Good grief! Bai Qianqian had actually seen whales that could spray water, but have you ever seen a turtle that sprays water?
Anyway, Bai Qianqian hadn't.
"Wow, amazing!"
But after snapping back to reality, Bai Qianqian looked at Squirtle with even more affection. Not only was it cute and adorable, but it actually had such a special trick!
Although the jet of water just now wasn't large, it was magical enough.
"Squirtle~~"
Seemingly understanding that Bai Qianqian was praising it, Squirtle's large eyes narrowed into slits, and it slightly lifted its chin, its cry filled with pride.
It was an extremely human-like emotion of pride, which both Bai Qianqian and Gu Xin could easily discern.
"Aww~ It's just too smart!"
Bai Qianqian's clear eyes were about to turn into heart shapes. This turtle could even be proudly cute!
"It seems you like it very much."
Seeing this, a smile also appeared on Gu Xin's face. Just as he thought, what girl could refuse such a smart and cute Pokémon?
"Yes! I love it! Mister, I'll take this little turtle!"
Bai Qianqian spoke to Gu Xin with absolute certainty.
Although it was a turtle, different from the cats and dogs she initially thought of getting when coming to the pet store, Bai Qianqian was very sure.
This turtle was her ideal pet!
Besides, she had drawn it herself from that thing called a Pokédex.
It must be destined by fate!
"Okay, making customers satisfied is our greatest honor. This Squirtle's quality is excellent."
"So, the price is two hundred thousand. Will you be paying by card or WeChat Pay?"
The smile on Gu Xin's face deepened as he smiled at Bai Qianqian.
"By card, of course..."
Bai Qianqian replied without hesitation, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she felt something was wrong.
"Wait... Mister, how much did you just say?"
"The price is two hundred thousand."
Silence.
Bai Qianqian stared stiffly at Gu Xin. Gu Xin blinked.
After a long moment, confirming she hadn't misheard, Bai Qianqian patted her somewhat stiff face with one hand and took a deep breath.
"Have you gone crazy thinking about money? You're selling this water-squirting turtle for two hundred thousand?"
Bai Qianqian pointed at the innocent-looking Squirtle in her arms and spoke to Gu Xin in disbelief.
It was just fucking outrageous, okay!
"How dare you quote such a price? Doesn't your conscience hurt?"
It wasn't that Bai Qianqian couldn't afford two hundred thousand; or rather, this amount of money was nothing to her.
But just because she had money didn't mean she wanted to be ripped off like this.
She had done her homework before preparing to get a pet. A pet turtle, actually quoted at two hundred thousand?
"Miss, I must solemnly state, its name is Squirtle, not 'water-squirting turtle'..."
"Besides, do you really think two hundred thousand is expensive?"
Gu Xin's smile remained unchanged as he asked Bai Qianqian in return.
Hearing this, Bai Qianqian paused. She glanced at Squirtle, who was looking at her expectantly with its large, watery eyes.
"Squirtle is a creature with very high intelligence. It can understand your various words and emotions and respond to you."
Gu Xin once again emphasized Squirtle's high intelligence.
In fact, nearly all creatures like Pokémon have high intelligence, especially Legendary Pokémon, whose wisdom is completely on par with humans.
"And please believe me, this is already a discounted price I'm giving you. The store just opened, and this is a special discount you have as a new customer."
"Squirtle can not only accompany you daily as your friend and companion, but in the future, you will discover even more of Squirtle's special qualities. I can guarantee this."
Gu Xin assured Bai Qianqian sincerely.
His mission was to popularize Pokémon throughout the world, and Gu Xin believed he could definitely achieve it!
People would also discover the charm of these brand new, magical creatures called Pokémon!
Bai Qianqian was inwardly very conflicted. She really liked Squirtle, and it wasn't that she couldn't afford it, but she still felt like she was being ripped off by Gu Xin...
That unpleasant feeling of being ripped off by a merchant also made her feel very frustrated.
"Squirtle~"
The tender, clear cry sounded beside Bai Qianqian's ear. Looking at Squirtle's adorable big eyes, she finally sighed inwardly.
Oh, this is killing me~
"Two hundred thousand it is then. Card."
Bai Qianqian pouted slightly. Forget it, she thought, high-end pet dogs also cost tens or hundreds of thousands. Squirtle isn't worse than them, so why wouldn't it be worth two hundred thousand?
Thinking like this, Bai Qianqian felt a bit better. That's right, she reasoned, and besides, I've never heard of a turtle species like Squirtle out there.
This one of mine is even a rare species!
Wait!
"Handsome guy, this isn't a nationally protected animal, is it?" Bai Qianqian hurriedly asked Gu Xin.
It wasn't that nationally protected animals couldn't be kept, but if it really was a protected animal, she would need to get a permit to keep Squirtle.
"It's not. You can rest assured."
Gu Xin had returned to the front counter to organize some things for Bai Qianqian and replied with a smile.
Not only was it not a protected animal, but Squirtle was also appearing in this world for the first time.
"Also, I need to mention, Squirtle isn't an animal. Its species is Pokémon."
After letting Bai Qianqian swipe her card, Gu Xin handed two small bags to Bai Qianqian and told her.
"Pokémon?" Bai Qianqian tilted her small head in confusion.
She had never heard of it. And wasn't the name of this store Pokémon Home?
"Correct. Also, these are two complimentary boxes of Pokéblocks for your first Pokémon purchase. These Pokéblocks are favored by Water-type Pokémon."
"Currently, Squirtle is still young, so these two boxes should be enough for Squirtle for half a month."
Hearing this, Bai Qianqian opened the bag. Two long wooden boxes came into view. Pokéblocks?
Another term she'd never heard before...
Bai Qianqian opened one box. Inside were tightly packed small blue cubes. Bai Qianqian took one out and sniffed it.
A pleasant, fresh fragrance instantly filled her nostrils, and it felt soft like jelly when pinched.
Squirtle stared at the Pokéblock in Bai Qianqian's hand with shining eyes.
"It's made from a type of Berry. You can try it too, it tastes pretty good," Gu Xin said with a smile.
Bai Qianqian thought about it, then put the Pokéblock in her mouth and tasted it. It was sweet and actually quite tasty.
"Squirtle~" Squirtle was almost drooling with desire.
"Pfft~ Here, here."
Seeing Squirtle's expression, Bai Qianqian couldn't help but laugh out loud. She grabbed a handful and placed them in front of Squirtle.
But it's really so well-behaved, she thought. Even though it's incredibly eager, it still just waited obediently instead of pouncing.
Watching Squirtle happily munching on the Pokéblocks with its eyes narrowed blissfully, Bai Qianqian couldn't help but break into a fond, doting smile.
So cute~