Chapter 2: Departure
After entering the airport, Lin Feng thought for a moment and decided to call her university classmate, who had also been her best friend for the past ten years, Du Zilan. The last time a disaster occurred, Du Zilan was the first to find a way to call her and remind her to be careful. Du Zilan did not have a passport, and Lin Feng had no way to take her along. Moreover, Du Zilan's father was a senior officer in a military district, and staying there was likely much safer than leaving with her. However, despite her numbness, Lin Feng still held a fragment of affection for this friend. If possible, she truly hoped that Du Zilan could survive.
After letting her go, Lin Yan looked her up and down with a tone of astonishment. Lin Feng merely smiled and did not respond. Lin Yan glanced left and right, patted his forehead, and pretended to be on the verge of fainting
If possible, it would be best to have your uncle help you with the arrangements, such as obtaining your passport and plane tickets, to go to the United States to see your brother before the 31st. It should be better there than in your home country
Hello, I am Lin
Lin Yan scratched his head, slightly pushing the enthusiastic Jessica aside, and looked at Lin Feng, grinning as he introduced in English, his face radiating the blissful expression of being in love.
Lin Feng hung up the phone and discovered that there were many messages from colleagues and superiors in her phone, none of which she had read. She sent a message to her younger brother Lin Yan, informing him of the flight she would take to City S, departing at 3 o'clock, and asked him to calculate the time to pick her up at the airport. Afterwards, Lin Feng turned off her phone again. She could not guarantee that she would not waver upon receiving those caring messages. After all, they were people she had known for many years.
The man's cold sweat streamed down as he instinctively sensed an invisible danger. He was not lying when he claimed to be a war correspondent; the girl, who appeared much younger than her actual age in the eyes of foreigners, reminded him of a beast lurking in the darkness. He had no doubt that if he continued to speak carelessly, she would twist her own neck with her bare hands. The girl, who appeared much younger than her actual age in the eyes of foreigners, reminded him of a beast lurking in the darkness. He had no doubt that if he continued to speak carelessly, she would twist her own neck with her bare hands
It is quite strange; isn't it the time for your company to be on holiday? Why didn't you give any prior notice before coming? Ah, of course, I am very happy—wow, sister, how did you get that large scar on your face? What happened...
A voluptuous blonde rushed over, leaping onto him and planting several kisses on his face: "Darling, you made me wait for so long"
These are all matters of the past, and this time, Lin Feng believes she can survive. She has already developed a fundamental difference from ordinary people. What sustains a person in a disaster is not powerful force, nor superhuman strength. It is calmness, rationality, and the kind of cruelty that allows one to kill without hesitation that are the keys to survival. The fragility of the mind can sometimes become a killer that crushes the body.
"Stop talking nonsense, let's go." Lin Feng patted his shoulder and took the lead in walking out of the airport.
She will definitely survive
In the end, she continued on calmly, a strange smile playing at the corners of her mouth, resembling either a form of pity or a kind of mockery. The passersby paid her no more attention than they would to anyone else; she appeared no different from the ordinary people bustling to work, school, or shopping.
Complaining with her mouth, yet wearing a broad smile on her face, Lin Yan, who was a head taller than Lin Feng, came over and gave her a hug, lifting her up and spinning her around a few times
As soon as you boarded the plane, you captured my attention completely. Yes, there is a unique and special aura about you that cannot deceive me. Do you know? I am a war correspondent, living on the edge of life and death. Indeed, living on the edge of life and death. Just look at your expression and movements; they evoke thoughts of mercenaries. However, that must be an illusion. Seeing how young and beautiful you are, it is impossible for you to be like those rough individuals.
Lin Feng said in a hurried tone
After a journey of 15 hours and 38 minutes, the plane finally landed at an airport in the central United States. Lin Feng had no large luggage, so she was the first to exit the cabin. She leisurely walked out of the airport among a group of travelers and arrived at the waiting hall. Her mobile phone did not have international roaming capabilities, so it had no signal now, and she could only rely on her eyes to search.
Having completed everything in the quickest manner, and now only waiting for the flight at 3 PM on the 26th, Lin Feng finally had the time to survey the home she had lived in for twenty-four years, feeling as if everything was from a different world. Gently touching the decorations and furniture she had seen since childhood, the thought that all of this would soon be destroyed overwhelmed her with an impulse to cry.
At this moment, there are 4 days, 6 hours, and 19 minutes remaining until everything begins
While her younger brother chattered away, Lin Feng did not engage in their usual playful banter. At this moment, her heart was filled with joy and gratitude, thankful for the second chance she had been given to start anew. This time, no matter what happened, she was determined to protect the last and only family member she had in this world.
It is best to believe me, this is not a joke. When you see a meteorite, remember not to approach it
By the way, sister, this time I also brought someone along to pick you up
These are all minor issues, and Lin Feng does not take them to heart. The journey is long enough for her to close her eyes and rest well to rejuvenate her spirit, while also carefully planning the arrangements for the actions in the coming days
She glanced around the crowd, a faint smile appearing at the corners of her mouth, and quickly approached.
Hey, hey, darling, don't be so scary, I was just trying to be a bit friendlier
Lin Yan awkwardly cleared his throat a few times, turned his neck to look around outside the terminal, and his eyes lit up as he waved his hand: "Hi, Jessica, over here, over here."
***
Lin Feng suddenly opened his eyes, saying nothing, merely looking at the man with a blank expression
Carrying a small backpack, Lin Feng glanced at the familiar room and closed the door without any reluctance
Jessica, this is my sister, uh, sister, this is my girlfriend, Jessica
Walking on the street, watching the bustling crowd and the incessant flow of vehicles, everything appears so calm and normal. When disaster strikes, no one knows; they can only helplessly wait as time counts down little by little, and then her friends, classmates, and many familiar faces perish. More than once, Lin Feng wanted to laugh out loud, crazily shouting, "This world is about to be destroyed! No one can escape!" — just like countless times she hid in her refuge, watching those who had gone mad destroy buildings in a frenzy while crying and laughing maniacally. More than once, Lin Feng wanted to laugh out loud, crazily shouting, "This world is about to be destroyed! No one can escape!" — just like countless times she hid in her refuge, watching those who had gone mad destroy buildings in a frenzy while crying and laughing maniacally.
"Xiaofeng, what on earth is going on? Why are you saying these things out of the blue, Xiaofeng? Hey, this is not April Fool's Day; what nonsense are you talking about?" Du Zilan asked in rapid succession.
Hi, sister, you really know how to create a sudden surprise. Do you know what time I received the text message?
You must have stayed in Africa for half a year! How did you get so dark! I see those foreign girls who sunbathe every day aren't as even as you are
Seeing Lin Feng close her eyes again, the man quietly breathed a sigh of relief. He no longer dared to attempt to speak to her along the way, secretly speculating in his heart that she might be some kind of assassin or agent sent to carry out a mission in the United States. He understood the principle that if one wanted to stay alive, one should not provoke dangerous individuals.
Zilan, listen to me. For the next few days, it is best not to go anywhere and stay with your aunt in the military family compound. Try to collect as many batteries and emergency lights or flashlights as possible. If you encounter anything strange, do not go to dark places at night, and make sure to be with someone who can protect you.
Self-mockingly, she laughed at hetushu.com, thinking that after experiencing those events, she had long forgotten what it felt like to cry. Well, let this be the last indulgence, allowing herself to wallow in weakness. In the days to come, apart from bleeding, she would not allow herself or those she wished to protect to shed a single tear.
After all, they had been friends for many years. Du Zilan knew that Lin Feng was not the type to speak nonsense. After a moment of hesitation, she asked seriously. Lin Feng did not respond to her question; instead, he thought for a moment and recalled that Du Zilan had an older brother named Du Ziqiu, who was currently studying in the United States, reportedly at a prestigious military academy.
Lin Feng turned his head in confusion to look at him, wondering when this guy would also feel shy
Ahem, it's just that you understand, right
... ...
Du Zilan's sweet and cheerful voice emanated from the phone, reminiscent of Lin Feng's memories, filled with laughter and playful banter
Seeing Lin Feng with his eyes closed and ignoring him, that guy seemed to have gained a bit of courage and shamelessly approached: "What are you going to the United States for? On a business trip? For tourism? To visit relatives? If you don't mind, I can be your free tour guide for the entire trip. Don't be fooled by the fact that I'm Italian; I can definitely be considered an expert on America, I—"
The university Lin Yan attends is located in the eastern United States. Typically, a direct flight from City S to the United States takes about 15 hours. Considering the time difference, she is expected to arrive in the United States around 5 PM local time. With four and a half days remaining before the disaster strikes, this should be sufficient for her to carry out some initial preparations. However, the current security issues in the United States may pose challenges for her activities. Engaging in illegal activities was never part of her considerations from the outset. Nevertheless, the security situation in the United States could make it difficult for her to operate freely. At this point, she wouldn't even flinch at the thought of openly engaging in a gunfight with the police on the street. However, if things escalate too much, it could become problematic, so it is better to proceed with caution.
Do not tell me that this small backpack is all your luggage; I distinctly remember that when you came last year, you brought three large suitcases, and you had a whole bag just for cosmetics. When did you change your ways regarding books and makeup?
Like most American girls, Jessica was very cheerful and enthusiastic. She actively reached out her hand to Lin Feng, her lips adorned with a radiant smile. Lin Feng looked at them, as well as the tightly clasped hands, his gaze dark and inscrutable. After a long silence, she finally responded in English, though not very warmly.
Xiao Feng? What happened? Your tone is quite strange.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to forget the excess sympathy; she could not save everyone. Lin Feng walked towards the security check with her boarding pass in hand. This was all she could do; for the rest, she could only pray that Du Zilan would be fortunate enough to escape disaster.
Looking up at the azure sky, the bright sunlight made Lin Feng squint her eyes. Indeed, everything is the same as before, yet everything is also different from before. This time, she intends to take control of everything in her own hands, no longer allowing herself to be at the mercy of others.
Shortly after the plane took off, the blonde young man sitting next to her began to speak in a somewhat halting Mandarin, persistently attempting to strike up a conversation with her. Lin Feng was too lazy to pay him any attention, but to her surprise, he not only did not back down, but instead became even more talkative.
Lin Feng snorted softly; she had just been seriously considering whether to use the hairpin on her head to sever his vocal cords for a moment of peace. Since he had already indicated that he would obediently keep quiet, she decided to let it go, as she did not want to be investigated by the police before even leaving the airport
Lin Yan noticed that Lin Feng did not respond and was just striding ahead. With a sense of helplessness, he shrugged and followed closely behind. Suddenly, he remembered something, grabbed Lin Feng's hand, and said somewhat shyly.
Hello, I am Jessica, Jessica Ferro. It is a pleasure to meet you
Oh, this beautiful young lady, if I am not mistaken, you must be from a military background
Hello, Xiaofeng? What's up? Is it another weekend of dining, shopping, and watching movies? No, I want to spend time with my boyfriend, hehe. Don't scold me for prioritizing romance over friendship. If you disagree, hurry up and find someone for yourself.