Natalie's eyes lit up like she'd just seen a savior. "What's up, Olivia?" Olivia turned at the sound of her voice, smiling. "Nat, I—" She froze mid-sentence. Her eyes widened at the sight of Natalie—hair messy, cheeks flushed. "What in the world?!" What had this girl been up to? Before she could even ask, Olivia spotted Cassian standing behind Natalie, his expression a little cold. She didn't need anyone to explain. The scene said it all. Olivia tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Did I interrupt something?" She thought, Wow, their relationship is moving faster than a rocket. Nat is clueless, but once she got it, she went all in. Just look at her lips—so swollen they looked like she'd gotten fillers. Natalie quickly looped her arm through Olivia's. "No, no, you came at the perfect time!" She smiled flatteringly. "What's up? Come on in." She pulled Olivia toward the living room. Awkwardly, Olivia greeted Cassian. "Hi." Cassian, now calmer, replied politely, "Hello." The three of them stepped inside. Normally, the pets would have bounded over enthusiastically to greet them. This time, though, they just sat in a row by the couch, staring.Olivia found it odd. "What's with them?" Natalie followed her gaze. The dog, rabbit, and rooster still looked dazed. She sighed. "They're young. Haven't seen much of the world yet." Olivia chuckled knowingly and whispered in Natalie's ear. "You might want to talk it slow. Animals can't talk, but they understand more than you think. Especially your smart ones here." Natalie's face turned crimson. "I didn't do anything." Olivia smirked. "Sure, whatever you say." They sat down on the couch, and Natalie poured her a glass of water. Olivia glanced at the two of them sitting close together. They were the classic picture of a new couple—practically glued together. She pressed her lips into a smile. "Nat, you two are ... ?" Natalie flushed awkwardly but answered with surprising confidence. "Allow me to introduce you. This is my boyfriend, Cassian." Olivia smiled at Cassian. "Congratulations." Cassian was in a good mood. "Thank you." After a little small talk, Olivia got to the point. "Actually, it's nothing big. I just want to trade some snacks with you." "Snacks?" Natalie was puzzled. Olivia never ate junk food. In the past, if she had any, she usually traded it with Natalie or Harold for supplies. "Yes," Olivia said. "Things like gummies, pudding cups, or Jell-O. Sweet stuff. Kids love it."Natalie blinked in confusion. "Kids?" Olivia nodded. "Yeah, Lottie ... " She stopped, realizing she had gotten sidetracked earlier by Natalie's lips and hadn't finished telling her about Lottie. Her tone grew more serious. "I've taken in a little girl." Natalie's eyes widened in shock. "Since when? Where did she come from?" Olivia explained everything in detail. Then she added softly, "She's so thin it breaks my heart. I just thought I'd get her some treats she might actually enjoy." Natalie sat quietly for a moment. Something about it felt a little off, but Olivia wasn't the type to play saint. This was the first time she'd shown real compassion, and the girl was only a child. Since Olivia had already made her choice, Natalie didn't feel she had the right to interfere. So she simply asked, "Why'd you come alone? Where's the kid?" Olivia explained, "She fell asleep, and I didn't want to wake her. The poor girl had nightmares all night. This is the first time she's slept peacefully." Her face softened with pity as she spoke. Last night, the child had clung to her, crying in her sleep and begging not to be left alone. No one knew what kind of pain she had gone through. Natalie stood and walked to the guest room where she kept her supplies. She came back with a bag full of snacks—chips, Jell-O, candies, chocolates, two packs each. After a while, she reminded Olivia, "She's nine, right? Kids that age haven't finished losing their baby teeth. Don't give her too much candy at once." Olivia nodded, but then she remembered the girl's straight, even teeth. She frowned slightly. "Hey, that's strange. It looks like she's already done with all that." But she didn't linger on it and quickly added, "Don't worry, I know what to do." She took the bag from Natalie. When she peeked inside, she quickly shook her head. "This is too much. Just the jello and candy are enough." She set aside the chips and chocolate and reached for the supplies she had brought to trade. Her bag held three packs of instant noodles, some dried vegetables, and eight eggs—things Olivia had clearly saved and gone without for herself. Natalie accepted Olivia's goods, but she didn't take back the snacks. "Keep it. It's for the child. Besides, you've given plenty already."