In her small rental, Mira huddled, wrapping herself in two quilts. Despite the air conditioner blaring at 40°, the room's temperature hovered around freezing. She shivered, feeling the icy drafts snake under the covers.
The photo from Phoenix only widened her eyes more. She couldn't fathom how he could lounge in light pajamas, feasting on steak and sipping Red Bull, while she felt like an ice sculpture. They were in the same building, yet it seemed like two different worlds.
The sight of the sumptuous steak and the bottle of premium red wine made her mouth water. With her knowledge of luxury goods, she recognized the Wagyu beef and the Chateau-level wine, each bottle worth a small fortune.
Jealousy seared through her as she sent Phoenix a message, "It must be nice to indulge in steak and wine right now!"
Mira's hints were hardly subtle. She expected Phoenix, with his old accommodating nature, to offer her the same comforts. But Phoenix only laughed upon reading her message. Did she still see him as her loyal admirer?
His reply was dismissive, "If you want some, go buy it at the supermarket."
Mira's face fell. His suggestion was absurd. With the temperature plummeting to -60° or -70° outside, a trip to the store was a frostbite invitation. How could he suggest something so heartless to her, a delicate soul?
She texted back with indignation, "You're really not a gentleman, Phoenix! Missing out on showing off when given the chance!"
Mira still had her pride. She craved the steak and wine, yes, but in her eyes, Phoenix was just another fish in her pond. She believed this storm would soon pass and maintained her goddess facade, refusing to beg for food.
Phoenix, meanwhile, turned his attention to other chats, ready for some entertainment.
In the neighborhood group, he saw Auntie Lin from the committee urging calm. "Stay put," she advised. "It's a temporary chill. Don't rush for supplies. Trust our officials."
But the residents were anxious. "What about food?" some asked. "Vegetable prices will skyrocket!"
Auntie Lin's tone hardened. "Don't add to the chaos. Hoarding will only drive prices up!"
Phoenix smirked at her messages. The supermarkets were still stocked. A brave soul could venture out and return with supplies. But Auntie Lin's warnings held many back. Phoenix knew better. He couldn't resist pointing out the flaw in her logic.
"Can you guarantee there'll be enough food, Auntie Lin?" he typed. This question emboldened others to voice their concerns.
Auntie Lin was flustered, her dislike for Phoenix growing. "The committee ensures there's no shortage!" she asserted. "And Phoenix, don't stir up trouble. You could be breaking the law!"
Alone, she seethed, vowing to find a way to deal with Phoenix.
Phoenix only laughed. He had no need to venture out; his supplies were ample. Those who heeded Auntie Lin's misguided advice, however, would suffer.
As the harsh reality of the Ice Age dawned, Phoenix felt a pang for the impending hardship. Yet, he reminded himself, survival was key. The fate of others was not his concern. In his past life, those same neighbors had been his downfall. Now, it was each for themselves, and Phoenix was determined to live on.