Reborn in the Apocalypse, My Sister Chose the 100× System—She Never Knew What She’d Given Up (YouTube Video Transcript)

(00:00:00) Your YouTube transcript will appear here (00:00:00) Linu's body shuddered violently as the (00:00:02) familiar sensation of weightlessness (00:00:04) struck again. In her ears echoed that (00:00:06) cold mechanical voice. Please choose (00:00:08) your respective systems. I snapped my (00:00:10) eyes open to find myself in a blindingly (00:00:12) white room face to face with that (00:00:13) familiar yet loathome visage. Jang Xen (00:00:16) wearing her usual expression of (00:00:17) smuggness and disdain. Without (00:00:19) hesitation, Jang Xen lunged for the (00:00:21) amplification system, her lips curling (00:00:24) into the same venomous smile I (00:00:26) remembered from her past life, as if she (00:00:28) could already foresee her own glory. In (00:00:30) an instant, memories of my past life (00:00:32) flashed through my mind. The chilling (00:00:33) moment I was pushed off the high-rise (00:00:35) and Jang Xian<unk>s accusatory words. If (00:00:37) you hadn't stolen my amplification (00:00:39) system, I could have saved brother Lou's (00:00:41) family. Sister, you're perfect in every (00:00:43) way except for your selfishness. (00:00:45) Everything has started over. Sending a (00:00:48) bone chilling coldness through my heart (00:00:50) since you desire it so much. Then have (00:00:52) it calmly. I walked toward the shrinking (00:00:54) system, watching the fleeting madness (00:00:56) flash in Jang Xian<unk>s eyes. I knew my (00:00:58) apocalypse fortress plan crafted solely (00:01:01) for myself had officially begun. This (00:01:03) time I will live only for myself. (00:01:05) Betrayal and foolishness will all be (00:01:06) repaid with a price 01. In the sterile (00:01:09) white room, the air carried a faint (00:01:11) scent of disinfectant mixed with the (00:01:13) subtle burnt odor unique to electronic (00:01:15) devices. The mechanical synthesized (00:01:17) voice of the system still echoed while (00:01:19) Jang Xian's shrill, gleeful laughter (00:01:21) left my fingertips icy cold. My entire (00:01:23) body was tense, filled with vigilance (00:01:25) and alertness toward everything around (00:01:27) me. I'm going to amplify the system. (00:01:29) This is the system that can save the (00:01:30) world. Jang Xian<unk>s voice trembled (00:01:33) with a hint of smuggness, her eyes (00:01:34) darting toward me eagerly. As if (00:01:37) flaunting that she had snatched an (00:01:38) incredible treasure, confirmed, "The (00:01:40) system is now bound to you." The (00:01:42) mechanical voice of the system remained (00:01:44) utterly emotionless, I watched as Jang (00:01:46) Xen lunged toward the golden glowing (00:01:48) amplification system, my mind (00:01:49) uncontrollably flashing back to the (00:01:51) howling wind and the excruciating pain (00:01:53) of shattered bones when I fell to my (00:01:54) death in my past life. Jang Xen, you (00:01:57) thought you had obtained a treasure, but (00:01:59) little did you know it was the cage of (00:02:01) my past life. A chill spread from the (00:02:03) depths of my heart as I calmly walked (00:02:04) toward the other side where the faint (00:02:06) blue glow of the miniaturization system (00:02:08) emanated. Then I'll take the (00:02:09) miniaturization system, I said. My voice (00:02:11) is calm as stagnant water devoid of any (00:02:14) ripple. Understood. The system has been (00:02:16) bound to you. Jang Xen hugged her (00:02:18) system, looking at me with a tone full (00:02:20) of disdain and provocation. sister. Now (00:02:23) the enlargement system is mine. Don't (00:02:25) you feel envious? After all, I can (00:02:27) enlarge whatever I want. Your shrinking (00:02:29) system seems pretty useless, doesn't it? (00:02:32) Envious. I just think you're ridiculous. (00:02:34) I let out a light laugh, gazing at her (00:02:36) with profound eyes, the corners of my (00:02:37) lips curling into an almost (00:02:39) imperceptible smile. What's the (00:02:41) difference? It's just a system. If you (00:02:43) like it, take it. I don't mind. Seeing (00:02:45) my indifferent attitude. The weariness (00:02:48) in Jang Xian<unk>s eyes finally faded (00:02:50) slightly, replaced by an even more (00:02:52) intense mix of glee and contempt. The (00:02:53) blood and tears of my past life forged (00:02:55) my resolute determination in this one. (00:02:57) My apocalypse shall exist for me alone. (00:02:59) Unconsciously, I lightly touched my (00:03:01) wrist where the scar from my fall in my (00:03:03) past life seemed to linger, the pain (00:03:05) edge deep into my bones. I raised my (00:03:07) eyes, gazing profoundly at Jang Xen as (00:03:10) she eagerly rushed out of the room to (00:03:12) present her treasure to her beloved Lug (00:03:13) Gage. The show begins. 02. Upon (00:03:16) returning home, I immediately checked (00:03:18) the date on my phone. 3 days left. Time (00:03:20) is running out. I must seize every (00:03:22) second. The sky above the city was (00:03:24) ominously gloomy, like a harbinger of an (00:03:26) impending storm. Cars stream through the (00:03:28) streets, horns blaring intermittently. (00:03:30) While the air carried a mix of gasoline (00:03:32) and the damp scent of earth, I drove (00:03:34) straight to the largest harvest (00:03:36) supermarket in town, pushing the biggest (00:03:38) shopping cart, and began a frenzied (00:03:40) shopping spree. long-lasting compressed (00:03:42) biscuits, canned goods, dehydrated (00:03:44) vegetables, rice, flour, crates of (00:03:46) mineral water and energy drinks, various (00:03:48) vegetable seeds, and even a batch of (00:03:50) lively chicks. The cashier eyeing my (00:03:52) mountain of goods, wearily urged, (00:03:54) "Ma'am, are you sure you need this much? (00:03:56) There are people waiting behind you." (00:03:58) Beads of sweat rolled down her temples, (00:04:01) dripping onto the barcode scanner. "Yes, (00:04:03) all of it." I handed over the bank card, (00:04:05) my tone firm and leaving no room for (00:04:07) doubt. Please hurry. Thank you. Next, I (00:04:09) went to Yaja Furniture Mall and ordered (00:04:11) small-scale wind power equipment, an air (00:04:13) filtration system, and a complete set of (00:04:15) miniature furniture. When the delivery (00:04:17) men carried the items upstairs, he was (00:04:19) drenched in sweat. Miss Lynn, you've got (00:04:21) quite a lot of stuff here. It's almost (00:04:23) filling up the elevator. He complained (00:04:25) between gasps. The back of his shirt (00:04:28) soaked through. I pulled a few bills (00:04:29) from my wallet and handed them to him. (00:04:31) My tone slightly apologetic, but my gaze (00:04:33) unwavering. You've worked hard. This is (00:04:35) overtime pay. Please make sure to carry (00:04:37) everything into the room without letting (00:04:39) anyone see. While I was swamped with (00:04:41) work, Jang Xian<unk>s call came through, (00:04:43) her tone dripping with impatience. Sis, (00:04:45) where have you run off to again? Brother (00:04:46) Looming asked me out. And you're always (00:04:48) wasting time with your weird hobbies. (00:04:51) You're drowning in your little love (00:04:53) affairs. While I'm building myself an (00:04:54) arc for the apocalypse, I brushed her (00:04:56) off casually. I'm busy. You go have fun. (00:04:59) I've got something to do. Got to go. (00:05:01) After hanging up, I immediately started (00:05:03) renovating my bedroom. That secret room (00:05:05) I had specially partitioned during the (00:05:06) initial decoration was finally going to (00:05:08) be put to use. I moved all the supplies, (00:05:11) equipment, and even the fertile soil and (00:05:13) a few small trees I had compacted and (00:05:15) packed from the outskirts into the (00:05:16) secret chamber. Then I activated the (00:05:19) shrinking system, watching as the (00:05:20) massive pile of materials visibly (00:05:22) reduced to palmsized proportions, each (00:05:24) item neatly arranged by me. Just before (00:05:26) the downpour began, I activated the (00:05:28) system, shrinking both myself and the (00:05:30) entire secret chamber. The world rapidly (00:05:32) receded before my eyes, and finally, I (00:05:36) landed steadily in the miniature world I (00:05:38) had crafted with my own hands. 03. (00:05:40) Outside the chamber, rain poured heavily (00:05:42) amid thunder and lightning. Through the (00:05:44) specially designed miniature window, the (00:05:46) outline of the city blurred in the rain (00:05:47) as if forgotten by the entire world. (00:05:49) Inside the secret room, it was a (00:05:51) completely different world. Under the (00:05:53) warm yellow light, the air filtration (00:05:55) system worked quietly, delivering fresh (00:05:57) air. The soil in the mini farm carried a (00:05:59) moist fragrance, and the chicks in the (00:06:02) corner made soft clucking sounds as they (00:06:03) scratched for food in the hay. I sat on (00:06:05) a cozy mini sofa, holding a cup of hot (00:06:07) tea in my hands. The spicy aroma of (00:06:10) ginger and the sweets scent of brown (00:06:11) sugar filled the air. "Huh, truly the (00:06:14) apocalypse. This rain is really (00:06:16) something," I murmured to myself with a (00:06:18) light chuckle, taking a sip of the hot (00:06:19) tea. Then, I opened my phone and pulled (00:06:21) up the hidden surveillance feeds (00:06:23) installed in the bedroom and living (00:06:24) room. on the screen. The neighborhood (00:06:26) owners group chat was in chaos with (00:06:28) panic and despair spreading. Meanwhile, (00:06:30) in the footage from my bedroom, Jang Xen (00:06:32) was staying with Lu<unk>s family. Jang (00:06:34) Xen, "Didn't you say the system could (00:06:36) enlarge things? How come it only turned (00:06:39) into such a small piece of bread? How is (00:06:41) this enough for our whole family?" Lu's (00:06:43) mother's shrill voice came through the (00:06:44) phone, dripping with undisguised (00:06:46) complaint. Jang Xian<unk>s voice was (00:06:48) tinged with grievance and appeasement. (00:06:49) Auntie, this the enlargement system can (00:06:52) only be used once a day, and I don't (00:06:54) have much bread left. Luming interrupted (00:06:56) her impatiently with a rude tisk. (00:06:57) Enough. Stop making excuses. Hurry up (00:07:00) and think of something else. Our family (00:07:02) can't go hungry. Jang Xen, what you see (00:07:05) as salvation is merely a tool in others (00:07:07) eyes. What you believe to be love is (00:07:09) nothing but naked exploitation. Watching (00:07:11) Jang Xian<unk>s flustered and (00:07:13) ingratiating face on the surveillance (00:07:14) feed, the curve of my lips carried a (00:07:16) hint of mockery. Turning off the (00:07:17) monitor, I walked to my mini farm, (00:07:19) loosened the soil with a small hoe, and (00:07:21) planted the first batch of vegetable (00:07:23) seeds. The chaos and despair outside (00:07:25) formed a stark contrast with my (00:07:27) miniature world. This feeling of having (00:07:30) complete control was truly wonderful. (00:07:31) The helplessness and despair of my past (00:07:33) life had now become mere background (00:07:35) noise to my peaceful existence. I wrote (00:07:37) a sentence in my mini fararmm diary. No (00:07:39) matter how heavy the rain of the (00:07:40) apocalypse is, it cannot dampen my (00:07:42) heart. 04. Several days passed and in my (00:07:45) mini farm, the lush green vegetable (00:07:47) sprouts had already grown new shoots. (00:07:49) The chicks pecked happily in the soil, (00:07:51) chirping cheerfully, filling the air (00:07:54) with the freshness of earth and the (00:07:55) vitality of plants. After watering the (00:07:57) vegetable sprouts and feeding the (00:07:58) chicks, I felt particularly content. (00:08:00) With some free time, I turned on the (00:08:02) surveillance again. In the Lu family's (00:08:04) living room, enlarged food scraps piled (00:08:06) up in the corner emitted a faint rotting (00:08:08) sour stench, making the air appear (00:08:10) filthy and stagnant. Jang Xian gazed (00:08:12) coily at Luming, batting her big eyes, (00:08:14) which she believed looked innocent, and (00:08:16) cooed in an overly sweet voice. "Brother (00:08:20) Lu, I helped you all enlarged so much (00:08:22) food. Do you? Do you really like me?" (00:08:24) Looming absent-mindedly patted her head, (00:08:26) but his eyes darted toward the pile of (00:08:27) enlarged biscuits nearby. "Of course, (00:08:30) Jedja, you're our savior. Our whole (00:08:32) family will be counting on you from now (00:08:33) on." Luming<unk>s mother immediately (00:08:35) chimed in, her voice real, "Jed, next (00:08:37) time, could you transform more meat? (00:08:39) Just vegetables won't do. Our looming (00:08:42) needs more nourishment. As she spoke, (00:08:44) her eyes gleamed with greed. Stupid Jang (00:08:47) Xen. Do you think love can be earned (00:08:49) through sacrifice? Haven't you learned (00:08:50) enough from your past life? I sighed (00:08:52) softly while watching the surveillance (00:08:54) footage. Jang Xen, you still can't see (00:08:56) their true colors. What you consider (00:08:58) sacrifice is nothing but bargaining (00:08:59) chips in their eyes. I turned off the (00:09:01) monitor, no longer willing to look at (00:09:03) those disgusting faces. I brewed myself (00:09:05) a cup of hot ginger tea and took freshly (00:09:07) baked whole wheat bread from the mini (00:09:09) oven. It's aroma filling the air. Hot (00:09:12) ginger tea paired with whole wheat (00:09:13) bread. This is truly the most luxurious (00:09:15) indulgence in the apocalypse, I murmured (00:09:17) to myself, feeling utterly content, just (00:09:20) as Jang Xian turned to fetch water. I (00:09:22) keenly noticed through the surveillance (00:09:23) that Luming and his parents exchanged a (00:09:25) meaningful glance, their lips curling (00:09:27) into a faint, barely perceptible smirk. (00:09:29) As for me, I merely watched and waited. (00:09:31) My fortress, my farm. These were my true (00:09:34) sanctuaries. 05. (00:09:36) A few more days passed and the Lu (00:09:38) family's food supplies finally ran out. (00:09:40) While Jang Xian<unk>s meager stockpile (00:09:42) was also exhausted, conflict erupted in (00:09:44) an instant. Through the surveillance, I (00:09:46) clearly witnessed the chaotic farce (00:09:48) unfolding in the Lu family's living (00:09:49) room. The magnified food scraps emitted (00:09:51) a putrid, sour stench, polluting the air (00:09:54) to a nauseating degree. Mrs. Lu pointed (00:09:56) accusingly at Jang Xian's nose. Her (00:09:59) voice shrill enough to pierce eardrums. (00:10:01) You worthless burden. The system could (00:10:03) only be used once and now there's no (00:10:05) food left. What are you still doing (00:10:07) clinging to our family? Get out now. (00:10:09) Jang Xian collapsed onto the floor. Tear (00:10:11) stains on her face. Hair disheveled. (00:10:13) Clothes smeared with grime. She wailed (00:10:15) desperately, reaching for looming (00:10:17) sleeve. Brother Lu, how how could you (00:10:19) treat me like this? I did all this for (00:10:20) you. For us, you [ __ ] We would have (00:10:22) starved long ago if not for you. Now (00:10:24) that you're useless, you still dare to (00:10:26) overstay your welcome. Mrs. Lu (00:10:29) interrupted her viciously, her words (00:10:31) dripping with venom. Luming<unk>s face (00:10:33) was cold, his eyes filled with disgust. (00:10:35) He pushed Jang Xen away abruptly, his (00:10:37) tone icy and resolute. Jang Xen, we're (00:10:40) not suited for each other. Leave. Stop (00:10:42) clinging to me. Jang Xen collapsed onto (00:10:44) the cold floor in despair, unable to (00:10:46) utter a single sound. See, this is what (00:10:48) you call love and family. Watching the (00:10:50) surveillance footage, a cold smile (00:10:52) curled at the corners of my lips as I (00:10:54) murmured softly. Jang Xen, in your past (00:10:57) life, you vowed to save the Lu family. (00:10:59) Yet in this life, they've cast you (00:11:01) aside. You'll never learn to see through (00:11:02) human nature. I turned off the (00:11:04) surveillance and leisurely brewed myself (00:11:06) a cup of ginger tea, then sliced a piece (00:11:08) of freshly baked whole wheat bread. The (00:11:09) aroma of tea and wheat lingered in my (00:11:11) miniature world. Outside the window, my (00:11:13) small farm was lush and green with a few (00:11:15) newly hatched quails pecking cheerfully, (00:11:17) full of vitality. Jang X I N. You think (00:11:21) you're the savior, but little do you (00:11:22) know that in their eyes you're just a (00:11:24) disposable tool? How does this taste of (00:11:26) abandonment feel? Is it more painful (00:11:28) than when you pushed me off the highrise (00:11:29) in our past life? My tranquility and (00:11:32) your despair make for the best contrast. (00:11:34) This sense of vengeful satisfaction is (00:11:35) far more fulfilling than I ever (00:11:37) imagined. 06 The torrential rain (00:11:39) continued relentlessly, shrouding the (00:11:41) city in a gray mist of water, as if it (00:11:43) were an isolated island. The Lu family's (00:11:46) front door slammed shut mercilessly in (00:11:48) front of Jang Xian. Icy rain washing (00:11:50) over her disheveled face. She collapsed (00:11:52) outside the Lu residence, letting the (00:11:54) downpour soak her to the bone. Her voice (00:11:56) as she cried out the promises they once (00:11:58) made. Brother Lou, come back. You can't (00:12:00) do this to me. You promise me from (00:12:02) inside. The scornful voice of Mrs. Lu (00:12:04) rang out. Get lost, you shameless (00:12:06) wretch. Don't come humiliating yourself (00:12:08) at our doorstep again. The cries (00:12:11) gradually faded away. Jang Xen staggered (00:12:14) to her feet, wanting to return to her (00:12:15) room, only to find the door wide open. (00:12:17) Everything inside had long been cleared (00:12:19) out by the Lou family. She was utterly (00:12:21) homeless, in despair. She pulled out her (00:12:24) phone. In my secret room, warm and dry, (00:12:26) raindrops tapped rhythmically against (00:12:28) the specially treated glass. I was (00:12:30) leisurely watching a movie when my phone (00:12:31) screen suddenly lit up, displaying two (00:12:34) flashing characters. Jang Xin, finally (00:12:36) remembered your older sister. Too bad (00:12:39) it's too late now. I didn't answer, (00:12:41) letting it ring until it hung up (00:12:42) automatically. I stared at the name on (00:12:44) the phone screen and whispered to (00:12:45) myself, "The real show has just begun." (00:12:48) in my phone's notes. I quietly recorded (00:12:51) the first time Jang Xen called and (00:12:53) labeled it the first cry for help. Jang (00:12:55) Xen, you're finally tasting what it's (00:12:56) like to be homeless. In our past life, (00:12:58) you pushed me off that high-rise. Didn't (00:13:00) I end up homeless, too? The kinship you (00:13:02) thought you had was just leverage for (00:13:04) your schemes. Now that your chips are (00:13:05) spent, where will you go? My vigilance (00:13:07) stems from the selfishness ingrained in (00:13:09) your bones this time. I won't give you (00:13:11) any more chances. 07. (00:13:14) The phone rang persistently once again. (00:13:16) Finally, in between pollinating the (00:13:18) tomatoes, I leisurely answered the call, (00:13:20) holding the phone in one hand. I gently (00:13:22) dabbed a cotton swab dipped in pollen (00:13:24) onto the tiny pistol with the other. (00:13:26) Fingertips tingling with the delicate (00:13:27) texture of the pollen. Jang Xian's (00:13:29) desperate sobs immediately came through (00:13:31) the phone. Sis, you can you come get me, (00:13:33) please. I'm so cold. I'm so hungry. (00:13:36) Looming and the others kicked me out so (00:13:38) I really can't hold on much longer. I (00:13:41) listened calmly, feeling utterly (00:13:43) indifferent, and responded with a cold, (00:13:45) "Oh, really? So, what do you plan to (00:13:47) do?" I deliberately moved my phone (00:13:49) closer to the chicks pecking at corn (00:13:50) kernels. Their leisurely clucking and (00:13:52) crisp pecking sounds were clearly (00:13:54) transmitted through the receiver. The (00:13:55) crying on the other end of the line (00:13:56) abruptly stopped. "You, why are there (00:13:58) chicken sounds there? Are you still (00:14:00) eating? You weren't trapped at all, were (00:14:02) you? You selfish woman. Jang Xian<unk>s (00:14:05) voice instantly rose, filled with anger (00:14:07) and jealousy. I casually plepped a piece (00:14:09) of corn leaf and chewed it in my mouth, (00:14:11) the sweet juice bursting open on my (00:14:13) tongue. Of course, I'm fine. I'm doing (00:14:15) great. I deliberately made satisfied (00:14:17) chewing sounds. What about you? Don't (00:14:19) you have an amplification system? How (00:14:21) come you're still starving? You are you (00:14:22) mocking me? I have no food left. Are you (00:14:25) just going to watch me starve to death? (00:14:27) I'm your sister. She began guilt (00:14:29) tripping me. sister. My tone suddenly (00:14:32) turned icy when you pushed me off that (00:14:33) high-rise in our past life. You (00:14:35) certainly didn't treat me as one. A (00:14:37) short gasp came from the other end of (00:14:38) the phone, as if my words had choked (00:14:40) her. I didn't give her another chance to (00:14:42) speak and decisively hung up, switching (00:14:44) to the surveillance feed. Sure enough, (00:14:46) Jang Xen was angrily smashing her phone (00:14:48) on the ground, the screen shattering (00:14:50) instantly. A mocking smile curled at the (00:14:52) corner of my lips as I gently stroked (00:14:54) the thriving vegetables in the farm. (00:14:56) Jang Xen, did you think a few tearful (00:14:58) words would soften my heart? Have you (00:15:00) forgotten how I died in my past life? My (00:15:02) peace is your best punishment. The more (00:15:03) desperate you are, the calmer I feel. (00:15:06) 08. After my provocation, Jang Xen (00:15:09) completely lost her mind. She used a (00:15:11) spare key to open my bedroom door and (00:15:12) began wreaking havoc. I lounged (00:15:14) leisurely on the mini sofa. Munching on (00:15:17) chips while enjoying her performance (00:15:19) through the surveillance feed. The chips (00:15:20) crunched loudly in my mouth and fresh (00:15:22) strawberries picked from the mini fruit (00:15:24) tree sat on the coffee table. The (00:15:26) bedroom was in complete disarray. (00:15:27) Furniture smashed to pieces. My once (00:15:29) favorite vase shattered across the (00:15:30) floor, the air thick with dust and the (00:15:32) stale scent of broken belongings. (00:15:34) Linuan, you [ __ ] Why didn't you save (00:15:36) me? Damn you, she screamed hysterically, (00:15:38) her voice. Smash away. They're just (00:15:41) worldly possessions anyway. Right now, (00:15:44) you can't even fill your stomach. A few (00:15:45) days later, Jang Xian in the (00:15:47) surveillance footage was emaciated from (00:15:49) hunger. Her gaze vacant, drifting (00:15:51) through the room like a wandering ghost. (00:15:53) Finally, hunger overcame her last shred (00:15:55) of rationality. On a night when the (00:15:56) rainies slightly, she stealthily crept (00:15:58) to the Lou family's doorstep, taking (00:16:00) advantage of their deep slumber. She (00:16:02) pried open the lock, slipped inside, and (00:16:05) stole the last bit of food they had (00:16:07) left. Witnessing the scene, I couldn't (00:16:09) help but laugh out loud. See, this is (00:16:11) human nature in the apocalypse. People (00:16:13) will do anything to survive. Jang Xen, (00:16:15) you're no different. I crunched on (00:16:17) potato chips, commenting nonchalantly. I (00:16:19) leaned back on the sofa, laughing so (00:16:21) hard my shoulders shook. What a (00:16:23) delightful spectacle of doggy dog. Truly (00:16:25) hilarious. It nearly killed me with (00:16:27) laughter. Jang X I N. Do you really (00:16:30) think venting your anger will solve (00:16:32) anything? Hunger will strip away all (00:16:33) your dignity and reason. By stealing (00:16:35) from the Lu family, you've just handed (00:16:37) them another reason to retaliate. All I (00:16:39) need to do is sit back and watch the (00:16:40) tigers fight. I made sure to capture (00:16:42) several key moments of Jang Xian's theft (00:16:44) and saved them. This grand performance (00:16:46) shouldn't go without an audience. 09. (00:16:49) The Lu family naturally suspected Jang (00:16:51) Xen when they discovered their food had (00:16:53) been stolen. (00:16:55) Early the next morning, Luming and his (00:16:57) family of three blocked my doorstep, (00:16:58) kicking and cursing at the heavy (00:17:00) security door, their vulgar insults (00:17:02) echoing endlessly, I sat by the window (00:17:04) of my miniature world, gently fanning (00:17:06) myself with a small hand fan, watching (00:17:08) the study drizzle outside, the air was (00:17:10) fresh, and my mood was serene. The (00:17:12) sounds from the surveillance were merely (00:17:13) background music to enhance the moment. (00:17:15) Jang Xian, you wretched woman, how dare (00:17:18) you steal from us. Open this door. I (00:17:21) swear I won't rest until I beat you to (00:17:22) death today. Old Mrs. L's horse screams (00:17:25) were filled with venomous hatred. Jang (00:17:27) Xen hid behind the door, trembling (00:17:29) uncontrollably, not daring to make a (00:17:31) sound. After cursing for a while, Luming (00:17:33) suddenly changed his tone, becoming (00:17:35) gentle and coaxing. Jedja, stop making a (00:17:37) scene. I know you're hurting inside. I (00:17:39) was wrong. I shouldn't have abandoned (00:17:41) you. Could you open the door? Let's talk (00:17:43) properly. Let's start over. Behind the (00:17:46) door, Jan Xi invisibly wavered on the (00:17:49) surveillance feed. I could see a glimmer (00:17:51) of hope and an irreressible smile (00:17:52) flicker across her face. "Brother Lou, (00:17:54) do you do you really still love me?" Her (00:17:56) voice was faint, tinged with foolish (00:17:58) anticipation, Lou's father urged, (00:18:00) looming in a low voice beside him. (00:18:01) "Hurry up and coax her out. That [ __ ] (00:18:03) has stolen all our family savings." Jang (00:18:05) Xen, "You've truly forgotten the pain (00:18:07) once the wound healed." Facing the (00:18:09) surveillance camera, I murmured (00:18:11) mockingly. "Looming is a man who devours (00:18:14) people without spitting out the bones, (00:18:16) and you actually believe him. Her love (00:18:18) struck mind is the deadliest weapon in (00:18:19) the apocalypse. A few sweet words from (00:18:21) Luming are enough to make her forget all (00:18:23) the harm. I watched on the monitor as (00:18:25) Jang Xian<unk>s hand gripped the (00:18:26) doornob, her gaze unconsciously drifting (00:18:28) to the corner of Looming<unk>s sleeve (00:18:30) visible through the door crack. Her face (00:18:32) filled with lovesick infatuation. I only (00:18:34) need to wait quietly, watching how you (00:18:36) plunge into the abyss once more. The (00:18:38) thrill of predicting everything is truly (00:18:40) intoxicating. 10. The door opened the (00:18:42) moment Jang Xen peaked out with a shy (00:18:44) smile. Looming<unk>s eyes turned icy as (00:18:46) he mercilessly struck her face with a (00:18:48) brutal elbow strike. You idiot. Did you (00:18:50) really think I'd get back with you, (00:18:52) [ __ ] Jang Xen let out a scream as she (00:18:54) was knocked to the ground. The Lu family (00:18:57) immediately swarmed in swiftly snatching (00:18:59) back all the food she had stolen. Before (00:19:01) leaving, old man Lu viciously kicked (00:19:03) Jang Xen in the stomach, cursing (00:19:05) venomously. P shameless [ __ ] How dare (00:19:07) you think you could marry my son? Don, (00:19:10) who'd have thought a young girl like you (00:19:11) could be so wicked, stealing from me? (00:19:13) Madame Louu even spat on her. Serves you (00:19:15) right. A [ __ ] like you deserves to (00:19:16) starve. Jang Xen lay sprawled on the (00:19:19) cold ground. Rainwater mingling with her (00:19:22) tears and the blood from the corner of (00:19:23) her mouth washing over her disheveled (00:19:25) face. Her body trembled uncontrollably (00:19:27) from the excruciating pain. Her voice (00:19:29) was faint, filled with despair. I I'm in (00:19:31) so much pain. That was my food to begin (00:19:33) with. Watching her pitiful state on the (00:19:35) surveillance screen. I felt nothing (00:19:37) inside. I turned and walked into my mini (00:19:39) kitchen. on the dining table. A steaming (00:19:41) hot pot bubbled enticingly, its aroma (00:19:44) filling the air. I picked up a slice of (00:19:46) fatty beef, swished it briefly in the (00:19:48) boiling broth, and placed it in my (00:19:50) mouth, savoring the rich flavor of the (00:19:52) meat. Jang Xian, the price of your (00:19:54) betrayal in our past life is now (00:19:55) perfectly reflected in this humiliation (00:19:57) and despair. I stared at the (00:19:59) surveillance screen, my voice eerily (00:20:00) calm. This is only the beginning. After (00:20:02) finishing the hot pot, I walked into the (00:20:04) farm and plucked a few ripe beers of (00:20:06) corn. The hot pot was delicious and it's (00:20:08) time to harvest this corn. I murmured to (00:20:11) myself unconsciously humming the nursery (00:20:13) Ram Jang Xen loved most in my past life. (00:20:16) My voice was soft yet carried a hint of (00:20:18) imperceptible coldness. Your despair is (00:20:20) my feast. 11. Time flies. It's already (00:20:23) the third year of the apocalypse. The (00:20:25) world outside has long been (00:20:26) unrecognizable. The neighborhood is in (00:20:28) complete disarray. Corpses strewn (00:20:30) everywhere. The air thick with the (00:20:31) stench of decay and despair. Yet in my (00:20:34) miniature world, sunlight still streams (00:20:36) through specially designed windows, (00:20:38) warming my face with its gentle comfort. (00:20:40) I leisurely trim a thriving potted (00:20:42) plant. The air filled with a fresh (00:20:43) fragrance of flowers and greenery. (00:20:45) Occasionally, I check the surveillance (00:20:47) feed to see what's happening outside. (00:20:49) Jang Xian is still alive, but no longer (00:20:51) resembles a human. Emaciated, she lies (00:20:53) at my doorstep, her gaze vacant, her (00:20:56) clothes tattered, and her exposed skin (00:20:58) covered in bruises. Her once broad (00:21:01) amplification system has become her (00:21:02) greatest curse. Any passing survivor who (00:21:04) discovers her forces her to use the (00:21:06) system to enlarge their meager scraps of (00:21:08) food. Hey you [ __ ] hurry up and (00:21:10) amplify this pack of instant noodles for (00:21:11) me or I'll kill you. A man kicks Jang (00:21:14) Xian viciously. Jang Xian<unk>s voice (00:21:16) was weak, pleading tearfully. I I really (00:21:19) don't have any strength left. The (00:21:20) amplification system can only be used (00:21:22) once a day. Enough nonsense. (00:21:25) Another passerby slapped her directly. I (00:21:28) don't care if you're out of strength. (00:21:29) Hurry up or I'll starve you to death (00:21:31) today. Under violent coercion, Jang Xen (00:21:34) had no choice but to push herself beyond (00:21:36) her limits again and again, enduring (00:21:38) both physical and mental torment, (00:21:39) teetering on the brink of death. Jang (00:21:41) Xen, this is what you wanted. You've (00:21:43) become someone else's tool, stripped of (00:21:45) even a shred of dignity. I watched all (00:21:47) of this indifferently. (00:21:50) As if observing a silent play that had (00:21:51) nothing to do with me, I snipped off a (00:21:53) withered flower, crushed it gently (00:21:55) between my fingertips, and let the (00:21:57) petals scatter with the wind. Just like (00:21:58) her life, soon to fade away. Your life (00:22:01) has reached its end. My calmness is the (00:22:02) best farewell. 12. The retribution of (00:22:05) the Lu family has finally arrived. They (00:22:07) thrived on the apocalypse fortune Jang (00:22:09) Xen provided, living more comfortably (00:22:11) than anyone else in the early stages, (00:22:14) which also earned them the resentment of (00:22:16) everyone in the neighborhood. When (00:22:17) everyone began running out of food, (00:22:19) someone shouted in the residents group (00:22:21) chat. The Lou family still has plenty of (00:22:23) food, instantly igniting the fury of the (00:22:25) entire crowd, I sipped on a glass of (00:22:27) chilled watermelon juice, watching the (00:22:29) spectacle unfold with great interest (00:22:31) through the surveillance feed. The (00:22:32) entrance to the Lou family's home was (00:22:34) completely surrounded by furious (00:22:36) residents. The noise of curses and (00:22:38) pounding on the door was deafening while (00:22:40) the air was thick with dust and the (00:22:42) scent of gunpowder. Lou family, you (00:22:43) blood suckers. You made your fortune off (00:22:45) Jang Xen and now you won't even spare us (00:22:47) a bite to eat. Open the door. Hand over (00:22:49) the food. A man brandished an iron rod (00:22:51) and roared furiously. Mrs. Lu shrieked (00:22:54) through the crack in the door. Get lost. (00:22:56) We have no food here. You low lives. (00:22:58) Don't even think about stealing from us. (00:23:01) Her stubbornness completely enraged the (00:23:03) crowd. Today, I'll make you taste what (00:23:05) it's like to starve. Smash their house. (00:23:07) With the combined efforts of the crowd, (00:23:08) the once sturdy gate was forcibly (00:23:10) smashed open. The furious mob surged in, (00:23:12) looting the Lou family's home clean. The (00:23:14) Lu family members were squeezed into a (00:23:16) corner, staring at the empty storage (00:23:18) room, sitting on the ground and wailing (00:23:20) miserably. "Stop! Don't take our things! (00:23:22) Sob!" Looming<unk>s desperate cries were (00:23:24) drowned out by the clamor of the crowd, (00:23:26) watching their miserable state on the (00:23:28) surveillance footage. I curled my lips (00:23:29) into a mocking smile and drained the (00:23:31) last sip of juice from my glass. "Look, (00:23:33) this is the price of greed," I murmured (00:23:35) mockingly. The Lu family Yu Jang Xen (00:23:38) humiliated her and now everyone has come (00:23:40) to collect their debts. Good and evil (00:23:42) will be repaid. The heavens justice (00:23:43) spins full circle. I placed the cup on (00:23:46) an old newspaper. (00:23:48) Its headline glaring with news from (00:23:49) years past. L Corporation implicated in (00:23:52) corruption scandal. Your misdeeds have (00:23:54) finally been settled. I am merely a calm (00:23:56) observer witnessing this apocalyptic (00:23:57) judgment. 13. A few more days passed and (00:24:00) my phone rang again. Jang Xian's name (00:24:02) flashing on the screen. I guess this is (00:24:04) probably the last phone call, I (00:24:06) answered. And from the other end came (00:24:07) Jang Xian<unk>s horse, feeble voice (00:24:10) filled with endless despair and (00:24:11) pleading. Sister, I'm starving. The Lou (00:24:14) family. The Lou family was robbed. They (00:24:17) They're all dead. I'm in so much pain. (00:24:19) Please come save me. I listened calmly, (00:24:22) walking over to my mini farm. The last (00:24:23) batch of tomatoes had ripened, bright (00:24:25) red, and exuding the fresh fragrance of (00:24:27) harvest. Do you remember pushing me off (00:24:29) the building in our past life? My voice (00:24:31) was calm, devoid of any warmth. You (00:24:33) called me selfish. Now, have you tasted (00:24:35) the bitterness of selfishness? I paused, (00:24:37) then spoke word by word. This is your (00:24:40) retribution. A sharp short gasp came (00:24:43) through the phone as if someone had (00:24:45) their throat squeezed, followed by weak (00:24:46) panting and fragmented murmurss. No, no, (00:24:49) sister. I was wrong. I was truly wrong. (00:24:51) Your mistakes are yours to bear. My (00:24:53) redemption belongs to me alone. I gave (00:24:55) her no chance to speak further and hung (00:24:57) up directly. I gently plucked a tomato (00:24:59) and placed it in my mouth. It's sweet (00:25:01) and tangy juice bursting open on my (00:25:02) tongue. Jang Xen, this is our final (00:25:05) conversation. (00:25:07) I tell you the truth with my own lips (00:25:08) and witness your end with my own eyes. (00:25:10) The obsession from my past life is now (00:25:12) completely severed. I lightly touch the (00:25:14) long- faded scar on my wrist, a mark (00:25:16) left from my fall in my past life. No, I (00:25:18) no longer feel even a trace of pain. My (00:25:20) heart has never been so calm and free. I (00:25:22) started the system and restored the (00:25:24) entire secret room to its original (00:25:26) state. 14. A strange stretching (00:25:28) sensation came over me, and I felt my (00:25:30) body being enlarged when everything (00:25:32) stopped. I found myself standing in my (00:25:35) familiar bedroom. The shrinking system (00:25:36) had failed. The walls were still the (00:25:38) same walls, as if that intricate (00:25:40) miniature world had been just a dream. (00:25:41) Outside the window, a golden ray of (00:25:43) sunlight finally pierced through the (00:25:45) thick dark clouds, casting its glow upon (00:25:47) the earth. The air carried the freshness (00:25:49) of rain soaked soil and the fragrance of (00:25:50) reborn plants. I walked to the window, (00:25:52) feeling the warmth of the sunlight on my (00:25:54) face and the tangible weight of my body. (00:25:57) I am back. The apocalypse is finally (00:26:00) over, I murmured to myself, my voice (00:26:02) trembling faintly, almost imperceptibly (00:26:04) in the distance, the sounds of people (00:26:06) cheering in celebration of surviving the (00:26:08) disaster could be heard. Facing the (00:26:10) sunlight outside the window, I took a (00:26:12) deep breath and then shouted with all my (00:26:13) might. This time, I finally survived. No (00:26:16) longer the sister who was exploited. I (00:26:18) am the sole survivor in this (00:26:19) post-apocalyptic world and also the one (00:26:22) who has realized my own selfworth. The (00:26:25) failure of the shrinking system (00:26:26) symbolizes that I no longer need any (00:26:28) external assistance. I survived by (00:26:30) relying on my own wisdom and (00:26:31) determination. I have completely (00:26:33) reconciled with my past self. All (00:26:35) shadows have dissipated. The world (00:26:36) before me is brand new. My future is (00:26:38) filled with endless possibilities. I (00:26:40) gently push open the bedroom door, (00:26:42) sunlight bathing my entire body. My gaze (00:26:44) is firm and full of strength as I take (00:26:46) my first step toward the fresh new world (00:26:48) outside. I am completely free now. (00:26:51) Linuan, you deserve all of this. Here is (00:26:53) the second article. The global heat wave (00:26:55) has killed many people. My family (00:26:57) narrowly escaped disaster by taking (00:26:59) precautions early. We also helped out my (00:27:01) aunt's family who were in trouble. But (00:27:03) once they arrived, they not only took (00:27:05) over the entire house, they swaggered (00:27:07) around enjoying the supplies we had (00:27:08) stockpiled. They designed to trap me and (00:27:10) my parents on the scorching balcony, (00:27:12) gleefully watching us roast to death. (00:27:15) They peeled off our skin and bones to (00:27:16) use as chew toys for dogs and treated (00:27:18) the flesh from our bodies as fresh (00:27:20) supplies. When I opened my eyes again, I (00:27:22) had returned to the day I sought help at (00:27:24) my aunt's house. This time it's their (00:27:26) turn to experience what it feels like to (00:27:27) be roasted. No, please, I beg you. (00:27:30) Don't, I screamed in terror, trying (00:27:32) desperately to stop all this on the (00:27:34) scorching balcony under the blazing sun. (00:27:36) Not to mention the global temperatures (00:27:38) now exceeding 50° C. (00:27:41) I trembled as I watched our family (00:27:43) slowly being scorched by the extreme (00:27:44) heat on the balcony. My parents, who (00:27:46) held high positions in the (00:27:48) meteorological bureau, had long received (00:27:50) news of the impending apocalypse. They (00:27:52) kindly called to inform our relatives, (00:27:54) only to end up inviting wolves into our (00:27:56) home. They didn't believe it, and when (00:27:57) the apocalypse truly arrived, they came (00:27:59) begging for our help. But the moment (00:28:01) they arrived, they didn't just take over (00:28:03) the entire house. (00:28:05) They also shamelessly enjoyed the (00:28:07) supplies we had stockpiled. Inside the (00:28:09) balcony, my aunt's family was lounging (00:28:10) with the air conditioning on, legs (00:28:12) crossed, watching TV while our sweat (00:28:14) dripped like raindrops from our (00:28:16) foreheads, our bodies slowly (00:28:17) dehydrating, our skin beginning to (00:28:19) crack. Until the moment I lost (00:28:20) consciousness, I swore that if there (00:28:22) were an afterlife, I would repay it a (00:28:23) thousandfold. I suddenly opened my eyes, (00:28:26) sat up, drenched in cold sweat, and (00:28:28) found myself lying on a soft bed, (00:28:31) staring at the familiar surroundings, my (00:28:33) pupils dilated as I froze in shock. I (00:28:35) hurriedly grabbed my phone, tapped open (00:28:37) the news, and saw the warning (00:28:39) notification. Recent heat waves have (00:28:41) swept across the globe with frequent (00:28:42) cases of heat stroke. Please minimize (00:28:44) outdoor activities. At first, no one (00:28:47) paid attention to this disaster. It (00:28:49) began with weeks of abnormally high (00:28:50) temperatures exceeding 50° C at their (00:28:53) peak. What was thought to be just an (00:28:56) ordinary heatwave turned out to be (00:28:57) merely the beginning of the apocalypse. (00:28:59) Before long, rivers dried up, farmlands (00:29:02) became barren, and shortages of food and (00:29:04) fresh water began. The true apocalypse (00:29:06) has arrived. For the last remaining (00:29:08) resources, people began killing each (00:29:10) other, fighting endlessly, and even the (00:29:12) horrific tragedy of cannibalism emerged. (00:29:14) May 28th, 3024. I murmured softly. my (00:29:18) voice trembling involuntarily. I did I (00:29:21) go back to the past this time? I'll (00:29:23) protect mom and dad and make sure our (00:29:25) family doesn't meet that tragic end (00:29:27) again. A glint of determination flashed (00:29:29) in my eyes without even bothering to put (00:29:31) on shoes. I rushed downstairs in a (00:29:33) hurry. Dad, mom. Before I could even cry (00:29:35) out, I saw my parents sitting solemnly (00:29:37) on the sofa making a phone call. My (00:29:39) father frowned deeply while my mother (00:29:41) wore an expression of anxiety. They (00:29:43) gestured for me to wait before speaking. (00:29:45) I stared intently at their phone. It was (00:29:47) this very call in my past life that led (00:29:49) our family to that fateful outcome. Is (00:29:51) there really no way to stop it in this (00:29:53) lifetime? At this moment, I took action. (00:29:55) I stroed forward, snatched my parents' (00:29:57) phones from their hands, and smashed (00:29:59) them violently onto the ground. I looked (00:30:01) up firmly at my stunned parents. I know (00:30:03) you must have a lot of questions, but (00:30:04) all I can say is you have to trust me. (00:30:06) What I'm about to tell you might sound a (00:30:08) little unbelievable. (00:30:10) I flusteredly began to explain. (00:30:12) Suddenly, my parents burst into (00:30:14) laughter. They stood up and hugged me (00:30:16) tightly together. How wonderful. Our (00:30:18) family is reunited again. Suddenly, my (00:30:20) blood ran cold and my heart pounded (00:30:22) wildly. Do you also remember your (00:30:24) previous life? I said trembling, seeing (00:30:26) my parents nod. At that moment, I could (00:30:28) no longer pretend to be strong and tears (00:30:30) streamed down my face. I threw myself (00:30:32) into my parents' arms and cried like a (00:30:34) child. Now is not the time to cry. I've (00:30:37) already called your aunts family as (00:30:39) usual. In this lifetime, we won't just (00:30:41) make them die. We'll make them taste our (00:30:43) suffering," my father said through (00:30:44) gritted teeth. While my mother stroked (00:30:46) my head as if to comfort me. At that (00:30:48) moment, a sudden golden light flashed (00:30:49) before my eyes. Rubbing them, I realized (00:30:52) I could see the same number hovering (00:30:53) above both my father's and my mother's (00:30:55) heads. (00:30:56) 288 hours, 12 days later, calculated (00:30:59) precisely as the day in our previous (00:31:01) life when we were driven onto the (00:31:02) balcony after the nest was breached. (00:31:04) Could I really see everyone's lifespan? (00:31:06) I suppressed my inner excitement. With (00:31:08) this supernatural ability, I could (00:31:10) foresee events and better protect my (00:31:12) family's lives. But for now, our (00:31:14) priority is figuring out how to survive (00:31:16) the scorching apocalypse looming just (00:31:18) over 10 days away. Money isn't an issue (00:31:20) right now. Both my parents are (00:31:22) high-ranking officials at the (00:31:23) Meteorological Bureau, so we're (00:31:25) naturally not short on funds. But when (00:31:27) the apocalypse comes, global supplies (00:31:29) will be scarce and money will be nothing (00:31:31) more than worthless paper. First, we (00:31:33) need to choose a suitable location and (00:31:35) quickly build our own apocalypse proof (00:31:36) safe house as a survival shelter. The (00:31:38) villa area we currently live in has too (00:31:40) many people and my uncle's whole family (00:31:42) knows our address. There are just too (00:31:44) many uncertainties. (00:31:46) The hardest thing to predict in the (00:31:48) apocalypse is human nature. In the face (00:31:50) of disaster, all human nature becomes (00:31:52) fragile and vulnerable. After all, in (00:31:54) our previous life, our entire family (00:31:56) didn't die from the extreme heat or (00:31:57) starvation, but perished at the hands of (00:31:59) my aunt's family because of our (00:32:01) kindness. After careful consideration, (00:32:03) we chose a warehouse on the outskirts of (00:32:05) the city as the location for our safe (00:32:07) house. This warehouse is located in a (00:32:09) remote area far from residential zones. (00:32:12) Surrounded by mountains and its terrain (00:32:14) helps to some extent in lowering (00:32:16) temperatures, the warehouse comes with (00:32:18) an underground garage. Although the (00:32:20) temperature above ground reaches 50°, (00:32:22) the basement stays around 20°, making it (00:32:24) a natural large refrigerator, perfect (00:32:26) for storing the food we purchase. (00:32:28) Overall, I am very satisfied with this (00:32:30) location. I immediately called the (00:32:32) landlord who seemed quite surprised. (00:32:35) Unable to understand why anyone would (00:32:36) want to rent a warehouse for business in (00:32:38) such scorching weather. I withdrew cash (00:32:40) directly from my card and paid it over (00:32:42) along with the deposit. The landlord on (00:32:44) the phone burst into laughter, afraid I (00:32:45) might change my mind and quickly tossed (00:32:47) me the keys. Then I contacted a top tier (00:32:49) renovation company paying extra for (00:32:51) expedited service to build me a blast (00:32:53) proof, break-in proof, (00:32:55) temperatureinssulated and climate (00:32:57) controlled room. We replaced the (00:32:59) warehouse door with a bank grade vault (00:33:01) lock to ensure it was sturdy enough. (00:33:02) Additionally, we have equipped the (00:33:04) warehouse with an independent freshwater (00:33:06) filtration system and power supply (00:33:07) system. Since there is a natural stream (00:33:09) just a few hundred meters behind the (00:33:11) warehouse, this ensures our drinking (00:33:13) water needs are met. However, if (00:33:14) doomsday truly arrives and the global (00:33:16) power grid collapses, we have installed (00:33:18) a large number of solar panels on the (00:33:20) roof as a precautionary measure. We have (00:33:23) also designed the highest level of (00:33:25) defense system for the shelter. Outside (00:33:27) the warehouse, we have built a high wall (00:33:29) connected to an electric grid. Anyone (00:33:30) who dares to break in will receive an (00:33:32) electric shock. We must do this. We have (00:33:34) no choice but to be cautious because if (00:33:36) anyone breaks in, all our supplies will (00:33:38) be stolen. Inside the compound, we've (00:33:40) also hidden many traps, all to protect (00:33:42) our family's lives. Beyond that, my dad (00:33:46) leveraged his connections at the (00:33:47) Meteorological Bureau to obtain weapons (00:33:49) like guns, telescopes, axes, and more to (00:33:52) make it easier to monitor the situation (00:33:54) outside. I also bought several drones. (00:33:56) In the apocalypse, weapons are certainly (00:33:58) important, but supplies are equally (00:34:00) crucial. My mother is responsible for (00:34:02) procurement in this area. She made a (00:34:04) list of foods that can be stored (00:34:05) long-term because under high (00:34:07) temperatures, fresh vegetables and (00:34:09) fruits will be difficult to preserve. (00:34:11) She directly bought hundreds of boxes of (00:34:13) military compressed biscuits along with (00:34:15) some high energy chocolate bars, instant (00:34:17) noodles, snail rice noodles, (00:34:19) self-heating hot pots, various canned (00:34:21) goods, and so on. Although the natural (00:34:23) temperature in the basement is (00:34:25) relatively lower compared to other (00:34:26) areas, it's still not ideal for food (00:34:28) storage. So, we bought five large (00:34:30) refrigerators and placed them in the (00:34:31) basement. In addition, we purchased a (00:34:33) large quantity of fresh meat and (00:34:35) vegetables. (00:34:37) filling the refrigerators to the brim. (00:34:38) In the afternoon, I went to the local (00:34:40) seed market and bought over a dozen (00:34:42) sacks of seeds, mainly vegetable seeds. (00:34:44) If we want to have fresh vegetables for (00:34:46) a long time after the apocalypse, (00:34:48) self-sufficiency is essential. Finally, (00:34:50) there's the water issue. Relying solely (00:34:52) on filtering water from the small river (00:34:54) behind the warehouse is far from (00:34:55) sufficient under high temperatures. The (00:34:58) river is highly likely to dry up. To (00:35:00) address this, we've purchased over a (00:35:03) dozen truckloads of bottled water (00:35:04) wholesale. Even if the riverbed (00:35:06) completely dries up, we won't face a (00:35:08) water shortage. As we gradually gather (00:35:10) supplies and build the shelter, I (00:35:11) discovered that the numbers above most (00:35:13) people's heads rarely exceeded 60 days. (00:35:15) But I didn't tell them. In the face of (00:35:17) apocalypse, everyone becomes selfish. I (00:35:19) can only promise not to harm others. But (00:35:22) I can't guarantee that after sharing (00:35:23) this information, they won't harbor ill (00:35:25) intentions toward me. We learned enough (00:35:28) lessons in our past life. This time, I (00:35:30) just want to safely protect my family's (00:35:32) peace. and I was amazed to discover that (00:35:34) the numbers above my parents' heads were (00:35:36) growing longer over time, now reaching (00:35:38) 360 hours, that is 15 days. Lost in (00:35:41) thought, I stared at the number. It (00:35:43) likely meant that in 15 days, we would (00:35:45) face danger again. What kind of danger (00:35:47) could it be? After finishing all this, (00:35:49) we naturally didn't forget about the (00:35:51) uncle and aunt who would be visiting in (00:35:52) a few days. Of course, we must give them (00:35:55) a proper welcome. We specially purchased (00:35:58) some supplies so they could eat and (00:35:59) drink well when they moved in. (00:36:00) Naturally, we also provided them with a (00:36:02) unique heating system. Who wouldn't want (00:36:04) to enjoy some warm air during the (00:36:05) scorching summer, my parents and I (00:36:07) prepared around the clock. And now, as (00:36:09) we finally lie in our exclusive doomsday (00:36:11) shelter, nothing else matters as (00:36:13) expected. Soon enough, the scorching (00:36:16) apocalypse swept across the globe. When (00:36:19) temperatures below 50° became a luxury, (00:36:21) river beds dried up, and farmlands (00:36:23) yielded no harvest, people finally (00:36:25) realized the disaster had truly arrived. (00:36:27) At this moment, everything in the (00:36:29) supermarket had been looted clean, and (00:36:31) no one came to restock. I leaned back on (00:36:33) the soft sofa, enjoying the cool breeze (00:36:35) from the air conditioner, closing my (00:36:37) eyes. Those painful memories flashed (00:36:39) through my mind like a revolving (00:36:40) lantern. As long as our family stays (00:36:42) together, there's no difficulty we can't (00:36:45) overcome. At that moment, my mother (00:36:47) gently held my hand, pulling me back (00:36:49) from my memories to reality. I took a (00:36:51) deep breath and gradually relaxed my (00:36:53) tense body. Mother was right. The most (00:36:55) important thing now is that the three of (00:36:56) us had a safe shelter and didn't have to (00:36:58) run around for food and warmth. No (00:37:00) matter what happens outside the door, as (00:37:02) long as we're together, there's nothing (00:37:04) we can't solve. I opened my eyes and (00:37:06) looked at the remote control my father (00:37:08) handed me, switching to the surveillance (00:37:10) channel, watching the surveillance (00:37:11) footage displayed on the TV. Uncle and (00:37:13) aunt's family were pacing at our (00:37:15) doorstep with large and small bags in (00:37:17) their hands, their faces as familiar as (00:37:19) if we' just seen them yesterday. Same. (00:37:21) However, when I saw them, I didn't feel (00:37:23) the slightest warmth of kinship. (00:37:24) Instead, an uncontrollable rage and (00:37:26) hatred surged in my heart. Unlike my (00:37:29) previous life, my maternal grandparents (00:37:32) entire family had also come. I sneered (00:37:34) as I looked at the dense crowd gathered (00:37:35) outside my house. Not a single one of (00:37:37) these people was decent. They were all a (00:37:39) bunch of robbers. But what would it be (00:37:41) like for a gang of robbers to live (00:37:43) together? This really made me somewhat (00:37:44) curious. Before long, my parents' phone (00:37:47) started ringing. Good daughter, where (00:37:49) are you? opened the door quickly. We're (00:37:51) almost dying of heat. A shrill, loud (00:37:53) voice came through the phone, brimming (00:37:56) with unabashed selfishness. Yet they (00:37:57) never stopped to think whether their (00:37:59) daughter might starve with so many (00:38:00) people crowding into our home. Indeed, (00:38:02) these patriarchal figures never (00:38:04) considered my mother's feelings. They (00:38:06) only complained about why she hadn't (00:38:07) sent money home again. My mother managed (00:38:09) to get into high school through her own (00:38:11) efforts. But they even wanted to sell (00:38:13) her directly to an old man from the (00:38:15) neighboring village just to get money (00:38:16) for their precious son to marry and have (00:38:18) children. Thinking of all this, I (00:38:19) clenched my fists angrily. If given the (00:38:22) chance, I truly want to torture these (00:38:23) blood suckers to death. The hatred from (00:38:25) my past life remains vivid in my mind, (00:38:27) and the agonized faces of my entire (00:38:29) family before closing my eyes still (00:38:31) often appear before me. If it weren't (00:38:33) for them, how could my whole family have (00:38:35) died? You ungrateful brat. Now that (00:38:38) you've made it and have money, you think (00:38:39) you can ignore your parents and your (00:38:41) brother. We really raised you for (00:38:43) nothing. We should have just given you (00:38:44) to that old man. The phone call started (00:38:46) with humble pleading but quickly (00:38:47) escalated into impatient cursing. This (00:38:50) was their true nature all along. My (00:38:52) parents exchanged glances and (00:38:53) simultaneously hung up the phone. In (00:38:55) their previous life, they seized our (00:38:57) house and drove us onto the balcony. (00:39:00) Letting us slowly dehydrate under the (00:39:02) scorching heat until our skin began to (00:39:04) crack open and ultimately roasted alive. (00:39:06) They never once invoked the bonds of (00:39:07) kinship, munching on snacks. I watched (00:39:09) their reactions with amusement. The (00:39:11) vampires realizing they'd been hung up (00:39:13) on. Immediately flew into a rage, their (00:39:15) faces flushing crimson. I couldn't help (00:39:17) but tease mockingly. Is that blush from (00:39:19) anger or heat? It's just too hilarious. (00:39:22) Uncle and grandpa were waving their arms (00:39:24) wildly, pounding on our front door like (00:39:26) madmen, screaming for us to open it. You (00:39:29) bunch of low lives, open the door. Our (00:39:31) whole family is about to die from the (00:39:32) heat. I watched as beads of sweat the (00:39:34) size of peas rolled down their (00:39:35) foreheads. Their breathing growing rapid (00:39:37) from dehydration and couldn't help but (00:39:39) feel a twinge of satisfaction. What (00:39:41) they're tasting now isn't even a tenth (00:39:43) of our suffering. How could we let those (00:39:44) bastards off so easily? A sharp glint (00:39:47) flashed through my eyes. The real show (00:39:49) is yet to come. Enjoy it slowly, (00:39:51) watching those people on the verge of (00:39:53) passing out. I leisurely pressed the (00:39:55) button in my hand. Whoosh! The door (00:39:56) swung open. Thinking we were afraid, (00:39:58) they swaggered into the house. You (00:40:00) worthless scum. Come out now. Hurry up (00:40:02) and greet us." Grandpa shouted (00:40:04) energetically at the door. Turns out (00:40:05) there wasn't a soul inside. So, I (00:40:07) continued watching like it was a show as (00:40:09) they slowly fell into the trap I (00:40:10) designed. Seeing that none of our family (00:40:12) was around, they started wandering about (00:40:15) on their own. And the interesting part (00:40:17) began. This house is so beautiful, so (00:40:19) spacious. We must find a good room for (00:40:21) my son's bedroom. Grandma and grandpa (00:40:23) wanted to stay in my parents' room, but (00:40:25) aunt and uncle insisted on having their (00:40:27) precious son stay in their own room. (00:40:28) They argued fiercely over this matter. (00:40:30) For a moment, the air was filled with (00:40:32) endless mutual insults. Indeed, it's (00:40:34) quite entertaining when selfish people (00:40:36) gathered together. I watched the (00:40:39) surveillance footage on TV with a (00:40:40) mocking gaze. Suddenly, at that very (00:40:42) moment, my cousin spotted the food we (00:40:44) had prepared. A loud shout from my (00:40:46) little cousin came from downstairs. (00:40:48) There's food here. Mom, Dad, come eat. A (00:40:50) shadow passed over Grandpa and uncle's (00:40:52) faces, revealing their utterly selfish (00:40:54) nature, but a stomach that has been (00:40:55) starving for too long outweighs (00:40:57) everything else. I watched everything on (00:40:58) the monitor with mockery. This was (00:41:00) merely an appetizer. (00:41:03) More punishment awaited them. It was (00:41:04) time for these people to taste the (00:41:06) suffering we once endured. Their (00:41:07) expressions changed the moment they (00:41:09) swallowed the food. Suddenly, the (00:41:11) situation spiraled out of control. (00:41:12) Watching the chaos unfold on the (00:41:14) monitor. I couldn't help but grin (00:41:16) triumphantly. My cousin was clutching (00:41:18) his stomach, his face deathly pale with (00:41:20) white foam bubbling from his mouth. He (00:41:22) gripped the tablecloth tightly with both (00:41:23) hands, writhing in agony and shouting. (00:41:27) "What kind of rotten food did you serve (00:41:28) us?" Then my aunt began coughing (00:41:30) violently, and horrifying streaks of (00:41:32) blood stained the tissue she held. (00:41:34) "There's a screw in my food," she (00:41:36) screamed in horror. "What kind of poison (00:41:38) have you people put in here? We're (00:41:39) family at this moment. Even her usually (00:41:41) doineering uncle could only stare (00:41:43) wideeyed and roar at thin air. Yes, this (00:41:45) was the grand feast I prepared to (00:41:47) welcome them. I truly scoff at their use (00:41:49) of the word family. The more I hear it, (00:41:52) the funnier it becomes. What should we (00:41:53) do, husband? Our son is in unbearable (00:41:56) pain. My aunt writhing in pain herself. (00:41:58) Clung tightly to her son. Suddenly, my (00:42:00) mother erupted into wild laughter. A (00:42:02) surge of vindication rising from deep (00:42:04) within her. Years of pentup emotions (00:42:06) released in that single moment. Thank (00:42:08) you, my dear daughter, for making me so (00:42:10) happy. Laughing and laughing. My mom (00:42:12) suddenly burst into uncontrollable (00:42:14) tears. Your mother fantasized for over a (00:42:16) decade. worked hard to get into (00:42:19) university and now I've achieved some (00:42:20) success. Yet I've never received my (00:42:22) parents' love, she said, choking up. (00:42:24) When I was little, they thought about (00:42:26) selling me to someone else. When I grew (00:42:28) up, they thought about taking our whole (00:42:30) family's lives. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. In (00:42:33) my past life, it was my cowardice and (00:42:35) ignorance that killed my husband and (00:42:36) son. My mother covered her head and wept (00:42:38) bitterly. Her body curled up on the (00:42:40) ground. My father and I exchanged (00:42:42) glances, (00:42:44) instantly understanding, and together we (00:42:46) stepped forward to embrace her tightly (00:42:47) in our arms. Don't talk nonsense. It's (00:42:49) all my fault for not protecting you and (00:42:51) our child. My father choked up as he (00:42:53) spoke, his eyes slightly moist. I had (00:42:55) never seen him lose his composure like (00:42:57) this. The only other time was that day (00:42:59) when my uncles heartlessly drove our (00:43:00) entire family onto that cramped balcony. (00:43:03) My father had never begged anyone in his (00:43:05) life. The only exception was when they (00:43:07) forced my mother and me onto the (00:43:09) balcony. (00:43:10) For the first time, I saw this towering, (00:43:13) formidable man kneel before his (00:43:14) relatives, bowing his head repeatedly, (00:43:16) pleading desperately for them to spare (00:43:18) my mother and me. Sadly, in the end, the (00:43:20) three of us still died together on that (00:43:22) scorching balcony, recalling that (00:43:24) nightmare-like scene. A shadow flickered (00:43:26) through my eyes. No, this isn't enough. (00:43:28) We must make them pay double. Let's add (00:43:30) some more seasoning for them at this (00:43:31) thought. A shadow flickered through my (00:43:33) eyes again. Still not enough. Not (00:43:35) enough. I turned off all the cooling (00:43:38) systems in the house, leaving only one (00:43:40) small room as the sole source of cold (00:43:41) air. I'd really like to see who's more (00:43:43) selfish, my uncle and aunt or my (00:43:45) grandparents. Just as expected, the (00:43:47) moment I turned off the air conditioning (00:43:48) system, I saw the indoor temperature (00:43:50) begin to rise slowly. They seemed to (00:43:52) notice something was wrong, too, and (00:43:53) started searching everywhere for the (00:43:55) source of the cool air. Soon enough, (00:43:57) they found that one small room where the (00:43:58) cool air still lingered. A glint of (00:44:01) sharp light flashed through uncle's eyes (00:44:03) as he glared fiercely at Grandpa and (00:44:04) Grandma, saying sternly, "You old (00:44:06) bastards, it's time for you to die. Stop (00:44:08) wasting these precious resources." (00:44:10) Grandpa and Grandma stared in disbelief (00:44:12) at the knife plunged into their bodies (00:44:13) and their son's vicious expression. This (00:44:15) was the son they had painstakingly (00:44:17) raised for over 30 years, a son who had (00:44:19) essentially fed on my mother's blood. I (00:44:21) never expected they would be treated (00:44:23) this way in return. As I was watching (00:44:25) this unparalleled spectacle, I suddenly (00:44:27) noticed the numbers above my mothers and (00:44:29) father's heads rapidly decreasing at (00:44:31) this very moment. In the end, their (00:44:33) numbers stopped at 6 hours and 20 (00:44:34) minutes. I abruptly fell to my knees, my (00:44:36) heart filled with rage, I refused to (00:44:38) accept this. Why, despite having lived (00:44:40) through a past life, can I still not (00:44:42) change the course of my own and my (00:44:44) parents' lives? What exactly is about to (00:44:46) happen at that moment? The most likely (00:44:50) explanation suddenly flashed through my (00:44:51) mind. I turned my head to look at the (00:44:53) surveillance footage which showed an (00:44:55) empty scene except for the sight of my (00:44:57) grandparents collapsed on the ground. (00:44:58) Where are the traces of uncle and aunt? (00:45:00) Could their actions have just been an (00:45:02) act? I anxiously asked my parents how (00:45:04) did they suddenly disappear. It seems (00:45:06) they took the child saying they were (00:45:07) going to the hospital. Then vanished (00:45:09) from the surveillance footage. I shook (00:45:11) my head. No, this shouldn't be happening (00:45:14) in this situation. What hospital could (00:45:16) they possibly go to? There's only one (00:45:18) possibility. Everything they just did (00:45:19) was an act put on for our benefit. Their (00:45:22) real goal is probably to use this (00:45:23) opportunity to eliminate Grandma and (00:45:25) Grandpa. Could they be reincarnated, (00:45:27) too? I hurriedly stood up and looked out (00:45:29) the window. What greeted my eyes was a (00:45:31) lush green forest and towering (00:45:32) mountains, silent and serene, as if cut (00:45:35) off from the world? I thought to myself. (00:45:38) They probably couldn't find this hidden (00:45:39) place. After all, in my previous life, (00:45:42) we hadn't prepared such a secure (00:45:43) doomsday shelter. There's no way they (00:45:45) could find this location. My dear (00:45:47) daughter, what's wrong? My mom and dad (00:45:49) looked at me with puzzled expressions. I (00:45:51) took a deep breath, gazed into their (00:45:52) eyes, and said slowly, "Dad, mom, I (00:45:55) think we're about to face a tough battle (00:45:56) soon because I can see people's (00:45:58) lifespans and above your heads. It shows (00:46:00) you only have 6 hours left." I stared (00:46:04) blankly out the window, sighed, and then (00:46:06) continued. "If I'm not mistaken, uncle (00:46:08) and auntie have also been reborn. Ever (00:46:10) since I started suspecting uncle and (00:46:11) auntie's behavior, I've been on high (00:46:13) alert, staying by the window the whole (00:46:15) time to observe what's happening (00:46:16) outside. My father, my mother, and I (00:46:19) each had a pistol, and I activated the (00:46:20) warehouse's highest defense level just (00:46:22) in case. Night gradually fell, and as I (00:46:25) watched the time above my parents' heads (00:46:27) changed to 2 hours. My heart pounded (00:46:30) wildly, as if it were about to leap out (00:46:32) of my chest. Outside, a downpour began, (00:46:34) which could be considered good news. It (00:46:36) seemed heaven hadn't completely (00:46:37) abandoned us. I murmured to myself. (00:46:39) Tomorrow should be cooler. With dim (00:46:41) eyes, I listened to the sound of rain (00:46:43) pounding against the leaves. Yet, I also (00:46:45) realized that the drop in temperature (00:46:46) might facilitate certain people's (00:46:48) movements, and the sound of rain seemed (00:46:50) capable of masking some noises. I stared (00:46:53) intently at the numbers above my (00:46:55) parents' heads, watching them decrease (00:46:57) minuteby minute until only 40 minutes (00:46:59) remained. Although I didn't detect any (00:47:00) suspicious signs in the dark night, I (00:47:02) believed there was a reason heaven had (00:47:04) bestowed this ability upon me. Since I (00:47:06) was given this power, it must mean I (00:47:08) meant to use it wisely. Suddenly, there (00:47:10) was a rapid knocking sound outside the (00:47:11) warehouse. At that moment, my heart (00:47:13) leaped into my throat, and my entire (00:47:16) body tensed up involuntarily. (00:47:18) My mom's phone also rang, showing the (00:47:20) caller ID, my uncle and aunts number. I (00:47:23) signaled with my eyes for mom to answer (00:47:24) the call. Haha, I'm here, sister. Could (00:47:27) you help us out and lend our family a (00:47:29) hand? After the call connected, uncle's (00:47:31) eerie laughter came through the (00:47:32) receiver. Where have you come to? Mom's (00:47:34) voice trembled as she asked, "Of course, (00:47:35) it's ours. Have you forgotten? We're (00:47:37) family. Your home is my home." My (00:47:39) uncle's words darkened my expression, (00:47:42) overlapping with memories from my past (00:47:44) life. At this moment, I could be certain (00:47:46) their entire family had also been (00:47:48) reborn. With a cold laugh, I snatched (00:47:50) the phone right out of my mother's hand. (00:47:52) We remember everything your family did (00:47:54) to us in our past lives. Since you've (00:47:55) come, why don't you stay? My aunt sure (00:47:57) voice came through the phone. I've been (00:47:59) so good to your family. Don't be (00:48:01) ungrateful. That what your mother is (00:48:03) wearing was even a gift from me. (00:48:04) Suddenly, I understood. They had located (00:48:08) us through the bracelet on my mother's (00:48:09) wrist. I watched coldly as my mother (00:48:11) looked at the bracelet on her wrist. Her (00:48:13) voice filled with disbelief and fury (00:48:15) upon hearing the news. This was clearly (00:48:17) given to me by my mother. I thought she (00:48:18) had suddenly remembered my worth, only (00:48:20) for it to become the very tool that (00:48:22) harmed my daughter and husband. Overcome (00:48:24) with rage, mom yanked the bracelet off (00:48:26) her wrist and hurled it violently to the (00:48:28) ground. As if that weren't enough, she (00:48:31) stomped on it fiercely several more (00:48:32) times. Cut the [ __ ] crap. Let's see (00:48:35) if my dear brother is faster or my (00:48:36) bullets. Mom hung up the phone (00:48:38) immediately. Mom, furious, strode (00:48:40) straight to the window with her gun (00:48:41) already aimed and ready to fire. Dad and (00:48:43) I also began preparing, monitoring the (00:48:45) situation outside through the (00:48:46) surveillance feed, even if the worst (00:48:48) outcome is being forced to flee to the (00:48:50) basement for shelter. The basement and (00:48:52) the ground floor are completely (00:48:54) separate, so it should still be safe. (00:48:56) Through the telescope, I saw that my (00:48:58) uncle seemed to be circling the area (00:49:00) very cautiously. It appears our initial (00:49:02) security measures were correct. The main (00:49:04) gate employs bank level defenses while (00:49:06) the windows are bulletproof and (00:49:07) explosionproof. (00:49:09) At first, my uncle tried to pry open the (00:49:11) gate but failed. Then angrily kicked the (00:49:13) wall in frustration. I immediately (00:49:15) activated the high voltage electric (00:49:17) fence mode, thinking my uncle would be (00:49:19) left foaming at the mouth from the (00:49:20) shock, but unexpectedly he was also a (00:49:22) reincarnated soul and had become much (00:49:24) more cunning. Turns out his shoes and (00:49:27) entire outfit were made of insulating (00:49:28) material. He somehow dragged over a (00:49:30) ladder, attempting to climb over the (00:49:32) wall while I paced anxiously inside the (00:49:34) house. There was no way I could let him (00:49:37) in. Since childhood, my uncle had been (00:49:39) the leader of a gang. If it came to a (00:49:41) fight, the three of us wouldn't stand a (00:49:43) chance against him. This is precisely (00:49:45) why we were roasted alive in our (00:49:46) previous life. I was about to fire a (00:49:48) warning shot at him when his body had (00:49:50) almost reached the top of the wall, (00:49:51) ready to climb over at any moment. With (00:49:53) a loud thud, I turned to look at my (00:49:55) mother, trembling as she fired the first (00:49:57) shot of her life. The bullet grazed my (00:49:59) uncle's face and his expression (00:50:02) instantly darkened as he quickened his (00:50:04) climbing pace. The bullet flew out once (00:50:06) more, striking my uncle's leg with (00:50:08) precision. At this moment, there was no (00:50:10) more trembling on my mother's face, only (00:50:12) determination and fury. Her hatred for (00:50:14) her younger brother had reached its (00:50:15) peak. The injustices of the past 30 (00:50:17) years and the tragic fate our family (00:50:19) suffered in the previous life had caused (00:50:21) her inner rage to accumulate bit by bit. (00:50:24) My uncle<unk>'s selfish behavior (00:50:25) instantly ignited my mother's inner (00:50:27) rage, which erupted at this moment. My (00:50:29) mother smiled self-deprecatingly. For (00:50:31) over a decade, she had clung to the (00:50:33) faint hope that her parents might (00:50:34) remember even a shred of her goodness. (00:50:36) Even the simplest word of praise would (00:50:38) have been an immense surprise and (00:50:39) longing for me. Yet, not once did such a (00:50:41) warm moment ever occur. My mother's (00:50:43) childhood was filled with endless (00:50:45) curses, accusations, (00:50:47) and criticism. They only cared about (00:50:49) their precious son, my uncle. Who would (00:50:51) have thought fate would play such a (00:50:53) cruel joke? Despite loving their son so (00:50:55) much, they never imagined he would end (00:50:57) up stabbing them to death. A series of (00:50:59) gunshots echoed across the entire (00:51:00) mountain. My mother raised her gun and (00:51:02) fired another shot with deadly (00:51:04) seriousness. This one precisely hitting (00:51:06) my uncle's arm instantly. The blood (00:51:08) turned into a pool of red under the (00:51:10) rains wash, only to swiftly vanish in (00:51:12) the raging storm. My uncle, now (00:51:15) immobilized, crashed hard onto the (00:51:16) ground from the high wall. I watched it (00:51:18) all with a smirk curling my lips. My (00:51:20) mother finally took this step. She (00:51:22) stepped beyond the shadows of her (00:51:23) childhood. His once arrogant expression (00:51:25) twisted instantly into one of agony. He (00:51:27) never imagined his timid sister would (00:51:29) dare to shoot at him. He cried and held (00:51:31) for mercy while desperately seeking (00:51:32) cover to protect himself. No. Uncle has (00:51:35) already disappeared from our sight. But (00:51:38) I'm certain they won't give up so (00:51:39) easily. We must root them out completely (00:51:41) among our family members. I'm the most (00:51:43) suitable to go out since I've trained in (00:51:45) martial arts for some time. Although my (00:51:46) parents tried to stop me, I must go for (00:51:49) their safety. I lowered my head and (00:51:50) dropped my gaze after putting on the (00:51:52) bulletproof vest. I loaded my gun and (00:51:54) walked out the door, running away (00:51:56) without looking back before leaving. I (00:51:59) turned my head and saw that my parents (00:52:00) countdown had only 15 minutes left, (00:52:02) still ticking. The crisis wasn't over (00:52:04) yet. My parents were still in danger. It (00:52:06) must be them. They're still up to no (00:52:08) good. Sure enough, before I had gone (00:52:10) far, I spotted my uncle lying (00:52:12) unconscious in the grass, having lost (00:52:14) too much blood. Without hesitation, I (00:52:16) shot him point blank in the head. (00:52:17) Instantly, blood splattered everywhere, (00:52:19) blurring my vision. At that moment, my (00:52:22) heart was eerily calm. Because I had (00:52:24) already replayed the scene countless (00:52:26) times in my mind. I wished I could have (00:52:28) sliced him to pieces a thousand times (00:52:29) over. Not even a thousandth of my hatred (00:52:31) could be appeased. Wait, where's Auntie? (00:52:33) Why don't I see Auntie? I sensed (00:52:35) something was wrong when suddenly a (00:52:36) swift figure darted out from the woods. (00:52:38) It was Auntie. A flash of silver light (00:52:40) caught my a knife. Before I could react, (00:52:42) I silently cursed myself for being so (00:52:44) careless. It seemed I was doomed here. I (00:52:47) hope my parents can survive. I smiled (00:52:49) mockingly at myself, ready to embrace (00:52:51) death. Bang! A single shot pierced my (00:52:53) aunt's heart. I turned my head toward (00:52:55) the source of the gunshot. "It was (00:52:57) mother." She held a shotgun in her (00:52:58) hands, yet her eyes were brimming with (00:53:00) tears. Trembling, she spoke. "I'm sorry, (00:53:02) sweetheart. Mom was too late. It's all (00:53:05) my fault. My daughter almost died at (00:53:06) their hands. Tears streaming down her (00:53:08) face." She threw herself into my arms (00:53:10) and sobbed uncontrollably. (00:53:13) My mother didn't trust me to go alone (00:53:14) and secretly insisted on following me. (00:53:17) It was because of her that I survived. (00:53:18) My mother's hand holding the gun was (00:53:20) still trembling while my uncle and aunt (00:53:22) lay piled together, both lifeless. At my (00:53:24) feet lay a sharp knife. I understood my (00:53:26) uncle and aunts intentions. Perhaps my (00:53:28) uncle had pretended to faint in the (00:53:30) grass earlier to lure me over, creating (00:53:32) an opportunity for my aunt to kill me, (00:53:34) if I'm not mistaken, if my mother hadn't (00:53:36) fired that shot. The first to die would (00:53:39) have been me, followed by my mother (00:53:41) behind me. At this moment, I was (00:53:42) astonished to discover that the number (00:53:44) above my mother's head was skyrocketing (00:53:46) at an incredible speed, finally stopping (00:53:48) at 58 years. Neither my mother nor I (00:53:50) spoke a word, only holding each other (00:53:52) tightly. Rainwater streamed down my (00:53:54) face, and I couldn't tell whether it was (00:53:55) rain or tears. Father arrived shortly (00:53:58) after, embracing us tightly while (00:53:59) murmuring to himself, "We did it." And (00:54:02) so our family finally stepped out of the (00:54:05) tragic fate of our past lives, embarking (00:54:07) on a brand new journey toward rebirth. (00:54:09) Time flies like a fleeting white horse. (00:54:10) In the blink of an eye, my parents and I (00:54:12) had spent our second year in the (00:54:14) apocalypse shelter we built with our own (00:54:15) hands. The world daily assaulted by (00:54:17) scorching heat, seemed suddenly drenched (00:54:19) in cooling rain as temperatures began (00:54:21) dropping by one degree each day. (00:54:23) Exchanging glances with my parents, our (00:54:25) faces couldn't conceal the joy. This (00:54:28) undoubtedly signaled that the global (00:54:29) catastrophe was finally losing its (00:54:31) destructive force and humanity would (00:54:33) soon enter a new era. In other words, (00:54:35) the apocalypse was finally nearing its (00:54:37) end. At that very moment, a sudden (00:54:39) broadcast echoed through the air, (00:54:41) transmitted from our wireless device. I (00:54:43) abruptly opened my eyes, sat up, (00:54:45) drenched in cold sweat, and found myself (00:54:47) lying on a soft bed. In the face of (00:54:49) sudden and enormous disasters under the (00:54:51) strong leadership of the nation, the (00:54:54) entire military and people of all ethnic (00:54:56) groups across the country united as one, (00:54:58) the masses did not stand still, but (00:55:00) bravely rose to save themselves. (00:55:02) Domestic sectors and the international (00:55:04) community actively extended assistance. (00:55:06) Through relentless efforts, we finally (00:55:08) developed cooling materials, increased (00:55:10) global green coverage, and created a (00:55:12) vaccine to cure heat stroke. In (00:55:14) addressing global high temperatures and (00:55:16) other areas, (00:55:17) we have achieved significant phased (00:55:19) victories. The government is also (00:55:21) calling on young people to join post- (00:55:22) disaster reconstruction efforts. We will (00:55:24) build underground cities to prevent such (00:55:26) disasters from happening again in the (00:55:28) future. Families of those who sign up (00:55:30) for reconstruction work will be given (00:55:31) priority access to the underground (00:55:33) cities. As soon as the announcement was (00:55:35) made, my entire family decisively signed (00:55:37) up. Seeing the sea of survivors gathered (00:55:40) at the construction site, the (00:55:42) long-standing loneliness in my heart was (00:55:44) finally soothed. At this very moment, (00:55:46) hope for future life began to burn (00:55:48) fiercely in my heart. The future of the (00:55:50) world depends on us. As expected, (00:55:52) leveraging our country's advantage of a (00:55:54) large population. The underground city (00:55:56) was quickly completed. For the future of (00:55:58) this nation, I invested all my remaining (00:56:00) funds into building schools. Suddenly, I (00:56:02) understood my dream and mission. (00:56:04) Nowadays, the country urgently needs all (00:56:07) kinds of talents to change its current (00:56:08) situation and cultivating talents must (00:56:11) start with education. The iteration of (00:56:12) talent primarily focuses on education. I (00:56:15) began working on the design and approval (00:56:17) of school building blueprints, a lengthy (00:56:19) process during which I also sought out (00:56:20) excellent teaching staff in preparation (00:56:22) for the school's future opening. (00:56:24) However, due to the severely reduced (00:56:26) population after the disaster, teacher (00:56:28) resources were scarce. In the end, I had (00:56:31) no choice but to take on teaching (00:56:33) responsibilities for multiple subjects (00:56:35) myself. The day before the school's (00:56:37) official groundbreaking, I personally (00:56:38) visited the construction site to inspect (00:56:40) every detail meticulously, gradually (00:56:42) bringing my long-held dream to life, (00:56:44) watching the first school I personally (00:56:46) oversaw gradually rise from the ground. (00:56:48) My heart swelled with immense pride and (00:56:49) anticipation. How wonderful, children. (00:56:52) The future of our nation rests entirely (00:56:54) in your hands. Standing on the podium, I (00:56:57) smiled as I looked at the youthful faces (00:56:59) below. Though I am gradually growing (00:57:01) older, our nation is steadily growing (00:57:03) stronger. For me, this is enough.