Of course, none of this had anything to do with Xia Chi for the time being.
After streaming intensely for nearly three hours and securing a seven-game win streak, he was truly exhausted.
While he could easily milk the drama to make money by switching to a casual game or simply watching videos with his audience, Xia Chi felt that, as a proper Pokémon battle streamer, he couldn’t bring himself to play that way.
“I’ll post the specific details and builds for this Doubles team in my updates later.
Feel free to copy them,” Xia Chi said to his viewers, whose numbers were still climbing.
“That’s all for today’s stream.
If you like what you see, please hit that follow button.
See you all tomorrow at 7:00 PM.” He then shut down his stream at lightning speed.
He didn’t even need to look to know that the chat was probably filled with question marks.
Xia Chi ignored them all.
He shut down his computer, scooped up the little creature that had been keeping him company the entire time, and took a deep breath of its scent.
The Pokédex said that Sprigatito would release a sweet, fresh aroma after soaking up the sun, and it certainly wasn’t lying!
A slightly eccentric, satisfied smile appeared on Xia Chi’s face.
Sprigatito wasn’t quite used to such intimate snuggling with its new trainer.
Out of instinct, it pushed its pink, soft paw pads against Xia Chi’s face to resist.
Xia Chi didn’t mind.
He set it down and said, “Sorry to keep you waiting, Sprigatito.” Sprigatito shook its head.
“Myah~” It had been intently watching the game on the screen while Xia Chi was streaming, so it hadn’t felt bored at all.
In fact, Sprigatito found it quite interesting.
*Maybe I can try out this kind of battle strategy myself when I fight in the future?* Gradually, a door to a whole new world seemed to be opening before Sprigatito.
*** After washing up and before going to sleep, Xia Chi was snuggling with his sweet, soft Sprigatito, planning to scroll through some short videos before drifting off.
Suddenly, on his Piplup messaging app, the cute Bellibolt avatar he had added yesterday began flashing non-stop.
Iono: “You’re already logging off?
Just like that?” Iono: “Not even ten Master Balls can buy you some overtime?” Even though she was a wealthy patron who had just gifted him over a hundred thousand yuan, Xia Chi replied with full confidence: “Didn’t you promise ten Master Balls just for winning that match, Master Iono?
Overtime is a separate fee.” Iono: “…” Iono: “Fine.
Go live right now, and I’ll pay you!
[Morpeko_Gritting_Its_Teeth.jpg]” Xia Chi knew when to back down.
“Just kidding, Master Iono.
It’s mostly because you didn’t say anything earlier.
With our relationship, if you had asked, I definitely would have played a few more rounds.” Iono replied instantly: “You have the nerve to say that!
I hadn’t even had the chance to send it before you went offline!” *Well, it’s a good thing I logged off immediately then.* Though that was what he thought, Xia Chi replied, “Next time.
Definitely next time.” Iono: “Don’t ‘next time’ me!
Get online right now and let’s spar.
Use the team you played today!” Xia Chi: “…” He could tell that Iono didn’t stream for the money—she was just completely addicted to the game!
When dealing with someone this proactive, you couldn’t just say “next time.” Xia Chi: “I’ve been streaming for hours, let’s do it tomorrow.
Playing against you is too intense and exhausting.
I’m really wiped out today.” On the surface, he blamed his fatigue, but implicitly, he was praising her high skill level— This was *The Art of Socializing*.
Servicing the audience during work hours, and still having to stroke his wealthy patron’s ego after hours to provide emotional value.
*I truly deserve to make this money!* Xia Chi lamented inwardly.
Iono: “Fine, then I’ll set up a match with you tomorrow~ [Pawmot_Proudly_Standing_with_Hands_on_Hips.jpg]” Judging by her sunny tone, she had probably been coaxed into a good mood.
Just as Xia Chi was about to close the chat and go to sleep, she suddenly sent a message that instantly made him alert.
Iono: “By the way, do you want a raising guide for Sprigatito?” Holy cow, talk about perfect timing!
Even with the System’s support, if Sprigatito’s base strength was higher, the stat boosts from the System’s bonds and equipment would undoubtedly be even more effective.
And a high-quality raising guide tailored to an individual Pokémon was, of course, incredibly important.
Xia Chi had actually thought about asking Iono if she had a raising guide for Sprigatito.
She was the highest-level trainer among everyone he currently knew.
Furthermore, her home region of Paldea was the birthplace of Sprigatito.
As one of the iconic starters, even if Iono herself was an Electric-type Gym Leader and hadn’t personally raised one, there was a high probability she had the connections to secure an excellent raising guide.
However, he felt that they were only in a streamer-viewer relationship, and hadn’t reached the point where he could ask for such a favor.
Raising guides were hard to value.
If you had a close relationship, giving one away was no big deal.
But in terms of cost, they were very difficult to buy on the open market.
Or rather, anything you could buy was usually just a generic, mediocre guide.
Thus, Iono’s sudden offer came as a pleasant surprise.
Had a pie really fallen from the sky?
Xia Chi didn’t believe in free lunches.
He asked experimentally, “By the way, Master Iono, how did you know I caught a Sprigatito?” Iono: “Didn’t you post it on your Piplup Moments?” Xia Chi recalled and realized he indeed had.
After receiving his license this morning, he had posted a picture to commemorate it, and Iono must have seen it.
Iono: “So, do you want it or not?” Xia Chi couldn’t resist the temptation and replied: “Yes!” Iono replied instantly: “So, what’s the price?
[Magneton_smirking_sidelong.gif]” Seeing Iono’s smug expression, as if she had finally reeled in her catch, Xia Chi was somewhat speechless.
Indeed, you could never expect a free lunch!
But the temptation of a Sprigatito raising guide was too great.
He lowered his posture and replied, “Name your price.
As long as you can give me the guide, I’ll do whatever you want!” Iono: “First of all, you need to address me with more respect from now on!” Xia Chi: “Then should I call you Master Iono?” Iono: “Everyone calls me that.
It’s too ordinary!” Xia Chi: “Then, Miss Iono?” Iono: “A bit too formal.
How about something more affectionate?” Xia Chi was speechless.
He typed, “You don’t expect me to call you ‘Mommy,’ do you?” Xia Chi: “To get back at me, you’d actually go so far as to make me call you Mommy?
You’re too much, Iono…” Iono: “What are you talking about?!
Who wants you to call them Mommy?!
[Pawmot_angry.jpg]” Xia Chi: “Don’t be mad, I didn’t say I wouldn’t.” Xia Chi: “Press 1 to call me Mommy.” The “typing…” status at the top of the chat flickered for several seconds, but in the end, only a string of ellipses was sent.
Iono: “…” Seeing that Iono had fallen silent, Xia Chi stroked Sprigatito’s head as it leaned closer and sighed, “Sigh, Sprigatito, I’ve really sacrificed too much for this family…” Sprigatito glanced at the text on the phone screen, then shot Xia Chi a look of pure disdain.