Chapter 1, the end of the world is near
Jiang Liu shook his head, thought for a moment, and then clicked on another roommate's profile: "Luo Ming, could you lend me two thousand yuan?"
Luo Ming, listen to me, stay in the dormitory next Tuesday to play games, close the doors and windows properly, and do not go out, understood
The outbreak of viral infection, the apocalypse is upon us
This is not because Jiang Liushi suddenly gained some superpower to foresee the future, but rather because a week ago, he suddenly discovered that a "Star Seed" had appeared in his mind
The apocalypse is just next Tuesday, drawing ever closer. Lying in bed, Jiang Liushi took a few deep breaths, yet still felt a sense of unease. As a student, facing such a life-and-death challenge imminently, it is impossible to remain calm as if nothing were happening.
However, the medium-sized bus costing several hundred thousand yuan is beyond Jiang Liushi's means. After completing the purchase of supplies, his bank card balance was already less than one thousand yuan, and the term "poor" is insufficient to describe his situation
Jiang Liushi did not plan to buy a car; he intended to rent one. However, even renting a car requires a considerable amount of funds. Jiang Liushi has already checked the prices online, and even the most basic minibus costs over 1,000 yuan per day, which amounts to around 15,000 yuan for ten days. Not to mention, he also needs to purchase a large quantity of materials and metals to complete the modifications on the minibus
I have been short on money lately, as I have spent my living expenses on games. I was even thinking of borrowing some money from you for food. Why do you need to borrow money?" Luo Ming replied
This sum of money is truly a headache for people
This is it
Why would a girl play games with a loser like you? Am I out of my mind?
"Money? Oh... don't worry, I will remember it for you and return it in a couple of days," Li Jun replied
If there were a house to sell, Jiang Liushi would immediately and decisively sell it at a low price. Unfortunately, his family's house was sold long ago when he was still in high school. At that time, his parents had just passed away, and selling the house was necessary for the livelihood and education of him and his sister. Since then, the two siblings have been living in rented accommodations.
This phone costs seven to eight thousand. Jiang Liushi exclaimed. Such an expensive phone, he cannot afford it. He never expected that even with the impending apocalypse, he would not have the opportunity to use a new model phone
Jiang Liu furrowed his brow and said, "I urgently need to use it now; it can be considered a lifesaving amount of money"
Although the likelihood of this is low, Jiang Liushi does not wish to engage in futile efforts while also inviting unnecessary trouble for himself
Although he had previously not believed in the apocalypse, Jiang Liushi, out of curiosity, had long since compiled a list in his mind detailing the preparations he should make before the end of the world. To this end, he also searched for a great deal of information online, and surprisingly, there were quite a few posts on the internet regarding this topic, clearly indicating that there has never been a shortage of people with too much time on their hands.
A week ago, Jiang Liushi had never used this television for any purpose other than watching sports, let alone sitting in front of the television to watch the noon news
However, these seemingly mundane posts provided him with a great deal of reference and assistance at this time, and Jiang Liushi quickly and methodically completed most of the preparations for stockpiling supplies
Do not disturb, I am busy!
Regardless of who it is, upon suddenly discovering that some information has unexpectedly appeared in their mind, especially regarding the apocalypse, one would not immediately believe it unconditionally. Everything around is so normal and ordinary, how could one believe that the end of the world is imminent
Jiang Liushi first purchased a large quantity of essential goods such as grains, oils, rice, and flour online. To be on the safe side, he also bought many compressed high-energy foods, as well as a significant amount of drinking water and first aid supplies
Jiang Liu Shi held his phone and waited for a while, but he still did not see Li Jun reply to him, and his profile picture had also turned black
A mobile phone costs 10,000 yuan! Jiang Liushi can only express his feelings about this. Due to the early death of his parents, he has to take care of his younger sister, so he has always lived a frugal life. That recent purchase was already the most extravagant spending he has ever experienced in his life. A mobile phone costing 10,000 yuan is truly terrifying to think about
While discovering this "Star Seed", Jiang Liushi learned some information from the "Star Seed", including news that has not yet occurred. Among them, the most important is the news about the discovery of a giant virus today
Jiang Liu Shi suddenly stood up from the bed. He looked at the time displayed on his phone, which was around 12:45, almost to the second!
However, it seems that Li Jun is quite well-off at the moment. Jiang Liushi quickly typed: "First, let's get down to business. I have something to tell you. Do you have any plans for next Tuesday?"
Next week, m.hetushu.com. By the way, I met a girl on WeChat a few days ago, and I plan to take her to a bar next Tuesday. After having some drinks, you know what I mean, just wait for me to win her over
Remember! Jiang Liushi spoke and then hung up the phone; he had already done his best
However, now, Jiang Liushi not only unprecedentedly sat in front of the television but also focused intently on the time displayed on the clock
As it is a live press conference, there is no possibility of information being leaked in advance. Even if the media and journalists were aware of the conference a day prior, they could not know the specific content
However, Jiang Liushi was already aware of it in advance, and not only this piece of news; he had also been informed in advance about several international emergencies that occurred within this week.
Jiang Liu Shi then noticed that under the other party's ID, it displayed that Li Jun was currently "iPhone 7 Online", no wonder he was so ostentatiously maintaining his online status
Jiang Liushi felt a bit of a headache upon hearing this. After some consideration, he mustered the courage to say, "Um, I would like to invite everyone to play games next Tuesday. Can we stay in the dormitory and not go out, and make sure to lock the doors and windows?"
Moreover, even Jiang Liushi himself was skeptical when he first learned of this information, and it was only after seeing this news today that he completely believed in the authenticity of this matter
The money in the Jiangliu Stone Bank is mostly what remains after selling the house, and as a result, it was almost entirely depleted due to the purchase of supplies
This press conference regarding the virus is the last bit of mercy that these high-ranking officials are granting to ordinary people, ensuring that they do not die in utter confusion
The posts he sends out will not attract anyone's attention at all; the only thing they might provoke is harmony, as what he knows is the true inside story. Therefore, it is also possible that it may raise some alert from higher-ups.
At the end of September, the long and hot summer has finally passed, and autumn has arrived
At this moment, the national television's midday news is being broadcast on the television screen
Owing him money without repayment, unable to borrow money, as for others, either they are not very familiar with Jiang Liushi, or they do not have much money either, after all, they are just students, a few hundred can be taken out, but it is unlikely to have over a thousand
What follows is the real main event
"Are you in such a hurry? Wait a moment, that girl just called me. Let me take this call, and I will talk to you later," Li Jun replied
What? What's wrong?" Luo Ming was taken aback.
After some thought, he opened QQ, found an ID named Li Jun in the "Roommate" group, saw that the other person's avatar was lit up, and immediately sent a message: "Li Jun, are you there?"
What?" Li Jun was momentarily taken aback
"Once again, it has been accurately predicted; this is already the third time." Jiang Liushi stared at the television screen, but his focus was completely absent from the news. He had long been aware of the general content of this news, even the time it was first made public by the media—at this very moment!
The role of the "Star Seed" is not only to inform him of the impending apocalypse, but more importantly, the "Star Seed" enables him, an ordinary person, to possess the ability to protect himself in the face of the apocalypse
It seems that I need to think of another solution
The previous news reports concerned the absence of several heads of state from important events, as well as the last-minute cancellations of significant international meetings or itineraries. These reports did not attract much attention, but Jiang Liushi was aware that many countries had already known about the virus infection and were preparing for withdrawal
Jiang Liushi was searching online, and after browsing through various options, he finally narrowed it down to two types of vehicles: one was a container truck, and the other was a minibus. Due to his obsession with internal space, Jiang Liushi ultimately focused on the minibus, which offered a larger space.
However, in Jiangbei City, the weather has not yet shown any significant cooling for the time being, with daytime temperatures still remaining above thirty degrees. Yet, as soon as night falls, the temperature drops sharply, leaving people shivering with cold. Almost everyone is complaining about this dreadful weather
The most recommended mode of transportation in doomsday posts is the off-road vehicle, but Jiang Liushi is not particularly fond of off-road vehicles, as the interior space of such vehicles is too limited
Then forget it, it's nothing. Jiang Liushi knew that Luo Ming was a gaming enthusiast. Although his family was relatively well-off, he rarely had money on hand. He was just trying his luck.
Below is an international news report. An international scientific team has just held a press conference to announce that they have discovered a prehistoric supervirus in the permafrost of the Far East region of Siberia. This giant virus is the fourth known giant virus to humanity, following the discovery of another giant virus in the same area by scientists. Scientists had actually discovered it a year ago, but it was only recently made public. They stated that research on the virus is still ongoing, and it is currently unknown whether this type of prehistoric virus can infect humans or animals. Experts have also indicated that as long as the permafrost remains frozen, there is no need to worry about whether this virus poses a threat
The speed of the outbreak of the viral infection is extremely rapid, and there are no effective means to control it. Informing the public would only incite panic and unrest. Therefore, the public remains unaware of the situation, continuing to live their normal lives, oblivious to the fact that some important figures have already ceased to appear.
Among all types of vehicles, sedans were the first to be eliminated by Jiang Liushi. This relatively delicate model was of little use during the chaos at that time
Now confirmed, Jiang Liushi realized that he only had one week left, and he must immediately begin preparations
Now Li Jun is not listening to Jiang Liushi, and Jiang Liushi has no way to deal with it. He said again: "Li Jun, I am in urgent need of money right now. Can you return the two thousand you borrowed from me earlier?"
Jiang Liu Shi had no intention of posting to inform the public about the truth of this matter. Since the Maya prophecy gained popularity, various doomsday predictions have continuously emerged online. There have even been numerous physical books in the "2012XXX" series published, and a plethora of movies have been made. The public has long since become immune to this topic
The true purpose of the "Star Seed" is mechanical modification and upgrading, but it requires Jiang Liushi to provide the main body and materials for the modification. The first thing that Jiang Liushi thought of was transportation vehicles, specifically cars, as this is currently the most practical option for him and the modification difficulty is also the lowest
Li Junyang replied proudly: "How could I possibly get the first batch for seven or eight thousand? I had someone specialized help me purchase it, and I added two thousand!"
If the television, computer, and other electrical appliances are disposed of, it could still amount to several thousand yuan, but it is still not enough. As for resorting to robbery or theft, as an ordinary student, Jiang Liushi does not believe he has more than a 10% chance of success. Even if he were to succeed by chance, the likelihood of being caught would be over 80%.
Soon, the message alert sound of "beep beep beep" was heard, and Li Jun's reply appeared on the chat interface: "Have you seen my new display? With - image - book"
In an inconspicuous rental unit in the southern part of the city, the sound of the air conditioning fan is buzzing incessantly, creating a somewhat noisy atmosphere. Below the air conditioning unit is a room that appears to be less than 15 square meters, with both the living area and the bed situated within this single space, while the doors to the bathroom and kitchen are aligned side by side on the opposite side.
At 12:45:51 PM today, an important news segment will be broadcast during the national television's midday news program
Locking the doors and windows is merely to ensure that Li Jun can survive this ordeal without being killed by those mutated monsters
These items can all be delivered one after another within a day or two, saving Jiang Liushi the time of going out to purchase them. In addition, he also bought a windbreaker, lightweight and durable shoes, disposable underwear, and so on. He even specifically purchased a dagger from a vendor in the same city, just in case.
The iPhone 7 is a newly released smartphone that just came out this month. It has only been a few days since its launch, and the price is quite high, making it rare for people to get their hands on it. Surprisingly, Li Jun has managed to use it so quickly, no wonder he is so smug in his tone
Because this news has been confirmed, it means that another matter learned by Jiang Liushi from "Star Seed" will also truly come to pass
Although the area is not large, the interior appears very tidy. The male owner of the house, a somewhat slender young man, is sitting on the lower bunk of a bunk bed, intently staring at a television set not far in front of him
"Alright..." Jiang Liushi sighed and shook his head. He had already given all the reminders he could. In fact, even if one stayed in the dormitory and locked the doors and windows, it would not prevent the outbreak of the virus. Li Jun, like everyone else, was already carrying the virus. Whether he would mutate into a monster in ten days would entirely depend on his own physical constitution.
Subjectively speaking, Jiang Liushi's favorite is a type of super long truck, which is essentially a train traveling on the highway, with wheels that are as tall as a person. However, there are too few of these trucks, and Jiang Liushi can only think about them.
At 2 PM ten days later, disaster will strike these ordinary people without any warning, while they, like Jiang Liushi, are watching the news on television, completely unaware of what is to come. Many are scrolling through Weibo, Moments, and news on their phones, having seen this news as well, but at most they merely express their astonishment and casually share it.