Chapter 70: How to Bring Peace to the World

The young girl stood quietly by the bright window, waiting for a moment. She saw Tang Yi walking beneath the shade of the trees, holding Laroulace’s hand, looking so leisurely and harmonious.

So they really have left.

Feebas felt a strange stirring in her heart.

During this time, she had encountered many different kinds of humans—some called her ugly, some said she was beautiful, and others spoke of inner beauty.

Hmph!

Those people were just like her former trainer, utterly hypocritical. She was obviously ugly—why not just admit it? She wasn’t some naïve, newly born spirit girl who understood nothing; those empty words only made her more repulsed.

Yet, the person from earlier felt a little different.

Although, like most, he also found her very ugly, he critiqued her appearance so earnestly and analyzed it so thoroughly, as if he were simply making an objective assessment.

It felt… odd.

She had actually asked similar questions of many people before. In the end, not even the girl herself knew what kind of answer would truly make her happy.

But at least just now, she was certain she wasn’t angry.

Still, they probably wouldn’t return, would they?

Yes, of course they wouldn’t. It’s only natural—who would willingly visit an ugly monster time and again?

Just like her old trainer said, see enough ugly monsters and you’ll feel unlucky all over.

That trainer and his Laroulace seemed decent enough; why should she bring them misfortune?

At this thought, Feebas’s expression grew gloomy and dim.

After a moment’s hesitation, she raised her hands to her chest, gently squeezed, and slowly furrowed her brow.

It did seem a bit small.

If it were bigger, would things be better?

That person was a little strange, but his words made some sense.

Perhaps… she should try to look after herself?

...

Almost at the same time, beneath another patch of shade in the orphanage.

Laroulace was making the same motion.

Her right hand was held by someone, and she glanced sideways. Taking advantage of Tang Yi’s inattention, she quietly lifted her left hand to her chest and made a small gesture.

“Hm? What are you doing?” Tang Yi happened to turn around.

Laroulace’s fair cheeks instantly flushed the color of liver.

Why did he have to turn around just now? He must have been watching her on purpose! Definitely!

Tang Yi stared for a while before realizing what Laroulace’s odd gesture meant. He couldn’t help but laugh softly and comforted her, “It’s nothing. Actually, there was something else I didn’t say back at Feebas’s place.”

“What was it?”

Tang Yi spoke seriously, “How can one hope to rule the world with a flat chest? What it means is, those with great ambition needn’t worry about flatness—besides, you haven’t even evolved yet, so don’t be too concerned.”

Laroulace was stunned. She wanted to explain, but anything she said would only make her embarrassment worse.

So the girl continued her unbeatable strategy, lowering her green hair over her eyes to hide her gaze. If she couldn’t see him, she wouldn’t feel embarrassed.

Laroulace swore, in that moment she genuinely felt the urge to use telekinesis on him.

“Actually,” Tang Yi continued, seemingly unaware of the brewing storm, “in some ways, you and Feebas are quite similar.”

Laroulace ignored him, thinking Tang Yi was just distracting her with another topic.

Wishful thinking—not so easy!

Tang Yi mused on, “No, not exactly the same. On the surface, you both dislike showing your emotions, but the reasons are different. You’re reserved, wanting to express yourself but not skilled at it; Feebas, on the other hand, truly feels inferior.”

Tang Yi sighed softly.

Laroulace, temporarily forgetting her anger, peeked out from behind her hair. “Actually, I can’t sense her inner feelings.”

Tang Yi nodded. Earlier, Laroulace hadn't spoken much in the room, but he guessed that her kindness had prompted her to try sensing Feebas’s heart.

He comforted her, “Feebas is very guarded inside. Your ability to sense emotions isn’t yet strong enough to be used freely. Sensing hunger or fatigue is easy, but for someone defensive, it’s much harder to perceive their deeper feelings.”

Laroulace was a bit dejected. “I don’t know how to help her. Why don’t you help her?”

Tang Yi shook his head. “I suspect her sense of inferiority is closely tied to her past experiences. The things I said to her were just to help her find a goal—even something trivial like wanting a bigger chest is better than being constantly self-doubting and insecure.”

A trivial goal?

Laroulace felt a bit suspicious. Was he hinting at her?

Tang Yi had no idea what odd notions Laroulace was entertaining. He kept on analyzing.

“Normally, if Feebas could evolve into Milotic, there’d be no need to worry about ugliness. But Officer Wang said her previous trainer believed she couldn’t evolve. I don’t know the specifics, and it’s not my place to ask.”

“Before I came, I looked into it. Feebas’s chance of evolution is extremely low, far below that of ordinary spirit girls. If she can’t evolve, it’s quite cruel for her.”

“So I never brought up the idea that evolution could make her beautiful. She may be ugly, but she’s not stupid. Saying that would only rub salt in her wounds.”

“As for her asking if she’s ugly, it’s the same logic. She knows perfectly well how she looks—she’s not blind or foolish. Does she really need to ask others? Or is she seeking affirmation?”

“What she wants isn’t simply the truth or a kind reassurance. What she really wants might just be a goal to strive for, a reason to change herself.”

...

Laroulace listened silently, not interrupting, and as she heard more, couldn't help but grow a little impressed with Tang Yi, nodding repeatedly.

Earlier, when Tang Yi chatted with Feebas so nonchalantly, Laroulace had been quite annoyed, thinking he was just babbling nonsense. But now she realized his words had been thoughtfully chosen.

This guy really knows how to handle girls!

Tang Yi, oblivious to the fact that he had inadvertently revealed some hidden talents, spoke for over ten minutes, finally stopping, still feeling there was more to say.