Chapter 710: Lusamine and the Brother-in-Law

Chapter 710: Lusamine and the Brother-in-Law (Two-in-One, Vote for the Monthly Ticket!)

"Go clean the first floor, you three."

Zao Bo, the branch manager of the Aether Foundation, looked kind, but his words and actions were rather arrogant.

And he had every right to be proud.

"Yes, Mr. Zao Bo."

Facing him were two people and a Meowth, Zao Bo's newly recruited subordinates from the previous day.

Initially, he had been merely curious about the talking Meowth, intending to study it. But it turned out that these three were unexpectedly useful.

No matter what he assigned them to do, they completed it simply, swiftly, and meticulously.

Here, a large building, an entire floor of cleaning, could be done by just two people and a Meowth, saving him a significant amount of labor costs, which he could use for his more private and secretive research.

Satisfied with their response, Zao Bo folded his arms and muttered, somewhat discontentedly:

"Just a teacher, a bit of skill, and they make such a fuss."

Before leaving the room, he suddenly turned and emphasized:

"Remember, your task is only on the first floor. You are not allowed to enter the second or third floors, or the basement below."

After turning to leave, he couldn't help but add, "Not that you have the authority to enter anyway."

Once Zao Bo was gone, the two people and the cat finally raised their heads.

None other than the Rocket Team trio!

After Jinghe, Male failed to obtain complete information about the Aether Foundation through the "Ultra Beast Task Force", he made a backup plan.

One of them was to send the trio to the Aether Foundation as "undercover agents."

As for how they got in and how they would operate, Jinghe, Male didn't care. The trio had their ways.

Sure enough, the trio had planned to use the "Sweet Honey" and berries they stored from the wearing bear to earn some funds, build a submarine, and secretly infiltrate the Aether Foundation. However, they hadn't even set up their stall when Zao Bo noticed them and brought them back.

Watching Zao Bo leave, Jessie couldn't hold back her frustration, rolling up her sleeves and shouting:

"What a jerk! Insulting Teacher Jinghe, Male, if he ever faces Teacher Jinghe, Male, he'll be crying before he can even beg for mercy!"

"Right, right!" James agreed.

Zao Bo could sneer at them, but who was he to look down on Teacher Jinghe, Male?

If it weren't for their mission and the decent pay, they would have beaten him up long ago!

After venting their frustrations, the trio began to observe the first floor of the largest building in Aether Paradise.

It was indeed huge, and cleaning it would take a lot of time, but...

"That green-haired guy said we shouldn't go to the second or third floors or the basement", Meowth rubbed his chin, certain. "I suspect the kid in the bear suit is likely on one of those floors!"

"Right!"

Jessie, still fuming, looked around. "Should we go to the second floor or the basement first?"

"I just saw that guy coming up from the basement, looking all secretive", James said.

"Then let's go to the basement!" Jessie decided.

As for the security doors that required identity verification to enter...

Sorry, doors were never an obstacle for the Rocket Team trio.

In no time, Meowth had bypassed the security door leading to the dark basement.

The trio sneaked in stealthily.

Meanwhile.

Jinghe, Male and the others arrived at Aether Paradise and were led by the butler, James, to the back of Aether Paradise, where Lusamine's house was located.

At the entrance, they encountered Zao Bo and Byrne, who seemed to have been waiting for them.

Byrne was the deputy director of the Aether Foundation, a position akin to Lusamine's secretary, managing all the affairs of Aether Paradise, acting as the steward of the entire Aether Foundation.

"Welcome to Aether Paradise, everyone", Zao Bo said with a smile.

"Welcome, everyone", Byrne echoed with a warm smile.

Lillie bowed politely. "Thank you both for welcoming us."

Byrne's smile was gentle. "Lillie, everyone, we've been waiting for you."

Zao Bo added with a teasing tone, "You haven't been to Aether Paradise in a long time, Miss Lillie."

Lillie's cheeks flushed slightly, a bit embarrassed. "I, I told you not to call me Miss anymore, right?"

"But, Miss is Miss", Zao Bo said, hands behind his back.

"By the way, where is Mother?" Lillie asked.

"Madam has been waiting for you in the house", Byrne replied.

Jinghe, Male and Dr. Barret just watched silently, while Mamanne, Mallow, and the others exclaimed in amazement.

Zao Bo couldn't help but sneer, muttering under his breath:

"Such impolite, uncultured kids, I bet the teacher is the same."

To Zao Bo, it was just a mumble, but to Jinghe, Male, who had Waveguide, it was as if someone was speaking ill of him right in front of him.

He couldn't help but chuckle.

"Teacher Jinghe, Male, Madam apologizes for not being able to greet you in person due to her busy schedule, but she said you can go straight to her study."

Byrne then turned to Lillie and the others. "Lillie, why don't you take your friends on a tour of Aether Paradise?"

He opened the door and gestured for Jinghe, Male to enter.

Zao Bo sneered as Jinghe, Male approached, and Byrne led Lillie and Dr. Barret away. Zao Bo's eyes darted, and he quickly pressed his ear to the door, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation inside.

Just in case it threatened his position.

But as he listened, Zao Bo realized something was wrong.

The conversation was in the study, and he was at the door, so he couldn't hear anything useful.

Just as he was about to give up, he turned and saw a purple, chubby figure also pressed against the door, trying to eavesdrop.

Huh?

Zao Bo was taken aback.

Gengue, Male?

Gengue, Male noticed Zao Bo's gaze and smiled "friendly" at him.

"Gengue~ Ψ(｀▽)Ψ"

Then Gengue, Male slipped inside the door.

Zao Bo was left standing there, stunned.

Inside, Gengue, Male blinked at Jinghe, Male, who smiled lightly, understanding everything without a word.

Zao Bo?

Jinghe, Male admitted, Zao Bo was a talent in research, perhaps second only to Team Plasma's Dr. Colress among villainous scientists.

His greatest invention was his involvement in the development of the Beast Ball and the "Type Project"!

Few might know about "Type", but the evolved form of Silvion, known as Silvally, was more familiar. It was nicknamed "Little Arceus"!

It could change its type using "Type Disks", similar to Arceus's plates.

Creating a Pokémon, and one that mimicked Arceus, was a significant achievement.

Of course, Zao Bo was only a participant in the project, not the sole creator, and his exact contribution was unknown.

Compared to Dr. Colress, who could control Kyurem and had developed machines to fuse Kyurem with the black and white dragons and to merge Necrozma with the Sun and Moon deities, Zao Bo still had a gap.

Moreover, in Jinghe, Male's view, Zao Bo had a bit of cunning, but his mind wasn't that of a true scientist.

"A little lesson is all he needs", Jinghe, Male said softly, feeling at ease.

Our Teacher Jinghe, Male, or the Jing family, is known for being quite petty.

Knock, knock.

He gently tapped on the study door.

"Come in."

Pushing the door open, he entered.

Lusamine, dressed in a short skirt and tight white pants that accentuated her long legs, was sitting at her desk, busy with some work.

She didn't look like a mother of two.

Seeing Jinghe, Male, she smiled warmly and put down her pen.

"Teacher Jinghe, Male, I apologize for not being able to greet you in person due to my busy schedule."

She gestured for him to sit.

Jinghe, Male didn't hesitate and took a seat opposite her.

A Pikachu walked in with a cup of coffee.

"I heard Teacher Jinghe, Male enjoys coffee? This is a specialty from Alola, I hope you like it."

"Pika~"

Pikachu politely placed the coffee in front of Jinghe, Male.

"Thank you", Jinghe, Male smiled and thanked Pikachu.

"Pika~"

Pikachu bowed slightly, showing friendliness to Jinghe, Male.

After delivering the coffee, Pikachu prepared to leave but paused at the door, noticing Gengue, Male.

"Gengue? (Tilting head)"

"Pika? (Tilting head)"

Gengue, Male seemed to see its "true form", while Pikachu appeared to see its "shadow", even looking down at its own shadow.

Not fully evolved yet.

"Director Lusamine, or perhaps Lillie's parent."

Jinghe, Male took a sip of coffee and got straight to the point:

"Lillie's grades are excellent, especially in theory, almost all subjects are perfect, but regarding Pokémon..."

Lusamine's expression didn't change, maintaining her smile.

"Lillie has always been a bit afraid of Pokémon, having a natural aversion to them."

Before she could finish, Jinghe, Male interrupted, his voice more serious:

"Is that so?"

He looked at Lusamine, his voice stern, and asked:

"Has Lillie really been afraid of Pokémon since she was little?"

Jinghe, Male emphasized the words "from a young age."

Lusamine was taken aback. She, of course, heard the questioning tone in Jinghe, Male's voice, but what puzzled her more was how a stranger like Jinghe, Male could know her daughter better than she did.

But upon reflection, it seemed that...

When Lillie was young, she wasn't afraid of Pokémon at all. In fact, she even kept a Pichu as a pet.

So, when did Lillie start fearing Pokémon?

Looking at Lusamine's expression, Jinghe, Male found it both amusing and exasperating.

A mother could ignore her child to such an extent, truly...

"Mr. Jinghe, Male", Lusamine suddenly spoke up.

"Hmm?"

Lusamine pressed her hands against her temples, rubbing them wearily, and said in a low voice, "Can I ask you for a favor?"

A favor?

Jinghe, Male leaned back in his chair, stretching out his hand. "Go on."

"As the chairman of the Aether Foundation, I would like to hire you as a special advisor", Lusamine said.

A special advisor?

"Is this a favor?" Jinghe, Male furrowed his brows.

He was here for a home visit, not a job interview, and certainly not...

How did the conversation suddenly shift to this?

"No, what I mean is", Lusamine rephrased, "I want to ask you, Mr. Jinghe, Male, to help me explore Ultra Wormholes and Ultra Space!"

Jinghe, Male looked up at Lusamine and saw a hint of obsession and intense determination in her eyes.

"Ah—"

Jinghe, Male exhaled lightly, but before he could speak, Lusamine continued, "After the UB invasion on Poni Island, I realized that you, Mr. Jinghe, Male, might be the one who can truly help me achieve my goals."

"What do you want to do?" Jinghe, Male frowned, sitting up straight, his expression serious.

Lusamine seemed unaware of his change in demeanor, a slight smile playing on her lips as she said softly but firmly, "I want to... enter Ultra Space!"

"!!"

"This isn't a game, Chairman Lusamine", Jinghe, Male said sternly.

"I know, I understand."

Lusamine looked directly at Jinghe, Male, her face resolute. "That's why I want to specially hire you, Mr. Jinghe, Male. With your strength and abilities, if you can't do it, I don't think many others in the Pokémon world can."

Originally, the Aether Foundation had collaborated with Guzma from Team Skull.

But comparing Guzma to Mr. Jinghe, Male?

Putting these two names together was a bit of a stretch for Guzma.

Especially after witnessing Mr. Jinghe, Male's strength and his ability to calm the entire UB: Needle Clan on Sunne Alcove, Lusamine had a strong liking for such talent.

"Let's talk about this later", Jinghe, Male rubbed his temples.

Ultra Space was no joke.

While the Aether Foundation in the anime had indeed developed special protective suits and conducted further research on Ultra Space and Ultra Wormholes, the existence of the Ultra Megalopolis and Necrozma's slumber in Ultra Space made Jinghe, Male wary.

Lusamine smiled.

"Commission... no, advance payment, fifty million League Credits."

Jinghe, Male: "..."

He stared at Lusamine, wide-eyed.

Seriously, are you testing me with this?

This time, I have to say no to the evil money!

"I'll think about it."

Lusamine's smile grew wider. Just as she was about to speak, Jinghe, Male interrupted her with a "difficult" expression.

"Let's talk about Lillie's issues first!"

Lusamine snapped back to reality, opening her mouth but not knowing what to say.

When it came to Ultra Wormholes, Ultra Space, and the Aether Foundation, Chairman Lusamine could speak at length. Whether Jinghe, Male wanted to discuss development or new research, she knew everything.

But when it came to Lillie...

After a long silence, Lusamine sighed lightly.

"I remember that Lillie's issues have been a concern. I've consulted many people to help her, but..."

She smoothed her hair.

"Actually, not interacting with Pokémon isn't necessarily bad. Not everyone in this world has to become a Pokémon trainer, right?"

Indeed.

Even in the Pokémon world, not everyone can become a trainer.

But...

"Lillie likes Pokémon", Jinghe, Male said firmly, his face serious.

"Does she?"

Lusamine murmured.

"If she doesn't, why would she attend a Pokémon school? If she doesn't, why would she study Pokémon knowledge so diligently? If she doesn't, why didn't you, as her mother, ask her if she likes them and why she's afraid?"

Jinghe, Male stared into Lusamine's eyes.

Lusamine, whose confidence wavered under Jinghe, Male's gaze, hesitated before responding, "Mr. Jinghe, Male, you really are a responsible, dedicated, and trustworthy teacher."

After composing herself, Lusamine continued, "I asked. Zao Bo said that Lillie and Gladion got lost in the lab and spent a night there. Perhaps they had a nightmare, and when they were found the next day, Lillie was..."

"So, you still didn't ask, did you?" Jinghe, Male crossed his arms.

"They were just children, Zao Bo..."

Jinghe, Male didn't respond, standing up instead.

Under Lusamine's puzzled gaze, Jinghe, Male glanced at her and said, "I can help Lillie, but I need the consent of her guardian."

Lusamine, still looking at Jinghe, Male, opened her mouth to speak, but Jinghe, Male quickly added, "So, I'll take it that you agree, Ms. Lusamine."

Lusamine: "?"

Jinghe, Male straightened his clothes and walked toward the study door.

He glanced at Gengue, Male, who was staring at Pichu, and patted his head, saying irritably, "What are you waiting for? Follow me!"

After meeting the parents of Mallow, Lillie, and Kahi, Jinghe, Male was truly frustrated by Lusamine.

"Oh..."

Lusamine, who was sitting behind her desk, instinctively shrank back, standing up and responding softly.

"Gengue?" Gengue, Male turned his head, looking at Lusamine and pointing at himself.

Huh? Wasn't Mr. Jinghe, Male calling me?

Under the bewildered gazes of Jinghe, Male and Gengue, Male, Lusamine jogged behind Jinghe, Male.

"I'm coming, Mr. Jinghe, Male, but... where are we going?"

Jinghe, Male: "?"

Aether Paradise, first floor.

"This is where everyone works", Byrne explained with a smile.

"The second floor is the mimicry area, where many Pokémon live."

"The third floor is—"

"Hey, Byrne, where does this door lead?" Mallow, the energetic girl, pointed curiously at the open door leading to a dark passage.

"The door to the underground lab? How could it be open?"

Byrne looked surprised.

The underground lab was a secret area of the Aether Foundation. How could the door be open?

Did Zao Bo forget to close it in his hurry?

"This... here..."

Seeing the entrance to the basement, Lillie's expression became uneasy, her eyes showing fear.

"Lillie, what's wrong?" Water Lily noticed Lillie's discomfort.

"Everyone, this is a secret area of Aether Paradise—"

Byrne didn't finish her sentence.

Boom!!

A loud explosion came from the passage leading to the underground lab, causing everyone present to react.

Barnet and Byrne exchanged glances and ran into the passage.

The children exchanged looks and followed suit.

Lillie bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before following them.

"Damn! Damn scoundrel! How dare you toy with a section chief of the Aether Foundation!"

Zao Bo rubbed his sore neck, looking at Mr. Jinghe, Male and Lusamine as they left, and shouted angrily.

Beep!

Suddenly, an alarm on his body went off.

Zao Bo's expression changed.

The lab!

He took out his device and switched to the lab's camera, just in time to see Lillie and the others entering the basement.

"Oh no!"

Zao Bo, ignoring his pain, quickly ran toward the lab.

"Hmm? Not here?"

Lusamine looked at the empty first floor, a hint of confusion on her face.

She then gave Jinghe, Male an apologetic smile and said, "Mr. Jinghe, Male, please wait a moment. I'll check."

She took out her phone and called Zao Bo.

"Zao Bo, can you check where Lillie and the others are visiting?"

"L-Lusamine Chairman!" Zao Bo's voice was heavy with labored breathing. "T-They might be on the second floor, or possibly the third floor. The surveillance system has some issues, and I'm on my way to fix it!"

"The second floor?"

"Jinghe, Lillie and the others might have gone to the second floor."

But Jinghe seemed to ignore this and walked toward the basement.

"Grunt~ Grunt~"

Gengue waved at Lusamine.

"Basement?"

Surprisingly obedient, Lusamine followed.

While Jinghe and Lusamine were heading to the lab, earlier, the two had been sitting in the study, discussing.

In the underground lab B2, Zao Bo's exclusive research area.

Boom!!

A teenager dressed in a tight black outfit, with a red backpack at his waist and a tuft of golden bangs, stood with a clenched fist. He looked somewhat unconventional, or rebellious. Beside him, an Espeon released a Shadow Ball, breaking the cage mechanism in front of him.

Click—

Steam rose as the cage slowly opened.

With heavy metallic clanks, a creature resembling a beast emerged on all fours.

It had claw-like front paws, foot-like hind legs, and a fish-like tail, making it look like a mishmash of different animals. The most striking feature was the large metal helmet on its head, complete with an axe-like structure, which looked exceptionally heavy.

Seeing this creature, the teenager became unusually agitated.

"Type!" he shouted loudly.

"Roar"

A voice came from beneath the heavy metal mask.

"Sorry, Type, I shouldn't have believed Zao Bo's lies!"

The teenager's face showed guilt, but he quickly regained his composure. "Today he's not here, let's leave quickly!"

This teenager was none other than Lillie's brother, Lusamine's other child, and Gladion, her brother-in-law!

"Roar!"

Type approached the teenager, its seemingly fierce appearance not showing any hostility, but rather friendliness.

"Let's go!"

Gladion immediately took Type and left. If Zao Bo returned, it would be trouble.

However, as Gladion, Type, and Espeon hurriedly left the lab, they encountered Lillie and the others, who had come down after hearing the commotion.

"Gladion?" Byrne looked puzzled at the "young master."

"Brother?" Lillie was also surprised.

But the most shocked was Gladion himself. "Lillie, what are you doing here?"

Suddenly, his expression changed, and he moved to block Type.

But it was too late.

Lillie, seeing Type's fearsome appearance, froze in place, her face pale, her whole body trembling with fear.

"Lillie!"

Seeing Lillie about to fall, Maou and the others quickly rushed to support her.

"Quick! Get a doctor!" Byrne shouted.

Barnett carefully helped Lillie sit on the ground, looking at the guilty Gladion. He seemed to understand why Lillie was reacting this way.

So he asked, "What's wrong with Lillie?"

"How could you bring Lillie to the basement!" Gladion roared, filled with self-reproach.

He never imagined that Lillie and the others would suddenly enter the underground lab and encounter Type, which had become a nightmare for Lillie.

At that moment,

"Lillie!"

Lusamine, who had just arrived with Jinghe, saw Lillie sitting on the ground, her face full of fear, and rushed over.

"Lady Lusamine." Byrne respectfully greeted her.

But Gladion showed hostility, pulling Lillie into his arms and stopping Lusamine from approaching.

"Stay back!"

"Gladion, you!" Lusamine was taken aback but asked, "Gladion, what's wrong with Lillie?"

"What's wrong?" Gladion laughed bitterly. "Isn't it all your fault, Mother?"

"Me?"

Lusamine was even more stunned.

She had just arrived; how could it be her fault?

"It's because you indulged Zao Bo, letting him open the Ultra Wormhole, which led to Lillie being attacked."

"Zao Bo opened the Ultra Wormhole?" Lusamine was even more shocked.

Byrne and Barnett also looked surprised.

Open the Ultra Wormhole?

Gladion roared, "Didn't you want to meet the Ultra Beasts? Isn't that what you wanted? Even after Lillie was attacked by an Ultra Beast, you still wanted to meet them, didn't you?!"

"Gladion!" Lusamine's voice grew louder as she listened to her son's accusations.

But Gladion wasn't about to back down. His voice grew even louder.

"Didn't you find it strange when she suddenly couldn't touch Pokémon?!"

Today, this was the second person to ask her such a question.

Lusamine was stunned.

"No matter how much Zao Bo tried to hide or deceive, did you ever listen to us? Didn't you prefer to believe Zao Bo? Lillie had to seal her own memories, and as her mother, didn't you...?"

Gladion released the pent-up resentment he had accumulated over the years.

After all, even as her son, he rarely saw Lusamine.

"I, I..." Lusamine's lips trembled.

"Don't 'I, I, I' me, get out of the way!"

Jinghe's irritated voice came, and he walked to Lillie's side.

"Who are you?" Gladion frowned, eyeing Jinghe warily.

"Teacher Jinghe!"

"Teacher Jinghe is here!"

Maou and the others, who had been watching the "family drama", finally noticed Jinghe's presence.

"Teacher Jinghe" Gladion's eyes widened.

He had heard some stories about Teacher Jinghe.

He was a very powerful man!

Even the usually domineering Lusamine, upon hearing Jinghe's irritated words, actually moved aside.

"Brother-in-law... no, Gladion, there's one thing you got wrong. Lillie's memories weren't sealed by herself."

Jinghe gently lifted the little girl to his front.

As a teacher, he had a lot on his plate.

"Not sealed by herself?" Both Gladion and Lusamine looked shocked.

"Although I'm not a Psychic user, as a psychology teacher, I can only say... it's a crude way to alter memories."

Because of Lillie's "breakdown", the fear had exposed some memory "traces."

Gladion and Lusamine exchanged a glance.

"Since you don't know, let me show you."

Jinghe softly called out, "Ninetales."

"Growl~"

Ninetales emerged from its Poké Ball, its eyes glowing with Psychic power as it connected with the Rotom Dex, showing the scene of Lillie being attacked by Nihilego, saved by Silvally, and Zao Bo erasing her memory.

"Damn! Damn! Damn!"

Zao Bo, watching the monitors, was sweating profusely. He had just run into the underground lab and saw the scene on the monitors.

His gaze swept around.

He noticed the three who were quietly trying to leave.

"You three!"

He shouted at them, almost crazily, "Now! Go and cause destruction! The more noise, the better! I need a chance to take Miss Lillie away!"

"Us?"

The three slowly turned, pointing at themselves.

Who were they supposed to fight?

Teacher Jinghe?

"As long as you bring Miss Lillie back, I can use Munna's power again to further erase her memory!"

Zao Bo muttered, explaining his plan.

"Erasing memory..." Jessie's face darkened, repeating it softly.

"Erasing memory..." James also repeated, his head lowered, his voice calm.

"What... what are you saying?!" ×3

"Snore~ Hiss~!"

Roar!

Flames seemed to rise from their bodies.

"What do you take us for! Bastard!" ×3

Zao Bo looked at them in shock.

"Can't stand it anymore, let's take him down!" Jessie rolled up her sleeves.

"Take him down!" James shouted.

"Kill him, meow!" Meowth was the first to attack, using a Frenzy Claw!

"Arbok!"

"Koffing!"

"UB-01 Symbiosis?"

"Ultra Wormhole?"

"Zao Bo!"

Having witnessed the entire scene, Lusamine, Byrne, and Gladion all spoke with varied expressions.

"Lillie!" Lusamine took Lillie into her arms, her head resting against Lillie's, tears streaming down her face as she repeated, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Lillie."

Lillie, now recovered and facing the memory, felt Lusamine's embrace.

"Mother..."

"It's good..." Gladion sat on the ground, breathing a sigh of relief.

Lillie, seeing Type behind her, no longer felt fear, but rather gratitude and guilt.

If it weren't for her, Silvally wouldn't have been sealed, and Zao Bo wouldn't have locked it up.

While everyone was immersed in the joy and gratitude of Lillie's recovery, Jinghe and Gengue stood to the side, chin in hand, their expressions a bit serious.

"Why... did I see Dr. Colress at the other end of the Ultra Wormhole in Lillie's memory?"

"Grunt~"

Gengue also looked uncertain, nodding hesitantly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end