This wasn't just regular acid rain. It was like sulfuric acid pouring from the sky. If Natalie hadn't been recovering from a serious illness in her last life, if she hadn't run a little too slow, she might never have lived long enough to see the Frostfall. She could have died right there, just like so many neighbors who were burned alive by the rain. But she couldn't tell Olivia that she could foresee the future. Instead, she pressed her hand against her chest and said, "Olivia, I feel uneasy." Olivia froze, forgetting all about collecting water. She quickly grabbed Natalie's hand and checked her pulse. "What's wrong?" Cassian leaned closer, his face tight with concern. Natalie shook her head and motioned for them to relax. "I'm fine. I just have a bad feeling." Olivia felt her pulse again and nodded. "Your body seems okay." Cassian finally exhaled in relief. Then he glanced at Olivia. "Are you a doctor?" Olivia shook her head. "I'm a surgeon. But I studied some traditional medicine on my own." Cassian nodded. Since Natalie wasn't in real danger, Olivia started thinking about the water again. But Natalie held her hand tight. "Olivia, let's wait a little. I just can't shake this bad feeling. Remember when the Great Heat came?" Olivia nodded. "Of course. Everyone thought the apocalypse was over. Then the Great Heat struck out of nowhere. So many died outside." She stopped, realizing what Natalie meant. She nodded slowly. "You're right, Nat. Let's wait and see."The past two years had proven that nature was unpredictable. The weather could turn cruel at any moment, reaping lives without warning. Cassian, listening to them talk about the day the Great Heat arrived, couldn't help but smile faintly. That was the day he had met Natalie for the second time. She had been fighting and killing, all the while calling him a 58-year-old man. Before leaving, she had even teased the rear of his car like some lecherous punk. Natalie noticed the grin tugging at his lips and was instantly reminded of that day as well. She couldn't help but glare at him. This guy was definitely laughing at her in his head. She was about to snap at him when Harold came rushing down the stairs. The moment he saw Cassian, he froze, then reached out his hand to greet him. "You must be Mr. Holland?" Cassian shook his hand. "Yes. Cassian Holland. We've met before." Harold nodded, about to say more, when he spotted the large basin in Olivia's hand. His face went pale. "Olivia, Idol—don't go downstairs!" Olivia noticed how nervous he looked and quickly asked, "What's the matter?" Harold's voice was sharp. "I just collected a few drops of rain and ran a quick test. The acidity levels are off the charts!" He had rushed down from the 14th floor to warn them. Thank goodness he made it in time. Olivia gasped. "This is acid rain?" She rushed to the stairwell window and leaned out to look.The others crowded beside her. Down below, a crowd had already gathered. Buckets, tubs, and every kind of container were set out on the ground. People held them at their feet to catch the water while stretching their arms wide, embracing the downpour like a blessing. "Rain after a drought! Finally, real rain!" "We made it through! We survived! Hahaha!" "If the rain is here, cooler weather won't be far behind. The apocalypse is finally over!" "Haha! I can't believe it! I haven't had a proper shower in forever—this feels amazing!" "Quick! Bring the kids out too!" People wept as they laughed, tears mixing with the rain on their faces. Some opened their mouths wide, gulping it down like it was the sweetest water in the world. Harold cracked the window and shouted down, "Hey! Something's wrong with this rain! Get back inside, now!" A few looked up at him, but no one stopped. They kept celebrating, drunk on joy and thirst. Olivia joined in, cupping her hands around her mouth. "It's acid rain! Don't drink it!" Natalie stayed quiet. She knew it was useless. No one would listen. It had been the same in her last life. Harold had shouted warnings back then too. Not only had no one thanked him, but they cursed him for spoiling their joy. People had been too hot and too thirsty for too long. To them, the rain was worth more than gold. There was no way they'd listen to him and go home. Naturally, the ending had been tragic. Harold had moved out of the neighborhood not long after, and no one knew where he went. Still, Harold and Olivia didn't give up. They yelled again and again. This time, someone finally shouted back. "Go home? Easy for you to say! You sit in your nice house with food and water—what do you know about suffering?" "Yeah! So what if it's acid rain? We've been breathing smog and smoke for years. Haven't we all survived?" "That's right! Even if this stuff was vinegar, I'd drink a whole barrel!" "Those psychos up there have it easy. They actually turn down the free water." "If you won't let us drink rain, are you going to feed us instead?" The sudden downpour had pushed everyone into a frenzy. Normally, neighbors avoided Harold, Olivia, and Natalie. But tonight, swept up in excitement, they dared to fling insults at them openly.