Chapter 1 The Eve of Doom

Chapter 1: The Eve of the Apocalypse

Evening, in a high-end apartment in M Country.

Bai Suizhi emerged from the bathroom, casually towel-drying his hair. Water droplets traced a path down his bare torso, past his sculpted obliques, and vanished beneath the waistband of his low-rise jeans.

On the table, his phone vibrated relentlessly, its screen a cascade of messages from a single contact.

Bai Suizhi draped the towel over a chair and picked up his phone. The cold, stark light of the screen did little to soften his sharply defined features; instead, it imbued him with an aura of cool detachment, keeping the world at arm's length.

Too disinclined to scroll through the previous messages, he slowly typed a single question mark: "?"

The sender, clearly accustomed to Bai Suizhi's temperament, condensed dozens of earlier messages into a terse few words and a stern exclamation: "Dude, the apocalypse is coming!"

Bai Suizhi's confusion deepened, and he typed another deliberate question mark: "?"

Shi Mingshan forwarded a link. Bai Suizhi retrieved a beer from the fridge, taking a sip as he clicked. His prominent Adam's apple bobbed with each swallow, and condensation from the can dampened his distinctly articulated fingers.

The post alleged that a lab in S Country had been conducting human experiments, and failed test subjects carrying a highly contagious virus had escaped. The virus, it claimed, transformed the infected into irrational monsters, urging everyone to hoard supplies and shelter indoors.

Such posts were hardly novel—likely sparked by a netizen in S Country who had inadvertently filmed a few individuals acting strangely. Amplified by sensationalist influencers and fueled by online speculation, the narrative had spiraled into a tale of deranged scientists and malevolent politicians conspiring to doom humanity.

This time, however, the topic of the apocalypse had inexplicably gone viral, dominating trending lists across all platforms. Shi Mingshan had simply forwarded one of the most popular threads to Bai Suizhi.

The comments section was a chaotic mosaic of opinions. The most aggressive voices led the charge: "You idiots, spreading rumors is illegal, you know that? Stop peddling negativity and anxiety. If you believe this crap, come buy my wellness products when you’re old."

The working class chimed in: "When’s it gonna happen? Can it wait until after Monday? I finally have a two-day weekend. Also, is there a painless way to get infected? I’m tired of being human."

College students pondered: "What should I stock up on? Are the new rose-flavored chips any good? Any bread recommendations? Not too high in calories, please. I’m sick of instant noodles—maybe I’ll switch to self-heating hot pots."

The rationalists quietly attempted to steer the conversation: "Is there any scientific basis for this? Have any hospitals reported patients with similar symptoms recently?"

Bai Suizhi found the netizens' eccentric comments amusing, scrolling through them with a quiet delight. Shi Mingshan, having waited too long for a reply, began a barrage of memes. Reluctantly, Bai Suizhi exited the post: "Stop."

The screen, now filled with pink rodent memes, finally stilled. Shi Mingshan asked, "So? What do you think?"

Bai Suizhi tossed the empty beer can into the trash and wiped his hands with a tissue. "Pretty entertaining."

Shi Mingshan: "...Seriously, though? Do you think it’ll happen? I have a strong feeling this time is different."

Bai Suizhi: "Don’t overthink it. Trust the authorities."

Shi Mingshan: "You’re so calm. Are you still in M Country? When are you coming back? If the apocalypse really happens, don’t die abroad."

Bai Suizhi and Shi Mingshan had been roommates since freshman year. Having arrived late, they were assigned to a dorm with two seniors who, aside from leaving some belongings, were rarely there due to internships. By April, after their thesis defenses, the seniors had moved out entirely.

Now, as juniors, no new roommates had been assigned, and the two had forged a strong bond of camaraderie through their shared experiences.

That summer, Shi Mingshan took an internship near his hometown. Bai Suizhi, a carefree scion of wealth with no need for civil service exams, graduate school, or resume-building internships, planned a vacation in M Country.

With summer already halfway over, Bai Suizhi had had his fill and replied, "Tomorrow. Want me to bring anything back?"

Shi Mingshan sent a shy emoji followed by a screenshot of a new sneaker model not yet released domestically.

The next day, early morning.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our plane will begin its descent shortly. We expect to land at Capital Airport in approximately 15 minutes. Please ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened and your tray table is stowed…"

Bai Suizhi removed his eye mask, massaging his stiff neck, and stared blankly into space, allowing his groggy mind to reorient itself.

"What…what is that?"

"Holy shit, aliens?"

"Is the apocalypse really happening?"

Just before landing, passengers peering out the window saw a purple vortex suddenly illuminate the dark sky. The vortex, seemingly formed by warped air currents, appeared out of nowhere, disgorging an unidentifiable mass.

Bai Suizhi saw it too. As he reached for his phone to zoom in, an abrupt, violent gust shook the plane, causing chaos inside.

Cries and screams filled the cabin as the crew repeatedly reassured the panic-stricken passengers, though they themselves were equally frightened.

After circling for dozens of minutes, the plane finally landed, but the strange winds persisted.

Shaken passengers thanked the crew and hurried through customs, eager to share their ordeal with their families.

Bai Suizhi had arranged for his car to be parked at the airport. After landing, he shot his parents a text to let them know he was back, then headed to the garage to retrieve his car.

On the drive home, Bai Suizhi noticed the wind growing stronger. Trees in the rearview mirror swayed violently, some slender ones even snapping.

With one hand on the wheel and the other resting casually on the window, he couldn’t help but recall yesterday’s post and the purple vortex from the plane.

A coincidence?

In that moment of distraction, a bloodied figure suddenly appeared ahead!

Bai Suizhi jerked the wheel sharply, tires screeching against the pavement.

Fortunately, it was early morning and the area was deserted. His car whipped around 180 degrees, stopping sideways in front of the person. Glancing in the rearview mirror, Bai Suizhi saw the figure collapse and rushed out to check.

The person’s clothes were torn to shreds, as if whipped, revealing gruesome wounds still oozing blood. Gorgeous silver-white hair, matted with blood and sweat, clung to a pale face. Kahn lay on the ground, utterly a wreck.

Bai Suizhi froze for a moment before crouching down and tapping Kahn’s cheek. "Are you conscious?"

Kahn turned his face away, avoiding Bai Suizhi’s touch, slurring deliriously, "Don’t…touch me…Help…ahhh…"

With no other choice, Bai Suizhi draped his jacket over the unconscious man, gently placed him in the back seat, and drove to the hospital.

At the hospital, the doctor, misinterpreting Kahn’s injuries, shot Bai Suizhi an accusatory glare. Too exhausted to explain, Bai Suizhi brushed it off—the day’s events felt surreal, like a dream.

Kahn bore numerous whip marks and burns, likely from cigarettes or candles. Unsure whether Kahn had consented to such treatment or was a victim, Bai Suizhi hesitated to involve the police. He decided to wait outside the emergency room for Kahn to wake up and decide for himself.

Just as Bai Suizhi was dozing off, the doctor finally emerged, his tone sharp. "You young people should know your limits when you play. This is no different from abuse. You—"

Bai Suizhi cut him off. "Is he awake?"

"Not yet," the doctor snapped. "He’s on an IV. Press the call button if there’s any issue."

After thanking the doctor, Bai Suizhi entered the room to keep watch. Kahn’s face had been wiped clean, revealing delicate, striking features. His silver-white hair fanned out across the pillow, and the hospital lights accentuated his ashen complexion, giving him a fragile allure that evoked both protectiveness and a darker urge.

"I’ll see how long this Omega can last."

"Damn it, how dare he run? Catch him!"

Kahn ran desperately, the taste of blood tearing through his throat. But they were still catching up…

No!

Stop!

I can't get caught!

Those slender, curled eyelashes suddenly trembled, and Bai Suizhi knew the man was about to wake up. He collected himself and stepped forward.

The trembling lashes were like butterfly wings fluttering, and when they lifted, they revealed a pair of eyes filled with panic and disorientation. Kahn looked at the tall stranger before him, his fingers gripping the sheets tightly as he shrank back, adopting a defensive posture.

"Hello, I'm the one who was driving earlier. After you fainted, I brought you to the hospital. Do you need me to help you contact your family?" Bai Suizhi lowered his voice, afraid of startling the distressed patient before him.

Kahn’s grip on the sheets loosened slightly. Was this the person who had saved him?

Kahn remembered that while he was escaping, a strange vortex had appeared. He had jumped into it, bracing to be torn apart, but instead of meeting death, he had been taken to an unfamiliar place. He didn’t know what had happened or what he would face, so he had dragged his battered body forward, step by step.

Had he been transported to another place?

"Hello? Do you need me to help you contact your family?" Bai Suizhi repeated, seeing that the man’s thoughts seemed to have drifted far away.

Kahn came back to the present. Looking at his carefully bandaged wounds and the man speaking softly before him, he felt he had likely encountered a good person.

Kahn released his grip on the crumpled sheets, his tense body relaxing as he spoke: "Thank you, but I don’t have any family left." Kahn lowered his eyes, his voice tinged with loneliness.

Bai Suizhi hadn’t expected that response and apologized. Looking at the pitiful man before him, he asked again, "Were you being bullied? Do you need to call the police?"

Kahn nodded, then shook his head and said, "It’s pointless. The police won’t deal with this kind of thing."

Bai Suizhi thought the man meant he refused to involve the police and said somewhat disappointedly, "Alright then. I’ll press the call button to summon the doctor to come check on you again. I’ve already paid the medical fees. If there’s no issue, I’ll be going now."

Hearing that the man was about to leave, Kahn looked up anxiously at Bai Suizhi: "C-could you take me along?" Kahn was afraid of being caught and taken back, and he didn’t know where to go. In this unfamiliar place, Bai Suizhi was the only person he knew.

Bai Suizhi thought it was ridiculous and asked, "Why?"

Kahn told the truth: "I’m afraid of being captured." After speaking, he looked urgently at Bai Suizhi, anxiously awaiting the man’s response.

Bai Suizhi didn’t agree immediately. Instead, he asked, "If you’re afraid of being caught, why not call the police? And if you don’t like it, you can just leave that situation."

Kahn’s eyes dimmed: "I was sold to them."

Bai Suizhi froze in place. He hadn’t expected Kahn to be involved in that kind of situation, especially since Kahn looked about his age or even younger. He also recalled Kahn saying he had no family left, and a series of complex thoughts flashed through his mind.

After a long pause, Bai Suizhi finally spoke: "But you still shouldn’t do this kind of thing."

Kahn: "I don’t want to either..." He hadn’t wanted to be abandoned by his parents due to his disabled gland, he hadn’t wanted to be sold on the black market, and he hadn’t wanted to endure those inhumane experiments... The more Kahn thought about it, the sadder he felt. His life was utterly miserable.

Bai Suizhi watched as Kahn’s head nearly sank into the sheets and felt a twinge of sympathy. Still, he thought that in a society governed by law, if someone was unwilling, how could they be forced? Perhaps Kahn was young and had been deceived, lured by quick money only to get burned, and now wanted to escape.

Bai Suizhi couldn’t just take him home either—this was a human being, not some stray animal. It wasn’t so simple to take someone home. But he also couldn’t leave him here. From what he said, if those people found out he was missing, they would come for him. Even though this was a society governed by law, that didn’t mean there were no criminals.

After some thought, Bai Suizhi took out a bank card, wrote the password on the back, and handed it to Kahn. "I suggest you still report it to the police. Explain the situation to them. Use this money to find a place to stay and then find honest work to live a good life."

Seeing that Bai Suizhi kept urging him to call the police, Kahn grew anxious. If the police caught him, he would surely be sent back. Even though this place seemed far from where he had come from, the mere possibility of being caught and returned made him restless.

Suddenly, he grabbed Bai Suizhi’s sleeve as if grasping at a lifeline, muttering, "No, don’t, don’t..."

Seeing this, Bai Suizhi thought Kahn still wanted to go back and felt frustrated. He pried Kahn’s hand away and coldly said, "Suit yourself," before turning and leaving.

Kahn stared blankly at the man’s retreating figure, his entire body frozen in place.

Author's Note: