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

As soon as she finished speaking, the little girl waved the paintbrush that suddenly appeared in her hand, and as if by magic, she conjured up two oil paintings covered with cloth.

In the past, Gretchen might have tried to hide her ability to conjure things "out of thin air" from Swire and the others. But now... Fumizuki already knows she can store things, even if it's through paintings, it doesn't matter anymore.

Anyway, the answer is always "magic," and she believes that these people in front of her won't reveal her little secret, just like Tarua and the others.

"Wow, I'm going to take a good look!" Almost instantly, Swire became interested.

Hoshiguma, who was sitting not far away, also curiously came over, since she had a share in this painting.

However, compared to the two of them, although Chen was also very curious at the moment, in addition to the feeling of curiosity, he also felt a strange sourness.

She knew she'd get her share eventually, it was just a matter of time, but she couldn't help feeling a pang of jealousy... It was that strange feeling of her younger sister buying gifts for others first during a holiday...

Although Chen did not show any abnormality, Gretchen seemed to have been prepared. She walked to Chen's side, stood on tiptoe, and whispered comforting words in her ear: "Sister Huijie, don't worry, the painting you drew with your colors is almost finished."

"However, because the composition is a bit more complex, it will be a little slower..."

"Ah, I'm not in a hurry. On the contrary, Gretchen, don't tire yourself out by painting." Hearing Gretchen say this, Chen's heart softened, all his messy emotions vanished, and he smiled as he patted her little head.

"No...no way."

After watching the two whispering to each other not far away, Swire smiled and interjected, "What are you two whispering about standing so far away!"

"Pfft... cough, Chen, you're not jealous, are you? Tsk tsk tsk."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Upon hearing this, Chen couldn't help but roll his eyes at Swire.

Because Greta was present, Swire couldn't argue with Chen, so after raising an eyebrow slightly, she changed the subject and said, "Alright, little Greta, aren't you going to introduce us?"

As soon as she finished speaking, she turned back and focused her gaze on the two paintings, one horizontal and one vertical, covered with cloth.

"They're here???"...The one lying horizontally is for Huaiya, and the one standing vertically is for Hoshiguma. Gretchen paused slightly at this point, "Take them aside and look at them yourselves first, because something magical might happen."

Since the little girl wasn't sure what additional effects the two paintings would have, she could only offer this suggestion for now. However, although it's unclear, judging from the skill of the person who created the colors, the two paintings shouldn't have too much of an impact.

"Is it that mysterious? Then I'll just have to admire it all by myself for now."

After listening to Gretchen's words, Swire and Hoshiguma showed no impatience, but instead cooperated very patiently. They took their respective gifts and went to examine them in a corner.

Just then, Chen lowered his voice and asked with some curiosity, "So, Gretchen, do your paintings really have magic? What happens when they see them?"

The other two

People might dismiss Gretchen's words as innocent childish talk, but Chen, who had received letters from her older sister, wouldn't; she knew far more than the other two...

"Hmm...yes." Gretchen nodded her head affirmatively. "As for what will happen, I don't know...but nothing dangerous should happen."

"That's it..."

Chen looked at the two people in the corner of the office who had clearly lifted the canvas but made no sound, as if they were stunned, and a hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes.

However, this curiosity didn't last long, because she soon remembered something more important and said, "By the way, Gretchen has been painting so much lately, is she about to go back to Talulah?"

P.S.: Who used up a leave slip on the first day of the month? Oh, it was me.

Chapter 161 The Reason for Departure

"By the way, Gretchen has been painting so much lately, is she about to go back to Talulah?"

"……Um."

Faced with Chen's sudden question, Gretchen paused for a moment before finally nodding truthfully, "I've been here for a while now, and if I don't go back soon, Tarua will be very worried."

"..."

After hearing Gretchen's explanation, Chen raised an eyebrow with a subtle expression.

Because she felt that if it was only for this reason, then they could actually stay longer and play for a while longer...

Before she could even try to stop her, Gretchen spoke up again, "And it's not just Tarua, the rest of the Reunion Movement must be very worried about me too..."

“Last time I was only out for half a day, and everyone was very worried about me.???”

Gretsch's words effectively shut down Chen Wei's words, leaving her only to sigh helplessly, "I see. It seems the people over there care about you a lot, Gretsch. In that case, I won't try to stop you. If you have the chance or miss me next time, you can come to Lungmen to visit me. I'll always be here."

"What is the exact departure time? And will Miss Hua and the others be leaving as well?"

"Hmm... the exact time should be after the gathering with my sisters... there's still a little while, Sister Huijie, don't worry, I haven't finished your paintings yet..." Gretsch replied after thinking for a moment.

However, despite saying that, she probably won't be able to stay for more than a few days, because Sakura, who replaced her at Reunion Movement, won't be able to stay for long either. She had only asked Rhine Lab for leave to go there in the first place.

Now, her leave was almost used up and was about to run out. So, in order to avoid crossing the snowfield by herself, the little girl felt it best to go back as soon as possible.

"As for Sister Hua and the others not going with me, and for Sister Huijie's sake, you should stay for a while longer."

"I see, I understand. Then Gresh, don't forget to say goodbye to your sister before you leave." Chen nodded gently after hearing Gresh's reply, and then gave her a word of advice.

"good???)……"

While the two were chatting, the two people in different corners of the office almost simultaneously "came back to their senses," looking somewhat bewildered.

"What just happened? It feels like I'm having a dream." Muttering to herself, Swire subconsciously looked up at Hoshiguma on the other side.

Noticing Swire's gaze, Hoshiguma shrugged helplessly at her, then carefully picked up the painting and walked towards the two people standing at the office door.

Understanding her friend's meaning, Swire, carrying the painting, leisurely followed after her, heading towards the "culprit." During this time, she didn't forget to glance at the painting in her hand out of the corner of her eye.

To be honest, putting aside the strange situation just now, the quality of this painting alone far exceeded Swire's initial expectations.

At first, when Gretsch said she would paint a picture of her, she thought she would receive a painting full of childlike innocence. But now that she sees it... she didn't just underestimate him a little, she seriously underestimated him!

The little tiger is certain that if he were to take out this oil painting, which is full of artistry and superb skill and can be considered a masterpiece, absolutely no one would believe that it was painted by a child.

With a little packaging, this artwork could probably fetch a good price.

Of course, Swire had no intention of selling it; it was a gift from someone else, and she liked it very much.

The little tiger gazed at the golden figure in the painting, looking out over the bustling city, and then, recalling some scenes she had vaguely seen, she couldn't help but slowly curl the corners of her lips into a smile.

"Wow, I really love this painting! Gretchen, your painting skills are amazing!" Swire carefully put the painting aside before excitedly hugging Gretchen.

“Indeed, even though I have no experience in this field, I can tell at a glance how impressive it is.” Hearing Swire’s excited exclamation, Hoshiguma, who had just put the painting down, couldn’t help but chime in.

The two of them only made Chen, who was already curious, even more curious. He couldn't help but look at Gretchen, who was being hugged and massaged, and asked, "Can I take a look at them?"

“Yes… it’s okay…” Feeling Swire’s enthusiasm at this moment, Gretchen answered unclearly, “There shouldn’t be… any problems.”

If Gretsch had previously only learned through experience...

Based on her observations, the two paintings shouldn't have much of an impact. Considering how Swire and the other person viewed the paintings, she was almost certain.

“Then I’ll have to take a good look at your work, Gretchen.” With that, Chen took the lead and walked towards Swire’s painting.

Because she had to admit that Swire was indeed better than her at art appreciation. For Swire to praise her painting skills, it must be truly impressive.

"Ugh...")

Just as Chen ran over to admire the artwork, Greta finally crawled out of Swire's arms and looked up, "Sister Swire, what did you see in the painting just now?"

"So that's the magical thing you were talking about, little Gretchen. It really is magical! Just now, in a trance, I saw myself achieve my long-held dream and become the director here!"

"This is absolutely my favorite gift ever! Thank you!"

After excitedly finishing speaking, Swire couldn't help but happily pick up Gretchen and spin her around.

"Damn... I think you're just daydreaming."

After waiting for Swire to put down the little cutie in her hand, Chen, who had been speechless since hearing her words, finally spoke up to pour cold water on her enthusiasm.

Although she and Swire had always had a good relationship, and while they had some disagreements, nothing major, in this particular matter, her assessment of him was consistently that he was daydreaming and delusional!

"Pfft...you idiot, you're the one daydreaming!"

"I don't think I could even dream of something as unrealistic as what you're talking about in my daydreams."

"you!"

“???)……

"..."

Although the two of them really wanted to have a fight like they always do, they immediately shut up when they noticed Gretsch's gaze on them.

There's no way they can just swear at each other in front of the children; if they accidentally corrupt the children, that would be a real sin.

You see, neither of them has forgotten Gretchen's "characteristics".

"Fine, I'm not talking to you anymore. Go back to your painting!"

"..." Upon hearing this, Chen stopped talking and began to carefully examine the painting in his hand.

Chapter 162 Group Photo and Inviting Guests

After spending some time looking at both paintings, Chen seemed to suddenly remember something and turned to Hoshiguma beside him, asking, "Hoshiguma, did you see anything in the paintings?"

As soon as she said this, Swire and Gretchen, who were chatting nearby, couldn't help but turn their gazes toward her.

Faced with the sudden question, Hoshiguma scratched her head and said casually, "Oh, the images I saw were all blurry and fragmented. I don't know the principle behind it, but maybe it's because I don't have the same obsession as Swire."

"It really depends on the person..." Upon hearing this, Chen nodded lightly, and then became even more eager to see what effect the painting he created with his "color" would have.

Hearing this unsurprising answer, Gretchen stopped focusing on the painting and turned her gaze to Chen, saying, "By the way, has Sister Huijie prepared that special gift? I brought my camera..."

"Camera...Gresh, you mean the photos? Everyone's been so busy these past few days, I haven't had a chance to prepare them yet," Chen replied, realizing what Gresh was talking about.

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, Swire's eyes lit up with curiosity. She turned to look at the little cutie beside her and asked, "What about the photos? Little Greta, are you hiding something from your sister and Chen?"

"Hmm???)... It's not exactly a secret. It's just that I gave Sister Huijie a set of Tarua photos before, and she promised to prepare a set of her own for me to take back as a return gift."

Since it wasn't exactly a secret, and Swire and the others would definitely be told when the photos were taken later, Gretchen didn't hide anything and explained it seriously.

"So this is ah."

After hearing the explanation, Swire nodded slightly, then looked at Chen again and said, "Chen, what photos did you receive? How were they taken? Do you need Hoshiguma and me to help?"

"..."

Faced with such a direct question, Chen Weiwei turned her head away, finding it difficult to speak, and fell into an eerie silence.

They had just almost started arguing not long ago, which was considered a normal occurrence, but now she was suddenly being asked to take a group photo with her colleagues... which made her feel a little awkward.

"Ugh...?"

Seemingly puzzled as to why Chen had suddenly fallen silent, Gretchen looked up at her curiously, then whispered to the other two, "It's a group photo and a work photo... The back only needs one person, but the front requires both of you together."

"Oh~ I see." After hearing this explanation, a look of understanding flashed in Swire's eyes, and then she looked at Chen with a playful expression and teased, "Old Chen, are you shy now? Hahaha."