After listening to the explanation, Cole asked, "So Doctor, you were looking for me because...?"
Augustine said, "I wanted to ask if I could place regular orders for berries from you."
He couldn't exclusively use Cole's B-grade berries to raise Garchomp, but he could mix them into Pokémon food made with A-grade berries to help improve its appetite. This way, the food would remain delicious without hindering Garchomp's growth.
"Of course that's no problem. It's my honor that you value the berries I cultivate." Cole said happily.
Though Augustine's berry orders might not be large, simply establishing a connection with him was enough to satisfy Cole.
A Pokémon Professor — especially one authorized by the League to distribute starter Pokémon — often wielded tremendous influence. Building a relationship with him could lead to unexpected benefits in the future.
Business was all about connections, wasn't it?
"That's wonderful, my running around today wasn't in vain."
With that, Augustine and Cole exchanged contact information.
"Oh right, Dr. Augustine, I have some berries here — let me give them all to you." Cole suddenly said.
Augustine was taken aback, "But if you give all your berries to me, what about your exhibition booth?"
Cole waved his hand, "It's fine — it's already the last day of the exhibition, and we came so late today that it won't affect anything. Besides, there aren't many berries left."
"Well... alright then, thank you." Augustine considered briefly before accepting. With these berries, his Garchomp could recover its appetite sooner; otherwise, he'd keep worrying himself bald.
The man seemed very busy, and after making arrangements with Cole, he hurriedly left with the gifted berries.
After Cole gave away the remaining berries, there was no need for the booth to remain.
However, he and Omura didn't rush to leave, instead visiting other booths to bid farewell to the new friends they had made at the exhibition. After all, they would be returning to Coumarine City tomorrow.
When Cole arrived at Julia and her companions' booth, they were also packing up to leave. Upon seeing him, they all greeted him warmly.
The group had ultimately chosen Lysandre as their investor, as he was the most financially powerful and seemingly most reliable among all the investors.
Julia and her companions were from Sinnoh and weren't initially familiar with Lysandre, but after investigating, they discovered he was a prominent entrepreneur in Kalos. Beyond his keen eye for investments, he had notable achievements in technology. Most importantly, he dedicated substantial funds to charity each year and maintained an excellent reputation in the region.
Finding such a promising investor, they had no reason to refuse.
"Cole, after this farewell, who knows when we'll meet again?" Julia said dejectedly.
Cole smiled, "What's there to worry about? With today's internet, we can communicate anytime!"
Julia brightened at his words, "It's a promise then — you must keep in touch regularly!"
In her eyes, this kid had become an important companion on her path of berry cultivation.
"I promise!"
After Cole's reassurance, Julia's smile returned in full.
Then he visited several other new friends he had met at the exhibition to bid them farewell.
✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲
After returning to the hotel, Cole received a call from Lysandre. Knowing Cole would return to Coumarine tomorrow, Lysandre invited him for a gathering that night.
His business negotiations weren't yet concluded, so he needed to stay in Lumiose longer.
Cole readily agreed to the invitation, as Omura already had plans to visit his friend that evening.
When Cole arrived at the restaurant on time, he was surprised to find Caitlin there too.
Seeing his surprised expression, Caitlin said flatly, "What? Not happy to see me?"
"How could that be?" Cole said helplessly, "I'm just surprised — Lysandre didn't mention you'd be joining us."
Lysandre smiled and shook his head, "I had no choice. When Caitlin heard I was meeting you, she insisted on coming along. I can't do anything about this stubborn little girl."
Hearing this, Caitlin showed a hint of shyness, "I just heard that Uncle Lysandre gave you meditation techniques, so I wanted to see how your practice was going."
Cole perked up at this.
"That's perfect! I've been working hard on meditation lately, but there are still things I don't understand. I can take this opportunity to ask for your guidance — this is really helpful."
"At least you know to be diligent." Caitlin nodded with satisfaction.
In the conversation that followed, the two children became the main participants, chattering away about meditation practice, completely forgetting about their host.
Lysandre wasn't bothered though, contentedly sipping his tea while watching them discuss with enthusiasm.
Cole had encountered many puzzling aspects in his meditation practice lately, and after discussing with Caitlin, he experienced a sudden clarity, as if the fog in his mind was slowly lifting.
The meal lasted a long time, and it wasn't until nearly midnight that he parted ways with Lysandre and Caitlin.
Before leaving, the little girl gave Cole her contact information, offering to answer any future questions he might have about meditation practice.
Cole was pleasantly surprised by Caitlin's enthusiasm to teach, despite her young age. She possessed extraordinary talent in Psychic Power training that few could match.
Coming from a family steeped in tradition, she had access to special techniques in Psychic Power training. Even the few tips she had shared had already helped Cole tremendously.
✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲
Walking back to the hotel with his Pokémon, Cole passed through a deserted area when the temperature suddenly dropped. He couldn't help but shiver.
"What's going on? Did it get colder?" He said, rubbing his goosebump-covered arms.
"Meow~"
The Purrloin perched on his shoulder suddenly pricked up its ears alertly.
✲✲✲
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