As the gravity of their situation sank in, Mira, Annie, Sun, and the others found themselves grappling with the harsh reality of their choices. The revelation that Phoenix might possess crucial medical supplies was like a lifeline amidst their despair. Sun, writhing in pain and gripped by the fear of death, clung to this newfound hope, desperately inquiring about the authenticity of Mira's claim.
Annie's skepticism was evident as she probed Mira for the truth. The consequences of their actions were now painfully clear - several of their group were gravely injured due to Mira's instigation of the failed assault on Phoenix's apartment. Mira recounted her observations of Phoenix's behavior leading up to the disaster, detailing the stockpiling of supplies and the significant delivery from a pharmaceutical company, leading her to believe that Phoenix had a large cache of medicines, including vital antibiotics.
Lydia, the doctor among them, confirmed the likelihood of Phoenix possessing such supplies. Her professional opinion lent weight to Mira's claim, igniting a flicker of hope in Sun's eyes. However, Annie remained cautious, aware of the animosity that had been fostered between them and Phoenix.
Amidst their desperation, the group was forced to consider the possibility of seeking help from the very person they had recently tried to overpower. The pain and suffering of their injured companions added urgency to their situation. Liang's agonizing moans were a constant reminder of their dire need for medical intervention.
Mira, under the weight of the group's expectations and her own guilt, argued that their intention had never been to harm Phoenix, but merely to share in his resources for survival. She stressed their righteousness in the matter, but Lydia, who had a clearer understanding of the moral complexities of their situation, remained silent, focusing on her medical duties.
Annie, recognizing the need for immediate action, turned to Mira as their last hope. Given Phoenix's past interest in Mira, she might stand a chance of persuading him. Despite Peng's reluctance to expose Mira to Phoenix again, the critical nature of their plight overruled his concerns.
Lydia faced the daunting task of treating the injuries with limited resources. The lack of proper sterilization and anesthesia, coupled with the high risk of infection from the rust-covered arrows, made the situation grim. Her efforts to provide some relief were overshadowed by the agonizing screams of Sun as she attempted to remove the arrow.
Mira, burdened with the responsibility of securing Phoenix's help, reached out to him in a desperate plea. The call connected, and Phoenix's response was cold and indifferent, his words mirroring their deepest fears about surviving the ongoing snowstorm. Mira, overwhelmed by emotion and the gravity of their situation, broke down, begging Phoenix for forgiveness and help.
The group's fate hung precariously in the balance, hinging on the mercy of Phoenix, whom they had recently attacked in a bid to take over his apartment. The irony of their predicament was not lost on them. In the brutal world they now inhabited, survival often necessitated setting aside pride and past grievances. Their survival now depended on the compassion of someone they had considered an adversary, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes could change in this new, ruthless reality.