Chapter 382
On the opposing front, the scene was far removed from warmth and comfort.
Stephanie, Hannah, and their companions stood steadfast by the blustery sea, deliberating ceaselessly for hours without resolution. Eventually, Hannah, succumbing to the chill, proposed seeking refuge amidst the woodland, where they endured the entire night.
None of their possessions were practical for survival, making their predicament nothing short of a disaster.
The trio of young women, ensnared by pursuits of fashion, had laden their luggage solely with garments and cosmetics. Matthew, though well-intentioned, possessed but a single suitcase and lacked the acumen of wilderness survival, neglecting many essentials.
Cuddled together in misery, they failed even to conjure a match, subsisting on meagre crusts of dry bread under the biting gusts.
Stephanie nestled into Matthew’s embrace, seizing the moment to subtly impugn Milly
once more.
“I’m genuinely concerned about Milly and William. This place is utterly unfamiliar-anything could happen. Do you think they have enough to eat? If they were here, we could at least share our bread with them.”
Upon concluding, Stephanie promptly feigned tears, her visage an artful blend of compassion and concern.
Observing her thus, Matthew’s compassion swelled. He consoled her with a gentle stroke of her head, reminiscent of an elder brother comforting his younger sibling. “Steph, your kindness knows no bounds. Don’t blame yourself. You warned her just now, but she’s too stubborn to heed your counsel. It’s not your fault. Don’t be disheartened.”
Stephanie’s countenance remained solemn, yet her upturned lips betrayed her true emotions. She prided herself on her peerless histrionic skills, having deftly wielded such stratagems on numerous occasions.
Surely, the audience would view her as benevolent and sincere, while painting Milly as self-centred and divisive. They would surely censure her!
Two goals achieved with a single stroke!
However, reality often diverges from aspirations. As night descended, the waning audience of the livestream, stirred by Stephanie’s words, erupted into a torrent of commentary:
Did she just… Man, she’s trying to make herself look like the good girl here when she’s not.’
She pities her? No, no, no. You’re the most pitiable of them all.’
Yeah, they don’t need your pity. They had a hot meal and are now taking shelter. It’s awesome.’
Man, I’m impressed. Selfish? Milly made it clear. You guys refused to follow her. Now you’re freezing, but you call them selfish? You guys really want to control the narrative, and it shows.’
Don’t tell me they think this is a vacation? They don’t even have any survival tools, and they have four crates. The other team filled two with survival stuff. No wonder they’re doing great.’
Ugh, Stephanie feels so much like a b*tch.’
Yeah, I knew she was off. She’s been trying to trip Milly up all this time.’
I pity poor Ms. Hannah. She’s suffering with Stephanie. She’s so kind. If she’d gone with Milly, she’d probably not be freezing.
The assembled crew of directors beheld the cascade of comments with smiles so broad their eyes nearly vanished within the folds of their delight.
This was precisely the spectacle they had hoped for! Conflict begat drama, and drama, in turn, yielded the coveted ratings!
The following morn.
Milly awoke to find Charlie already risen, his countenance oddly shaded with ire.
Oh, he hates it when people wake him before it’s time?
She moved to rise and soothe him, yet her attention was drawn to William sprawled upon the other bed, serenely ensconced amidst a great heap of verdant blades. Along the fringe of this mound, scarce space for one was discernible, hinting starkly that Charlie had endured the night confined to that diminutive spot…
She discerned the cause of his sullen visage.
“Ahem, we’ll set up shelter today and make some beds. You’ll sleep soundly tonight.”
“It’s still early. Get some more sleep. I’ll make breakfast for us.”
Charlie cast a glance her way upon her awakening, softly intoning, “Hmm,” his mien softening gently. “No need-I shall assist…
Ere he could complete his thought, a drowsy voice issued forth from behind, “Ah, good morning, boss. What was that about breakfast? Count me in!”
William rose groggily, rubbing his eyes and staggering towards them. Ere he neared, a stern command rang forth:
“Wash your hands!”
“Yes…”
Midway, however, he sensed a disquieting incongruity. Was he possessed perchance? Why heeded he the behest of a stranger? He was no kin; who did he think himself, giving commands so imperious?
Hmph!
In an instant, William was roused from slumber, springing up with a cry that pierced the tranquil morning air. His accusatory finger aimed at Charlie bore the weight of indignation. “Hey! Who are you to command me? You hold no authority! I refuse to wash my hands!”
With those words of defiance, he turned sharply, his steps charged with irritation.
Observing William’s departure, Charlie arched an eyebrow thoughtfully. “Then what are you doing?”
“I’m washing my face! Got a problem with that?” William declared with unyielding determination.
Charlie’s response was silence.
Ah, the obstinacy of youth.
Following a modest breakfast, the trio delineated their tasks. William and Charlie ventured towards the nearby hillside to hew bamboo for constructing shelter and rudimentary furnishings, while Milly undertook the quest for sustenance and potable water in the vicinity.
Bamboo proved abundant and accessible upon the slopes nearby, the challenge lay elsewhere-in the procurement of nourishment and fresh water.
Milly meticulously combed the shoreline’s imposing boulders. Water trickled through natural crevices in these stones, undergoing natural filtration to gather in pristine pools.
She remembered Jordan mentioning that this island had a great geographical location, and since it hadn’t been touched by human activity, there was sure to be fresh water.
Indeed, not long into her quest, Milly happened upon a secluded hollow concealed behind a vast, moss-laden boulder. Upon closer inspection, she discerned a gentle seepage of water through the stone’s weathered surface. Scooping a handful, she tasted-indeed, it was pure and refreshing.