"So many!"
Charles quickly pulled another Cheri Berry and an eggplant from the storage capsule.
He first bit into the Cheri Berry, savoring its flavor, then peeled back the eggplant’s skin.
The sight of its plump seeds and tender white flesh was enough for him to make a snap judgment—this eggplant’s quality was no less remarkable than that of the Cheri Berries!
"The quality seems decent, right?" Ethan asked uncertainly.
Though he had confidence in his produce, this was his first time selling it, and he wasn’t entirely sure about the standards of the market.
"Decent? This isn’t just decent—it’s practically treasure-grade produce! Long-term consumption could improve human physical fitness. This is premium stuff!" Charles replied enthusiastically.
Hearing this, Ethan rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "So, Charles, what do you think?"
"I’ll take it! I’ll take all of it!" Charles exclaimed.
"For these Cheri Berries, I’ll pay the price of Grade-E Treasure Produce—50 bucks per pound! The rest will go for about the same!"
Was he kidding?
With produce like this, beneficial to both humans and Pokémon, all he needed was some proper pricing control and a well-planned marketing push. Clients would flock to him in no time.
Furthermore, scarcity determines value.
Produce of this caliber wasn’t something just any plantation could grow.
From what Charles knew, the only other premium product in all of Wutong City was the Grade-D MooMoo Fresh Milk produced at the Miltank ranch in Huaqiao Village. As for fruits and vegetables? None of the other plantations could even come close to producing rated crops.
This meant that if Woofmart Supermarket wanted to monopolize such high-quality produce, they would have no choice but to source it from Ethan Greenwood.
Realizing this, Charles grew even more excited.
"Ethan, these fruits and vegetables are excellent. But I’d like to propose something beyond just buying this batch—I want to secure exclusive distribution rights for your produce," he said eagerly.
"This…" Ethan hesitated, his expression showing some reluctance.
"Don’t worry," Charles continued urgently, sensing Ethan’s hesitation. "I’ll pay you well, or even buy shares if you prefer. Just name your price!"
Charles was visibly desperate, and understandably so. He’d been under intense pressure from Woofmart for weeks, barely managing to keep his business afloat. Now, this produce represented a chance to turn the tables—a lifeline he couldn’t afford to let slip away.
Next to him, Melody Huang quietly observed. She had always respected her husband’s work and never interfered in his business negotiations, so she chose to remain silent and let him handle the situation.
Seeing her husband’s anxious expression, Melody couldn’t help but cast a pleading look at Ethan.
Ethan scratched his head awkwardly. "Ahem... that’s not the issue. I was just thinking—what if, in the future, I produce more than Uncle Charles can handle? Does that mean I won’t be able to sell to anyone else?"
He paused before continuing, "So, I can only promise this: Uncle Charles will always have first priority."
If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
"Good, good, that works too!" Charles exhaled in relief, the weight on his chest finally lifting.
Ethan then added, "But… Uncle Charles, I have one small request."
Charles’s nerves immediately tensed again. "Go ahead, what is it?"
"I’d like to attach a logo to the produce when it’s sold," Ethan explained, his tone firm. "I want it to be labeled as coming from Neighbor’s Breeding House."
This was part of the vision that Turner had instilled in him: the importance of thinking long-term and building a lasting brand.
Ethan was determined to make Neighbor’s Breeding House known far and wide.
The more Trainers and Pokémon that knew about his operation, the more opportunities he’d have to earn a steady stream of system rewards!
"Phew… I thought it was something big," Charles said with a laugh, patting his chest in relief. "That’s no problem at all. Just send me the logo design, and I’ll have it printed and attached for you."
With that, Charles readily took on the task.
The two finalized the deal, exchanged green Rotom IDs, and settled the payment.
After Melody waved a cheerful "Come visit us anytime," the van sped off toward Wutong City.
"Fifty thousand…"
Ethan stared at the notification of the bank transfer, taking a deep breath before breaking into an excited grin.
Over the years, his parents’ savings had gradually dwindled due to the plantation’s financial struggles, forcing Ethan to live frugally.
But now, with just one sale, he had earned 50,000 credits!
He had expected to make only a few thousand at most, yet the final amount far exceeded his expectations.
And this was just the first batch of produce from the plantation. In a few days, the second and third batches would be ready for harvest.
At this rate, prosperity was just around the corner!
In his excitement, Ethan scooped up Snivy, shouting joyfully, "Hahaha! Snivy, we’re rich!"
He felt so thrilled that he almost planted a big kiss on Snivy’s face, only to have two vines firmly block his chin mid-air.
What he got in return was Snivy’s expression of utter "disdain" mixed with confusion.
What’s wrong with my Trainer? He seems… off?
On the way home, Ethan, still walking with Snivy, started to cool off a little, his enthusiasm tempered by the vines that had silenced him earlier.
While he knew that, as a Legendary Breeder, he’d never have to worry about money in the future, that was future Ethan’s problem.
Right now, he was still the guy who, just days ago, agonized over whether to buy a Rotom assistant because of his budget.
"Snivy?"
Snivy, walking by his side, cast him a cautious glance. It hadn’t meant to act so abruptly earlier—it just couldn’t resist.
And it had made sure to use the gentlest strength possible!
“It’s fine, Snivy. I was just a bit too excited,” Ethan said, waving his hand to reassure it.
In truth, with his True Novice Physique, he hadn’t felt a thing.
However, Snivy’s use of Vine Whip did serve as a reminder—while he might be immune to Pokémon attacks, he wasn’t immune to being physically restrained by them.
"Snivy…"
Snivy tilted its head, observing Ethan’s thoughtful expression. It couldn’t quite tell if he was truly fine or just pretending to be.
After a moment of hesitation, it moved closer to Ethan and gently brushed against his pant leg. Sensing its touch, Ethan looked down just as Snivy lifted its head and let out a soft, sweet cry.
"Snivy~"
The gentle midday sunlight cast a warm glow on its vibrant green skin, making it look especially fresh and lively.
Ethan couldn’t help but laugh. Scooping Snivy into his arms, he patted its head affectionately.
"See? I told you, I’m fine. Don’t worry about it."
"Snivy~." (Got it…)
Feeling the warmth of Ethan’s hand on its head, Snivy finally relaxed.
In its heart, it thought to itself,
As expected… Trainers really do need to be humored sometimes.
"Heh, go, Rayquaza! Use Dragon Ascent!"
"Darn it, don’t lose! You can’t fly, but use Precipice Blades to knock it down!"
"Hah, you fool! Precipice Blades can’t hit Rayquaza in the sky!"
"I said it can, so it will! Hmph!"
By the side of the cobblestone path, two kids, no older than seven or eight, had appeared at some point. Each held a Pokémon plushie in their hands—one of the majestic Rayquaza, soaring in the heavens, and the other of the fearsome Groudon, exuding an aura of power.
The two were deeply engrossed in their "Legendary Pokémon Battle," their imaginations running wild.
The "battle" between the two kids left the cobblestone path spotless, the dust and small pebbles completely cleared away.
Summer vacation had begun, and with it, the small town became livelier. More children filled the streets, and the air buzzed with energy, bringing a comforting warmth to Ethan’s heart.
A smile spread across his face as he watched the scene unfold.
"Let’s go, Snivy. Time to get back to training. We’re going to win first place in the Baby Cup!"
Ethan pulled out a set of green Energy Blocks and some red Energy Blocks—newly designed blocks he had crafted specifically after signing up for the Baby Cup.
They glinted faintly under the sunlight, a testament to their premium quality and purpose.