Tears in her eyes, Lisa slung her medical bag over her shoulder and stepped out.
Were it not for her grandfather's compassion, she would never have agreed to save Sarah.
In such desperate times, one would think twice about helping even close friends or family, let alone strangers.
Over the past few days, she and her grandfather had treated countless frostbitten residents, and their store of medicines had nearly run out.
Especially after the stampede involving thousands—there had been an overwhelming number of casualties.
That incident had nearly broken Cole, who had gone three days without sleep, holding on by sheer willpower.
But despite their sacrifice, instead of gratitude, they were met with resentment from the families of the deceased.
In Lisa's mind, these residents were beyond sympathy; they would do well to let nature take its course.
Only a man as noble as her grandfather would still insist on showing mercy.
Before long, Lisa arrived at Sarah's villa.
Seeing that it was Lisa, not Cole, who'd come, Sarah's face briefly registered surprise before he masked it with a welcoming grin.
"Dr. Lisa, my life is in your hands."
While Lisa's skill didn't yet match her grandfather's, she was one of Chicago's most respected young physicians and had received the national honor of Excellence in Medicine.
Bundled tightly in a long, black down coat over layers of warm clothing, she tried to shield herself from the bitter cold. But nothing could conceal her graceful frame and fair, delicate features.
Sarah's gaze lingered on her flawless face, and he swallowed reflexively. Were circumstances different, he would have relished the chance to taste this young doctor's charms, perhaps even indulging in a fantasy or two.
Oblivious to his thoughts, Lisa's expression remained cool. "I'll be frank—this treatment isn't free. You'll have to offer something in exchange."
"What?"
Sarah's eyes darted to the nearby cabinet.
He didn't have much food left, perhaps enough for three days, and even that was stolen from Grant's basement.
"Fine…" he muttered.
Having no other option, he bit back his frustration and handed her two pieces of bread.
Lisa carefully tucked the bread away, then turned to examine his injuries.
Sarah's hand was charred black, covered in burnt, dead flesh, his arm swollen with blood vessels ready to burst.
"Where exactly did you get shocked for it to be this severe?"
Sarah scowled. "Doctor, less talking, more healing."
Lisa nodded and dropped her questions; after all, this was no charity. Besides, given his condition, she'd likely be called back for the next week—ensuring a steady food supply for herself.
Such was the privilege of possessing valuable skills.
At that moment, Lisa felt immensely grateful that she had chosen a career in medicine. Otherwise, she too might have ended up among the ranks of the starving residents.
First, she quickly anesthetized Sarah's arm, then took out forceps and a scalpel to remove the scorched remains of his hand, piece by piece.
After thirty grueling minutes, beads of sweat dotted her brow.
"It's done…"
She exhaled, then advised, "Now, it's up to fate. If you avoid infection in the next two days, you'll have a chance to recover. But if not… there's nothing more I can do."
"Thank you…"
Sarah sank back onto his bed, exhausted.
Lisa's gaze was indifferent. "No need for thanks. This is a transaction. We're both simply getting what we want."
After a pause, she added, "One more thing—you'll need antibiotics to ward off infection. Without them, I can't guarantee your survival."
"Where am I supposed to find antibiotics now?"
Despair flooded Sarah's face. But then, his eyes lit up. "Wait! Miles must have some!"
The fact that Miles had emptied out the inventory of Weidu Commerce was common knowledge. It wasn't just an ordinary store; it stocked all manner of medical supplies.
"Then you'd better hurry and get them. I won't be able to help if you can't manage."
Lisa's tone was nonchalant as she packed up her medical kit to leave.
"Wait!"
Sarah, struggling to sit up, handed her another packet of bread. "Doctor, could you help me ask Miles for some medicine?"
"Why me?"
Lisa glanced at the bread, tempted but cautious.
Sarah gave a weary smile. "I just offended Miles. If I go to him now, he won't give me a thing. But he might listen to you."
He added hastily, "I promise, regardless of whether you succeed, you can keep this food. And I'll do whatever I can to help you in the future."
Lisa considered it, tempted.
Living alone and with her grandfather unwell, their home supplies were already depleted. Sarah was resourceful and had a few loyal men; he could likely get more food than she could manage alone. And with his current need for her, he wouldn't dare try anything underhanded.
But she frowned. "Even if I go, there's no guarantee he'll give me anything."
Sarah shook his head. "Miles has all the supplies but no medical expertise. If you offer your skills, I doubt he'd refuse."
She sighed, seeing his point.
"Alright. I'll try…"
With reluctance, Sarah managed a word of gratitude and watched her leave.
As she disappeared from sight, one of his lackeys muttered, "Sarah, why'd you give her food? We don't have much left."
Sarah's eyes narrowed. "Do you understand how valuable a doctor is now? Who can guarantee they won't fall ill later?"
The man fell silent, considering the truth in his words.
Ten minutes later, Lisa approached Miles's villa, medical bag in hand.
What she saw left her stunned.
The entire house was ablaze with light, and the rooftop heating units hummed steadily—a clear indication that the central heating was fully operational.
Even the storage rooms looked warm and bright.
Having been occupied with tending to her grandfather, Lisa had missed the photos Miles posted in the group chat. Only now did she realize the reality.
It was paradise in the midst of hell—no wonder the residents were desperate to storm his villa.
In their place, she, too, might have been driven to act rashly by such overwhelming temptation.
But Lisa was well aware that if no one else could breach Miles's fortress, she certainly wouldn't succeed alone. Sarah's cautionary tale was proof enough.
Steeling herself, she reached out and pressed the doorbell.