Countdown
Sitting in the lonely room, Chen An gazed at the countdown on his forehead in the mirror. The string of red numbers counted down in a cold manner .
Countdown: 00:01:60
Countdown: 00:01:59
Chen An looked intently at the countdown on his forehead as the numbers dwindled second by second, mercilessly reminding him of the passing of his life. The numbers seemed simple, but they carried great weight.
He couldn't help but sigh, a sense of powerlessness welling up in his heart. This countdown, just like what his parents had once experienced, seemed destined for him to disappear as well, briefly or forever inside the real world.
A bitter smile spread across the corners of his mouth, as if mocking the cruelty of fate. Was this a road to nowhere?
The cell phone was leaning against the table, and a YouTube video was playing on the screen. The video featured a well-known blogger describing everything about the countdown. He talked about the new world that would follow the countdown, a strange and unknown place.
"It's a fresh start, "the blogger says, his voice filled with passion and hope. "In that world, you will have the opportunity to redefine yourself and pursue everything you want. But always remember, time waits for no man.
The first thing you need to do is get a handle on the place you're traveling to, get a handle on what's going on there, and make decisions that will allow you to survive there.
Each career path in the New World has its own unique challenges and opportunities. Whichever path you choose, do your best to survive and continue to grow and evolve."
"Survive?"
Chen An looked up at the twinkling starry sky. The neon lights of this city flickered around him, but in his eyes, they seemed dim.
His brows were slightly furrowed, his expression somewhat worried.
Countdown: 00:60
Countdown: 00:59
At this moment, the old granny had a grave expression as she staggered over with her walking stick in hand, standing in front of the door of the room and gazing at Chen An who was sitting inside the room.
"Chen An, are you leaving?"
The old grandmother's voice was filled with worry and reluctance, as if she had already foreseen some sort of change.
Chen An took a deep breath and replied with a smile, "Yes, grandmother, I may have to leave for a while."
The old grandmother nodded, her eyes revealing understanding and reluctance. "Child, wherever you go, take care of yourself. No matter what happens, remember that I will be here for you."
Chen An nodded gratefully, then gently walked over to the old grandmother and hugged her tightly for a moment. The old grandmother's cane leaned to the side, and she stroked Chen An's hair with a trembling hand, as if silently praying for his safe return.
Worry still showed in the old grandmother's eyes as she took a deep breath, then said softly, "Chen An, will you disappear just like your parents did, leaving grandma alone ...."
Chen An assisted his grandmother to sit on the sofa and firmly said.
"Grandma, don't worry! I will come back ."
The old grandmother smiled and nodded, the worry in her eyes gradually dissipating, replaced by trust and blessings for her grandson. "Good boy, I'll always be here to pray for you, I hope you can come back safe and sound."
Countdown 00:00:20
Countdown 00:00:19.
Countdown 00:00:18
Countdown 00:00:17
Countdown 00:00:16
Countdown 00:00:15
Countdown 00:00:14
Countdown 00:00:13
The numbers displayed on the countdown were rapidly decreasing, and the final ten seconds were upon us. The numbers decreased from 10 to 1, each second was like a heartbeat, Chen An's expression became a little tense, his fists clenched tightly.
Countdown 00:00:12
Countdown 00:00:11
Countdown 00:00:10
Countdown 00:00:09
Countdown 00:00:08
Countdown 00:00:07
Time flew by in the countdown on his arm, each moment bringing an irreversible tension.
Countdown 00:00:06
Countdown 00:00:05
Countdown 00:00:04
At that moment, Chen An's heartbeat seemed to beat under the pulsing of the countdown as well, and his emotions became unstable, feeling tired all over.
Countdown 00:00:03
Countdown 00:00:02
In the last few seconds, as if his entire body was being swallowed by the sea, Chen An closed his eyes as if accepting his death.
Countdown 00:00:01
... in the last seconds of the countdown, the number turned to zero. At that instant, an intense light surrounded him, as if swallowing him up. Then, a voice rang in his ears, gently and welcomingly:
"Welcome to the new world, prepare for a new life!"