A week later.
On the east side of what was essentially barren land, yet shamelessly called a farm by Luo Mu, a small, neither wide nor narrow, stream flowed gently.
In the crystal-clear water, there were many fish shadows of various sizes swimming, and if one looked closely, they could occasionally spot a few red fish shadows.
"Why is it you guys again? I'm not a buffet restaurant. Please stop eating..."
A voice filled with anger, yet tinged with sorrow, rang out as Luo Mu, holding a fishing rod, stared in utter collapse at a pair of dead fish eyes.
However, both the gloating text from the system and his Serperior, impatiently flicking its tail and looking at him with disdainful snake eyes, seemed to be saying that Luo Mu, who had prepared a large basin of bait and declared he wouldn't return empty-handed, yet hadn't caught a single fish, had not only fed the Magikarp in the stream but was also trying to beg them to leave, was out of his mind.
Held by Luo Mu, the Magikarp, looking completely resigned as if it knew Luo Mu couldn't do anything to it, calmly flicked its tail, waiting for Luo Mu to throw it back into the water.
In reality, Luo Mu's fishing skills weren't bad. Before he transmigrated, he often went fishing alone in a certain river during holidays. Although he didn't always catch something, he usually had some harvest.
He came here to fish because of a sudden whim this morning. He inexplicably wanted to eat grilled fish, so he immediately prepared a basin of bait that only attracted ordinary fish and came to this newly discovered stream to fish.
These baits did not contain any ingredients that Pokemon liked; in the eyes of Pokemon, they were basically no different from pig feed.
But Luo Mu had never accounted for these few shameless Magikarp. Not only were they willing to eat the bait, but they also used their unique nature as extraordinary creatures to drive away the ordinary fish.
It was utterly shameless!
Serperior sighed inwardly, seeing its useless Trainer's face turn red with anger.
Although Serperior still maintained a disdainful expression on the surface, it still released a little pressure towards the Magikarp on Luo Mu's rod and the water surface.
The pressure was well controlled by Serperior, only covering the Magikarp lingering in the nearby stream, and did not scare away the fish school.
The Magikarp, which had been confronting Luo Mu, showed visible panic in its dull, dead fish eyes. It immediately released its mouth, which was holding the bait, and used its fastest ever Splash to jump into the stream, instantly fleeing.
"Thank you, kind Serperior!" Luo Mu looked at Serperior with gratitude, immediately dropping his fishing rod, intending to give Serperior a thankful hug from his dear Trainer.
However, before Luo Mu could hug her, the disdainful Serperior bound him tightly with two emerald green vines, hoisting him into the air where he dangled, swaying, looking a little comical.
Serperior discontentedly chirped: "Galo!" (How many times have I told you, call me Queen!)
Unfortunately, Luo Mu couldn't understand her language, but he could generally discern Serperior's mood. She was undoubtedly in an 'arrogant' state, and as long as he softened up and said nice things, Serperior would be happy.
Luo Mu, who had long understood Serperior's personality thoroughly, skillfully began to sweet-talk her. In a short while, Serperior was so flattered by his string of compliments that she raised her head, graciously allowing Luo Mu to embrace her body, which, unlike ordinary snake Pokemon, was not cold.
Luo Mu carefully felt Serperior's warm snake body, and a triumphant smile appeared on his face where she couldn't see.
Hmph, a mere tsundere snake is easily handled in minutes. Don't underestimate me, an old otaku who has watched countless anime, kora!
After some playful banter, Luo Mu stared at some residue on the edge of the basin, estimating it could still be used for one more cast.
This time, he would definitely not return empty-handed!
Although he could have Serperior use her powers to catch fish, there was no meaning in that. Luo Mu enjoyed the process of catching fish himself.
Luo Mu's face showed determination, and he immediately decided to roll up his sleeves and get to work.
"All my people All my people ~"
Suddenly, his phone, tucked into the pocket of his floral shorts, began to play a ringtone.
Luo Mu's movements paused, and he slumped his shoulders like a deflated ball. He pulled out his phone, glanced at the caller, and answered the call: "Hello? Is there still a problem?"
A hearty middle-aged male voice came from the other end of the phone: "Oh, no problem at all, we'll definitely start on time. It's just that a few of my employees have something they'd like to get your permission for, Mr. Luo."
"Permission?" Luo Mu tilted his head, not understanding what the head of the construction team on the other end of the phone was saying.
"It's just that the criminal gang kidnapping children hasn't been caught recently, and I heard there have been cases of children disappearing in the nearby town... It's school holidays, and they're worried that their children might be in danger if left alone at home, so they want to bring them to the construction site to keep an eye on them."
Before Luo Mu could speak, the project leader, as if fearing Luo Mu's concerns or displeasure, quickly assured him: "They promise not to let the children run around, and to keep them by their side at all times. I will also personally supervise the site. Could you make an exception for us?"
Is that all?
Luo Mu was suddenly a little dumbfounded. Most of the farm was currently in a desolate state, and he wouldn't care even if those children were having a rave there; he only cared about the final result.
Stopping his thoughts, Luo Mu smiled: "No problem, just make sure you keep the children in line and don't let them get lost."
Having received Luo Mu's permission, the foreman on the other end of the phone beamed with joy, thanking him repeatedly and promising to keep a close eye on the children, and even offering Luo Mu a discount when the project was finished.
Hanging up the phone, Luo Mu shook his head, sighing inwardly that there was such a boss who thought so much for his subordinates. Why had he never encountered one before?
"Galo!"
Serperior gently tapped Luo Mu's palm with a vine, urging him to quickly finish this cast and leave; she hadn't had her sunbath yet today.
"Alright, alright, I'm fishing now." Luo Mu skillfully baited his hook, then gracefully cast it and the line far out.
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough bait left to chum the water, and it was all those Magikarp's fault!
Luo Mu swore that if those Magikarp tried to ambush him again, he would definitely call Luxray to electrocute the fish!
After sitting for a few minutes, Luo Mu's bloodshot eyes stared intently at the water, as if trying to reel in a fish with his gaze.
It seemed that due to the previous disturbance by the Magikarp, the fish in this area had no appetite, not even willing to freeload on Luo Mu's bait.
Just as Luo Mu thought he was about to return empty-handed, the bobber floating on the water suddenly sank, clearly indicating a bite!
Luo Mu's drowsy mind instantly cleared, his eyes gleaming with brilliant light, and he immediately prepared to engage in a test of strength with the fish in the water!
Serperior's indifferent gaze turned to the water; even she hadn't expected Luo Mu to actually catch a fish.
However, the moment Serperior clearly saw what was on the hook, her snake eyes narrowed!