Three hours after the livestream ended, the owner of the textile dyeing factory selected by Su Feng arrived via helicopter, hauling a massive bulletproof glass tank. Su Feng had chosen this factory after thorough vetting—its environmental conditions and wastewater were ideal for Grimer. Most importantly, despite financial struggles, the factory had never violated pollution regulations, stubbornly adhering to ethical practices.
The moment he stepped off the helicopter, Zhang Zheng eagerly shook Su Feng's hand.
"Mr. Su! Truly, heroes emerge from the young! Thank you for saving our factory!"
Su Feng smiled. "Don't thank me. Thank yourself. Your integrity is why I chose you."
"Torchic!"
"Chirp?"
Zhang Zheng's son, Zhang Ling, spotted Torchic and rushed over, though he stopped short of touching it without permission. Instead, he crouched nearby, snapping excited selfies.
"Zhang Ling! Don't be rude!" Zhang Zheng barked half-heartedly.
Zhang Ling rolled his eyes. "Oh come on, Dad! I've watched every one of Feng-ge's streams. I know him and Torchic better than you!"
Zhang Zheng: "…"
"Feng-ge! Can I pet Torchic? I've been your fan for years!"
Su Feng scratched his head. "Why ask me? It's Torchic's call."
Zhang Ling: "…"
Understanding the hint, Zhang Ling turned to Torchic. "Torchic, can I… pet you?"
Torchic studied him, then nodded.
Zhang Ling gently placed his hand on Torchic's head, stroking it twice before pulling back.
"Whoa! It's even warmer and softer than I imagined!" He stared at his hand in awe. "I'm never washing this hand again!"
Su Feng: "…"
Maybe wash it… just a little.
Using Poison-type Energy Blocks as bait, Su Feng lured the Grimer into the bulletproof tank. Though their corrosive sludge would eventually eat through the glass, it would hold long enough to transport them to the factory.
Before takeoff, Su Feng gave Zhang Zheng final instructions:
"Pokémon understand human speech. Even Grimer dislike being insulted. Remember that."
"Feed them all your factory's trash and wastewater. It's a win-win."
"If you dare abandon them after they solve your crisis, I'll personally check on them—and you."
"Don't worry, Feng-ge!" Zhang Ling cut in before his father could speak. "I'll supervise him!"
"Good." Su Feng nodded. "Oh, add me on WeChat. Contact me if there's trouble."
"I'll do it!" Zhang Ling snatched his father's phone.
Zhang Zheng: "…"
Is my son already staging a coup?
With the Grimer gone, the orchard air cleared instantly. Inspecting the area, Su Feng found piles of half-digested trash—evidence that locals had illegally dumped waste, attracting the Grimer. Fortunately, the farmers were between harvests, minimizing losses. The contaminated soil would recover naturally in a few years.
Mission accomplished.
That night, after scrubbing off the lingering stench (and enduring Brother Jin's judgmental side-eyes during the ride home), Su Feng collapsed onto his bed with Torchic.
"Thank Arceus we avoided a battle. Imagine fighting Grimer…"
Torchic shot him a deadpan look.
Fight Grimer? I'd rather get wrecked by Greninja.
Without Fire-type moves, it'd have to rely on Quick Attack and Scratch—both requiring direct contact with the sludge.
Torchic shuddered. Never. Again.
Just as sleep claimed him, his phone rang.
"Who calls this late!?" Su Feng grumbled, squinting at the screen.
Caller: Old Chen
He answered instantly, voice honey-sweet. "Old Chen! What can I do for you?"
Torchic: "…"
Faster than a Kecleon's color change.
"Just wanted to say you did excellent work today. Partnering Pokémon with industries—brilliant! We'd have just driven the Grimer out by force otherwise."
"You flatter me," Su Feng chuckled. "Had I known it was Grimer, I'd have declined."
Old Chen laughed. "We'd never seen them before! Perfect for your stream."
The call sparked an idea in Su Feng: Integrate Pokémon into daily life. Let people experience their benefits firsthand—like Porygon aiding programmers, Conkeldurr assisting construction crews, Blastoise fighting fires, or Chansey working in hospitals.
"Anyway, sleep well," Old Chen said.
"Wait! I… want to resume outdoor streams."
"Of course. Coordinate with Brother Jin."
"That's it? No restrictions?"
Old Chen sighed. "We never banned your streams. It's why you're here, isn't it? But we'll assign moderators to your Live broadcast room—to document Pokémon data and ensure your safety. Any objections?"
"None at all!"
"Goodnight, then."
"Goodnight, Old Chen!"