Annis echoed from behind, teasing, "Come catch me if you can."

Alick felt torn, unsure of whom to pursue. “Hold on, I'm on my way!"

“Come on, hurry up!" Joe urged eagerly, gesturing for Alick to chase after him.

Meanwhile, Isaac stepped into the house and caught sight of Camila washing vegetables.

With a hint of surprise, he remarked, "You're home early today!"

Camila turned to see him and replied, “You're back early too."

"I've made a reservation at a restaurant. Let's dine out tonight; there is no need to cook," Isaac declared, gently taking the vegetables from Camila's hands.

"I've already finished a bowl of soup, and I only need to cook a few more dishes," Camila informed Isaac.

With the vegetables already washed, all she had to do was stir-fry them.

“How about we have dinner at home tonight and eat out tomorrow?" she suggested, mindful that the washed ingredients wouldn't keep for long.

“If you plan to invite us for dinner in the future, please give us a heads-up," Camila added.

Isaac hadn't thought of that aspect, but he nodded in agreement.

"I'll keep that in mind for next time."

Thus, they decided to dine at home that evening, prompting Isaac to ask Alick to cancel the restaurant reservation.

Aware that Alick was present, Camila decided to prepare two additional dishes.

After over an hour of cooking, Camila called them to the table.

“Glenda isn't here, so you'll have to make do with what I've prepared."

"It looks like quite a feast," remarked Alick.

Camila glanced at him and retorted, "You're just saying that to be polite."

The dishes she had cooked were predominantly vegetarian, including sour and spicy shredded potatoes, fried lotus beans, sautéed cabbage with mushrooms, fried tomatoes with eggs, and squid soup, with only braised fish and steamed shrimp as meat options.