Phoenix's attitude towards the messages from the female owners was one of indifference and disinterest. He saw them as little more than a mildly amusing distraction, not warranting serious attention or response. Even when some of the women sent private selfies, hoping to entice him, Phoenix remained unimpressed. He found most of them mediocre in appearance, lacking the allure or charm to capture his interest. To him, these attempts at seduction were feeble and ineffective.
In contrast to these women, the male residents' attempts at persuasion were even more simplistic. They tried to establish a sense of brotherhood or kinship with Phoenix, using familial terms and begging for his help. Others, like an old man, resorted to moral kidnapping, attempting to guilt-trip Phoenix into sharing his resources. There was even an audacious approach from a man with more unconventional demands, which Phoenix found distasteful and preferred not to engage with.
Amid the barrage of messages, Phoenix remained relaxed and entertained, casually browsing through them without much care. He set up his phone in a holder and lay on the sofa, sipping red wine and eating foie gras, all while enjoying the snowscape outside his window. The ongoing snowstorm had lasted half a month, and Phoenix speculated that it might continue for much longer. However, he was well-prepared and had no need to venture outside, thanks to his stockpile of supplies and resources.
Among the flurry of messages, one from Lydia caught Phoenix's attention. Unlike the others, she approached him with a proposition for an exchange rather than begging or pleading. Lydia offered her medical skills in return for help with food and medicine. Her approach was sensible and indicated her understanding of the value she could provide in these desperate times.
Phoenix, while appreciating Lydia's approach, was cautious. He was wary of letting anyone into his sanctuary without being absolutely sure of their intentions and the control he could maintain over the situation. He recognized the potential value of having a doctor like Lydia for medical assistance but was unwilling to take any risks that might jeopardize his safety.
To test the waters, Phoenix decided to engage with Lydia. He responded to her message, acknowledging his abundance of medicines and food but also expressing his need for something beneficial in return. He proposed a deal where Lydia would provide him with information about any plans the other residents might have against him. This arrangement would serve as a "prepaid consultation fee," ensuring that he received something of immediate value while still maintaining his security.
Phoenix's request was strategic. He was aware that his neighbors, driven by desperation and envy, were likely plotting against him. By having Lydia as an inside source, he could gain advance warning of any potential threats, allowing him to prepare and fortify his defenses even further.
Lydia's hesitant and somewhat ashamed response revealed her dire situation. Reluctantly, she agreed to Phoenix's terms, as she had little choice if she wanted to secure the much-needed supplies for survival.
Phoenix's fortress-like home was prepared for any assault. He had invested heavily in its construction, equipping it with various security features and making it virtually impenetrable. He was ready to defend his stronghold against the desperate attempts of his neighbors, who had succumbed to the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world.
In this unforgiving new world, Phoenix had become a solitary survivor, relying on his wits, resources, and a keen sense of self-preservation. He navigated the treacherous landscape with a cold pragmatism, always prioritizing his survival above all else.