Chapter 2

"Is this a video montage, sir? Is it from a new movie?"

Tiang raised an eyebrow, convinced that his teacher was delusional.

"Can't you see that the government is brainwashing you?!" the teacher cried, his gaze burning with intensity. "Soon, there will be no more civilization. The strong will devour the weak! Tiang... I tried to protect you, but now you must be strong!"

He grabbed Tiang's shoulders forcefully.

"You're completely out of your mind..." Tiang said, detached.

He shook himself free with a sharp motion and turned on his heels. Behind him, Meilin ran to catch up with him on the stairs.

"Wait... Are you really going to leave like this?" she asked, breathless.

Tiang stopped for a moment, staring at the ground.

"I'm weak, Meilin. What do you want me to do about it?" A bitter grimace stretched across his lips. "Stay out of this... I don't want those vipers to hurt you."

Without waiting for a response, he stormed down.

Shenzhou Suburbs - March 19, 2030, 9:30 PM

The Qin family was gathered around the table, a steaming meal between them. Their mother absentmindedly flipped through channels until landing on national news.

"The authorities in Beijing have imposed martial law tonight," the anchor announced in a grave tone. "In response to uncontrollable riots, the police are now authorized to use lethal force."

A shrill scream echoed on air. The journalist turned pale and dropped her microphone. The image wobbled, then the screen abruptly switched to a still shot of an old news anchor.

"Our team was attacked by... anti-democratic terrorists," he cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. "Next, we have General Li Yu Ling to discuss the government's security response. General, what measures have been taken by Xi Jinping and the Ministry of Defense?"

The man in uniform adjusted his tie with a slow movement, offering a reassuring smile.

"The Chinese state protects its citizens," he declared calmly. "Our medical experts are containing the situation, and our police forces are effectively handling the riots."

"General, what role is the army playing?" the journalist continued, expressionless.

"Logistical support for the medical personnel in the South, of course."

"Are you sure? Didn't you bomb the Indo-Chinese border? Or open fire on civilians in Gansu?"

A chilling silence filled the room. The general's features hardened, his gaze turning sharp.

"On what exactly are you basing these accusations?" His smile disappeared. "I didn't think a journalist of your caliber would believe in conspiracy theories."

The screen abruptly went black.

Tiang turned to look at his older brother, who was placing the remote control back on the table.

"Mom, you shouldn't watch this kind of thing," he said with a feigned softness.

"It's important to stay informed." Their mother crossed her arms. "At least you have a job that makes me proud. Unlike your little brother."

Tiang tensed.

"Don't be too harsh, mom," his older brother chuckled. "Leeches like him always end up paying one way or another."

With a mocking smile on his lips, he locked eyes with his younger sibling.

Tiang felt his blood boil. His fist clenched under the table, his lower lip bleeding from the pressure of his teeth.

"Asshole..." he thought.

Without a word, he stood up abruptly and left the room.

"Tiang, come back here!" his mother ordered.

"Leave him, mom." The older brother shrugged, amused. "He's just a poor guy."