So he focused hard and answered carefully, "Right before she hid me here, Mom made it clear—if she lost, I shouldn't try to get revenge." Natalie studied his expression. For a kid in this situation, he looked calm, almost unreadable. She asked, "Why do you think your mom said that?" The boy met her eyes. "Because you're strong. She didn't want me to throw my life away." Joe looked down. "She just wanted me to live a peaceful life." Natalie sounded intrigued. "And what do you want?" Joe said, "I just want to live." Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Really?" Of course not. Why wouldn't I take revenge? You killed my mom. I should kill your whole family! Joe looked up, meeting her gaze firmly. "Really. If you spare me, we'll never see each other again." Natalie nodded. Joe relaxed a little, thinking she'd let him go. But before he could move, she said, "What an unfilial kid. Letting your mother's killer go just like that." She turned to Cassian. "Kill him!" Joe was left speechless. Even Lucky choked on her own spit and started coughing at Natalie's sudden twist. Joe, who'd been tense the whole time, finally noticed the dog behind Natalie and blurted out, "General Snow?!"Ugh, again with that lame, unlucky name! Lucky rolled her eyes, fed up. General, general—what kind of fate did that sound like? Charging into battle, living a hard life, always on duty. And Snow? How much colder and unluckier could it get? Nothing like Lucky—rich and blessed. My hooman loves me best! Seeing Lucky's dismissive look, Joe gritted his teeth. This traitor led them here! He'd even asked his mom to take good care of her; he should've just shot her back then! He was furious, but kept telling himself to stay calm and not show it. He lifted his chin and told Natalie, "If you think that's unfilial, fine, I'll be a good son. I'll grow up strong, and one day I'll come back and face you fair and square. How's that?" "Face me?" Natalie pursed her lips. "Then I'll have to kill you." Joe was dumbfounded. So either way, I'm dead? His chest heaved. He snapped, "Nothing I say is right! There's no correct answer to your question! You evil woman!" Natalie raised an eyebrow. "You think this is an exam? Looking for the right answer? Want me to highlight the key points for you?" Joe, furious but proud, shot back, "Do what you want! Kill me if you want! I'm not afraid of you!" Natalie chuckled. "Look at him, acting all heroic. Where was this brave act earlier?" Joe swore at her a thousand times in his head. Who wants to die if they can live?! It's not like I want to be brave. I just want to survive!But if he was going to die either way, he might as well die with some pride! Then Natalie suddenly said, "You can go." "Huh?" Joe was totally confused. This woman never played by the rules. Revenge was wrong, no revenge was wrong. When he wanted to live, she said no. When he accepted death, she said no. Is she crazy? Even though he was suspicious, he was still a kid. A hint of hope showed on his face as he quickly climbed out of the water tank. "You better keep your word!" Natalie nodded. "I'm really leaving!" Natalie nodded. "Go ahead, kid. Live. Next time we meet, I won't let you go." Joe stared at her, like he wanted to burn her face into his memory. Natalie, I'll grow stronger—fast. One day, I will kill you! And this man, this dog. I won't let any of you go. What my mom didn't finish, I will! He clenched his fists and walked away, each step firm and determined. Lucky looked up at Natalie, confused. This isn't like Natalie. Cassian just stayed calm and unfazed. Joe left the grain depot and headed straight for the back door, ready to take the van and go. There were candies in the car. His mom kept them for his low blood sugar, plus some snacks he'd left there before. It was only enough for a few days, but as long as he was alive, there was hope. He'd take it one step at a time ... As soon as Joe opened the hotel's back door, before he could step out, that weird woman, Natalie, appeared right in front of him. "Hey kid, what a coincidence. We meet again!"