Chapter 17: Bullying Auntie Lin
Phoenix brushed off Auntie Lin's commands as if they were nothing but hot air, yet a part of him relished the thought of rattling the old woman's cage.
"Look at Auntie Lin puffing herself up! If you're so influential, why not summon Alexander and Benjamin to deal with the snow?" he taunted in the group chat, unconcerned about bruising egos.
He exposed Alexander, the local tough known as Brother Alex, and Benjamin, the arrogant scion of a wealthy clan. Both had turned against Phoenix in the past. He remembered all too well how they had partaken in his misfortunes, and now he laid their hypocrisy bare for all to see.
Caught off guard by Phoenix's blunt call-out, Auntie Lin found herself backed into a corner. With no other option, she typed a tepid message into the group chat, attempting to rope in the heavyweights.
"Fellow residents, our neighborhood relies on collective effort for snow removal. Those who are available, please come forward with your tools to help," her message read, markedly less commanding.
Alexander responded with a barrage of question marks, followed by an unfiltered voice message that cut through the chat like a knife. "You expect us to shovel in this storm? Have you lost your sight to the snow?"
The neighborhood's virtual hangout erupted in laughter. Auntie Lin's illusion of control crumbled before Alexander's raw disdain.
Benjamin's reply was just as dismissive. A picture showed him under a plush blanket, a woman in his embrace, flaunting his disregard for the community's troubles.
Auntie Lin, reeling from Alexander's verbal lashing, didn't dare hit back. Against Benjamin's provocation, she tried to assert some semblance of authority, only to be met with contempt. "My property fees pay for a certain standard of living, not for following your orders," he scoffed.
His words stung with truth, underlining the stark divide between the privileged and the powerless. The community's spirit sank as both Alexander and Benjamin made it crystal clear that they were untouchable.
In the wake of the debacle, Auntie Lin directed her anger toward Phoenix, accusing him in a private message of intentional sabotage. "What's your endgame, Phoenix? You've undermined my efforts and now no one's willing to help. What, are we supposed to remain trapped by the snow because of you?"
Phoenix replied with a cold edge, further intimidating the old woman who had only ever been a bully when she had the upper hand.
Frightened by Phoenix's stern rebuke, Auntie Lin hastily withdrew from the confrontation. She contemplated small, vindictive ways she could use her committee position to retaliate in the future. She envisioned Phoenix groveling, and she relished the thought of denying him, savoring her imagined victory.
Returning to the group chat, she continued to advocate for community snow clearing. Despite the general disdain for her, a handful of earnest residents, considering their need to travel in the future, began to venture out into the bitter cold.
Meanwhile, Phoenix was unexpectedly disturbed by a call from Alexander. It seemed his blunt words in the group chat had irked the neighborhood strongman, prompting this direct confrontation.
Ready for whatever might come, Phoenix answered the call, his eyes narrowing with anticipation. No matter what Alexander's angle was, Phoenix's sanctuary was secure, and he was fully prepared to turn any threat to his advantage.