Chapter Forty-Six: I Suspect You’re Flirting, But I Have No Proof

"Nowadays, many trainers simply find things too troublesome. Over the years, more and more Pokémon medicines have been developed, but medicine is not a panacea. Especially with this syndrome—the real cure often lies in healing the inner troubles of the Pokémon girls. When I was young, most of my colleagues all had psychic Pokémon skilled in hypnosis at their side." The old woman sighed with nostalgia as she recalled the past.

It dawned on Tang Yi. In modern times, whether applying to medical universities or seeking positions in reputable hospitals, the requirements for trainers always include having a Pokémon girl adept at healing skills. Amidst fierce competition, Chansey and Blissey have become the optimal choices for everyone.

So when he first entered the consultation room and saw that the old doctor’s partner was actually a Hypno, Tang Yi was momentarily surprised—it was like a breath of fresh air in the medical community.

“I notice most doctors nowadays have Chansey or Blissey girls with them. It’s almost impossible to see anyone with a Hypno anymore,” he remarked.

The old woman chuckled. “I’ve had that child at my side since I started my career. My former colleagues advised me to get a Chansey as well—much more efficient for treating physical injuries, and the pay would be better. But I thought, my Hypno and I have grown used to each other. I’ll be retiring in a few years anyway, so why change now?”

Her eyes were filled with gentle affection.

Tang Yi felt a pang of envy. He wondered what kind of relationship he and Ralts would have decades later, when both had grown old together—no, by then she would have evolved into a Gardevoir.

“You and Ralts share a wonderful bond—I can see it clearly. That child trusts you deeply, and you care about her very much,” the old woman said, perhaps more talkative than usual, moved by the harmonious pair before her and reminded of her own younger days with Hypno.

Mentioning Ralts drew Tang Yi back from his thoughts. He quickly took the opportunity to ask this seemingly experienced doctor, “I read that after growth-stagnation syndrome ends, a Pokémon is considered fully mature. In terms of future care, are there any differences or things I should watch out for?”

“Their personalities will become more independent, steadier, more mature—it varies from one to another. But it’s true, once they’re grown, there’s much more they can do.”

“Grown up, they can do so much more?” Tang Yi was startled, his mind wandering for a moment, suspecting a double meaning but quickly dismissing it.

“Pokémon girls may not be classified as human beings biologically, but they’re highly intelligent creatures. They have their own thoughts, their own pursuits and hobbies. Be attentive, and take your time getting to know them,” the old woman advised.

Tang Yi nodded sheepishly—clearly, he’d let his imagination run wild.

After a brief chat, the door to the adjoining room was pushed open again, and Hypno led Ralts out, one after the other.

Hypno wore a serene, mature smile, handing the report from the hypnosis session to her trainer before reassuring Tang Yi, “The results were quite good. Ralts has a very rich inner world—she’s a wonderful child. Take good care of her.”

“Of course,” Tang Yi replied earnestly.

The doctor glanced over the diagnosis, then gave a few final reminders—keep warm, add some extra nutrition, and scheduled the next hypnosis session for Sunday.

On the way home, Ralts’s face was noticeably brighter than in days past, and she was more talkative than usual.

“Hypno is so gentle, and her voice is lovely,” Ralts said. “Her psychic power is so strong—during hypnosis, I didn’t even realize it was happening until she woke me. I wonder if she knows what I dreamed about.”

Tang Yi listened with a smile. “I’m sure she does. She’s a master of hypnosis, and I’d guess she even has the ability to foresee dreams. She can definitely see your inner world.”

“What—what should I do?” Ralts was thunderstruck, frozen in place.

To be honest, Tang Yi was curious too. He’d even tried to ask Hypno about it when Ralts wasn’t looking, but the mature Pokémon lady, just like her trainer, wouldn’t reveal a thing.

Ralts’s reaction made Tang Yi chuckle. “Don’t worry—they’re professionals. They won’t reveal your inner world to anyone.”

“Did Hypno say anything else to you?” Tang Yi couldn’t help but ask.

The heart of hypnosis therapy is to help Pokémon girls work through the doubts and troubles buried deep during the syndrome period. Hypnosis is just a tool—the real healing depends on the hypnotist’s skill and experience.

“She told me a bit about her and her trainer. They’ve been together for decades. What do you think it feels like to stay with someone for so long?”

“I think it must be happiness—no, I’m sure it is,” Tang Yi replied, sensing the deep bond between Hypno and the old woman.

“Yes, I think so too,” Ralts said softly, sneaking a glance at her trainer, eyes filled with longing and a hint of worry.

Tang Yi seized the moment to instruct, “There really aren’t that many twisted trainers in this world. Sure, there are bad people, but the law punishes them.”

Ralts tilted her head, as if she sensed something, and shot him a wary glance.

Once home—

Though both were tired after a long day, Ralts immediately turned on the computer, just like Tang Yi used to do when he was obsessed with the internet—booting up the moment he got home.

Tang Yi shook his head, deciding to leave her be, and pulled out his phone to shop for nutritious supplements for her.

There was an endless variety online—from a few dozen to tens of thousands in price. These supplements were mainly made from various berries, mixed with some artificial ingredients. The type and quality of berries determined the efficacy, but who knew how much premium berry juice was really in a bottle costing a fortune.

“The computer’s running slow,” Ralts muttered from the desk.

Tang Yi kept scrolling, answering absentmindedly, “Yeah, it’s probably just old. We’ve used it for years—nothing to be done.”

Ralts turned and frowned at him, suspecting her trainer was making excuses but lacking proof.

Of course it’s slow!

The night before, Tang Yi had downloaded several antivirus and security programs. With this old machine’s specs, it would be a miracle if it wasn’t lagging.

With it running this slowly, surely she wouldn’t want to use it all day anymore, right?