Griseo: ??? / Refusal and "Saying One Thing but Meaning Another"

It's not that Alina is being pretentious; if Talulah were sitting here, she would say the same thing.

Because neither Alina nor Talulah actually wanted the Reunion Movement to rely too much on others. They both hoped that the organization could grow stronger on its own and then protect other infected people in need.

If Griseo is now considered a member of the Reunion Movement, then it's understandable that she normally stays within the organization.

Now, after only a few days away, the Reunion Movement already needs protection—that's truly outrageous... If they can't even protect themselves in such a short time, how can they expect to grow and thrive in the future?

"???)"

Griseo was stunned for a moment after hearing Alina's refusal.

To be honest, the little girl roughly understood what Xiaolu was thinking. It was simply that she didn't want to rely too much on her and the "organization" behind her, a point that Xiaolu understood and agreed with.

However, the main problem isn't there... Putting aside the safety and insurance aspects of the Reunion Movement, even if we take a step back and assume the worst, Sakura absolutely has to come here this time, otherwise, she won't be able to come back!

If it were really relying on Griseo's short legs, it would take at least several months, let alone ten days or half a month, to get back from Lungmen to the Ursus Snowfield.

So, the little girl decided to try to save her again, since she couldn't let Sakura sleep on the snowfield for the past few days while she was gone.

While the Fusion Warrior's constitutions wouldn't allow them to freeze to death, it's still incredibly inhumane... After all, the environment and food at Rhine Lab are far superior to here.

Calling someone over for help and then abandoning them on the snowy plains is truly despicable. Especially since that person was, in many ways, "Himself."

"That's not how it is. Even if everyone didn't need Sakura-neechan's protection, she would still come and bother us for a few days. As for the reason..."

At this point, Griseo slowly stood up, then leaned close to Alina and whispered, "Because only with Sister Sakura here can I quickly return from other places."

"Furthermore, after working for so long, Sister Sakura is feeling exhausted and wants to move to another place for a few days..."

After she finished speaking, the little girl sat back down and looked up at the person next to her, obediently waiting for her to continue.

As with many things before, Griseo did not choose to hide anything from Alina this time, though she did not reveal all the details.

"Oh, I see. No wonder you came back so quickly last time Griseo. So, Miss Sakura spent the whole afternoon on the snowfield last time?" After hearing Griseo's explanation, Alina's face showed a look of realization.

Actually, when Alina and the others received Griseo's gifts earlier, they had already noticed the Columbia writing on them, and it was even on some of the supplies. However, out of respect, no one asked about it.

"Yes, because that time was relatively short..."

After hearing Griseo's words, Alina smiled and gently patted her little head, saying softly:

"Okay, I understand. Since that's the reason, we have no reason to refuse. Later, when you want to tell Talulah about this, I'll help you explain it to her."

"???)!"

"Thank you, Sister Alina."

Chapter 59 Griseo:???)?

After finishing all her work overtime, Chen Wan declined Swire's invitation and, exhausted, went home alone as night fell.

After arriving home, Chen didn't linger. He put away the things he had brought back and took out a set of clean clothes to wash up.

After a busy period of time, even Chen, who is known for her high efficiency, couldn't help but feel exhausted. This is why she declined her friend's invitation tonight; she needs a good rest.

"Splash, splash..."

As the sound of water in the bathroom gradually subsided, Chen, wearing loose-fitting pajamas and drying her damp hair, returned to her bedroom.

After busying herself again and drying her deep blue hair, she finally relaxed and lay down on her bed, staring at her ceiling.

"So tired..."

As she spoke, Chen seemed to notice something out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head slightly to look at the photo in the frame on her bedside table and fell into a brief silence.

Then she closed her eyes and murmured softly, as if speaking to someone, "I've been doing well lately, and today was a fulfilling day... The danger I encountered before has passed. How about you? How have you been lately?"

"..."

"I've been missing you, Talulah... sister."

As the last words faded, Chen opened her eyes again, her gaze, which had been filled with longing, falling once more upon the figure in the photograph smiling and embracing her younger self...

As the sun rose in the early morning, its not-so-warm sunlight slowly spilled onto the cold, snowy plains of Ursus, adding a touch of warmth to them.

Inside a tent at the Reunion Movement's base --

"Hmm..."

With a slight sound, a fluffy little head peeked out from under the covers, braving the chill from outside.

Because of something important to do this morning, Griseo can't sleep in as usual today...

"Did Griseo wake up so early today?"

Noticing the movement of the person next to her, Alyona gently rubbed her eyes and peeked out, asking softly.

Hearing the sudden voice beside her, Griseo paused slightly, then whispered, "Hmm... I was planning to go see Talulah this morning. If I'm late, she'll probably be busy with something else."

Did I wake you up? I'm sorry...

"No, it has nothing to do with you. I should be up by now." Hearing this Alyona gently shook her head and said softly.

This isn't a lie by Little White Bear; it's truly her recent daily routine. As her injuries heal, she's been waking up earlier and earlier.

As for why I get up so early, it's obviously to help with whatever I can, plus some training.

Although Alyona currently believes that no matter how much she trains, she may never surpass Griseo in terms of strength, even so, she doesn't want to be the one who is always being protected... She also wants to protect others.

Even if she might not be able to surpass them, she would never be the one to hold them back.

"So early... Alyona, won't you rest a little longer?" Griseo paused slightly after hearing her friend's words, then turned her head and whispered.

The little girl knew that Alyona had been waking up very early lately, since many times when she woke up, she was already the only one left in bed.

"No need, I have training appointments with others. It would be too inappropriate to be late." As she spoke, Alyona couldn't help but reach out and pat Griseo's fluffy little head.

"Alright then, let's get up together today. It's been a long time since I've been with Alyona."

"Um."

After struggling to get out of bed and wash up, Griseo temporarily separated from Alyona. One went to Talulah's tent to wait for her, while the other went to help around the campfire.

In order to be with her friends as soon as possible, the little girl moved quickly.

"Talulah... are you free right now?"

Griseo walked barefoot on the cool, soft snow and jogged to Talulah's tent, then called out in a calm tone.

"Yes, come in."

"..."

Having received Talulah's reply, Griseo lifted the curtain at the door and plunged into the tent.

"Why are you up so early today, little one?" Talulah asked with a smile when she saw the visitor. She was organizing the day's activities.

"Because I have something important to tell Talulah, and you're usually too busy..."

"I've been quite busy lately. What's wrong? Tell me, I'll listen carefully." Talulah nodded gently after hearing the little girl's words, then said helplessly.

With the passage of time and Griseo's material assistance, the Reunion Movement is growing stronger and stronger. With more people, more things also arise.

So Talulah has been much busier lately than before, and not only her, but also Patriot and Yelena.

"Etc..."

Before Griseo could say anything, Talulah suddenly seemed to remember something, raised an eyebrow and said, "Let me guess, what Griseo wants to tell me now isn't what you and Alina whispered about last night, is it?"

"Huh, how did Talulah know????")

Griseo, who was interrupted before she could speak, froze after hearing Talulah's words and subconsciously replied.

"I can see! Tell me, what secrets did you and Alina whisper about last night?" Looking at the little one's adorable face, Talulah couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch her cheek, smiling as she spoke.

"Um... I'm going to Lungmen in a few days. Is there anything you need me to bring, Talulah?" Griseo glanced suggestively at Talulah's desk before looking up at her expectantly, awaiting her reply.

"..."

After hearing Griseo's words, Talulah fell into an eerie silence. She admitted that this was indeed a very important matter...

After a brief silence, clearing her mind of the jumbled thoughts, Talulah asked in one breath:

"How will you get there? Is it safe? How long will you stay? When will you be back?"

"???)?"

Hearing this familiar question and seeing this seemingly familiar scene, a question mark slowly appeared on Griseo's little head.

She understood everyone's concern for her and felt very warm and touched, but! But she already hinted at it, so why did she go off-topic again?

P. S.: I'm going to send this now, I'm going to sleep. Goodnight everyone.

Chapter 60 Rejection and "Hypocrisy"

"What's with that expression? Tell me quickly," Talulah couldn't help but chuckle and pinch Griseo's smooth cheek again.

Griseo gently rubbed her cheeks, which had already been pinched twice, before explaining:

"Don't worry, Sister Hua and the others are with us this time. Sister Hua is incredibly capable."

"Then why do you want to go there Griseo?" Upon hearing this, Talulah nodded slightly at first, then seemed to remember something and said thoughtfully.

Clearly, while she had prioritized Griseo's safety, she had also noticed the subtle hint. She had a rough idea of what the hint meant.

If this is indeed the reason Griseo went to Lungmen, then Talulah intends to refuse.

After all, this place isn't very close to Lungmen. If she were to make a little girl (her younger sister) travel such a long distance to help her just because of her own "personal feelings," then she, as the older sister, would be truly irresponsible.

Even if this child possesses special powers, it's the same...

"Because Sister Eden has woken up, and she's in Lungmen with Sister Hua and the others, I want to go see her. Also, I'd like to bring some things for you to your sister, Talulah." After saying this with a serious expression, Griseo once again looked expectantly at the place on the table where the letters were kept.

"I see. Since you have relatives there and the opportunity, go and have a good time. As for bringing me things..."

Talulah slightly, turned her head to look at the table, and continued, "Let it go. I'll meet her again someday, and I can hand her over to her myself then."

"???)!?"

Upon hearing this, Griseo's expression froze for a moment, then she looked up at the person in front of her in surprise.

To be honest, the little girl didn't understand why Talulah would reject her so decisively. It was such a good opportunity... and why were they rejecting her one by one?! Did they plan this beforehand?!

"Doesn't Talulah miss her sister? Why...?"

"That's true, but there's no rush. Cough... Okay, let's drop this topic for now. You're up so early, little one, you probably haven't had breakfast yet, let's have it together." Talulah her throat and changed the subject, noticing the little one's puzzled expression.

Clearly, the Dragon Girl had no intention of explaining her reasons for refusing to Griseo. She knew the little girl's personality well; if she revealed the real reason, there would inevitably be another argument.

"???" After hearing Talulah's obvious attempt to change the subject, Griseo remained silent for a moment before finally whispering, "Alright then."

At this moment, the little girl's [Sister Help Plan] has suffered a heavy blow before it has even begun.

"Okay, let's go. Let's go out for breakfast together." Talulah said, giving Griseo's little head a helpless rub. Then she took her little hand and walked out of the tent.

"Um."

Griseo didn't resist Talulah's words and actions, but secretly she was already plotting how to restart her plans...

However, it seems that Griseo feels she needs Alina's help.

Because they had an idea, while Talulah was discussing it with others during breakfast, Griseo and Alina huddled together and whispered to each other.

"Honestly, you silly girl... why didn't you invite me to talk to Talulah about this kind of thing?" Alina said helplessly after hearing Griseo's whispered explanation.

Clearly, she hadn't expected that so early in the morning, the little girl would barge in without calling her.

Knowing Alina as she does Talulah, there's no way she'd agree.

Others might not know, but Talulah knew very well. Talulah was already feeling a little embarrassed, or rather, guilty, because of Griseo's series of acts of kindness, and now this happened...

"Because I saw that Sister Alina was busy earlier..." Upon hearing this, Griseo couldn't help but explain in a low voice.

At the same time, the little girl realized that she had misunderstood some of the things Alina had said before.