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

“And then there’s this cat…” After receiving Gretsch’s affirmative answer, Chen Zhi stood up and looked at the canned food standing on the table.

"Meow!"

However, before Chen could make a move, the canned food lowered its chubby body, exerted its strength, and then nimbly darted out in an instant.

Even Chen, whose speed was so fast that his reflexes were considered sharp, couldn't stop it. He could only watch helplessly as it rushed out of the coffee shop and disappeared.

Chapter 95 The Opening of the Clash

"Ugh……"

Chen glanced at the spot where the can had disappeared, then at Gretchen standing beside him, who was "stunned," and sighed, giving up on his plan to chase after her.

If she wasn't mistaken, Padofili should still be nearby, but considering that guy's skills and the safety of those around him, she decided against it...

Of course, this is only a temporary abandonment, because Chen will also be involved in Swire's operation tonight.

It wasn't just because of her relationship with Swire, or her own desire to catch the "Dragon Gate Thief," but also because she discovered that her elders were involved in this matter...

Gretchen looked at the woman in front of her, her expression conflicted for a moment, but ultimately she chose...

Chen, who remained beside her, a smile flickered in his beautiful violet eyes. He tugged at her sleeve and asked:

"Hmm... Why would Sister Huijie come to find me at this time?"

"Oh, Gretchen, have you forgotten that we haven't added each other as friends yet? Not just me, but also Lin Yuxia." Hearing this, Chen's eyes flashed with helplessness as he reached out and ruffled Gretchen's hair.

“Oh right… I almost forgot about this.” When Chen said that, Greta finally remembered it and quickly took out her newly bought phone from her bag and handed it over.

Unlike Chen, who genuinely had no way to contact her, the little girl had various channels to contact and find her, which is why she inadvertently overlooked this matter.

"Is that all? I heard from Sister Pado that Chen seems to be looking for me very anxiously..."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Chen's face darkened for a moment, and he couldn't help but curse Pado in his heart again.

*Longmen swear words* You know I'm in a hurry to find someone, yet you've kept the news to yourself for so long. Don't let yourself fall into my hands!

"Well... I'm a bit anxious because Gretchen was taken away so hastily this morning, so I'm worried. I'm afraid your guardian might not be able to take good care of you." Suppressing his anger, Chen carefully organized his thoughts before speaking.

Honestly, Chen wouldn't be speaking so gently right now if he didn't want to hurt Gretsch's feelings or leave any rift... What kind of mess is this—a seemingly unreliable guardian and a thief who's always trying to get involved?!

"Waaah... Sister Xiaoshi isn't very good at taking care of people, but Sister Huijie, don't worry, there's still Sister Hua." Gretchen paused slightly, then a serious look appeared on her face as she continued:

"Also, is it possible that Sister Huijie has misunderstood something?"

The little girl wasn't lying in those last words. She was certain that Chen had misunderstood Xiao Shi or was prejudiced against her, and even if he did, he probably had a biased view of her as a "weak, easily fooled little girl"...

But even without the help of the "big shots" in Lungmen, there's nothing in this city that could harm Gretsch.

If anyone harbors ill intentions towards her and approaches her, the knight will come out and teach that person a lesson before she can even react.

"Is your sister Hua reliable? And what have I misunderstood?" After hearing Gretchen's words, Chen stroked his chin and asked with a subtle expression.

"Yes! Sister Hua is very reliable. As for any misunderstandings, that's of course between Sister Xiaoshi and me."

"Hmm...Didn't Tarua tell Huijie in her letter that I'm amazing? I don't need constant companionship and protection; in fact, I prefer to be alone..."

Looking at Chen, who seemed to be deep in thought after listening to her words, Greta blinked her beautiful eyes gently, intending to explain in more detail.

Now that she's started this process, she plans to spend some time dismantling Chen's strange prejudices and biases, so that things won't become more complicated later on because of these small things.

----------

On the other side, in Wei Yanwu's office.

"So... what exactly did Talulah write to you, Fumizuki?" Looking at Fumizuki, who had a complicated expression and seemed hesitant to speak since arriving at his office, Wei Yanwu finally couldn't help but ask.

“…It’s nothing. Xiaota said she’s doing well now, has new friends, and has found her own path. Then she asked us to help take care of the children who came to Longmen this time.” Hearing this, Wen Yue was silent for a moment, then lowered her eyes to hide the complexity in them, and said softly.

"Are you doing well..." Upon hearing his wife's words, Wei Yanwu couldn't help but clench his fists under the table, a hint of guilt appearing in his eyes as he murmured softly.

It had been a long time since he received news of the old black snake's death. He knew that Talulah was responsible, and that she had disappeared afterward...

If he could, Wei Yanwu would like to search for his niece like an ordinary uncle, to confirm her safety and protect her, but he cannot.

There are some things that an "ordinary person" like Wei Yanwu could do, but Wei Yanwu, sitting in this position, cannot, no matter how much he wants to, he cannot reach out his hand...

"Sigh..." Wei Yanwu couldn't help but sigh as the emotions surging in his mind. Then, as if remembering something, he turned to ask, "Wen Yue, are you sure the person who wrote the letter is Talulah herself?"

"Yes, it's true. The letter contains some things that no one else would ever know." Hearing Wei Yanwu's words, Wen Yue knew what he was worried about and nodded gently.

"It's good that it's confirmed. Then let's take care of that child for the time being and relieve her of worries."

"Don't worry, leave this to me. As for Wei Yanwu, you should worry about what gift to give Xiaota." Wen Yue paused slightly, then added:

"Besides that, there are also arrangements for Padofelis. Have you figured out her goals for tonight?"

"Ahem... I'm already considering it."

"As for what happened tonight, I think it's most likely still something from Swire's house. Of course, we'll have to see which little thief stepped on it."

That's the situation. Didn't she deliberately not resist our people following her today?

At this point, Wei Yanwu couldn't help but narrow his eyes, then looked at his wife and continued, "But even if you guess wrong, it doesn't matter. I've already mentioned this to that girl's family beforehand."

"You should keep these things in mind. I look forward to your confrontation tonight."

P.S.: I haven't been feeling well these past few days, and I've been feeling groggy, so updates have been slow. I'll try to catch up later.

Chapter 96 Great Gretchen

On a public bench near a square, two figures, one tall and one short, sat quietly watching the crowds come and go, enjoying the lively atmosphere.

"I had a lot of fun with you this afternoon, Sister Huijie... I won't bother you tonight, I can go home by myself. I've remembered the way home this time..."

Looking at the gradually darkening sky, Gretchen, who was holding a string of candied hawthorns, reached out and tugged at the sleeve of the person next to her, and whispered.

"Um... Ah, sorry, I was a little distracted just now. Are you sure you'll be okay going back alone?" After being tugged at his sleeve, Chen, who had been staring blankly at the bustling city in front of him, finally snapped out of his reverie and asked softly.

Compared to Chen's previous distrust of Gretchen's solo actions, after hearing her explanation, meeting the knight, and considering the contents of her older sister's letter, she felt much more at ease... Well, not quite. She was still worried, but the focus of her worry had shifted from her new sister to the bad guys.

After all, she definitely didn't want to receive a call one day saying that someone had found a "meatball" of someone who had been smashed to death somewhere... that would really push her physical limits.

Chen Hui's thinking was not without basis. This afternoon, she not only met Mr. Gretsch's knight, but also sparred with him, and ended up being utterly defeated... Based on this afternoon's sparring, she had no doubt about the power of that azure-blue knight's greatsword.

"Hmm, it's alright, I have my companions protecting me... I'll also avoid people with unpleasant colors." Upon hearing this, Gretchen thought for a moment, then said seriously.

"Alright then, I trust Gretchen, but you have to send me a message once you get to the hotel." Looking at the earnest little girl beside him, Chen reached out and ruffled her hair, giving in.

Although she was still a little worried, since Gretchen had already said so, she couldn't say anything more. After all, children grow up and you have to learn to let go (not really)...

"Okay, I understand... Then Sister Huijie should go back early too. Well... goodbye!" With that, Gretchen stood up and waved to Chen Qingqing.

"Okay, goodbye Gretchen, be careful on your way. Remember to avoid taking side streets, and if you get lost again, remember to message me..." After hearing Gretchen's words, Chen couldn't help but start rambling on again.

To be honest, before meeting Gretchen, she never imagined she could be so long-winded. But there was no way around it... even knowing that this little one had a strong protective presence, she still couldn't help but worry.

"Okay, I understand..."

After listening to Chen's instructions, Greta blinked her beautiful violet eyes helplessly, turned around, and left under his gaze.

"..."

After watching Gretchen disappear from her sight, Chen didn't linger and turned to leave the square. She still had many things to finish today and couldn't waste time here.

Not to mention the work I didn't finish today because I spent time with Greta, there's still a lot of work to do tonight, like catching people for Swire...

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

A certain hotel—

"Crack..."

Greta, who had spent some time getting back to the hotel, had just finished sending a message to Chen and was standing at the door when the door was opened from the inside before she could even knock.

"???)I'm back……"

Seeing Xiao Shi open the door ahead of time, Gretchen smiled slightly and waved gently at her.

"Welcome back! Okay, okay, stop standing at the door, everyone's waiting for you!"

Upon hearing Gretchen's words, Xiao Shi gave her a bright smile, then pulled her inside and closed the door behind her.

"It looks like Gretchen had a lot of fun this afternoon. Come on, try on the clothes we bought for you!" Pado said, waving the clothes in her hand as she looked at Gretchen, who had been pulled in by Xiaoshi.

"Hmm, isn't Sister Pado with Sister Ansuo right now?" Looking at the person who shouldn't be here at this time, Gretchen wasn't surprised, since they were on the same wavelength, but she still asked out of curiosity.

"It's alright, we've already told Ansor about it. As for why we're not in a hurry to leave, it's because we want to see Gretsch grow up properly!"

"If we really wait until tonight to meet, what's the point of seeing each other in the pitch black?" Pado said, shrugging helplessly.

"???)……Oh well."

Upon hearing this, Gretchen was stunned for a moment. Then, meeting the expectant gazes of Padre and Xiaoshi, a hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes before she decided to go along with their wishes.

With a thought, a faint blue light enveloped the little girl, then dissipated, revealing a quiet, smiling woman.

A beautiful blue-haired girl appeared before them.

Although the colors were the same and the hairstyles similar, Gretchen gave Patro and the others a completely different feeling. However, despite the change in her aura, discerning people could still see the similarities between the two.

alt="Grand Greta"

"Oh! That's great! Gretchen has grown up to be so beautiful. Come and try on some clothes! I bought you quite a lot. Not only me, but also my friends picked out some for you this afternoon." Pado's eyes lit up as she looked at the beautiful girl in front of her and said excitedly.

"Wow, you actually bought so much?"

Upon hearing this, Gretchen's face showed a hint of surprise. She then walked towards Patto and couldn't help but exclaim, "My field of vision has improved a lot, and... I've also gained some more memories."

"Haha, it's normal for her field of vision to be higher, after all, she's grown up." Xiao Shi, who was next to Gretchen, laughed and gestured after hearing her words.

"Hehe~ Since we've invited Gretchen to be our assistant tonight, we'll definitely get some extra treatment! We can buy a few more outfits for everyday wear!" Patto said, waving her hand dismissively.

The reason the group suddenly bought clothes for Gretchen this afternoon was mainly for convenience tonight, and also to cover up her outstanding appearance.

But who knew that after buying them all, neither Pado nor Xiaoshi and Hua could stop themselves and bought Gretchen a lot of everyday clothes that she didn't need for her missions.

However, none of the three regretted it. After all, was there anything wrong with buying clothes for their "little sister"? No!

It's worth noting that Eden, after learning that Grand Gretchen had been unlocked, had already begun designing new clothes for her himself.

Of course, the others were involved too. Eden has been quite inspired lately by the new culture in Terra.

"Okay, I'll try them all. Thank you everyone."