Episode 1 - A Selfless Man
Su Jiexin, in a hurry for work, paused to tie his shoelaces as the TV news played in the background, catching his attention.
(Su Jiexin Visual Art - Click Here)
"Astronomers and scientists all over the world are baffled by the sudden changes in a white star's behavior. This star is acting strangely, with its brightness and radiation levels fluctuating erratically. It's the first time something like this has happened, leaving scientists with many questions and opening up new areas of study."
Jiexin paused, his gaze fixed on the screen, where images of the white star's strange behavior flickered.
He felt unease, one that lingers in the recesses of his mind.
Nevertheless, duty called, and he couldn't afford to be late for work.
The city was already filled with people hurrying to their destinations. Jiexin's day commenced just like any other, doing good deeds anywhere, big or small.
In the busy crowd, he saw an elderly woman at the edge of a lively street.
Without hesitation, he quickly went to her and helped her safely cross the road.
"Be careful on your way granny", he smiled.
"Thank you, young man", then she went on her way.
Further down, he noticed a young mother struggling with a stroller. Su Jiexin held the shop door open, making it easier for her to enter.
His smile shone brightly amid the city's commotion, a reminder of the power of simple acts of kindness in a world that often overlooks others' needs.
Su Jiexin stood at the bus stop, waiting for a ride to work. People hurried around him, lost in their thoughts and routines.
However, amid the rhythm of the city, something unexpected happens.
A vibrant, colorful ball rolled onto the busy road, followed closely by a child, no more than a few years old, who enthusiastically chased it.
Their innocent delight permeated the air.
"My ball!"
Yet, as the child was about to reach the center of the road, a horrifying sight unfolded before everyone's eyes.
As the child was about to reach the center of the road, a horrifying sight unfolded before everyone's eyes. A car hurtled towards the unsuspecting child, engine roaring.
"The boy!" someone cried out, fear etched in their voice.
Jiexin's heart raced. He leaped forward without hesitation, arms outstretched. A selfless act of bravery and kindness.
In the blink of an eye, he caught the small child with one hand, instinctively shielding his head with the other.
The collision was inevitable. The car struck Jiexin with force, sending him rolling several meters away.
Sprawling on the floor, Jiexin was dazed. Regardless, he sat up, trying to make sure the child was unhurt. He held the child tightly, letting out a groan of pain as he sat up.
"Are you okay?", Jiexin asked, wincing slightly.
The boy nodded, tears running down his cheeks, sniffling in response.
Jiexin nodded. He was about to speak, only to be cut off by the distressed shout of a woman.
"My baby!" cried the child's mother.
She was out of breath and her hands trembled with fear. Seeing Jiexin holding the boy and that neither appeared to be too badly harmed, she let out a sigh of relief, hurrying over with her arms outstretched.
A crowd had gathered, and witnesses exchanged astonished glances, awestruck by Jiexin's bravery and the miraculous outcome of the accident.
Meanwhile, the elderly driver of the car rushed to Jiexin's side, concern etched on his guilt-ridden face as he assisted him in getting up.
"Are you okay, young man?"
Jiexin put on a weary but warm smile, dusting off his clothes.
"I'm completely fine, gramps."
The old man, still visibly concerned, persisted,
"Are you sure? You don't look fine."
To reassure him, Jiexin demonstrated his well-being, moving his arms and legs, bending and stretching.
"See? I'm perfectly fine," he declared with a smile. "So, don't worry about me."
The old man sighed in relief, but the guilt still lingered.
However, Jiexin couldn't ignore the child's persistent sobs. His heart went out to the little one.
Jiexin reached into his pocket and pulled out a candy bar. He kneeled in front of the child and presented the sweet treat.
"Look what I've got!" Jiexin exclaimed, displaying the candy.
The boy's teary eyes remained fixed on the candy.
"I'll give this to you if you promise me something," Jiexin said, tucking his lips.
"But first, you need to calm down."
Jiexin extended his pinky finger.
"Promise to be more careful next time, okay? And always listen to your mother."
The child gazed at Jiexin's outstretched pinky finger, sniffling and nodding hesitantly while wiping his nose.
With a small, determined nod, the child wrapped his tiny pinky finger around Jiexin's, sealing their promise.
The child, in turn, mustered a small, trembling smile.
Jiexin placed the candy in the child's hand, saying,
"Don't make your mother worry again, you promise?"
The child nodded again and began unwrapping the candy, his tears subsiding as he focused on the sweet treat.
Jiexin then stood up and turned to the mother, who had been observing the exchange with a blend of gratitude and concern.
"Are you okay, miss?" he asked, genuinely concerned for her well-being.
She responded with concern in her voice,
"I'm supposed to be asking you that. Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?"
"I'm fine; it's just a scratch," Jiexin reassured her with a soft smile.
The bus arrived, and the witnesses of the incident quickly boarded.
"Our bus is here," she said, her voice filled with gratitude, bowing deeply to Jiexin, her eyes reflecting the depth of her thanks.
"Thank you so much for saving my child. I don't know how I can repay you."
"No need to thank me," Jiexin replied humbly, waving his hands dismissively.
"It looks like your bus is going. You should get on."
The mother's eyes softened.
"I've never met such a kind person like you," she smiled, genuine appreciation in her gaze.
"Then we shall go." Jiexin nodded in response, his smile reflecting the warmth of their brief encounter.
The mother and her son boarded the bus, the child looking through the window while chewing his candy and waving his tiny hand in a heartfelt goodbye.
Jiexin returned the gesture with an amiable smile, waving back, watching as the bus started moving.
Jiexin glanced at his watch. Time had slipped away, and he was now running late. He quickly hailed a taxi and climbed into it.
As the taxi began to navigate the city streets, he stole a moment to gaze out the window.
There, on the crowded sidewalk, amid the hustle of pedestrians and the blaring of car horns, stood an elderly man in tattered clothes.
He appeared as a disheveled figure amidst the city's commotion. In his trembling hands, he clutched a cardboard sign that bore a stark message, written in bold, uneven letters:
[THE END IS NEAR. THEY ARE COMING!]