Zhang Hong's mother, Ou Haining, was once a famous trainer in Jinghai City. After marrying Zhang Hong's father, she retired from public life to raise their child. However, Xia Huna and Shen Yu had both heard stories about her, mostly told by Zhang Hong.
Zhang Hong's demeanor shifted instantly when he turned around and saw his mother. He had never discussed this dream with his parents. The idea of their child becoming a Pokémon researcher, with a real estate tycoon father and a renowned trainer mother, sounded absurd. It was far more challenging than following in his parents' footsteps.
Xia Huna watched Zhang Hong scramble for excuses with a hint of schadenfreude. "So, you see why I asked about your dream earlier? There's a gap between a dream and an aspiration. An aspiration is something you've rationally considered and are willing to give your all for. A dream, however, is something you can only indulge in while you're asleep. Look at you now, you can only dream about it."
Zhang Hong raked his hair. "I thought it through! With both of you helping, it was quite feasible. Why did it all fall apart at this last step?"
Zhang Hong knew very well that without his mother's consent, the equipment in his secret base would be gone. Ou Haining could easily have a Gyarados teach Zhang Hong what a "Flamethrower" art form was.
Seeing Zhang Hong's spirit crushed, Xia Huna looked at Ou Haining. "Auntie Ou, did I go too far? What if he loses all motivation?"
Ou Haining offered no opinion. She wanted to see what kind of person her son truly was.
After a moment of despair, Zhang Hong's excellent psychological resilience kicked in. He turned to Ou Haining with a determined gaze. "Mom, let's find a place to talk properly."
Ou Haining and Xia Huna exchanged glances. Xia Huna spoke up in Zhang Hong's defense, "Auntie Ou, it seems he has genuinely put thought into this, not just a whim."
Ou Haining seemed somewhat relieved. "Go ahead, child. Do what you must."
Zhang Hong was taken aback by the synchronized support from Ou Haining and Xia Huna. "You two, what's going on?"
Xia Huna glanced upwards. "Uh, I'll explain."
Xia Huna walked over to Zhang Hong's array of equipment. "Did you really think you could acquire all this with your meager funds and connections? Did you truly believe that dodgy middleman could fool Auntie Ou?"
Zhang Hong looked at the equipment he was so proud of. Indeed, the Pokémon physical quality detector, the recovery device, the high-precision machining tools, and the precision computers – none of them were easily obtainable. While the Pokémon League didn't prohibit private ownership of such equipment, they were rare and expensive in the market.
The rest of the explanation was unnecessary. Zhang Hong looked at Ou Haining with teary eyes. Just as Shen Yu thought a tearjerker scene was about to unfold and considered leaving, Xia Huna grabbed her hand. "Don't rush off. You still don't know Zhang Hong. If he manages to evoke any emotion from you, I'll confess my love to you in front of the entire school when I return to class."
Xia Huna's bet immediately calmed Shen Yu down. In terms of the absurd, Zhang Hong's actions had always been reliable.
Zhang Hong walked over and held Ou Haining's hand. "Mom, could you give me a bit more support..."
Sensing Xia Huna's gaze, Shen Yu pursed her lips. "You're right. Zhang Hong is Zhang Hong."
However, Ou Haining, being Zhang Hong's mother, understood her son perfectly and knew his weak spot. "Of course, it's just a matter of funds. But you need to have an idea first. You can't just lie to your mom to get money without any plan, can you?"
Your friend Zhang Hong has now joined the exclusive mute package.
Heaven help him, he had no idea. His previous words were just a product of the moment, forced out by the situation. Expecting him to come up with creative ideas was less likely than expecting a Metagross to develop artistic flair.
Zhang Hong immediately cast a pleading look at Xia Huna. As the saying goes, when in doubt, ask the protagonist. No problem can't be solved by a male lead, and if there is one, add a female lead.
Zhang Hong had always believed that people like Xia Huna were the chosen ones. His parents were researchers who kept secrets from him, he had a rich best friend, and a beautiful girlfriend. No trouble could stump him. And this time, Xia Huna perfectly met his expectations.
"Auntie Ou, of course, there's an idea. But discussing it here isn't quite appropriate. How about this: why don't you tour this villa with us? After all, we don't know the specific installation effects, and our curiosity is still piqued. Moreover, as a senior trainer, you could offer some guidance."
The art of changing the subject: build upon existing conflict with a higher priority issue. Then, elevate the status of the person you're conversing with and entice them to resolve the higher priority issue you've established.
The research idea might not be solid, and even with Xia Huna's involvement, Ou Haining was primarily testing her son. Zhang Hong was in a position where losing a few times wouldn't be devastating. Touring the base, however, was a culmination of the three of them spending time and effort. Even if Ou Haining could easily pressure Zhang Hong, she couldn't disregard Xia Huna and Shen Yu, especially since Xia Huna had provided a graceful exit.
Ultimately, Ou Haining decided to analyze the secret base from an experienced trainer's perspective. She cast an appreciative glance at Xia Huna, giving Zhang Hong the illusion that perhaps Xia Huna and he had been switched at birth in the hospital.
Ou Haining didn't comment much on Zhang Hong's research system, as she was a trainer, not a researcher. However, when it came to the training facilities Xia Huna primarily used, Ou Haining had plenty to say.
But upon seeing the speed training machine, which was clearly broken, she decisively suggested they discuss it later. It was evident that if she offered specific advice, it would involve activating some machines, which would then turn into disassembling her son's equipment rather than advising Xia Huna.
Finally, Ou Haining only commented on Shen Yu's area and even walked a few steps on the stage herself.
It must be said that despite having an unreliable son like Zhang Hong, Ou Haining, as an excellent trainer, still exuded feminine charm. Her coordination with Meowstic on stage was breathtaking, solidifying Shen Yu's aspirations as a fellow woman.
After leaving the stage, Ou Haining looked at Zhang Hong, conveying: "See, your delaying tactic is over. What other tricks do you have up your sleeve?"
At this critical moment, Xia Huna came through. "Auntie, aren't you curious why we've left some areas unused?"
Curiosity is human nature. When the target is a woman, this law is amplified, even exponentially.
This question piqued the interest not only of Ou Haining but also of Shen Yu and Zhang Hong, who were discussing the renovation plans.
"Didn't you say you were saving some for a rainy day?"
"Did you really believe that? Would you save such a large portion for a rainy day? This is for you."
Although Xia Huna's words carried a tone of "for your own good," Zhang Hong, as Xia Huna's "bad influence," instinctively took a couple of steps back. Xia Huna definitely had ulterior motives.
Xia Huna then pointed to the open space and said to Zhang Hong, "If you want to be a Pokémon researcher, you must get into university. Only at university can you learn enough knowledge. And at university, won't you fall in love? We'll definitely get to know the girls who enroll in the same Pokémon university as you. They'll surely come to our secret base to play, right? This place is for your future girlfriend!"
Xia Huna's life hack: choosing the lesser of two evils. For Zhang Hong, neither his currently non-existent research idea nor a potential girlfriend in university were issues he could easily brush off in front of Ou Haining. Therefore, instead of wasting brain cells on an idea, it was better to let Ou Haining focus on Zhang Hong's views on relationships. After all, this issue wouldn't erupt until at least his first year of university.
As expected, a mother-in-law could never be uninterested in her potential daughter-in-law. Ou Haining instantly came up with dozens of different uses for this vacant plot of land, allowing Zhang Hong to escape once again.
However, such a tactic was merely a temporary measure to buy time. To truly "save" Zhang Hong, something concrete was needed. At this moment, Xia Huna had a rough idea forming in his mind, and with a bit more thought, it should solidify.
Xia Huna secretly pointed upstairs, signaling Zhang Hong to lead everyone up. The goal was to delay for as long as possible. Zhang Hong and Ou Haining cooperated perfectly with this plan, and they all followed the stairs to the ground level.
To be fair, after leaving the so-called underground base, the cluster of buildings above was not particularly impressive. After all, they were built for living. Even if you added elaborate designs, they were still meant for dwelling.
But during the time spent aimlessly wandering upstairs, Xia Huna successfully refined his idea. It had completely taken shape and could be used to save Zhang Hong.
Xia Huna, suddenly relieved, began to consider the final question: "What should we name it?"
He thought about it, and his mouth involuntarily spoke the thought aloud. This system chat was different. When he chatted with the system, he always added "System" as a prefix, so his brain could restrain him. This time, there was no prefix, and the slip-up occurred.
"Name what?"
Fortunately, Xia Huna was quick-witted. "Of course, the name of this place. We can't keep calling it a secret base forever, can we? When we finally succeed someday, it'll sound better when we say it."
Zhang Hong proposed first, "I believe our future will soar like a rocket. How about Rocket Headquarters?"
Shen Yu had no reaction to this name, but Xia Huna knew that such a place name might not be auspicious and could lead to trouble. However, he couldn't directly refute it, as it had a good meaning.
Shen Yu, being a girl, thought of the potential fourth owner of the villa. "Perhaps we should wait until everyone is here? Otherwise, I feel it might not be fair to the girl we haven't met yet."
Xia Huna quickly agreed and gave Zhang Hong an "ok" gesture, signaling him that it was time to bring up the research plan.