Chapter 34: Childhood Sweetheart
Hearing Chen Nian mutter something about “Little Red” and “Little Green,” the girl pinched him in displeasure.
“Chen Nian, you’ve gotten bad after going out!”
“You just like teasing me…”
“If you keep this up, I’ll ignore you…”
Chen Nian chuckled and gently tweaked her petite nose.
“I’m just joking with you—how is that bullying?”
“Alright, alright, don’t pout. I won’t tease you next time, okay?”
……
The girl standing before Chen Nian was Nan Qili.
She was, in every sense, his childhood sweetheart.
Ten years ago, when Chen Nian had first moved here, he met her as his neighbor. At first, she had merely seemed familiar.
But as she grew older, Chen Nian was stunned.
Before transmigrating, Chen Nian had been a die-hard Love Live! Fan, obsessed with Nan Qili (Kotori) to the point of covering his room in her posters.
And now? Not only had he transmigrated into a world with Pokémon, but Nan Qili herself had become his childhood friend. His excitement was beyond words.
……
Because he adored her so much, Chen Nian had doted on Nan Qili all her life.
He hadn’t exactly planned to win her over from childhood… but he had genuinely earned her affection.
Now, his childhood sweetheart Nan Qili was practically raised by him.
If not for her still being a bit young, Chen Nian might have already confessed.
……
At first, Nan Qili had been upset by Chen Nian’s teasing, but seeing him apologize, her sulkiness melted into a smile.
“I was watching TV at your place when I heard the door open, so I knew you were back…”
“Have you eaten yet, Chen Nian? Should I make you something?”
“No need, I ate on the way back. But Qili—I brought you a gift.”
Chen Nian pulled out a convenience bag filled with local snacks he’d bought from the Kunlun Mountains.
The girl didn’t have many hobbies, but snacking was definitely one of them—so he’d made sure to bring her favorites.
……
Nan Qili’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the snacks, her smile turning crescent-shaped.
She eagerly took the bag and beamed.
“Thank you, Chen Nian!”
……
As she happily munched on a snack, she suddenly looked up curiously.
“You went out to catch a Pokémon this time, right? Did you succeed?”
“If not… you can have Chubby as your starter Pokémon!”
“Chubby likes you so much—he’d listen to you for sure!”
Chen Nian laughed and affectionately ruffled her hair.
Nan Qili leaned into his touch, closing her eyes and edging even closer to him.
……
With her practically nestled against him, Chen Nian grinned.
“I got pretty lucky this trip!”
“I found a great Pokémon as my partner!”
“Chubby’s been your friend since childhood—I can’t take him from you…”
……
Nan Qili giggled.
“I knew you’d succeed!”
“Because in my heart, you’re the best!”
“By the way, what Pokémon did you catch? Is it stronger than Chubby?”
“I bet it is…”
Chen Nian’s house was spacious, so he casually tossed out a Poké Ball.
“Qili, meet my new partner!”
“Go on, Dragonite—say hello to my adorable little sister Nan Qili. From now on, we’re family!”
……
Dragonite stood in the living room, its round belly looking soft and squishy, its expression dopey and endearing.
Hearing its trainer’s command, it blinked at Nan Qili before nodding and letting out a friendly hum.
……
The moment she saw Dragonite, Nan Qili froze.
She… she never imagined Chen Nian would come back with a Dragonite as his partner.
Oh my god, this is one of the top-tier Pokémon in the guide rankings!
This incredibly powerful creature… actually became Chen Nian’s partner?!
A second later, she curiously poked Dragonite’s round belly.
Dragonite’s eyes crinkled happily in response.