"This is probably the most famous Pokémon food store around here."
After obtaining the Cerulean Gym Badge, Sam didn't return to the Pokémon Center to rest. Instead, he headed straight for a well-known Pokémon food store, planning to buy proper food for the Pokémon under his care.
After leaving the gym and wandering around the city, Sam spent more than two hours before finally reaching his destination.
What greeted him was completely different from the small shop he had imagined.
This Pokémon food store was as large as a department store. The shelves were packed with all kinds of neatly packaged Pokémon food, and every few aisles had staff members explaining products and assisting customers.
The store was so big that it took Sam quite a while just to find the section labeled Ivysaur.
As one of the most famous Grass-type Pokémon in the Kanto Region, Ivysaur clearly enjoyed a high status, something that could be seen directly from the price tags.
Looking at the Ivysaur-exclusive food, which was at least 20% more expensive than ordinary Grass-type Pokémon food, Sam could only complain inwardly that the store owner was a true profiteer.
While he was hesitating over what to buy, a girl with a bright smile approached him from beside the shelf.
"Are you buying Pokémon food for Ivysaur?"
Sam paused, then turned to look at her.
"Which one would be more suitable for Ivysaur?" Sam asked decisively. He was already struggling to choose, so it was better to get a recommendation.
Instead of answering immediately, the girl began by introducing the prices.
The cheapest cans cost several hundred yuan. The more expensive ones were in the thousands. One particular can even had a price tag of 20,000 yuan.
Sam was momentarily stunned.
Twenty thousand yuan for a single can of Pokémon food, something only Trainers with absurdly deep pockets could afford.
From his experience, most of the cans on the shelf were about two kilograms each, enough to last roughly seven to ten days.
Sam quickly did the math.
If he fed Ivysaur only the most expensive food, the annual cost would easily exceed 700,000 yuan.
He sighed inwardly.
Being a Pokémon Trainer really wasn't a profession for ordinary people. Without sufficient funds, it was impossible to properly support the Pokémon you raised.
Shaking those thoughts away, Sam refocused on the shelves in front of him.
"So," he asked again, "do you have any good recommendations?"
Seeing his genuine interest, the girl's smile grew even brighter. She stepped forward and pointed to a can priced at 1,200 yuan.
"If you don't have a specific brand preference, I recommend this one."
The price was reasonable and well within Sam's budget, but he was curious.
"Why this one?"
Clearly prepared for the question, the girl answered confidently,
"Because this is the top-selling product on our Ivysaur shelf. It outsells the second place by a wide margin."
That explanation convinced Sam. Sales numbers didn't lie, Trainers weren't fools. If so many people chose this food, it had to have its merits.
Sensing his hesitation fading, the girl added,
"If you're still unsure, you can try it first. We offer a tasting service."
"Then let's try it," Sam said. Pokémon had individual preferences, after all. What worked for others might not suit Ivysaur.
"Of course. Please follow me."
Under her guidance, they went to the tasting area. There was no one else there at the moment. The girl placed a rectangular tray on the table, divided into eight compartments, each containing a small portion of different Pokémon foods.
Sam grew even more satisfied. It was clear she hadn't just brought the one she recommended, she'd prepared multiple options.
Without wasting time, Sam released his Pokémon.
A red light flashed, and Ivysaur appeared beside him.
Sam pointed at the tray and said with a smile,
"Go ahead. Try them and tell me which one you like best."
"Ghaa! Ivysaur!"
Seeing food laid out in front of it, Ivysaur immediately became excited. It stretched out its Vine Whip, grabbed portions from the tray, and eagerly stuffed them into its mouth.
A moment later, Ivysaur let out a series of cheerful cries.
It hopped in place, clearly satisfied.
Sam chuckled and asked,
"So? Have you decided, Ivysaur?"