation."
Old Chen's eyes lit up. "Xiao Feng, I'd like you to host an educational livestream for the herders. Unlike city dwellers, they live intertwined with the wild. While most Pokémon are peaceful, some attack their livestock. The herders are caught between following our 'coexist peacefully' directive and protecting their livelihoods. The mayor of X City reached out for help. Could you explain how to handle each grassland Pokémon they encounter?"
Su Feng agreed without hesitation—this was both a perfect直播 opportunity and a chance to repay Old Chen's kindness.
"Excellent! I'll leave this to you," Old Chen said, rising with a smile. "Oh, and X City is quite a drive. Let Jin accompany you. He'll handle transportation."
Jin: "..."
"Uh...sure," Su Feng replied, surprised but grateful.
Old Chen headed for the door, Jiang trailing behind. "Jiang will return with me. Jin, coordinate your departure with Su Feng."
"But sir, my days off..." Jin protested weakly.
"Service to the people comes first. I'll compensate your leave afterward," Old Chen declared, leaving no room for argument.
Jin forced a stiff "Yes, sir..."
As Old Chen's car drove off, Su Feng and Jin stood awkwardly at the doorway.
Su Feng: "Hahaha!"
Jin: "..."
Resigned to his lost vacation, Jin sighed. Every encounter with Su Feng seemed to spell trouble.