Chapter 50: Teasing Mira

In the aftermath of their disastrous attempt to force their way into Phoenix's apartment, Mira, Annie, Sun, Peng, and the others found themselves in a desperate situation. They retreated, injured and shaken, grappling with the consequences of their actions. The realization that Phoenix might have medical supplies sparked a glimmer of hope amidst their despair. Injured and in pain, Sun clung to this possibility, asking Mira to confirm it.

Mira, in her desperation, tearfully recounted how she had witnessed Phoenix stockpiling supplies before the disaster, including a significant delivery from a pharmaceutical company. Lydia, a doctor among them, confirmed the likelihood of Phoenix possessing essential medicines like antibiotics. But Annie, aware of their recent hostile encounter with Phoenix, expressed doubts about his willingness to help them now.

As they discussed their options, Annie, seeing no other alternative, decided that Mira should be the one to approach Phoenix. Mira's history with Phoenix made her the most likely candidate to persuade him. Despite Peng's protective instincts, the urgency of their situation, highlighted by Liang's agonizing pain, forced them to rely on Mira's persuasive abilities.

Lydia prepared to treat the wounded with limited resources. She warned of the high risk of infection due to the rust-covered arrows and the lack of proper medical equipment and antibiotics. As she began the painful process of removing the arrows, Sun's cries of agony echoed through the room, amplifying the gravity of their situation.

Mira, weighed down by the responsibility thrust upon her, reached out to Phoenix in a desperate plea for help. Phoenix's response was cold and dismissive, reflecting his indifference to their plight. Mira, overwhelmed with emotion, begged for forgiveness, appealing to any remnants of Phoenix's feelings for her.

The group's fate now hinged precariously on Phoenix's mercy. Their survival depended on convincing someone they had recently viewed as an adversary to extend a helping hand. In this new, ruthless world, past grievances and pride had to be set aside for the sake of survival.

Phoenix, cooking in his apartment, was unmoved by Mira's pleas. He reminded her why he had used rusty arrows in the first place – to ensure a painful death for his attackers. His laughter and scornful remarks crushed any hope the group might have had.

Annie, desperate to save her companions, tried to remind Phoenix of past kindnesses, but his response was mocking and dismissive. The situation turned even more desperate when Phoenix refused to help, citing the group's recent attempt to rob him as the reason for his lack of sympathy.

In a shocking twist, Phoenix played on Mira's feelings, suggesting he still cared for her but only her. Mira, blinded by her desire to escape her current hellish existence, eagerly agreed to abandon the others and go to Phoenix alone. This selfish decision enraged the rest of the group, particularly Annie and Iris, who felt betrayed by Mira's willingness to leave them behind.

The situation escalated when Annie, unable to contain her anger, slapped Mira for her betrayal. The group's unity fractured completely as Mira's true intentions became clear – she was willing to do anything, even abandon those who had relied on her, to secure her own survival in Phoenix's comfortable refuge.

Their situation, already desperate, had now turned into a bitter struggle for survival, with trust and solidarity shattered by desperation and betrayal. The group faced an uncertain and perilous future, with each member forced to confront the harsh realities of their new world and the lengths they would go to survive.