What just happened?

"I'll treat you just as well..."

Ryan's brain froze as he tried to read Mia's expression, looking for any sign of jest, but she seemed dead serious when she spoke.

It didn't sound like Mia was joking at all.

"So, all you need to do is tell me what exactly Miss Alice gave you, and I'll give you the same."

Mia affectionately rubbed Ryan's forehead, her citrus scent rushing into his lungs, seemingly filling the air around them.

Ryan felt like his brain was rusting, making it hard to think.

He had no experience with these kinds of situations, and now he was being toyed with by this young girl.

Ryan could sense that Mia wasn't as optimistic as she appeared,she harbored sorrows that others couldn't understand.

If she wasn't carrying a heavy sadness inside, why would she seek help from a stranger like him?

Just like Alice, indeed.

"Miss Alice didn't give me anything... I guess I did it voluntarily."