Back again at the essence raw material shop.
The beautiful female shopkeeper saw him and immediately came up, "Mr. Baimu!"
"Uh."
Baimu stopped in his tracks, knowing she had recognized him, "Hello, I'm here to buy raw materials."
"Come in, come in."
The female shopkeeper smiled warmly as she led him inside, "How was yesterday's result? Did you encounter any difficulties? We offer free guidance services to customers in the shop~"
"No real difficulties..." Baimu kept his gaze straight ahead, pretending not to see the looks from the surrounding customers, "But I'm quite interested in using the equipment over there for making essences."
"Interested in using the equipment, huh?" The shopkeeper's smile grew wider, "If you don't mind, I can teach you."
Originally, he just wanted to replenish his raw materials before leaving, but he didn't expect her to be so enthusiastic, so he decided to take the opportunity to experience the process of making essences using the equipment.
Although he watched many online videos, there's nothing like practicing firsthand.
The female shopkeeper was also extremely meticulous, teaching Baimu step-by-step from scratch on how to use it, and he understood the process after hearing it once, thanks to his afternoon experience in making aromatherapy.
This thing, though not as straightforward as making Poké Blocks where you can directly throw in Tree Fruit, is essentially quite simple, with the difficult parts handled by the machine. He just needs to remember the formula and make some setting adjustments.
The "handmade" essence was successfully completed.
Baimu took out the finished essence, simply judged the color, and couldn't help but marvel at technological advances—so long as the sequence and amounts are right, the quality control is very stable.
"Thank you."
He expressed gratitude to the shopkeeper who guided him attentively throughout.
She waved her hand with a smile, "It's nothing, it's what I should do—Mr. Baimu, I have a small request, and I wonder if you could agree to it."
Baimu paused his action of pulling out money, "…What is it?"
"I would like to take a photo with you and Mawile, and I hope you can allow it!" The shopkeeper suddenly clasped her hands, showing a pleading prayer-like expression.
Ah, it's a group photo.
"Of course."
Baimu nodded and took out a Pokeball from his pocket and opened it.
Bang!
"Chido?"
Mawile landed skillfully, looking a little confused at its surroundings.
Baimu was about to explain to it when he heard a carefully suppressed scream beside him, "Ah! Mawile! So cute!"
The two turned their heads simultaneously and saw the shopkeeper trying hard to suppress the blush of excitement on her face. Seeing their surprised gaze, she coughed awkwardly.
"Sorry, couldn't help it."
The other customers in the shop, seeing Mawile, had eyes full of wonder.
Even in Pokémon World, most surf the internet, and while they may not instantly recognize who Baimu is, spotting the bell and red ribbon-wearing Mawile, they certainly can recognize it.
However, they were quite reserved and didn't approach rashly to disturb the interaction.
"It's alright."
Baimu bent down to tell Mawile about the photo opportunity.
Mawile seemed delighted upon hearing it, "Chido?"
I have fans now?
"Uh." He glanced at the shopkeeper who, face full of surprise, was continually adjusting her sideburns and bangs, using a small mirror to check her makeup. Presumably, she must be a fan.
The photo was taken quickly, and the shopkeeper, looking at the finished picture was both happy and somewhat unfulfilled, admiring it for a while before pleading again: "Can I take one more picture? A bit closer~"
Baimu looked at Mawile, seeing that it too seemed to want another shot, and said, "How about I take a photo for you two? I have a camera with me."
"Really? Can I really?" The shopkeeper was overjoyed and immediately said upon confirmation: "From now on, every purchase you make at our shop will be half price!"
"Half price! In that case, I shall accept graciously."
Upon hearing this, Baimu's smile grew notably more genuine, as halving the price was not insignificant. He took out his camera and started taking pictures of the shopkeeper and Mawile.
They were initially reserved but soon became quite natural with hugs, winks, cheek rubs, and various intimate gestures.
Mawile's adorable and charming appearance made customers and staff watching from a distance swoon with envy, and seeing the session end, they couldn't hold back their feelings anymore and came over.
"Can I take a photo too?"
"Please, young man!"
"I'm a fan too~"
A chorus of voices as they gathered around, a mixture of various scents filled the air.
Baimu listened to these pleas but showed an embarrassed smile and planned to decline, fearing that it might go on endlessly, with more coming after each one.
But then, a smart staff member directly pulled down the shop's shutter, preventing outsiders from noticing inside the shop. Thus, there were consistently fourteen customers plus staff.
He couldn't help but turn to look at Mawile, which seemed quite happy...
"If it agrees, I have no objections." Baimu gave the decision to his Pokémon.
"Chido!"
Mawile was more than happy; it had watched many Gorgeous Competition-related videos, including inside matches and post-match interview phases, knowing well how to project elegance.
So.
Baimu had to shoot photos for more than half an hour, and then set up a group on Poké Communication, added them all, and uploaded the photos.
After quite the effort, he nearly forgot why he even came here, but luckily the shopkeeper had thoughtfully prepared the raw materials for him.
"You worked hard~ Why not have dinner together tonight?"
The shopkeeper smiled as she invited him.
"Thanks for the invitation, but I'm planning to go to Martial Arts Town tomorrow, and would like to prepare tonight." Baimu politely declined.
If it weren't for needing to handle so many materials, he might not mind having dinner with this beautiful and elegant lady, but sadly, if raw materials aren't processed in time, their freshness diminishes.
He's also thinking of practicing handmade essence a few more times.
The shopkeeper heard the blunt refusal, masked her disappointment gracefully, and with a light smile said, "Then I wish you a safe trip. By the way, here's my business card."
"Thank you."
Baimu took the business card and thanked her, calling to Mawile, still surrounded, "Let's head back!"
"Chi~"
Upon hearing this, Mawile immediately came out, held his extended hand and said, "Chido!"
"I don't want to be stopped by people on the street; let's save it for the next city," Baimu declined its suggestion of walking back hand in hand.
"Chido!"
Mawile puffed its cheeks angrily, tapped his waist-bound Pokeball, and returned to rest.
"See you all."
Baimu bid farewell to the others in the shop, pulled up the shutter and left.
A group of women watched his back, faces still wearing the joy brought by excitement.
The shopkeeper took out her phone, and seeing Baimu had finished posting the photos and left the group, spoke: "Why don't we form a fan club for Baimu and Mawile? Like the Mikoli Fan Club."
Most present were regulars, the handmade essence field is actually quite small, and they were all acquainted.
Upon hearing the shopkeeper's suggestion, they nodded without hesitation, "Great, great!"
5:12 PM.
The Baimu and Mawile fan club was officially established, with the first generation president being the shopkeeper, who looked at the photo of her and Mawile, one with Baimu, unconsciously showing a happy expression.
"Hehe~"
Of course.
Baimu himself had no idea about this.
He looked at the shopkeepers business card, "Bei Lingyin? Is it Bei, Lingyin or Bei Ling, Yin?"