Chapter 40: Can You Spot Me Some Cash for Skins?
Two hours later, in Nan Qinli’s home…
The teenage boy-shaped Zoroark slumped weakly over the computer desk, staring at the glaring “DEFEAT” on the screen in disbelief.
“How… how could this happen?!”
“You—you said you never played before!”
“You were supposed to be trash!”
“How did I get stomped by a total noob?!”
“This can’t be real. No way. I must be dreaming…”
……
Zoroark suddenly whipped its head up, glaring at Chen Nian.
“You lied to me!”
*”You’re obviously some kind of gaming pro! What’s your rank? Are you a top-tier player or something?!”*
“You—”
Before it could finish, Nan Qinli cut in with a pout.
“Brother Chen Nian didn’t lie!”
“He really never played games growing up! You were the one who taught him League’s rules just now! He’s just a genius who learns everything super fast!”
“And… and… Zoroark, you’re just really bad. Like, really bad.”
……
“I’m… bad? I’m the trash one???”
Nan Qinli’s words stabbed into Zoroark’s heart like a sharp dagger.
Dazed, it looked back at the screen before lowering its head in bitter defeat.
“Fine. You won. I’ll be your Pokémon.”
“But… can I still play games after this?”
“Games?” Chen Nian raised an eyebrow. “You really love it that much?”
“Of course! My dream is to become the ultimate League of Legends champion Pokémon! A Pokémon can lose, but it’ll never surrender to failure!”
Chen Nian and Nan Qinli both fell silent at Zoroark’s stubborn passion.
Just how deep does this gaming addiction go?
Does it really love games that much?
……
Rubbing his temples, Chen Nian sighed.
“I’ll get you a laptop later. Play whenever you want.”
*”But not during training or missions. Off-duty time? Go wild.”*
Zoroark’s face instantly lit up.
“Really?! Master, I’m counting on you then!”
Then, as if remembering something, it suddenly looked embarrassed.
“Uh, Master… can I ask for one more thing?”
“What now?”
*”C-Can you lend me some money?”*
“Money? For what?”
“I… I wanna buy skins. And try the gacha.”
*”Some jerk in-game today called me a broke loser who can’t afford skins. How dare they insult a Pokémon like that?! I need rare skins! I need to whale! I’ll show them—Zoroark does have cash to burn!”*
“…………”
……
In the end, Chen Nian reluctantly handed Zoroark some money.
At the same time, his “Golden Finger” system activated a new feature—seemingly tailor-made for Zoroark.
The function allowed him to install an internet-connected PC inside Zoroark’s Poké Ball. Meaning, from now on, this guy could pull all-nighters gaming even while captured.
Still, Chen Nian had already decided:
He would fix Zoroark’s twisted priorities.
Playing games was fine, but it had to train properly. Fail his drills? Instant internet ban.
……
Just as Chen Nian finished laying down the rules, the front door swung open.
The crisp sound of high heels clicking against the floor echoed through the room.
A stunningly beautiful, golden-haired woman stepped inside—dressed in a white blouse, black pencil skirt, sheer stockings, and sleek black stilettos.
With elegant grace, she bent down to slip off her heels, replacing them with fluffy slippers.
Hearing noise from the living room, she glanced over—and her eyes brightened in delight.
“Chen Nian! You’re back?”
“How have you been these past few days? Were you eating properly on your own?”
“Oh? And who’s this little one? A friend of yours or Qinli’s?”
……
“Mom!”
Nan Qinli immediately dashed over, hugging her mother’s arm with a sweet giggle.
After leading her to the living room, the girl grinned mischievously.
“Mom, you’ll never guess who this boy really is~”