Chapter 55
: My videos are thriving!
Xia Ming breathed a sigh of relief as he walked out of the clinic.
He turned to look at Sofia, who depended on him, and a feeling of "responsibility" welled up inside him.
Previously, he had a vague understanding of the concept of "responsibility." You can't expect a child who lost his parents at a young age to understand what "responsibility" means. Even with Young Gilas, Xia Ming initially only regarded him as a "sibling," "partner," or "co-pilot" that he needed to nurture.
It felt like nurturing characters in a game in a past life, the feeling of raising them by hand so they could accompany you.
"Xia, treat the Pokémon you chose to have as your life partner someday, just like you would treat family. They are more than just companions."
This is what Grandpa said to Xia Ming before he passed away.
At first, Xia Ming didn't understand the true meaning of those words; his understanding of his family was still at a very superficial level.
You ask, isn't he a time traveler? Didn't he have a family in his previous life?
Yes, he did, but before he transmigrated, he was just a kid who had just entered society. If he asked himself honestly, having never even had a simple romance, could he really understand what "responsibility" and "family" meant in that noisy and oppressive environment?
The answer is difficult, and he wasn't lucky enough either.
His few moments of joy were even spent building blocks in famous sandbox games, killing bosses in Terra, experiencing thrilling deep-sea diving on Europa, and working a fulfilling six-to-two job in Stardew Valley, and so on.
But now...
He held Sofia's hand, recalling the medical report he had only glanced at at the time:
Patient: Sofia
Symptom: Depression.
Record: Medium to heavy.
Medical Record: On March 27th, XXXX, the patient's condition did not improve after taking antidepressants. Long-term emotional fragility led to three instances of lacrimal gland collapse. Unbalanced diet and improper work resulted in nutritional deficiencies. Medication was prescribed…
"Xia Ming, shall we still go to Uncle Gus's tavern for lunch today?"
Seeing her boyfriend staring blankly at the place name, Sophia cautiously asked him.
Her mental state seemed more fragile than ever before, as if a healthy person suddenly realized they were sick. The timidity and yielding in her tone were something Xia Ming had never felt before.
It was like an instinctive concession made in the hope that he wouldn't despise or abandon her.
"No, let's eat at home today. We can cook together, and I'll help you, okay?"
"Okay, whatever you say."
Sophia nodded slightly, but she didn't take a step. Instead, she stood there, gazing longingly at Xia Ming.
"Yo~ yo~"
Trainer, you can't be so cowardly.
Rock Dog came running over from a distance without anyone noticing, even though it was supposed to be left on the farm with Baby Giras.
Bang!
A red light flashed from the Poké Ball at Sophia's waist, and Riolu appeared at her feet. Riolu first turned and scolded Rockruff, then looked up at its trainer:
"Woof! Woof!"
"Don't be afraid, Sofia. I, Rockruff, and Riolu will all be with you. Now, take us home, okay?"
The "responsibility" that belongs to the family is to be prepared to take on the responsibility for someone else's entire life, rather than only caring about yourself or the present moment.
Sophia is sick, and as a family member who wants to take care of her for the rest of her life, Xia Ming has to do everything he can to cure her, even if she herself wants to give up, he has to firmly say so:
No!
"Um!"
With courage and encouragement from Xia Ming and the Pokémon, Sophia briefly forgot that she was a patient and regained her vitality.
Instead of clinging to Xia Ming's arm, she slowly let go and instead took his hand, leading Riolu towards the Rockruff that had been following them without permission:
"Let's skip this one. Come on, let's go home and prepare lunch together."
"Yo-yo!"
………………
Time is like the pollen left behind by the flapping wings of a butterfly; it drifts away and disappears without a trace.
In the fertile soil, the emerald green rhizomes have grown to half a foot in height, and the tender leaves bloom outward like flowers. The small red buds swell like dough balls, and perhaps the first gust of wind in early autumn will be the time for them to bloom.
"Xia Ming, look! Your Pikachu account has gained another thousand followers, and yesterday's video has already surpassed 30,000 views!"
"This just proves that my farm is thriving."
"But there are so many trainers in the comments who want to battle you, and they're even asking for your address, hehe."
"Cough cough..."
He coughed awkwardly twice. Ever since the video of him blocking the evacuation point was posted, his Farmer Boy account had become very active.
Some trainers came to criticize his unethical behavior, while others came specifically to challenge him after seeing his fighting spirit.
On the contrary, very few people actually watch him do farm work or popularize agricultural knowledge.
However, this is exactly the effect Xia Ming wanted. Regardless of whether it's good or bad, the important thing is to build up the account first. Then he can go to a nearby city to organize a small offline challenge or something.
For example, "One pound of cranberries for every defeat".
Then we can stream battles to increase popularity and sell products at the same time, right?
"By the way, Sophia, Aunt Robin called me yesterday and said the construction team will be here in the next couple of days."
With a mischievous grin, Xia Ming flashed behind Sophia, wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his head on her shoulder.
"Sophia, you wouldn't want me to have trouble sleeping at night because of the construction, would you?"
"Hmm~"
The girl with pink hair had pink cheeks, but her shyness was only due to Xia Ming's sudden attack; Sophia was prepared for it.
"You naughty Xia Ming! I've already cleaned up the house. Sandslash also had Bulbasaur and the others build a temporary little house for it. Don't worry."
"As expected, I was born to be taken care of by a girl like Sophia. I look forward to working with you for the next three months."
"Just to correct you, it's not three months!"
Sophia stomped her foot angrily, sternly correcting Xia Ming's minor mistake.
Xia Ming first feigned surprise, then seemed to suddenly realize something and said:
"Of course, of course! Aunt Robin specially prepared a double bed for us. It's huge and incredibly comfortable."
"You mean my bed is uncomfortable to sleep in?"
It's time for a death-themed quiz!
"Of course it's uncomfortable, after all, it's preventing us from doing some more romantic things, don't you think, Sofia?"
"Hey~ Who wants to do anything more romantic with you, you bad boy!"
Sofia shyly broke free from Xia Ming's embrace, then turned around and pushed against his back with both hands:
"Get to work! In another two weeks, the cranberries will be ready to bear fruit. I'm a capable man, and I don't want our first harvest season to end badly, do I?"