October 3rd, Wednesday.
With all preparations complete, it was finally the day of departure.
Unable to contain her excitement, little Kanna woke up early.
Unlike usual when she would linger in bed despite being awake, as soon as she opened her eyes, Kanna sat up in one swift movement, eagerly jumped off her small bed, and ran barefoot to the window, pulling aside a corner of the curtain to peek through.
Leaning on the windowsill and looking outside, she could see a hint of dawn first light at the horizon, but it wasn't fully bright yet.
"Sigh~~."
Still having to wait a while longer, the little girl disappointedly rested her chin on her small hands and softly sighed.
The temporarily rented apartment wasn't very spacious, and the rooms were somewhat compact.
Sharing a room with Kanna, 2B immediately noticed the movement.
As an intelligent android, rather than sleeping, she was more in a standby mode.
Just like a computer left idle for a long time, the slightest touch would immediately change her state.
Lifting the blanket, she gently got out of bed.
Glancing around and confirming Kanna wasn't in bed, 2B went to the window, pulled open the curtain and crouched behind Kanna.
"Kanna, why are you up so early today?"
"Hehe~."
Feeling a gentle touch on her waist that tickled a bit, the little girl twisted her body, letting out giggles.
Turning around and opening her small arms to hug 2B, the adorable little girl made a suggestion.
"Sylvia, let's go wake up Rock."
"Can't wait to set off?"
Pinching the little girl nose, 2B picked her up.
Standing by the window, looking at the sky outside, 2B didn't agree to the little girl suggestion.
"Let's wait a bit longer, let Rock sleep some more. We'll be driving for a long time today, so he needs to be well-rested so he won't get drowsy on the road."
"Alright then."
Although she agreed, Kanna mood remained excited, and she unconsciously wanted to do something.
Seeing the little girl looking like she had ADHD and couldn't sit still, 2B simply took her to the bathroom, and they brushed their teeth and washed their faces together.
However, these small tasks were clearly not enough.
"Kanna, shall we make sandwiches?"
After thinking for a moment, 2B suggested another activity.
"Once they're done, we can eat them for breakfast, and also take some for the road. How about it, want to let Rock taste your cooking?"
"Mm-hmm~."
Never having tried it before and finding it both novel and intriguing, Kanna nodded repeatedly, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
And so, the two females busied themselves in the small kitchen.
By the time Shi Xiaolei got up and walked out of his room, he happened to see this scene.
"Oh, you're both up already?"
"Rock, Rock, look at the sandwich I made~!"
As soon as she heard Shi Xiaolei voice, the little girl immediately looked up.
Unaware of the salad dressing on her face, with a smile full of accomplishment, the little girl held up her sandwich, her soft and sweet voice making her absolutely adorable.
"Wow, our Kanna has learned to make sandwiches."
Crouching beside the table, hugging the little girl and touching foreheads with her, Shi Xiaolei couldn't help but reach out his large hand to ruffle the little girl head.
"Rock, try a bite~."
Holding the sandwich to Shi Xiaolei mouth, the little girl eagerly urged.
"It's really delicious, I just tried it, truly."
"Really?"
With a smile, Shi Xiaolei stood up.
"Then save this piece for me. Let me brush my teeth first. I must properly taste the sandwich Kanna made with her own hands."
"Mm-hmm~."
Carefully setting aside the sandwich in her hand, Kanna turned to look at 2B, flashing a sweet smile before resuming her work with renewed energy.
Washing face, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, taking the packed luggage downstairs to load in the car, changing into travel clothes.
All these tasks were completed by just after eight in the morning.
There was no helping it; the little girl was too energetic and had woken up way too early.
Looking at the time, Shi Xiaolei hesitated—he had arranged to meet Stark at ten in the morning, which meant there were still nearly two hours before the appointed time.
Should they go early? Or should they just wait these two hours at home? That was the question.
Thinking carefully, given Stark lifestyle, he was probably still in bed at this hour.
Even if they went to his place now, they would still have to wait for him to finish washing up and eating before setting off.
Not only would they not be able to leave early, but it would also be awkward.
After a moment consideration, Shi Xiaolei decided not to go so early.
But then again, there was nothing to do at home either.
What should they do?
Sitting on the sofa, watching Kanna dash about excitedly like a restless little monkey, Shi Xiaolei suddenly had an idea.
"Kanna."
Calling the little girl over, holding her soft little body, Shi Xiaolei smiled and asked.
"It's still early, want to go play with Big White for a while?"
"Hmmm..."
Somewhat worried about missing their time, yet also wanting to play with Big White.
Biting her finger and struggling with the decision for quite a while, Kanna finally looked up.
"Well, alright, but just for a little while, okay?"
"Yes, just for a bit."
Checking the time on his phone, Shi Xiaolei poked the little girl nose.
"It's 8.15 now, we'll play until 9.30 and then come out. Half an hour to get there, we should arrive at the meeting place with Stark right around 10 o'clock."
Hearing Shi Xiaolei explanation, the little girl relaxed, and like a miniature adult, put on a "I am very satisfied" expression.
"Mm-hmm."
While he said they were going to play with Big White, his real intention was to take her to meet Bruce Banner, who was currently taking refuge in the Ark.
According to Shi Xiaolei plan, he intended to drop Bruce Banner off during their journey.
Being careful to avoid the gazes of Stark, Pepper, and Happy wouldn't be difficult, but given how attached Kanna was to him, trying to avoid her would be quite challenging.
Therefore, to prevent Kanna from spilling the beans and arousing Stark suspicion, Shi Xiaolei thought of taking Kanna into the Ark beforehand, letting her meet Bruce first.
Additionally, he also wanted to use this time to open a blind box in the Ark—originally planning to find an opportunity on the road, and if a new companion emerged, introduce them to Stark as "just met, a new friend I get along with well."
But after thinking about it, he felt this explanation might not hold water.
After all, this self-driving tour was an activity between two families, and by common sense, there would be no reason for him to pick up a newly met friend midway and bring them along for the rest of the journey.
Wanting to change his approach, Shi Xiaolei suddenly had the idea of "opening a blind box in the Ark."
'If a new companion emerges, since it's inside the Ark, we don't have to worry about being noticed by outsiders. Hmm, it's also Kanna first appearance, so having one more person, Bruce probably won't find it strange, he'll just think they're like Kanna, both brought over by me...'
The more he thought about it, the more suitable it seemed, and Shi Xiaolei face showed a faint smile.
"Right, let's do it this way."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)