Wen Qi was celebrating when Zhou Zhiwen from the city called him, but the phone was always answered by Bellossom. However, Zhou Zhiwen only caught the gist of what Bellossom said—it seemed to indicate that Wen Qi wasn’t available and to call back later.
After playing with Dragonite and Noibat for a while, Wen Qi told them to rest well and left the small world. As soon as he stepped out, he saw Bellossom rushing over to hand him the phone, signaling that someone had called earlier. Wen Qi picked it up and saw it was Zhou Zhiwen, with several missed calls. Puzzled, he wondered what could be so urgent that Zhou Zhiwen had called so many times.
Wen Qi speculated that something might have gone wrong with the Venusaur boss, prompting Zhou Zhiwen’s frantic calls. Without any delay, he quickly called back. Five minutes later, Wen Qi rubbed his aching head, never expecting that Zhou Zhiwen’s reason for contacting him was a promotion. Zhou Zhiwen asked if Wen Qi could increase the supply of Energy Cubes, this time not at half price but at market rate. Hearing the urgency in Zhou Zhiwen’s voice, Wen Qi felt that if he didn’t agree, his friend might be in serious trouble.
Initially, Wen Qi thought making money was no big deal and was about to agree, but then the guy said the quantity needed was large enough for a hundred people. Hearing that, Wen Qi immediately felt like hanging up. That much would mean he’d have to do nothing else but make Energy Cubes all day. Wen Qi flatly refused, and after some negotiation, they settled on a deal. The advanced perfect Energy Cubes, being the most troublesome, were reduced to 50, enough for Zhou Zhiwen’s personal use. The intermediate ones increased to a thousand, and the basic ones to two thousand. Wen Qi didn’t ask for market prices but also didn’t stick to the previous half-price deal—just a 20% discount. With that, they agreed on the numbers, and Wen Qi decided that was it, no matter if Zhou Zhiwen got promoted again.
Wen Qi had wanted to take it easy, but with such a large quantity, even with his relatively fast Energy Cube-making speed, he’d have to work several nights and put in overtime. The thought of having to work extra days each month, unable to be a slacker, left Wen Qi feeling frustrated. On Zhou Zhiwen’s end, getting a satisfactory answer felt like a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. But he didn’t realize that by securing benefits for his subordinates, he might incur the displeasure of the squadron leader, who could make things difficult for him. Wen Qi noticed this but didn’t warn Zhou Zhiwen. For one, the increased quantity meant more money for himself. For another, Wen Qi only needed Zhou Zhiwen to pass him information from the search team; he didn’t need him to climb too high in rank. Only when Zhou Zhiwen later faced the consequences would he realize it, but by then, he’d have to tough it out. Even if the squadron leader was unhappy, Zhou Zhiwen couldn’t stop, or else he’d lose the support of his team members and have even less say in the unit. Even if the squadron leader gave him a hard time later, as long as he could provide benefits to his subordinates, he wouldn’t have to worry. But that was a problem for later.
Wen Qi thought about what was coming up. Over the next month, he only had two things to do: one was to go to the forest Venusaur in half a month to pick up Torterra, and the other was to harvest the first batch of berries in a month when they ripened. Although with his current income, he no longer cared about the berry harvest, they were his own handiwork, so he couldn’t let them go to waste. The ones who cared most were probably Wen Hua and his sister, along with the Sandslash couple and Torterra, since they had worked hard to tend them. Of course, there were also the Pidgeot family guarding the berry orchard, who had a share in the harvest as Wen Qi had promised them. Recently, the Pidgeot couple had been eating well and living comfortably, spending their remaining time training. Their strength had improved quickly, reaching level 40, which was their limit. Without any future lucky breaks, that would probably be their peak.
Thinking about this, Wen Qi suddenly remembered the seven Caterpie he had caught in the forest earlier. They had absorbed enough energy in the small world over the past few days and evolved into Metapod. Wen Qi had used Everstones on them, hoping to slowly improve their potential with the small world’s energy. Soon, they would become seven green Pokémon. Combined with the three Butterfree outside, that made ten, enough to form a Butterfree squad. Oh, and there was one more thing: the Poliwag family he had previously wanted to invite to work on the farm. With so many things going on, he had forgotten. Wen Qi planned to go tomorrow to sort it out. Otherwise, watering the farm was too troublesome; with those Poliwag around, it would be much easier. Afraid he might forget again, Wen Qi mentioned it to the Poliwag in the small world, asking it to remind him tomorrow. Recently, the Poliwag’s strength had increased by two levels, reaching level 23. Two more levels, and it could evolve.
Time quickly passed to the next day. Early in the morning, as soon as Wen Qi woke up, the Poliwag in the small world reminded him of yesterday’s matter. Thinking he had nothing to do today, Wen Qi sent Scizor out to train with Scyther and the others. He rode his Gogoat to the area where the Poliwag family used to be. As soon as he arrived, he released the Poliwag. Soon, the leader of the Poliwag family, a Poliwrath, hurried over. The Poliwrath leader’s round eyes were full of surprise. Upon seeing his son, the Poliwag, his face lit up with a bright, sunny smile, his gaze warm and caring, as if it could dispel all the gloom around. The newly evolved, muscular Poliwrath quickly approached, looking concerned and eager, and asked the Poliwag, “How has Wen Qi treated you?”
The Poliwag wagged its tail happily, its eyes sparkling with excitement, and said in a clear voice, “Master has been really good to me! He gives me delicious and plenty of food, often guides me in training, and helps me improve my strength. Plus, his farm is huge, with all sorts of interesting things.” Hearing this, the Poliwrath leader finally felt relieved, nodding with peace of mind, and looked at Wen Qi with more friendliness and gratitude, like a warm spring breeze that made one feel cozy.
At that moment, Wen Qi stepped forward with a smile, walking steadily, and said sincerely and enthusiastically to the Poliwrath leader, “Poliwrath, to be honest, I’ve come here today with full sincerity to invite you and your family to work on my farm. You know, my farm needs a lot of water to irrigate the plants, and you all are the most suitable helpers, being so agile in the water. I can promise to provide thorough protection for everyone, so you won’t have any worries. Also, I’ll offer plenty of delicious food every day to ensure everyone eats well and has the energy to work.”
The Poliwrath leader felt a surge of emotion at Wen Qi’s words, like a warm current flowing through his heart. He had actually been interested in Wen Qi’s farm before and had wanted to lead his family to seek a better living environment, but he never had the right opportunity. Now that Wen Qi had come personally to invite him, he felt incredibly honored and delighted. A determined glint flashed in his eyes, and he said without hesitation, “Wen Qi, we appreciate your kindness. Since you’re so sincere and have thought things through for us, we’re willing to go with you!”
With that, the Poliwrath turned around, his expression serious yet full of anticipation, and called for the family members to pack up their belongings. In an instant, the whole family became busy. The little Poliwag hopped around cheerfully, like lively little sprites, helping to organize odds and ends. The Poliwhirl carefully carried important bundles, their focused expressions as if handling the most precious treasures. The three newly evolved Poliwrath showed off their strength, easily lifting heavier items, their muscular arms brimming with power. Soon, all the Poliwag, Poliwhirl, and the three newly evolved Poliwrath gathered together. They looked at Wen Qi with hopeful eyes, full of anticipation for their future life, as if a land of promise lay ahead.
Wen Qi led them in a grand procession toward the farm. Along the way, everyone chatted and laughed, filling the air with a joyful atmosphere, their laughter ringing like silver bells.