Yuga let out a sigh. What more could he say?
He walked to the store's entrance just in time to see Edward and his companions, who had fallen flat on the ground, slowly getting up.
"Mr. Edward, are you okay?" Yuga asked, trying to suppress his laughter. His tone was as sarcastic as could be.
Edward, supporting one of his subordinates with one hand and nursing his sore backside with the other, blushed deeply. He said, "Shimizu Yuga, mark my words! We're not finished!"
After saying this, Edward waddled away, swaying his hips indignantly.
Hmph, if he thinks it's not over, then it's not over!
Although Yuga thought this, he still called after Edward's departing figure, "Oh, Mr. Edward, please don't be mad. It wasn't me who insulted you, and I certainly didn't lay a finger on you. Let's just get along!"
Edward almost tripped over himself upon hearing Yuga's words.
Back inside the store, Yuga saw Muya, who was sitting there with a face full of hostility, lost in thought.
Perhaps because she had already let her guard down with Yuga, Muya gave off a different vibe this time. Her entire being exuded an aura of hostility, devoid of the previous sweet and gentle demeanor.
Yuga couldn't help but think to himself, "Madam, your acting skills are truly impressive."
He approached her and asked, "Why are you back again?"
Yuga had come to understand that although Muya didn't hold any goodwill towards him, she didn't seem intent on harming him at the moment. Therefore, he didn't need to tread carefully when speaking with her.
Muya glanced at Yuga but remained silent. She just sat there, emitting an icy aura.
Suddenly, Yuga remembered that she had mentioned having something to take care of. Could it be that her mission didn't go as planned?
With this thought in mind, he decided not to press her for answers and left her to her own thoughts.
As it turned out, Muya's return had no immediate impact on YoYo Day Care. She continued to sit in her usual spot, observing the store's customers come and go, occasionally playing with the rescued Skitty. Nobody could discern what was on her mind.
Time passed, and the New Year was fast approaching. While the Pokémon world celebrated the New Year, it didn't have the equivalent of a Lunar New Year's Eve; instead, the New Year itself was the grandest festival.
As New Year's Day drew near, the entire Verdanturf Town buzzed with a lively atmosphere, as every household made preparations for the holiday.
On a particular day, Yuga gathered all the employees in his store for an annual summary meeting. Afterward, he distributed year-end bonuses and announced a vacation for everyone.
Since YoYo Day Care didn't usually grant time off, and the staff had worked diligently, Yuga thought it would be a good idea to give them a few days off for the New Year.
After receiving their bonuses, Misaki headed straight back to her family in Lavaridge Town, and the local boy Arata Sena returned to his home.
On the other hand, Beidou and Windy were essentially homeless, so they stayed behind to celebrate the New Year with Yuga.
Beidou truly had no family or relatives, which Yuga knew. As for Windy's family, Yuga wasn't aware of their situation, but he didn't press the matter. If they wanted to stay, they were welcome; the more, the merrier.
Yuga also extended an invitation to Suzuki Koen, asking her to join them for the New Year's celebration. After all, it was just two of them at home, and they could have a more festive time together.
With the store temporarily closed for preparations, YoYo Day Care gradually quieted down. One day, Yuga, accompanied by Audino and Wigglytuff, carried a load of groceries and was on his way home when he encountered Luna.
"Big Brother Yuga!" Luna saw Yuga from a distance and began waving her arms enthusiastically. She rushed toward him.
"When did you get back?" Yuga asked in surprise.
"I just arrived home!" Luna replied with excitement.
At that moment, Luna noticed Wigglytuff beside Yuga and exclaimed, "Oh, Big Brother Yuga, has Wigglytuff returned as well?"
"Yes," Yuga confirmed with a smile.
"Wigglytuff!" Wigglytuff greeted Luna with a cheerful "Wigglytuff!"
"This is wonderful! Has Grandbull returned too?" Luna asked with delight.
Luna's words successfully froze the smiles on Yuga and Wigglytuff's faces.
"Cough, you're back. Is Rand back too?" Yuga quickly changed the subject.
Audino, who didn't know the situation, looked at Yuga with a puzzled expression.
Though Luna was curious why Big Brother Yuga didn't answer her question, her attention was successfully diverted.
"Yes, he's back, he's back! He's returned home. By the way, let me help you carry these!" Luna offered, reaching out to take the groceries from Yuga.
Yuga hastily responded, "No need, these are heavy. You can't handle them."
Upon hearing this, Luna immediately frowned and said, "You're underestimating me!"
With that, she effortlessly took the groceries from Yuga and headed in the direction of YoYo Day Care. She turned back to Yuga and asked triumphantly, "How's that?"
Yuga smiled and replied, "Not bad, you've gained some strength."
It seemed that sending her to the preparatory camp had been the right decision. Not only had she grown taller, but she also seemed more spirited, and that spoiled attitude of hers had vanished.
More than half a year in the preparatory camp was not in vain!
Back in the store, Luna immediately noticed Muya sitting there. She then slyly whispered to Yuga, "Big brother, who's that beautiful lady sitting over there?"
Yuga could tell what she was thinking by the look in her eyes. He replied, somewhat irritably, "What does it matter who she is? She has nothing to do with you!"
Luna chuckled and said, "Hehe... don't be shy, tell me, did you find a sister-in-law for me?"
It seemed that Muya heard Luna's words because she shot a fierce glance in their direction, effectively silencing Luna.
"Well... this... lady looks a bit intimidating," Luna stammered.
That's what you get for making up stories. Yuga rolled his eyes at Luna.
If I actually brought her here to be your sister-in-law, you probably wouldn't survive until the next semester at the preparatory camp.
"I say, Miss Muya, it's almost the New Year. Do you still plan on staying here?" Yuga asked, somewhat helplessly.
Leaving such a dangerous person in his home during the New Year didn't feel very safe.
"Do you really want me to leave?" Muya raised an eyebrow, questioning Yuga.
Yes, I want you to leave, right away.
"Oh, no! It's just that I think it's not quite appropriate for you to stay here. After all, New Year is a time for family reunions, and you're not part of our family," Yuga replied.
He didn't notice that when he mentioned "family reunions," a fleeting, extremely menacing look flashed in Muya's eyes before disappearing.
"Oh, are you implying that you want me to become part of your family?" Muya asked playfully.
Yuga's heart nearly skipped a beat.
"N-no! I was just kidding," Yuga said, nervously laughing.
He hurriedly ran into the kitchen, carrying the groceries, afraid that Muya might say something to stop his heart from beating.
Following Yuga into the kitchen, Luna asked curiously, "Big Brother Yuga, who is that big sister over there? Why do you seem so scared of her?"
Yuga put down the groceries, then gave Luna's head a light pat, saying with a hint of irritation, "Nonsense! Why would I be afraid of her?"