Chapter 24: "Money Tree"
Chapter 24: "Money Tree"
After some fiddling, Jing He finally managed to temporarily block the incessant comments popping up on his computer.
He had briefly scanned through some of them.
To be honest, most people were just here for the spectacle, drawn by Professor Oak's comment. After all, not everyone has the interest to delve into Pokemon studies. However, this "spectacle" had inadvertently reactivated his online consultation room.
Compared to the comments under his paper, he was more interested in the people seeking consultation.
After all, they provided excellent observation subjects for him.
However, some of the consultations left him speechless. For instance, there was the one asking if a Pokemon not eating was a psychological issue, and another asking whether humans and Pokemon should coexist. Some were too simple, while others were too profound.
If Jing He hadn't already known Mewtwo's account, he might have suspected that the user "Math Magician" was Mewtwo.
In comparison, the user "EeveeEatsCabbage" asking about how to deal with a Pokemon's severe lack of confidence seemed like a normal psychological issue.
Considering the rare influx of consulters, he had the idea to use this opportunity to build his reputation and replied to each one.
This would be beneficial for when he eventually opened his own psychological consultation clinic.
[JingHe]: If a Pokemon isn't eating and it's not because it's full, is it possible that it doesn't like the food?
The first question was straightforward.
For the third, Jing He decided to throw the question back to the user. Someone who could ask such a question likely already had their own thoughts, so it was better to hear their perspective first.
[JingHe]: If humans and Pokemon shouldn't coexist, what do you think the alternative should be?
As for the second question.
[JingHe]: There are many reasons for low self-esteem, such as physiological, experiential, environmental, and psychological factors.
Neither "Poochyena" nor "Math Magician" replied, but "EeveeEatsCabbage" quickly sent another message.
[EeveeEatsCabbage]: I think... it could be a combination of all of them.
'Intense online surfing?'
He hadn't expected such a quick response.
After a moment's thought, Jing He typed out his reply.
[JingHe]: That makes it more complicated. However, regardless of the factors involved, there is usually one fundamental issue. Solving that will likely resolve the other issues as well.
Considering the "mix-up" caused by Mewtwo last time, he added another message.
[JingHe]: Can you show me a picture of the Pokemon?
Soon, a photo was sent.
It looked like it was taken on the spot with a phone.
But when he saw the Pokemon in the picture, he was silent.
Surrounded by lush greenery and clear water, a fish-type Pokemon was swimming in a crystal-clear pond.
Its body was almost entirely a dull brown, with some rough patches. Its fins and tail were a light blue but looked somewhat ragged, and its eyes were vacant and listless.
A Water-type Pokemon, it was a Gulpin!
Jing He: "."
He pursed his lips and stared at the Gulpin for a long time, unsure of what to say.
If there was one Pokemon that was the most insecure, it was undoubtedly the Gulpin. The only one that could rival it might be the Pokemon that can see through everything.
But treating a Gulpin's low self-esteem was incredibly challenging.
Jing He even suspected that the person was deliberately trying to stump him.
Perhaps because Jing He hadn't replied for a while, the user sent another message.
[EeveeEatsCabbage]: Is there a way?
Jing He took a deep breath.
[JingHe]: Yes.
[EeveeEatsCabbage]: Really?
[JingHe]: It's quite difficult and requires a combination of psychological therapy and physical intervention. Given your situation, we can start with physical intervention. Try feeding it a sour fruit, like a Cheri Berry, and observe its reaction to determine the next steps.
[EeveeEatsCabbage]: Okay, thank you.
Seeing the name quickly fade, Jing He must have gone to find the "Remnant Fruit." He couldn't help but massage his temples.
Curing a Gulpin's inferiority complex?
There was really only one way: evolution.
In the games, a Gulpin can evolve into a Swalot in two ways: by increasing its "Beauty" to 170, or by holding a "Pretty Scale" and trading.
However, in reality, considering the difficulty of obtaining a "Pretty Scale" and the uncertain financial situation of the client, he chose the more reliable method: increasing "Beauty."
The reason he used the astringent "Remnant Fruit" was because increasing "Beauty" required using astringent energy blocks or PokePuffs. He needed to first determine if the Gulpin could tolerate the astringent taste.
Gastly, of course, could never tolerate it.
Moreover, gradually increasing "Beauty" felt more like a "treatment."
If it went smoothly, perhaps he could write a paper on the evolution of Gulpin into Swalot as a theoretical basis.
Ding!
Just as Jing He was about to shut down his computer and head out to train with Gastly, another message popped up.
【EeveeEatsCabbage】: Sorry, I forgot to ask about the cost of this treatment.
Cost?
Jing He's eyes brightened slightly.
Right, he wasn't doing this for free like he did for the school's Pokemon psychological counseling.
However, considering the unknown outcome of this "treatment," he thought it best to wait and see.
He didn't want to ruin his reputation before he even started.
【EeveeEatsCabbage】: I found your account. Sorry, I'm a bit short on cash right now, so I hope this is enough. If not, I'll send more next time.
Registering a League account usually requires complete information, so finding Jing He's bank account wasn't difficult.
Looking at the notification on his phone, "20,000 League Coins transferred to your account, remaining balance: 45,000 League Coins," Jing He silently deleted the message he had just typed: "Let's wait and see the results first."
That was indeed a bit too much.
Mewtwo, take a look at this!
This was just the consultation fee; there were still follow-up treatment costs.
"This is the real motivation for opening a psychological counseling clinic," Jing He mused.
When he looked at the now dimmed 【EeveeEatsCabbage】 account, it felt like he was looking at a "money tree," jingling with coins.
"Hey, Gastly!" Jing He suddenly called out.
"Kya?!"
Gastly, who was holding the phone, was startled.
What is it?
"Give me the phone, and order two more boxes of MooMoo Milk!"
"Kya?!" Gastly's voice rose by three octaves.
Really?!
"Never let a Pokemon suffer, when have I ever lied to you?" Jing He's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Kya," Gastly pouted, clearly not believing him.
Last time you told me, don't inhale too much gas, or you'll die after three times.
Jing He: "."
Was that a lie?
It wasn't until Gastly saw Jing He place two more orders on his phone that it finally believed him.
"Kya?"
Did you win the lottery?
Jing He smiled but didn't answer.
"Come on, let's go train."
We need to become registered trainers as soon as possible and improve our strength before the autumn trip.
"Kya!"
Gastly was full of enthusiasm.
Indeed, for food-loving Pokemon, one of their main motivations is food.
---
Thank you, dear Lord Hu Long, for the 8,300 point coin donation! Thank you, Lord Moe Moe, Lord Yiling, Lord Qingchen, Lord Tengui, and Lord Pingchangxin for your donations!
Lords, please don't just read, please follow!
Considering Lord "Love Hu Long's" request for an extra chapter and my promise to update more, I'll try to add more chapters. However, today might be too late, so it will be tomorrow or the day after. Under the right conditions, I'll aim for three updates and ask for your support by following the story. Your follows are really important for new books!
(End of Chapter)
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