In the main lobby of Pokémon Biotech, employees hustled about, dressed in crisp shirts and carrying folders full of proposals. The company's growth had been so rapid in recent weeks that the once-cozy office space now felt cramped. Workstations were jammed together, with some staff even using makeshift desks near the reception area.
When Ethan Grave pushed through the doors, he immediately noted the bustle. "We're overcrowded," he muttered, glancing at the rows of new faces. It had only been a short while since the last wave of hires, yet the building was nearly at capacity again. "We'll have to rent extra space, or move some departments. Or," he added in a quieter tone, "maybe it's time to plan our own headquarters building."
As if summoned by his thoughts, Annie Wheeler trotted up in heels, balancing a slim tablet. "Mr. Grave, you're back," she said, voice half-lost in the din. "We have a visitor waiting in the lounge a Miss Yun. She's been here an hour. I hinted she might want to come back later, but she insisted on seeing you."
Ethan quirked a brow. "Is she a fan?"
Annie shook her head, rolling her eyes. "She's here on official business something about an event invitation. She's not here to gush over you." She paused, eyes wry. "Though she is pretty, if you're curious."
Ethan grinned. "It's nice to know. So, about that event you mentioned on the phone... some show, right?"
"Yes," Annie said, checking the data on her tablet. "The 'Victoria Show' is next month. They want a Pokémon Biotech presence. Likely a catwalk cameo with your Pokémon. It's a big deal if we accept."
"Which means half a month away," Ethan calculated mentally. "Might be perfect timing if we want to unveil our big price cut or even new evolutions on stage."
Annie nodded but glanced at the clock. "Let's not keep Miss Yun waiting. She's in Reception, reading magazines. I'm sure she's bored. Follow me."
---
Meeting Miss Yun
They wove through a maze of desks until they reached a spacious waiting room. A sophisticated young woman sat on a plush sofa, flipping through a magazine and sipping complimentary tea. She wore an elegant skirt and a stylish jacket her poised demeanor hinted at experience in the fashion or events industry. At the sight of Ethan, she set the magazine aside, rose, and inclined her head politely.
"Mr. Grave, a pleasure," she greeted, voice calm. "My name is Yunxia. I'm here on behalf of the Victoria Show to extend a formal invitation to Pokémon Biotech."
"You needn't have waited so long," Ethan said apologetically, settling on the opposite couch. "An invitation letter would have sufficed."
Yunxia offered a slight shrug. "I wanted to meet you personally, see your Pokémon in action, and confirm that you're genuinely interested. We value direct contact. Besides, this show is quite important."
At that moment, a muffled crash resounded from the hallway, making Annie wince. Ethan sighed. "Ah… that might be them." He stood, gestured for Yunxia to follow, and stepped to the door. Sure enough, three Pokémon Pikachu, Wartortle, and Charmeleon were causing mischief by knocking over a flower pot. Soil spilled onto the tiled floor.
Exasperated, Ethan glared. "Pikachu, Wartortle, Charmeleon get in here!" The trio froze at his stern voice, then shuffled through the doorway with guilty expressions. Outside, a cluster of staff stifled laughter at the typical chaos. "What's with you guys? You break something every time."
Yunxia observed with wide-eyed fascination. "They're so lively," she murmured, carefully kneeling to stroke Pikachu's fur. "I love how energetic they are."
Ethan's scolding softened. "Yes, well, they get carried away. Next time, you're staying home." He herded the trio to a corner of the room. "Sit quietly."
Pikachu and Wartortle plopped onto the floor, while Charmeleon perched on a small stool, tail flicking. Yunxia returned to the sofa, still grinning. "They're adorable, even if they're troublemakers."
Annie arrived with two cups of fresh coffee, handing one to Ethan and one to Yunxia. She kept a watchful eye on Pikachu's attempt to climb the couch before Ethan snapped his fingers, making it halt.
---
"So, Miss Yun," Ethan said, returning to the conversation. "We're definitely intrigued by the Victoria Show. Annie told me it's scheduled for mid-next month, correct?"
"Yes," Yunxia confirmed, sipping her coffee. "We hold it in Dongcheng, the capital city of the island country. We invite top genetic-biology companies to display their creatures in a catwalk setting like a fashion runway. Judges give scores based on appearance, style, even synergy between creature and owner. It's not about combat prowess, but pure aesthetics."
Ethan nodded, half-smiling. "So I see. A visual showcase. No battles, no skill demonstrations."
Yunxia shook her head. "None. If you place in the top ten, you'll get a prize and be featured in our 'New Favorite' magazine. That magazine is widely circulated among gene-biology aficionados." She glanced out the doorway at the three Pokémon peering in. "I can already imagine them strutting the runway."
Ethan found that idea amusing. "You want me plus a few of my Pokémon parading in a line under bright lights? Sounds unusual, but I guess it garners huge media coverage."
"Exactly," Yunxia said. "We get major press and global viewers streaming the event. If your company wants exposure, it's the perfect stage. Many participants see a surge in brand recognition after the show. Your new creations or price changes would command immediate spotlight."
Hearing that, Ethan's eyes lit. The notion of unveiling the discounted Pokémon cost or showcasing newly evolved forms at such a glamorous event appealed to him. "I see real potential," he said softly. "I might appear in person, or send a representative. Let me confirm the schedule."
Yunxia nodded, content. "We'd be thrilled if you join. The official press day is around mid-month, though you can arrive early to set up. If you're uncertain about performance details, we can help. Our main ask is that you bring the creatures you want to feature like that Pikachu or Wartortle."
Ethan drummed his fingers on the coffee table. "Understood. If I accept, expect at least a half dozen Pokémon. Possibly more, depending on who's ready for the spotlight. I might also use it to announce a major price revision for all Pokémon. The media coverage would ensure global attention."
Yunxia's mouth curled in a smile. "Exactly. The synergy is perfect. We can coordinate interviews, promotional clips, even behind-the-scenes glimpses of your Pokémon's training. Fans love an inside look."
Annie, perched beside them, turned to Ethan. "We can handle logistics easily enough. The main question is whether it conflicts with your schedule. You've got plenty on your plate expanding labs, new species, the day-to-day chaos."
Ethan shrugged. "We'll make time. I suspect this is worth the effort. Let's do it. Miss Yun, I'll confirm specifics in a day or two, but count us in for the Victoria Show."
---
Future Plans
Conversation shifted to casual banter. Yunxia joked about wanting to purchase a Pokémon but lamented her budget. Ethan teased her about waiting until next month when the price drop took effect, but she insisted it'd still be out of reach. Pikachu eyed her with a sympathetic squeak, apparently liking this gentle lady.
Soon after, Yunxia finished her coffee, rose, and exchanged contact details with Ethan. "I'll file a preliminary note that Pokémon Biotech's likely attending. That alone will stir excitement in our circles," she said with a pleased smile. "Thank you for taking time to meet me personally."
"No problem," Ethan responded, escorting her to the door. "We'll talk soon about final arrangements. And watch out for these three troublemakers on your way out," he joked, gesturing at Pikachu, Wartortle, and Charmeleon, who were loitering by a potted plant as though plotting another shenanigan.
Yunxia laughed, gently patted Pikachu's head, then exited with a wave.
---
Alone with Annie, Ethan flopped into a chair and eyed the trio of Pokémon. "Guess we're heading to the Victoria Show. That means a whirlwind of logistics, but it's a solid chance to reveal the new price structure. The entire global media might note how drastically we've cut costs. That'll stun a lot of folks."
Annie nodded. "And you'll bring some newly evolved ones, I bet. The public loves transformations."
Ethan exhaled, recalling the eight new species he'd placed in the lab that morning. "I'm hoping half of them hatch or become stable by then. If so, we can pick the cutest or the flashiest for a catwalk cameo. Let them strut under spotlights, giving the brand another jolt."
Annie grinned. "The press loves novelty. An entire cast of fresh Pokémon plus a radical price slash that's guaranteed headlines. We must prepare some choreographed routine, maybe with music. The Victoria Show thrives on spectacle."
From the hallway came scraping noises likely the trio rummaging somewhere again. Ethan rubbed the bridge of his nose, longing for a moment's peace. "We'll manage them," he said wryly. "They're silly but lovable. That's exactly the image we can show: playful yet advanced genetic companions."
With that, he rose. "Let's finalize a few details about the show. Then we'll handle the expansion plan for the labs, which are bursting at the seams."
Annie snorted. "Busy day indeed. But all eyes will be on us soon."
Ethan took a step toward the hall, calling back to the Pokémon. "Pikachu, Wartortle, Charmeleon behave, or no cameo for you at Victoria." He heard them scrambling as they realized he threatened them with missing out on a fun trip. He chuckled. "That's right. You want to be stars? Then keep it together."
Hand in hand with Annie, he headed to the conference room. Another day, another path forward for Pokémon Biotech. With the Victoria Show looming, expansions underway, and eight new species in the pipeline, the company was poised yet again to capture the world's imagination proving that Ethan's dream of bridging cutting-edge genetics with everyday wonder was more vibrant than ever.