Chapter Sixty-Eight: Do You Think I’m Ugly?

On the way there, Tang Yi's mind wandered a little. He couldn't help but wonder if a charitable welfare home like this one truly treated the elf girls kindly, or if there might be some unspeakable darkness lurking beneath the surface.

Officer Wang laughed for quite a while after hearing this, saying Tang Yi's imagination was a bit too vivid.

He spoke earnestly, assuring Tang Yi that while problems might exist in some welfare homes in other cities, the Changle Welfare Home was absolutely above reproach. If this modest city of Qingjiang had anything to draw attention, it was this welfare home, for it was shrouded in a beautiful legend.

Legend had it that decades ago, a trainer encountered a lovely elf girl here, adopted her, and then, years later, astonished the world by claiming the championship of the World Cup.

The truth of the story could no longer be verified, but every year, trainers who believed in the legend flocked here, hoping to find their ideal elf girl to adopt, dreaming that they too might one day vie for the world championship.

The Qingjiang city government seized the opportunity, making Changle Welfare Home a key feature of the city. Its hardware and services were said to be among the best in the country.

Tang Yi looked it up on his phone, and indeed, similar rumors abounded.

Some said the legendary champion was none other than Fang Tianze from twenty years ago—the controversial champion who publicly declared “cuteness is justice.” The adopted girl was a Caterpie, who later became the victorious Butterfree.

Others refuted this, arguing it was a fabrication—perhaps even an officially sanctioned rumor meant to enhance the city's image. Their reasoning was simple: abandoned elf girls usually had various issues, making them unsuitable for training or battle. Winning a championship by adopting a random girl from the welfare home was about as likely as winning the lottery—a scenario fit only for novels.

Amidst the swirling opinions, one thing was clear: there was no need to worry about Changle Welfare Home.

Half an hour later, the group finally arrived.

After parking, Officer Wang called the head of the welfare home to explain the situation, then helped Tang Yi and the others obtain temporary passes, allowing them to enter.

The welfare home was expansive, with a beautiful environment and facilities that were indeed as new as promised, apparently maintained regularly each year.

“Every year, the government and local elf protection agencies provide substantial subsidies. The life conditions for abandoned elf girls here are quite good,” Officer Wang remarked casually as they strolled along a leafy path toward the administrative area.

Upon reaching the office building, they had to undergo several layers of approval. The welfare home’s management procedures were reassuringly strict.

Fortunately, with Officer Wang clearing the way, they encountered almost no obstacles.

A quarter of an hour later, Tang Yi was led to a spacious lounge. There, on a red lacquered chair, sat a quiet, unattractive girl—the Feebas.

Tang Yi hadn’t seen her in over a month, and his impression of Feebas had grown faint, but upon seeing her again, he recognized her instantly.

She hadn’t changed: still ugly, her face pitted and scarred, with clusters of blue fish fins on her wrists and ankles.

Yet her complexion had improved; the welfare home's meals were surely better than anything she’d eaten while wandering.

“Feebas, I’ve brought two friends today. They care about you, and I think you still remember them,” Growlithe spoke gently. Whenever negotiations with elf girls were needed, it was usually Growlithe who stepped forward, while Officer Wang stood quietly nearby.

Feebas glanced up, her eyes flashing with surprise when she saw Tang Yi and Kirlia.

Tang Yi waved, offering what he hoped was a friendly smile and a greeting.

But Feebas quickly looked away, her gaze returning to a dull, cold indifference. She turned her head, silently gazing out the window at the lush, green grove.

Tang Yi felt a little awkward.

Officer Wang murmured at the right moment, “Since we brought Feebas back, she’s been like this. She answers our questions seriously, but says little else. I hear she doesn’t get along well with the other elf girls here, either.”

“Could we talk to her alone?” Officer Wang glanced at Tang Yi.

“Ahem, what’s with that look? I’m not going to do anything strange,” Tang Yi protested.

Officer Wang chuckled softly. “I didn’t say anything, did I? Why so eager to explain? You sound a bit guilty.”

Tang Yi was speechless.

“Alright, just teasing. Growlithe and I have other things to attend to, so we’ll leave you here to chat with Feebas. She’s a pitiful child, always so unhappy,” Officer Wang’s tone softened, tinged with a sigh.

“Oh, and there are cameras everywhere,” Officer Wang added as he left.

Tang Yi’s lips twitched; he didn’t even bother saying goodbye.

Did he look like a villain?

Impossible!

Now only Tang Yi and the two elf girls remained, the air a bit heavy. Kirlia opened her mouth, but she was not one to initiate conversation, so she glanced at Tang Yi.

What should they talk about?

Tang Yi scratched his head; the visit was really just to see Feebas, mostly at Kirlia’s urging.

Though she didn’t say it, it was clear Kirlia cared far more about this unfortunate girl they’d briefly met than Tang Yi did.

“On the way over, Officer Wang and I chatted. There’s no need to worry; your admission procedures will be approved soon,” Tang Yi offered, picking a random topic.

Feebas nodded. “I know. Sister Growlithe told me.”

Tang Yi frowned. “You don’t seem to like it here. If you don’t, you can say so—someone will try to help.”

Feebas shook her head. “I do like it. I get to eat my fill every day.”

Tang Yi paused, then asked a few more casual questions about her well-being, but her answers were perfunctory.

Just as described, their conversation was one of questions and answers.

After all, aside from that fleeting encounter in Zhengyang Square, they barely knew each other.

Soon silence settled over the room again.

After a while, Tang Yi rose, gently patting Kirlia’s small head. He felt it was time to leave; their unexpected visit might have disturbed Feebas.

Kirlia opened her mouth, wanting to speak, but hesitated.

As they reached the door,

Feebas suddenly spoke for the first time, her voice low, “Do you... think I’m ugly?”