From a very young age, Xiao Ju Er had a dream: to become a Battle Model.
Don't underestimate the profession of a Model. On Pocket Star, Models are different from those in other worlds. They must not only have good looks but also possess powerful Pokémon, because on Pocket Star, Pokémon are everything.
As the granddaughter of the Lei Wen Family patriarch, Xiao Ju Er had the responsibility of protecting Lei Wen City in the future. Therefore, her Pokémon training was decent, but she lacked confidence in her looks. After all, for some reason, the modeling world was obsessed with thin figures. Constantly reading fashion magazines, Xiao Ju Er began a strict diet plan.
However, an irregular diet plan is incredibly harmful to the body. While traveling to Hollywood, Xiao Ju Er collapsed due to malnutrition.
Seeing a beautiful woman fall, many people intended to help and gain her favor. But someone was faster. A young boy holding a Pikachu was the first to react.
"Malnutrition... She fainted from hunger... The hospital is far away, let's take her to the Pokémon Center first."
"Meow, Boss, should I give her some of my fish?"
Looking at Meowth offering the fish, Xiao Zhi said helplessly, "No need, Meowth, you eat it. She can't eat this now..."
"What happened to her, Xiao Zhi?"
After resolving her own worries, Korrina was in a good mood as she walked the streets with Xiao Zhi and the others. But she didn't expect to see someone faint. Not surprisingly, Xiao Zhi went to check on the person.
"It's nothing, Korrina-san. This person fainted from malnutrition. The hospital is far away, so it's better to take her to the Pokémon Center."
"Alright, then I'll help."
Korrina wasn't surprised that Xiao Zhi would help. After all, he had helped her before. With the assistance of Xiao Zhi's mother, Hana, and Korrina, Xiao Ju Er was taken to the Pokémon Center. Meanwhile, Xiao Zhi borrowed the Pokémon Center's kitchen to prepare some nutritious food.
When Xiao Ju Er woke up, she saw Meowth happily munching on grilled fish and Pikachu furiously licking tomato sauce.
"I... What happened?"
"You're awake, Meow? You suddenly fainted from hunger, so the Boss brought you back."
Hearing the talking Meowth, Xiao Ju Er was surprised.
"A talking Meowth?"
"Yeah, Meow, I can talk. But you should wait for a bit. The Boss is cooking."
"Boss?"
Initially hearing the word "Boss," Xiao Ju Er imagined a tough-looking older man. But when Xiao Zhi arrived with a plate of freshly made nutritious side dishes, she realized she was wrong.
"You're awake. Have some food. Seriously, suddenly collapsing on the street? Don't you know how much chaos you caused?"
Being lectured by a younger boy, this was Xiao Ju Er's first thought. Of course, she knew she had caused quite a bit of trouble by fainting.
"Sorry, I didn't expect to..."
"Those modeling magazines are really harmful. All this 'thin beauty' is just malnutrition."
"Huh?"
Xiao Ju Er didn't expect Xiao Zhi to know why she fainted. A little embarrassed, Xiao Zhi explained, "Sorry, to verify your identity, I asked Officer Jenny to look through your bag. Then I saw a bunch of magazines... um... all the latest ones..."
As he spoke, Xiao Zhi picked up a magazine next to Xiao Ju Er and took a look.
"I don't know what's so attractive about a bunch of malnourished people..."
"You're so young, why don't you study hard!"
Though she wanted to grab her magazines back, Xiao Ju Er had no strength left from hunger and could only utter a helpless remark. Xiao Zhi put down the magazine and said, "I'm just stating facts. These malnourished people are not attractive. But before we discuss that, eat something first."
"No!"
Despite being grateful for Xiao Zhi's help, Xiao Ju Er was still somewhat angry. However, when Xiao Zhi brought a bowl of porridge to her, her body froze.
The porridge smelled so good.
"Try some. This porridge would even tempt someone with mild anorexia."
Xiao Zhi's voice was like a demon's whisper. But as he said, Xiao Ju Er was indeed suffering from mild anorexia. However, she now felt a craving to eat again.
"Can... Can you feed me?"
Xiao Ju Er's voice was low, but Xiao Zhi heard it. He placed the bowl aside and said, "Okay, but you need to sit up first."
As he spoke, Xiao Zhi adjusted the pillow behind Xiao Ju Er to make her sitting position more comfortable. And Xiao Ju Er obediently allowed him to help her.
"Alright, it's a little hot. Do you want to blow on it yourself or should I help?"
"You..."
Xiao Ju Er didn't know what to say. Even though Xiao Zhi was just a child, she felt a sense of maturity from him. The caring Xiao Zhi made him seem brilliant.
Xiao Zhi didn't notice Xiao Ju Er observing him. Pikachu and Meowth were eating their lunch and didn't pay attention. Only Xiao Ju Er knew that she was observing Xiao Zhi.
When Xiao Zhi brought the cooled porridge to her lips, she whispered, "Thank you. My name is Kami Zuré, but you can call me Xiao Ju Er. My dream is to become a Battle Model."
"Oh? My name is Xiao Zhi, from Pallet Town. My dream is to be a rich tycoon!"
"Pfft, such a simple wish..."
"Yeah, open your mouth!"
This was the beginning of Xiao Zhi and Xiao Ju Er's relationship. Initially, Xiao Ju Er saw Xiao Zhi as a younger brother. However, with the passage of time and the experiences they shared, their feelings changed.
Xiao Ju Er truly realized her feelings when Xiao Zhi helped her become her manager.
"I've been meaning to ask, why do you want me to be your manager? Didn't your family already set things up?"
"Hmph, of course I know that. I just want you to see how I achieve my dream!"
"As if I haven't achieved my dream. I'm rich now!"
Pikachu shook its head in bewilderment, then called out to Meowth beside it.
"Pika pi..." (Xiao Zhi is being boastful again...)
"Well, the Boss is right, Meow..."
Looking at Xiao Zhi, Xiao Ju Er said helplessly, "Alright, Kami Zuré is the name I use for the outside world. Just call me Xiao Ju Er, Xiao Zhi. But I want you to witness my success, okay?"
As she spoke, Xiao Ju Er felt a little embarrassed. After all, she had achieved her current position not just through her own efforts, but also thanks to Xiao Zhi's silent support. Without his support, Xiao Ju Er felt she might have been crushed by the pressure of her dreams.
Seeing Xiao Ju Er's hesitation, Xiao Zhi walked over, smiled, and placed his forehead against hers. "Don't worry, Ju Er-jie, I'll always be there to support you quietly. Just remember that you always have me behind you, you're never alone in your journey."
Hearing Xiao Zhi's words, Xiao Ju Er was startled for a moment, but then she smiled with relief.
"That's right... Xiao Zhi, you've always been there to support me... But I've gotten so used to it... I'm such a terrible older sister..."
As she spoke, Xiao Ju Er felt her eyes welling up. But Xiao Zhi cupped her face and used his thumb to wipe away her tears. "That means I'm doing a good job, right? I told you I would silently support you. So now, Ju Er-jie, you should show your most dazzling side and fulfill your dream."
"Yes!"
At that moment, Xiao Ju Er finally realized that her feelings for Xiao Zhi had changed. She was in love with him, but she had never faced her feelings head-on. Now, Xiao Ju Er finally acknowledged her heart. With a smile, she told Xiao Zhi, "Watch me, Xiao Zhi. I will shine for you."
With this determination, Xiao Ju Er easily fulfilled her dream. Then, together with Xiao Zhi, she held the trophy representing the pinnacle of Battle Modeling.
Looking at Xiao Zhi, Xiao Ju Er mouthed the words.
"See, Xiao Zhi? Now we are both shining brightly..."
"In my eyes, you've always been the brightest, Ju Er-jie..."
They smiled at each other, their hands holding the trophy clasped together...
Do you know? At this moment, I shine for you.
No, in my eyes, you've always been the brightest star.