Chapter 192: You Are Responsible
Xiu wandered toward the store, casually nodding to the familiar faces among the crowd. Most of the staff were from the Pokémon Center, brought in to assist due to the dire manpower shortage. Inside, Xiaoyuan was busy coordinating, and Xiu decided not to disturb her. Instead, he parked his bike nearby and observed the activity before quietly leaving.
The supply situation was stable, thanks to the world's advanced space and storage technologies. Without them, even loading two trainloads of provisions wouldn't have sufficed. The city, though chaotic, still operated under Head Nurse Joy's jurisdiction, maintaining a semblance of order.
However, venturing beyond the city was fraught with danger. If a supply convoy encountered Team Rocket, the outcome was grim, and deploying escorts was costly, given Team Rocket's strategic advantage.
Walking toward the warehouse, Xiu sensed something amiss but dismissed it. Inside, he called for Xiaochun and eventually found her perched atop some supplies, using boxes as makeshift stairs. She descended with light, precarious steps, causing Xiu's heart to skip a beat.
"Careful! What if your wound reopens?" he scolded, pulling her close as soon as she landed.
"Let me see your injury. I need to change the dressing."
Xiu knelt, gently rolling up her shirt to reveal the bandaged wound on her abdomen. He motioned for her to hold the fabric in place as he carefully removed the old bandages.
The injury was healing remarkably well—no infection, no inflammation. People in this world had extraordinary vitality, and Xiaochun's progress was a testament to that.
"Good, it's healing nicely," Xiu said, applying fresh medication and securing the bandage. "Now turn around; I need to check your back."
The wound on her back was minor and had nearly closed. Xiu replaced the dressing for good measure.
"You can't stay here. It's not safe or practical," he said firmly. "Come with me to the Pokémon Center. It'll be easier to take care of you there."
At the mention of the Pokémon Center, Xiaochun's expression darkened, a clear sign of her unease. Xiu noticed and reassured her, "Don't worry. I'll be with you. And besides, your new identity needs to be processed there. I'll handle everything."
Xiaochun didn't respond, simply watching Xiu as he tidied up the supplies and discarded the used bandages. After briefing the stationed guards, Xiu helped Xiaochun onto his motorcycle and headed to the Pokémon Center.
At the entrance, Xiu stopped the bike and patted Xiaochun's hand resting on his waist. "We're here. Come on, let's go."
She hesitated slightly, so Xiu lifted her off the bike with ease. "Stick close to me. I'll take care of everything."
The Pokémon Center was bustling. Most of the visitors were civilians, though the staff were overwhelmed with medical emergencies. At the front desk, Xiu inquired about available rooms.
"There are no standard rooms left, but a few large suites are still available," the receptionist said in a hushed tone, recognizing him. These suites were reserved for dignitaries like Dr. Oak and were rarely open to the public.
"I'll take one. Put it under the doctor's name," Xiu said without hesitation, showing no concern for Professor Oak's expense account.
The receptionist processed the request discreetly, handing Xiu the key. "Where's the doctor?" he asked.
"With Miss Joy, consoling victims," she replied.
"Tell him we need to talk when he's back," Xiu instructed before heading upstairs with Xiaochun.
The suite was spacious and well-furnished, its luxury apparent. "This will be your room for now," Xiu said, setting the supplies on the table. "Stay here unless absolutely necessary. If you need anything, my room's 702."
Xiaochun nodded slightly, watching as Xiu left. He had other tasks to handle, including company affairs and future plans.
Later that afternoon, Xiu met Dr. Oak in the center's lounge.
"You were looking for me?" Oak asked, taking a seat.
"Yes. I need a favor," Xiu began, leading Oak to Xiaochun's suite. The doctor's curiosity was piqued when Xiu knocked on the door and called, "It's me. Open up."
Xiaochun timidly let them in, shrinking behind Xiu as soon as the door closed. Oak's sharp eyes darted between the girl and Xiu, demanding an explanation.
"This is Professor Oak," Xiu introduced. "And this is Xiaochun."
Oak's brow furrowed as he studied the girl, taking in her withdrawn demeanor. "Explain," he said firmly.
"I found her," Xiu began. "Her parents are gone. She was abused to the point of losing her voice. I rescued her."
Oak let out a heavy sigh. "And what do you want from me?"
"I want to give her a fresh start. Please help me create a new identity for her."
The professor's gaze softened as he looked at Xiaochun. After a pause, he nodded. "I'll help you—but you have to take full responsibility for her."
Xiu smiled faintly. "I wouldn't have it any other way."