The soul penetrates Xiaozhi and destroys Gou Hao at the beginning

“Ash is absolutely right. Besides the Pokédex function, the Rotom mobile phone can also provide all the functions of a mobile phone, such as making calls, sending messages, map navigation, viewing information about city gyms, etc. It’s very convenient,” Sonia added.

"The power of science is truly amazing," Xiao Zhi exclaimed.

"I understand. Um, Ash, I wanted to ask, are you planning to travel in the Galar region next?" Yu asked.

"Yes, I want to challenge the Galar League."

"That aligns with my goal, then..."

As she spoke, her fingertips suddenly tightened unconsciously around the shoulder strap of her bag, and her heartbeat quickened considerably.

She took a deep breath, her cheeks flushed slightly with nervousness, her voice trembled noticeably, and her gaze drifted to one side before quickly returning to Xiaozhi's face. She then spoke.

"I want to... I want to travel with you in the Galar region!"

After saying that, she felt her cheeks burning even more, and quickly added,

"I know you want to challenge gyms, find powerful Pokémon to catch and battle. Don't worry, I won't hold you back."

I'm very good at organizing my backpack; I categorize and put all my items in the right places. I bring everything I need, from healing items to Pokémon food. I can also treat injured Pokémon and cook.

Her speech quickened unconsciously, and as she spoke, she glanced up to observe Ash's expression. Seeing that he didn't seem offended, she mustered her courage and continued.

"Furthermore, I know the distribution of towns and specialties in the Galar region very well. I've done a lot of research beforehand, including which Pokémon are found where, what types of battles the Gym Leaders are good at, and so on. Maybe I can even help you prepare in advance!"

Xiaozhi didn't immediately refuse, which calmed her down a bit, but her voice still lowered, and she continued with a hint of barely perceptible earnestness.

"Also... Sobble and I have only just become partners and are not very strong yet, but we will work hard so that we can help fight when we encounter wild Pokémon."

But as soon as he finished speaking, unease surged up like a tide.

She quickly lowered her head, staring at the tips of her shoes, and whispered so softly it was barely audible.

"Of course, if you find it inconvenient, that's fine too. I just... I just think that traveling with you would be fun and I could learn a lot from you."

After saying all this, her heart was already in turmoil, filled with a sense of unease.

Ash's goal is to become a Pokémon Master, and his journey is always full of challenges. Will my current strength hold him back?

She was afraid that her strengths weren't attractive enough, afraid that Xiaozhi would think they were nothing, and even more afraid of hearing him say, "Sorry, I'm used to traveling alone."

Gym challenges in the Galar region, various wild Pokémon, unknown towns and landscapes...

All the scenes she had dreamed of alone now seemed especially dazzling because of the label "with Ash".

She secretly glanced at Xiao Zhi, then quickly lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes as she silently prayed that Xiao Zhi wouldn't reject her.

But Xiao Zhi only found her more and more adorable. It was such a small thing, yet she had to say it so solemnly.

Thank you for agreeing to travel with me, Xiaoyou.

Travel is definitely more fun with more people. Since we're traveling together, we should help each other, not have one person giving all the effort, right?

We can do things like healing Pokémon and cooking together!

"Now it's my turn to ask you, Yu, would you like to travel with me in the Galar region?"

After saying that, Xiaozhi smiled and reached out his hand to Xiaoyou.

"Of course I'd like to."

Xiaoyou immediately responded and reached out to shake hands with Xiaozhi. Whether it was because she was too excited and couldn't control herself or on purpose, Xiaoyou's legs suddenly went weak and she fell into Xiaozhi's arms while shaking hands.

To prevent Xiaoyou from falling—yes, he just didn't want her to fall, he had no other intentions—Xiaozhi had no choice but to reach out and hug Xiaoyou.

With a soft, fragrant body in my arms, I'll just hold her first and worry about the rest.

But this scene broke Sonia's guard, and she spoke up with a look of dissatisfaction.

"Hey, you two, can you watch yourselves? I'm right here. Can you please respect my feelings and stop showing off your love?"

Upon hearing Sonia's words, Ash quickly let go of her hand, and Yu blushed as she separated from Ash.

However, despite her complaints, Sonia couldn't help but mutter to herself,

Sigh, if only that blockhead Leon had the emotional intelligence of Ash, he would be more considerate of my feelings.

"Please take good care of me from now on, Xiaoyou."

"Please give me your guidance, Brother Xiaozhi."

The two shook hands again, officially confirming their partnership.

With everything nearly done, Xiaozhi decided to leave the research institute and set off.

"By the way, Sonia, where is Professor Magnolia now?" Ash asked.

“My grandma is at my house right now. Just keep walking straight along Highway 2 until you reach the end, and you’ll find my house.”

"Then I'll go see Dr. Mulan. Xiaoyou, do you want to go?"

"I'm fine with it. Dr. Mulan is an expert in Dynamax, and I've wanted to meet her for a long time. But I want to go home first and tell my mom I'm going on a trip."

"Then I'll go with you," Ash said.

Xiao You's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded gently.

"Okay, let's go then. My home is in Hualang Town."

The two said goodbye to Sonia and left the research institute to return to Hualang Town.

Before long, we arrived at Xiaoyou's house. A warm yellow villa was surrounded by a floral fence, and the yard was planted with many green plants and a few buds, which exuded warmth.

Ash was a little surprised because Yu's house was the closest place in town to the Misty Forest, right across from Hop's house, practically their neighbor.

Xiao You raised her hand and knocked on the door. The door was quickly opened, and a woman with gentle features peeked out with a smile. It was Xiao You's mother.

After Xiaoyou introduced Xiaozhi to her mother, her mother jokingly asked her if she had brought her boyfriend home. This made Xiaoyou blush and quickly shook her head in denial, telling her mother not to talk nonsense.

Xiaoyou's mother stopped there and didn't say anything more, but Xiaoyou's reaction and expression made her realize that her daughter was growing up and would leave home.

Afterwards, Xiaoyou's mother invited the two of them into the house and prepared a lot of food to entertain them.