I'm on the Ark, and I start out as Gretchen.

So today, at the original deadline for this mission, Pado plans to go and buy some more goods, as a way to bring this mission to a perfect close.

As for that one thing she'd been eyeing for so long? Well, it was... that luxurious piano at the Swire's Grand Place! Since it was going to "explode" anyway, she might as well let her buy it!

Even if the cat doesn't need it herself, she can still give it to Eden to boost her favorability.

Not to mention, since Gretchen happened to be here today, Patto felt it would be even easier for her to get the goods. This was simply a godsend!

As for Wei Yanwu and Wen Yue, all Maomao could say was that having too many debts was no big deal. Anyway, they had no evidence, and she wouldn't let them catch her red-handed.

"Ah……"

Thinking about the various things she planned to do next, Pado couldn't help but curl her lips slightly and excitedly sway her long tail behind her.

She, the cat! She's both cowardly and reckless! She apologizes sincerely, but she's utterly unrepentant!

----------------

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Senior Superintendent's Office of the Guard Bureau

"We've found the location. So what's the plan now? Who's responsible for sending Gretchen back?" With that, Swire released the mouse and turned to ask the person behind her.

Based on the various clues revealed by Gretchen, the little tiger spent a lot of effort to finally confirm the location of this target.

"Um...can I choose that myself?"

Before the others could say anything, Gretchen, who was standing to the side, gently touched her chin and then hesitated before speaking softly.

“That’s no problem, but only if they have time. Otherwise, Gretsch, let me take you home!” Hearing Gretsch’s words, Swire turned her gaze away from her friends and smiled at her.

"You? You should continue with your police work. Your work attitude this morning was far from satisfactory." Lin Yuxia, who was standing to the side with her arms crossed, said calmly after hearing someone volunteer.

"Tsk..."

After hearing Lin Yuxia's words, Swire clicked her tongue in slight displeasure.

Although she really wanted to argue with her old friend that she would definitely catch up on the work she missed today, she thought about Gretsch who was present and decided not to say it in order to avoid making him overthink things.

"In that case... will Hoshiguma-neechan be free later?"

Upon hearing this, Greta, who was sitting to the side, first looked at Swire, then at Lin Yuxia, and finally turned her gaze to Hoshiguma, who had been watching the show from a distance, and said with bright eyes.

The little girl's words only made things worse, as everyone present cast complicated or sour glances at Hoshiguma, who was watching the scene unfold from the sidelines.

"Ahem... Don't stare at me like that, I have something to do later. How about we have Old Chen take you back?" Feeling a little uncomfortable under everyone's sudden gaze, Hoshiguma coughed twice and looked at Chen Huijie.

The reason she refused wasn't because she disliked Gretsch, a child, or found her troublesome; it was mainly because she noticed the slightly complicated look in her friend's eyes and the hesitant expression on her face.

Since Old Chen was interested, Hoshiguma had no choice but to kindly give up this novel experience. Come to think of it, this was the first time she'd encountered a child who loved her so much.

"Woo..."

After being politely rejected by Hoshiguma, a hint of disappointment appeared in Gretchen's large violet eyes, making her look both pitiful and adorable.

“Uh…” Noticing this, Hoshiguma’s expression froze, then she blinked frantically at Chen, signaling her to hurry up and help.

“I don’t know why you like Hoshiguma so much, but I’ll take you back this time, and we can also talk about her again. In exchange, I’ll take you to see Hoshiguma next time we’re on vacation, okay?” As he spoke, Chen reached out and patted Gretchen’s fluffy little head reassuringly.

"???)Um……"

P.S.: I'm having some writer's block, this is from yesterday. As for today... I'm too tired to write anymore, I'm going to lie down. I've been pulling all-nighters and getting up early for several days in a row, I'm almost done. And I'll be updating twice tomorrow.

Chapter 79 The Person Who Will Take Gretsch Home

"Hmm... Okay then, it's settled."

Upon hearing this, Gretchen thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

Although the little girl was a bit disappointed that she couldn't be close to Hoshiguma anymore, she thought it was okay to chat with Chen. Besides, it wasn't like she would never have another chance to spend time with Hoshiguma again.

"Yeah, it's agreed."

Looking at the cute little girl in front of him, who was a little disappointed but still obediently agreed, a complicated look flashed in Chen's eyes, and then he made a serious promise.

Honestly, no matter how she looked at the adorable child in front of her, she couldn't see any of the characteristics her older sister had described in the letter, such as "powerful" or "dangerous"...

However, Chen could probably understand why Talulah liked Gretchen, her "new little sister." Putting aside all the other miscellaneous traits, even she had to admit that the child in front of her was really quite well-behaved and cute.

With the exception of a very few individuals, almost no one would dislike such a child. Especially considering the abilities and characteristics described in the letter…

Lin Yuxia, standing to the side, frowned slightly as she watched Chen exclude her and finalize the decision. Her expression turned serious as she said, "Chen, are you going to talk to Gretchen about something very important? If so, I won't get involved."

"However, in exchange for me abandoning the agreement, I want you to help me complete one thing that I haven't finished yet."

"Well, what's going on?"

Upon hearing this, Chen looked up and then asked with a puzzled expression.

Although Lin Yuxia didn't elaborate on what the agreement was, she wasn't stupid, and she quickly guessed that it might be something like her taking Gretchen home.

Since she is breaking this agreement for personal reasons, she will naturally bear the consequences.

"Well, you'll have to come out with me for a bit." Upon hearing this, Lin Yuxia glanced at Greta, but instead of answering Chen's question directly, she raised an eyebrow and gestured to her.

"Um……"

Although Chen was somewhat confused, he nodded and walked outside with Lin Yuxia.

……

What are they up to now?

Watching the two friends mysteriously walk out

"Friend," Swire said with a somewhat puzzled expression.

"Never mind them, let's not worry about them. Does Gretsch want some candy? I happen to have two here! It's just a pity I can't take you back this time." As she spoke, Swire reached out and ruffled Gretsch's fluffy little head with a regretful expression.

"No need... Sister Yuxia gave me a lot before. Hmm... Sister Huaiya, would you like to try some?" Gretchen, whose little head was being rubbed, took the initiative and pulled out a small box of candy from behind her back.

"Hey, did Lin Yuxia actually make the first move? But thinking about her family... it does make sense." Looking at the candy handed to her, Swire was slightly taken aback at first, and then, after realizing what was happening, she muttered to herself knowingly.

Others didn't know the details of Lin Yuxia's family background, but Little Tiger knew quite a bit. Although that candy store was just a facade, it was still a candy store after all.

If there's a candy store in the house, it's understandable to use candy to appease children...

"Speaking of which, little Greta, where did you get this box of candy from? And what about the letter we mentioned outside earlier..."

Compared to her friend's strange focus, Hoshiguma, who was standing to the side, noticed a detail that had been overlooked and couldn't help but ask about it.

"Hmm, it's a secret... If Hoshiguma-neechan wants to know, I'll tell you next time we play together." Gracious, after pondering for a moment while stroking her chin in response to Hoshiguma's question, finally answered.

When this was suddenly brought up, the little girl, who had been thinking about preparing a small bag to avoid being noticed when she went on her next trip, finally put it on her agenda.

Later, after Chen took her home, she planned to go out shopping with Xiao Shi or Pado, who wanted to "bump into" her, and then buy a suitable small bag.

Actually, Gretchen wasn't so concerned about Hoshiguma and the others knowing that she had a spatial ability to retrieve items; what she was mainly worried about was the people behind these people...

Compared to young people who have a sense of justice and aren't so cunning, the older generation of scheming and "black-hearted" politicians are different... Although they aren't particularly afraid, no one wants to be targeted or used because of these small details, right? It's too troublesome.

Thinking of this, Gretchen, who was usually not afraid of trouble, surprisingly joined forces with her sister Paddy...

"Heh~ Then I'll look forward to your little secret, Gretchen." Hoshiguma couldn't help but chuckle as she looked at Gretchen's serious expression.

"Hmm... I'm also really looking forward to meeting the sparkly Hoshiguma-neechan again!" With that, Gretchen took small steps and snuggled up to Hoshiguma's side again.

Seeing her little gesture, Hoshiguma smiled helplessly, reached out and ruffled her hair, and said, "Yeah, but remember to wear proper shoes next time you go out."

Although she and Swire had asked Lin Yuxia about the little girl's shoes when they were outside, and knew that the little one wouldn't get hurt from not wearing shoes, she still couldn't help but remind her now.

Even if they don't get injured, they don't look good. What if they get misunderstood again and sent to the Guard Bureau? Besides, going barefoot makes them more susceptible to catching a cold.

"???) Hmm... I understand."

"Gresh, why did you go over there again? So what is it about Hoshiguma that attracts you? I want to learn too!" Swire puffed out her cheeks and said helplessly as she watched Gresh sneak over to her friend's side and get all cuddled up with her again.

"Hmm, you really like it?"

"Tsk..."

-----------

Outside the office—

"Speak, what do you need my help with?"

After leaving the office, Chen didn't linger and asked again.

"It's not a big deal. I just want you to give that little guy's guardian a good talking-to when you meet him."

"Letting a child run out alone is simply outrageous." As she spoke, Lin Yuxia's originally gentle expression gradually turned stern.

"..."

Upon receiving this answer, Chen couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly, a strange expression appearing on his face.

If she remembered correctly, her older sister had mentioned in a letter that she was currently Gretchen's guardian.

Although Chen knew that this guardian was not the same as the other guardian, she still felt a little complicated.

"Okay, I understand. I will give them a good talking-to."

P.S.: I'll continue writing, but I'm not feeling well today, so please don't wait. I'll post it as soon as I finish, and if I don't, I'll finish it tomorrow. Sigh...

Chapter 80: A Heavyweight Longing

"Let's go, old timer. Today has been quite fruitful."

Xiao Shi, who was the first to walk out of the arcade carrying a large bag of plush toys, said to Hua, who was following behind him.

"You're here. Today's harvest is indeed quite bountiful." Upon hearing this, Hua responded and quickened his pace to catch up.

"It's almost noon, Xiao Shi, what would you like to eat for lunch?"

"This... let me think..." Xiao Shi, who was suddenly asked the question, was taken aback at first, and then stroked his chin and began to think seriously.

But before she could make a decision, something else caught her attention.

Her attention was drawn to something, causing her to stop thinking about lunch and look at Hua beside her.

Hua, who was standing nearby, had obviously noticed the matter as well. After exchanging a glance with Xiao Shi, he spoke first: "It looks like Gretchen is coming back. Why don't you go back and play for a while, Xiao Shi, and I'll go and pick her up."

"?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Shi was taken aback at first, then puffed out her cheeks and retorted, "Why should you, the old antique, go pick him up? Can't I go too?"

"Hmm... Shall we go together?"