Mauville City, the heart of the Hoenn region.
It is the most prosperous transportation hub and commercial center in the entire region.
Skyscrapers stand tall, neon lights flicker, and the endless stream of people on the ground together form the pulse of this city that never sleeps.
For Jiang Han, who had just spent three months in the primeval forest, this overwhelming sense of modernization gave him the illusion of being in a different world.
Following the location Laic sent to his pokédex, Jiang Han passed through the bustling central square and finally arrived in the southeastern part of the city.
This is the culinary paradise of Mauville City, where the air is filled with the charred aroma of grilled meat, the rich scent of ramen broth, and the sweet fragrance of various desserts.
On both sides of the street, specialty snack shops are lined up one after another. He could even see a Mauville Mixed Noodle shop with a sign hanging that said "Strongly Recommended by Elite Glacia," with a long queue at the door.
Jiang Han's stomach growled at an inopportune moment. He swallowed his saliva but had to move his gaze away from those delicacies.
His destination was not these bustling little shops full of life, but a cafe located on a street corner with a style that was out of place with its surroundings.
The Singing Cafe.
The name was elegant, and the storefront was even more low-key and luxurious.
The dark solid wood sign only had these five gold-leafed characters. There was no greeter at the door. The thick glass door isolated all the noise from the outside world, exuding a cold aura that warned strangers not to approach.
What did Laic call him to a place like this for?
Jiang Han muttered in his heart; he didn't have the spare money or the mood to accompany that guy for afternoon tea in such a place.
Pushing open the door, a wave of warm air mixed with the mellow aroma of coffee beans and elegant floral scents greeted him.
Unlike the hustle and bustle outside, the interior of the cafe was so quiet that he could hear his own heartbeat.
A melodious soprano echoed in the space. A woman in a black dress was standing on a small stage not far away, singing softly to the accompaniment of a piano.
Beneath his feet was a soft dark red carpet that absorbed all footsteps. Under the guidance of a well-dressed waiter, Jiang Han was led into a private room.
After he sat down, the waiter handed him an exquisitely made menu.
Jiang Han flipped through it casually, and when his gaze fell on the prices, the corner of his eye twitched involuntarily.
The cheapest cup of hand-poured coffee was priced at 8,800 league coins.
He silently closed the menu, took a deep breath, and began to curse eighteen generations of Laic's ancestors in his heart.
This isn't drinking coffee; this is clearly drinking money.
But on second thought, since Laic was the one who called him here, this bill would naturally be charged to Team Rockets' account.
Thinking this way, Jiang Han's mood immediately brightened quite a bit, and he even began to calculate whether to order the most expensive dessert on the menu to try.
Since he wasn't paying the bill anyway, it would be a waste not to eat.
Just as his thoughts were wandering, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Laic, dressed in a black suit with his hair slicked back, walked in.
But today's Laic didn't have that cynical smile from the past on his face. His expression was serious, and his eyes even carried a hint of imperceptible tension.
"You finally arrived," Laic lowered his voice and walked quickly to Jiang Han's side.
Jiang Han glanced at him and said,
"You have the nerve to say that? Do you know the price of a cup of water here? This expense must be counted towards the mission funds."
"Don't worry about that," Laic waved his hand, his expression becoming increasingly solemn. "A big shot is coming later. Watch your words and behavior; don't make any mistakes."
A big shot?
Jiang Han's heart stirred. For a lawless guy like Laic to be so nervous, the other party's identity was likely not simple.
Just as he was about to press for more information, a series of crisp and rhythmic sounds of high heels approached from afar and stopped at the door of the private room.
Laic's body tensed up instantly. He subconsciously stepped aside and lowered his head slightly, his posture so respectful that it surprised even Jiang Han.
The door to the private room was gently pushed open, and a woman walked in.
She was wearing a well-tailored black evening dress that perfectly outlined her curvaceous figure.
But the most eye-catching thing was her long, fiery red hair that looked like burning flames, and those deep eyes that seemed to see through everything.
The woman's aura was very strong. Just by standing there quietly, the air in the entire private room seemed to freeze.
Jiang Han's heart skipped a beat.
Fiery red hair, a supreme position within Team Rockets, able to make Laic bow in submission... a name instantly exploded in his mind!
One of the four special executive officers of Team Rockets, Giovanni's right-hand woman, Athena!
He had heard Laic brag about her; this was his direct superior, one of the true power holders of Team Rockets.
But why would she appear here? For a mission reward, did a person of this level need to show up in person?
Jiang Han sized her up calmly, his brain working rapidly to analyze the situation before him.
Athena's gaze fell on Jiang Han. With a faint smile on her lips, she walked straight to the opposite side of him and sat down.
Her movements were elegant and composed, as if this were her home turf.
"You are Jiang Han?"
Her voice was like her person, carrying a magnificent texture, pleasant to the ear yet full of pressure.
Laic didn't even dare to breathe heavily, standing behind Athena like a dutiful bodyguard.
"It's me," Jiang Han nodded, meeting her gaze.
"I am Athena."
She introduced herself simply, then picked up the coffee on the table and took a gentle sip, her posture as elegant as if she were attending a high-society banquet.
"I quite like the atmosphere here. It's quiet, and the singing is beautiful. What do you think?"
Is she testing me?
Jiang Han understood in his heart, and a perfectly measured smile appeared on his face.
"It indeed has great taste, unlike those noisy places outside."
Athena nodded with satisfaction, seemingly pleased with Jiang Han's answer.
She put down the coffee cup. The collision between the bottom of the cup and the saucer made a crisp sound, which also seemed like a signal.
Seeing this, Laic hurried to excuse himself.
Athena elegantly crossed her legs.
"Jiang Han."
She spoke, her voice cold and slightly magnetic, neither hurried nor slow.
"The mission in Slateport City, you did a good job."
"It was my duty," Jiang Han answered succinctly.
A faint arc curled at the corner of Athena's mouth. She picked up the coffee on the table and took another gentle sip, appearing to be savoring it, yet also appearing to be scrutinizing Jiang Han.
"A good temperament." She put down the coffee cup with a crisp clink. "However, after the mission ended, you disappeared for three months. Can you tell me where you went?"
Jiang Han's eyelid twitched.
As expected, his every move was under the surveillance of Team Rockets.
"Special training," he answered frankly.
"Special training?" Athena seemed very satisfied with this answer.
She paused, leaned forward slightly, and stared at Jiang Han with a pair of sharp eyes.
"In your first mission, you not only successfully gained the trust of the Dewford Town Gym Leader Fujiki, but also successfully obtained his information."
"In the second mission, you not only assisted Team Rockets in obtaining intelligence on Team Aqua, but also gained the trust of Curator Namu."
Athena's voice was steady.
"Your performance was excellent, which is enough to prove your ability."
"Since that's the case, let's skip the small talk." Her eyes instantly became sharp, as if they could pierce through people's hearts.
"Let's talk about your reward for this mission."
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