Chapter 133: Sprawled Out on the Bed

Ralts, as if injected with adrenaline, strode back to the center of the training ground with high spirits.

However, no sooner had the session resumed than she was once again pushed into a completely passive, defensive position. She seemed to be performing even worse than before.

Zhang Chen patted Tang Yi on the shoulder and said jokingly, "You went a bit too far just now, didn't you? You've given the poor girl a psychological burden."

"Not at all," Li Yaowen countered, looking slightly surprised. "That's not it. The reason Ralts is being suppressed is that she is diverting most of her psychic energy away from attacking to focus on diffusing and condensing it in front of her. A bold choice indeed."

Jiang Hai added in astonishment, "That certainly makes it easier to learn Reflect and Light Screen, but it means she has to take more hits. That must be painful."

The others cast a glance at Tang Yi, clearly aware that this was the result of his earlier actions. Because Tang Yi had wanted to share the sensation of pain with his Pokémon, he had pushed Ralts to become bolder and more aggressive. While such behavior wasn't necessarily to be encouraged, it was evident that it was helping her master the two defensive skills much faster.

Ten minutes later.

Between Ralts and the Cottonee, a layer of transparent, glass-like energy began to manifest. It was faint and shimmering, and though the wall was thin and incomplete, it successfully blocked about a tenth of the incoming Razor Leaf attacks.

"Success!" Tang Yi's eyes lit up.

"A good start, but it's still a distance away from a true Reflect," Li Yaowen offered his professional assessment at the right moment.

With the breakthrough in Reflect, Ralts soon managed a prototype of Light Screen. The two skills were essentially the same in nature; the only difference lay in the way the psychic energy was dispersed. Although these were merely prototypes that would require extensive practice to perfect for real combat, the first step had finally been taken.

"At this rate, in a week or two, she might actually master both skills before the tournament begins," Li Yaowen remarked, highly praising Ralts's efforts as training concluded that evening.

"Thank you, Coach." Ralts's smile remained shy and reserved in front of others, devoid of any excessive pride. She didn't crave praise from outsiders; she cast a quiet glance toward where Tang Yi was chatting with Zhang Chen and the others.

Tang Yi was grateful to his friends for spending their free time helping with the training. Not wanting to get bogged down in overly formal pleasantries, he waved a hand dismissively. "Take some of these nutrient supplements home with you as a token of my appreciation for today's hard work!"

During every practice, various nutritional supplements and healing sprays were laid out by the field. Fearing they might refuse, Tang Yi added with an air of extravagance, "Don't be polite with me! I'm not short on cash!"

Yang Fu laughed and scolded him, "Stop putting on airs. Don't think we don't know that the school bought these specifically for you."

Zhang Chen grabbed a few bottles, grinning. "Even if you're being generous with someone else's flowers, we won't stand on ceremony. It’s not your money, anyway."

Since it was the school's budget, it would be a waste not to take them.

Jiang Hai was a bit worried. "Will it be okay if the school finds out?"

Tang Yi didn't care. "It's just us here. If we don't say anything, who would know?"

Of course, they wouldn't betray each other, but there was still Coach Li Yaowen. The group turned their gazes toward him, only to find him looking up at the sky, seemingly counting the clouds in the sunset, showing absolutely no intention of interfering.

Well, that settled it. In reality, the total value was probably only a few hundred dollars anyway.

When they returned home that night, Tang's parents were already accustomed to seeing Ralts covered in sweat and dust—a stark contrast to the pristine girl she usually was. They didn't mind, of course; they only felt more sympathy and concern for her, knowing she worked so hard for their son's college entrance examination.

"You'd better treat Ralts well from now on, or I won't let you off, kid," Tang's mother scolded her son in front of Ralts. She had said things like this before, but as a mother, those remarks had previously been somewhat performative for Ralts's benefit. Recently, however, she had been genuinely moved by the girl's efforts.

"I know, I know," Tang Yi replied lazily. He felt it was redundant; how could he treat her anything but well? If his parents knew they had already reached the stage of sneaking kisses, they probably wouldn't be saying such things.

Tang's father added earnestly to Ralts, "Don't think just because he's grown up that I won't still tan his hide. If he ever bullies you, you must not cover for him."

In such a situation, Ralts didn't defend Tang Yi; she simply responded with a sweet, obedient smile. "Mm-hmm, thank you. I will continue to work hard."

Back in their room, Tang Yi smiled at Ralts. "Alright, no one else is around. Feel free to smile if you want. I know you must be feeling very happy right now."

Ralts flustered immediately. "I—why would I be happy?"

Tang Yi shook his head, deciding not to tease her further about her inner thoughts. Even without telepathy, he could read her like a book. Compared to his own praise, the acknowledgment from his parents made her feel as if she had tasted honey. Perhaps, to Ralts, their acceptance meant she was truly becoming a part of this human family.

After bathing and dinner, Tang Yi didn't demand any extra training. He let her have free time, but after an exhausting day, Ralts just wanted to lie on the bed. By habit, she shared the room with Tang Yi, so she naturally claimed his bed.

Tang Yi didn't think much of it at first. While he was busy with his studies, he occasionally glanced over at her, then suddenly frowned. "Ralts, aren't you tired lying like that?"

"Eh?"

Ralts was lying on her side, head resting on Tang Yi's pillow, her legs slightly curled, hands hugging her body—a graceful, feminine posture. But based on Tang Yi's habits, he knew this position couldn't be the most comfortable.

"Doesn't it tire you to lie curled up like that?" Tang Yi continued. "Try spreading out like a starfish. Trust me, it's much more comfortable."

"A... starfish?" Ralts imagined the pose, her ruby-like eyes widening. She felt it looked unrefined and found it hard to accept.