Chapter 71: Don’t Contact, I'm Afraid she'll Misunderstand

Lydia's initiative to get closer to Phoenix significantly impacted his state of mind. Despite his usual resistance to being influenced by women, Phoenix was, after all, a normal man with natural desires. Lydia's attractive appearance and her proactive approach were particularly alluring to him, and he found himself enjoying this dynamic.

In a moment of mischief, Phoenix skillfully unbuttoned Lydia's clothing, revealing her figure. Embracing her, he captured a provocative photo with his front camera and decided to send it to Mira, a woman who had shown interest in him. His message to Mira was clear: he had moved on and found someone better, urging her to bless their union.

Mira, desperate and hopeful, was shocked to receive Phoenix's message. The image of Lydia, with her natural beauty, sparked intense jealousy in Mira, who felt inferior in comparison. Mira's pleas to Phoenix, filled with declarations of love and promises of better intimacy, were met with a blunt rejection. Phoenix conveyed that he was content with Lydia and wished to cut off further contact with Mira, effectively crushing her hopes.

This rejection was a devastating blow to Mira. She had always considered herself superior, a woman men coveted. Now, she faced the harsh reality of being replaced and rejected by Phoenix, the man she believed to be devoted to her. Her anguish was compounded by the fact that Lydia, whom she considered inferior, had won Phoenix's affection.

Mira's former friends, Iris and Annie, reveled in her downfall, mocking her and expressing their disdain. Mira's realization that Phoenix had blocked her from contacting him further solidified her despair. She was left to grapple with the knowledge that her last hope for survival in this post-apocalyptic world had vanished, and Phoenix took satisfaction in her suffering.

Phoenix, content with his actions, set aside his phone, feeling a sense of joy in seeing Mira suffer. Lydia, observing Phoenix's demeanor, asked him if he thought his actions were cruel. Her query and the closeness between them seemed to spark a more intimate moment, suggesting that their relationship was more than just a matter of convenience.

Phoenix reflected on his past experiences with Mira, recalling how her betrayal had led to his tragic end in his previous life. This memory fueled his actions, seeking a form of revenge for the betrayal and pain he had endured. Lydia, sensing the depth of his feelings, expressed her understanding, acknowledging that Phoenix must have had his reasons for his actions.

After dealing with Alexander and establishing a quieter environment around their residence, Phoenix and Lydia settled into a new routine. Phoenix, aware of the ongoing degradation of human nature in their dire circumstances, remained vigilant. He opened the door for Lydia in the morning, and she proceeded to prepare breakfast, a task she performed better than Phoenix.

While eating, Phoenix browsed through chat group and news updates, noting that only a few apps were still functioning, maintained by officials. He came across a message from Auntie Lin, who had previously exhibited irrational behavior. Auntie Lin's delusional claims about the snowstorm ending soon and her threats to the group were met with indifference.

Lydia, meanwhile, revealed a moment of compassion, sharing that she had secretly provided some food to Miller and his family. This small act of kindness, hidden beneath her often pragmatic exterior, hinted at the complexities of human emotions and interactions in their harsh new reality.