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

"But why would you say there's no chance? With your financial resources, you should be able to perform on any stage you want, or even put on your own concert, right?"

"I wouldn't call myself an expert, I'd only say I have a smattering of knowledge." Hearing Swire's words, Eden shook his head helplessly and said, "As for Miss Swire's suggestion of going on stage, that's certainly true, but perhaps I still have some doubts..."

To be honest, just as the young lady next to me said, if Eden wanted to, she could "return" to the dazzling stage with either her own abilities or her money.

However, gazing upon this land filled with suffering... she hesitated, a rare occurrence for her.

"Doubts...?" Upon hearing this, Swire paused slightly, then asked uncertainly, "Is it because you haven't decided where to develop your career next? Pop music is indeed more popular among young people these days..."

As soon as she finished speaking, the little tiger couldn't help but glance at the person beside her. To be honest, she couldn't imagine this elegant lady, who was like a perfect work of art, singing pop music... their temperaments were completely mismatched.

“Where to develop is indeed a problem, but it’s not important…” Eden said, shaking his head slightly. He then took a few steps forward to the balcony and looked out at the slightly dilapidated and old houses in the slum.

Actually, regarding what happened afterward...

The singer is still carefully considering this decision.

Whether from her own experience or from the memories in her mind, everything showed her the suffering of this continent... making her hesitate between the identities of singer and warrior.

Can her singing really heal the wounds in the hearts of people on this continent?

Eden didn't know the answer to this question, and that's why she hesitated between the two choices. Singer Eden took to the stage, her voice soothing the wounded; Warrior Eden personally immersed herself in the role, helping others through her own actions…

Actually, during this time, Miss Singer also thought about whether "Eden" would be able to make a decision quickly if it were facing this problem.

Unfortunately, although she now uses the name Eden, she is not herself, or at least not entirely.

"Not important?" Swire took a few steps forward and came back to Eden's side. Then, leaning on the balcony railing, she said softly, "Although it may be presumptuous, Miss Eden, could you tell me what your doubts are, or rather, what is holding you back?"

"Ahem... Although we haven't known each other for long, maybe I can help you out of your predicament."

“Miss Swire is really kind of you, but before that, may I ask you a question?” Eden said with a slight chuckle, gently swirling the wine in his glass.

"Of course, I will tell you the truth if I know."

"Heh, there's no need to take it so seriously, it's just a small problem."

Eden chuckled helplessly, then slowly uttered his question, "Miss Swire, do you think songs can truly soothe the pain of the people on this land?"

Since they had just happened to meet by chance, the singer naturally wouldn't hesitate to ask questions, as she wanted to hear the insights of the young lady beside her.

"Oh, I didn't expect Miss Eden to be thinking about such a question." As soon as Eden asked the question, it was Swire's turn to be surprised. After a moment of contemplation, she gave her answer.

"Let me think... First of all, it's impossible to soothe everyone's pain with just singing; it's an impossible thing to do."

"But some things are absolutely achievable, so Miss Eden, feel free to do whatever you wish. If it doesn't meet your expectations in the end, you can always try another method."

At this point, Swire paused, then looked earnestly into Eden's golden eyes and smiled, saying, "After all, making yourself happy is also a very important thing, isn't it?"

"...Pfft, I think Miss Swire is right, thank you for your explanation."

As he spoke, Eden couldn't help but recall the words "Eden" had spoken to him in his memory: "If you're going to live, then live a brilliant and dazzling life, just like before."

Because of the influence of memories, there is a fear that singing cannot soothe the pain, a fear that art will be tainted by other things, and thus stagnates. This is truly... a loss of golden precepts.

To illuminate all that can be illuminated, to acquire all that can be acquired, to gather all the wealth and glory that the world desires in one's own body—this is the inscription of "Gold"!

"It seems Miss Eden has found her answer. Congratulations."

From the conversation just now, Swire had a general idea of ​​what Eden's goal was, something far greater than her ideal.

The little tiger will not look down on someone who has such a goal and takes action to achieve it, even if she hesitates for a moment.

Moreover, she could sense that no matter which method this elegant Miss Eden chose, the path she would take would not change.

However, at this point, Swire couldn't help but mutter a complaint to herself. While she respected Miss Eden's choice, it was just that… someone as dazzling and radiant as her was definitely more suited to a grander stage!

"Thanks to Miss Swire, I was able to make a decision so quickly. In retrospect, it seems rather funny that I had been thinking about it for so long."

Eden first gave a self-deprecating smile, then spoke gently, "So I wonder if I might have the honor of inviting you to watch my first performance on this land in the future."

“I think it is my honor, Miss Eden.”

Chapter 171 Gathering and End

Just as Eden and Swire continued their pleasant chat, Paddo appeared behind them without them noticing, then smiled and put her arm around Swire, saying, "I told you, Swire, you'll get along well with Eden."

"You rascal..." Swire glanced helplessly at the person who had wrapped their arms around her neck, and unusually, she didn't say anything in rebuttal.

After all, this time Paddo hadn't lied to her; Miss Eden was indeed a very elegant, outstanding, and beautiful woman with whom she shared many common interests. For that reason, she decided not to argue with her this time.

"Alright, alright, I know you're having a great time, but it's almost lunchtime." With that, Pado turned to look at Mei, who was already carrying dishes out of the kitchen, before continuing, "Mei-nee is out of the kitchen too; her cooking is absolutely amazing!"

Upon hearing this, Swire subconsciously turned around and looked into the room, where she saw the purple-haired girl whom Pado called Mei-nee.

Looking at her unique aura and the table laden with delicious-looking food, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, then reached out and gently pinched the person next to her.

"Where did you get to know so many outstanding people?" she asked.

"Well, it's a secret!" With that, Pato took Swire's hand that was playfully touching her face and pulled her inside. "If you're curious, Swire, you can go and see for yourself!"

"You know, while you were chatting with Sister Eden, Lin Yuxia was also chatting with Sister Mei, and they seemed to be getting along very well."

"Hmm? What did they talk about?" Swire's curious gaze unconsciously turned towards the two of them after Pado asked that.

"I really don't know, but I think it's probably related to food, right? After all, I did make plans to eat with them after that." Patto said uncertainly in response to Swire's question.

"Is that so... I'll ask later."

"..."

Eden, still standing on the balcony, held a wine glass and watched the two figures walking inside hand in hand, playfully bickering. He couldn't help but smile and then followed them.

……

After everyone at the gathering had arrived and taken their seats, Pado, as if remembering something, stood up and said with a grin, "Since this gathering is being held at our restaurant, let's say a few words before we start eating!"

"First thing, starting today, my agency and An Su's agency are officially open for business. If you ever need my help, feel free to ask me. I'm very capable, and my prices are negotiable!"

"Then, besides the opening ceremony, there's also the matter of Gretchen, since she's leaving Lungmen today. So, this gathering can also be considered her farewell party, so please make sure you eat well and have fun!"

After Pado said this, regardless of whether the relationship was good or not, everyone gave her face and rushed to agree.

Only Swire, sitting beside her, seemed to have thought of something. She raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and asked, "Is the price negotiable...?"

Actually, the little tiger had been very tempted by the cat's intelligence capabilities for a long time, but she didn't make a move because of her identity. But now that she's cleared her name, why not take advantage of her?

"...I have a feeling that you're thinking something bad, Swire."

Perhaps because they were sitting too close, or perhaps because of intuition, Pado, after finishing her speech and sitting down to let everyone start eating, noticed the expression on the face of the person next to her and said with some suspicion.

"Ha~"

Meeting Padre's probing gaze, Swire returned a bright smile, "How could I? I was just thinking about how I could patronize your business. What bad intentions could I possibly have!"

"hiss……"

If Patto had only vaguely sensed that Swire might have ill intentions before, seeing her radiant smile now is practically confirmation.

However, before Pato could say anything more, Swire reached out and gently tapped her head, saying, "Alright, stop looking like I'm going to eat you. Hurry up and eat. Mei-san's cooking looks delicious."

"Hehe~" Upon hearing this, Pado teased herself a little before picking up her bowl and chopsticks and joining in the tasting of Mei's cooking.

"Mmm! It's so delicious! Mei-nee's cooking is amazing!"

"Eat more if you like, there's plenty of food prepared today."

"Ok!"

……

"Hmm... Miss Hoshiguma's alcohol tolerance is truly admirable."

Having drunk quite a bit, Eden's delicate cheeks were flushed and burning hot as he looked at Hoshiguma, who had also drunk a lot but showed no signs of drunkenness, and raised his glass in admiration.

“No, Miss Eden has a good capacity for alcohol. And it’s because of your generosity that we were able to taste so many rare wines and enjoy ourselves so much.” Hoshiguma laughed heartily upon hearing this, then glanced at the row of empty wine bottles with packaging she had never seen before and said.

"Ha~"

"It has a different flavor to share these with everyone now than to drink them alone."

"Another one, Ms. Hoshiguma."

"it is good."

……

"Oh dear, it's almost over and I just remembered. Come on, everyone, let's have a toast!" Pado, whose face was slightly flushed from drinking, belatedly realized what was happening, raised her glass, and gave everyone a slightly excited smile.

Hearing Pado's words, the others echoed her sentiments, then smiled and raised their glasses. Even Gretchen, who had already finished eating, picked up her glass full of juice and returned to the table.

"Cheers!" x10

"Den-"

With a tacit agreement, everyone's cups gently clinked together, producing a crisp sound that imprinted the lively scene before them in the hearts of everyone present.

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

After a lively and joyful gathering, it is time for a bittersweet farewell.

Of course, although everyone expressed their reluctance at Gretchen's departure, only the Lungmen 4 were truly saddened by it.

Because of the other people's identities, they could easily contact or even go to the little girl's place instantly if they wanted to. So, there's really not much reluctance... After all, would you feel reluctant to part with someone you can see anytime?

Then, for the reasons mentioned above, when Greta was preparing to leave in the afternoon, it was mainly Chen and the others who accompanied her and kept giving her instructions.

……

As the final farewell drew near, Gretchen gave each of the four women a big hug before stepping back a few paces and waving goodbye, saying, "Um... I'll remember to send you things regularly. See you next time, sisters!"

"See you."

"Goodbye, goodbye... I'm really going to miss you. Little Greta, you must come to Lungmen to play with your big sister when you have time!"

Goodbye, Gretchen. Remember to take care of yourself.

"Goodbye, next time Gretsch comes over, I'll take you out to play!"

"..."

Finally, under the watchful eyes of the group, Gretchen followed Hua and the others away, disappearing from their sight.

Having been away from home for some time, Gretchen, carrying a large amount of supplies and gifts, embarked on her journey home... what a load of rubbish!

After leaving the group's sight and driving out of the city, the little girl immediately contacted Sakura and had her summon her instantly.