The guy handling sign-ups was built like a tank and looked like he hated every second of his job. As soon as Natalie rolled down the window, he impatiently reached out his hand. "Food. Hand it over." She passed him ten pounds of mixed grains, the worst quality ones she'd pulled from Cyril's stash. He tossed it on the scale skillfully, then shoved a registration form her way. "Fill it out. Hurry up." Looking annoyed, he didn't even bother looking at her. Natalie took the form. It just asked for the basics info—name, gender, age, job, and specialties. She filled in the information carelessly and handed it back. The guy took her form, pulled out two cheap cards, copied her name, and slapped them in her hand. The cards were rough, with "Cassiland Base" stamped across the front. "Don't lose it. That's your pass in and out," he said, finally lifting his eyes. And then, he froze. Whoa, she's stunning. Her face was flawless, skin fair and smooth, and even her hair seemed to shine with beauty. He'd been stuck working the gate for days, doing the same boring check-in nonstop. All he usually saw were worn-out, bony faces. It was rare to see a pretty girl. Honestly, even before the world collapsed, Natalie would've turned heads anywhere. Good-looking girls always got treated better, and his mood instantly lifted.He even leaned in and offered her some friendly advice. "Miss, don't wander too far inside. That's where the leaders stay. "Regular people like us live in the outer villas. Beds are marked with flags—white means open, red means full. "When you find an empty one, just slide your card with your name into the slot at the bed's headboard. Then it's yours." Natalie frowned. Shared dorms? That's not going to work if I want to do bad things. She pulled a chocolate bar out of her pocket and handed it over. "Sir, is there any way I can get a single room?" He stared at the chocolate like he wanted it badly, but he shook his head. "Don't joke around. Single rooms are only for—"Then, he spotted Lucky sitting in the passenger seat. She stretched out comfortably, white fur glossy, looking plump and well-fed. No doubt she had been cared for. The guy's expression changed instantly. He bent down, plastering on a flattering smile. "Oh, how did I miss that? You want a single room? No problem. But ... rules say it'll cost an extra 50 pounds of food." If supplies could solve it, it wasn't a problem. For most, that was an impossible amount. For Natalie, it was nothing more than one bag of grain—she had plenty. Still, his sudden change of attitude made her suspicious. Just moments ago, he said it couldn't be done. Now, after seeing her dog, it suddenly could? Something didn't add up.Natalie gave him a cautious look. "I can pay, but I've got a question." He put on his most helpful smile. "Go ahead!" "You just told me it was impossible. Why change your mind?" He caught her meaning right away and explained, "Orders from my leader—anyone with a pet gets special treatment." At a time when people barely had enough to eat, who could spare food for pets? Most either ate their pets or abandoned them. Keeping one alive and healthy meant they had many resources. Plus, if someone owned a pet, people would be eyeing it right away. Natalie was able to feed her pet and keep it safe from being grabbed or eaten. It showed she had real power. Right now, hardly anyone in all of Northlorn could manage to raise a pet. That was why the leader said anyone with one was treated like a VIP at Cassiland Base. They got spots in the inner circle villas, had their single rooms, and even a chance to talk with the higher-ups. Their status was way higher than that of regular workers. Life for them would be on a totally different level. Natalie heard what he said and had to admit she was impressed. That guy leading them wasn't dumb at all. Most folks only thought about snatching pets. Hardly anyone treated the pet owners with respect. No surprise this spot was doing well. Smart people always found opportunities. Natalie readily gave over 50 pounds of grain. Sharing a crowded dorm with everyone else would just mess up her plans. It wouldn't be good for Lucky either. She used some of the mixed grains she had taken from Cyril to pay. Since Owen had stolen grains from everywhere, she ended up with a stash full of all kinds, good and bad.