Ambushing Cosmog from the Start

Chapter 10: Forced into an Arranged Marriage?

Sitting on Dragonite’s back, Chen Nian flew to the shore and pulled Jiang Shuying up. Almost immediately, he heard her voice—a mix of curiosity and envy.

“Chen Nian… did you really catch this Dragonite?”

“It… it’s willing to be your partner?”

“Yeah, went smoothly. It’s accepted me.” Chen Nian nodded. “Now, I’m taking it to say goodbye to its kin.”

Hearing this, Jiang Shuying felt genuinely happy for him. But the next second, as if remembering something painful, her expression dimmed. She lowered her head slightly and stayed silent.

Since she was facing away, Chen Nian didn’t notice her sudden gloom.

Soon, they returned to the Dragonite habitat. After locating the elder, Chen Nian explained his intention to take the Dragonite with him. Seeing that Chen Nian had truly won its kin’s heart, the elder didn’t object.

Just as Chen Nian was about to leave, he caught something unusual about Jiang Shuying.

Deep in her beautiful eyes flickered thick envy and frustration. Biting her lip, she remained quiet, standing off to the side.

After a moment’s thought, Chen Nian recalled Dragonite into its Poké Ball. Then, he walked up to Jiang Shuying and spoke calmly.

“Jiang, come with me for a sec.”

“Huh? Chen Nian, are we… heading back now?”

“Later. There’s something I want to ask you first.”

Without waiting for a reply, he started walking ahead. Though puzzled, Jiang Shuying followed without question.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a secluded valley.

……

Sitting on a large boulder, Chen Nian studied her for a moment before speaking.

“Talk.”

“About what?”

“About why you’re here. Or your goal.” His tone was steady. “This is the Dragon Forbidden Zone—a place everyone fears. You’re a pampered rich girl. Instead of enjoying your cushy life, you came here to suffer. Does that sound reasonable to you?”

At his question, Jiang Shuying fell silent. Instead of answering immediately, she walked to a nearby stream and stared at the flowing water.

……

Chen Nian watched her from the boulder.

There was no denying it—Jiang Shuying’s looks and figure were unreal.

Back in school, he remembered her usually wearing pleated skirts or shorts. Now, at least, she had some sense—knowing a skirt would be impractical in a forbidden zone.

Instead, she wore light-blue jeans, white sneakers, and ankle socks that revealed a glimpse of delicate skin. The look was effortlessly pure.

……

When she still didn’t speak, Chen Nian stood up.

“Fine. If you don’t want to talk, forget it.”

“Let’s go back.”

“Out of old school ties, I’ll get you out of here safely. After that, whether you want to come back and die or go home—your choice.”

As he turned to leave, Jiang Shuying spun around in a panic.

“I—I’m not refusing to tell you!”

“I just… didn’t know how to explain…”

“Chen Nian… you saved me. You’re my savior. So if you want to know… I won’t hide it.”

She took a shaky breath.

“I came to the Dragon Forbidden Zone alone… because I wanted to catch a starter Pokémon with high potential.”

“Getting a powerful starter is… crucial for me. Even if it meant risking my life, I had to try.”

“Pokémon with real talent are rare. Maybe only a place like this could give me a chance…”

Her voice trailed off as she stared at the ground.

Chen Nian frowned slightly.

“From what I remember, you’re not the reckless type.”

“You know how dangerous this place is. Yes, there are strong Pokémon here—but the risks are just as high. Plenty of people have tried their luck here over the years. How many walked out alive?”

“With your family’s resources, getting a decent starter shouldn’t be hard. I doubt things are so desperate that you’d gamble your life for one.”

……

A shadow of bitterness crossed Jiang Shuying’s face.

“That used to be true.”

“But now… a ‘decent’ starter isn’t enough anymore.”

She clenched her fists.

“Chen Nian… do you remember Li Shanhe?”

“Li Shanhe?”

The name triggered an immediate image in Chen Nian’s mind.

“The Li family’s Li Shanhe? That genius trainer who graduated two years ago?”

“Yes. Him.”

“Remember when I missed school for days two weeks ago? The reason was… the Li family sent people to my home.”

She met his gaze steadily.

“They came for me.”

And then, piece by piece, she revealed the truth.

Turns out, this girl was being forced into an arranged marriage.