Apocalypse Forecast

His gaze gradually became blurred.

Strangely, there was not a drop of alcohol in him, yet he felt as if he were drunk, lost in the ecstasy of the Source Substance’s sensations, recalling the winter of that year.

In that instant, he sensed something was wrong. His pupils constricted subconsciously, trying to resist.

But soon after, phantoms appeared before his eyes.

That year, snow fell from the sky. The Teenage Girl stood alone on the plum tree. Fluttering snow landed on her hair and shoulders, gradually covering the small mole on the back of her neck until it was no longer visible. All that remained was skin as white as snow. When she turned her head to look at him, her eyes, as dark as lacquer, made the young boy’s heart pound.

Quickly, that illusion vanished from sight.

”A Tao...”

He murmured absentmindedly, falling into a daze.

How many years had passed since he last recalled her face? Even he had forgotten that buried memory. Now, as the afterimages of bygone days emerged once more, he felt intoxicated amidst the confusion.

Unwittingly, he took another sip.

By the time he realized it was poison, it was too late. Because the sweetness lingering in his mouth slowly turned sour...

In his daze, he began to remember that part of his youth that was his alone, fleeting and filled with pain.

”A Tao? That’s the Master’s daughter.”

”How is she? A Beauty, right? Ah, I’m so envious. Why can’t I have a daughter like that?”

”You lad, you aren’t getting spring fever, are you? Get moving and work, stop your daydreaming!”

The workload at San Tu was heavy, especially for apprentices. They not only had to do odd jobs but also serve tea and water, and run errands for the Master and Predecessors like servants, busy from dawn to dusk. A slight mistake could lead to a ruthless lashing and harsh scolding.

Many companions from his cohort couldn’t endure such cruel treatment and quit. He alone persevered, gritting his teeth and fighting back tears. He endured countless sleepless nights until he finally made it through those hardest years. Ultimately, he received the Master’s favor and was accepted as an official Disciple.

It was not until he saw A Tao again at a banquet that he vaguely understood. Perhaps he had endured such prolonged torment not because of any inherent toughness or willpower, but simply because he wanted to see her again.

Their encounters were just that, nothing more: meetings under the corridor, daily smiles at dawn and dusk, and the lingering fragrance in the air as they passed by each other. He gradually became intoxicated by them, and eventually... he couldn’t help himself.

That figure occupied his mind. He madly missed her face, her silhouette, and her body. He did so many shameful things, just to get a bit closer to her, even if only slightly. Like a loyal dog.

He would listen to whatever A Tao said. He would buy anything she wanted. He would do anything she wished, no matter what it took.

Until one day, he saw someone else holding her in their arms...

How long ago was that scene? Why was it still imprinted so vividly on his heart? Every time he thought of it, he couldn’t help but feel a faint pain in his heart. He struggled to breathe.

He bowed his head and unconsciously loosened his tie. He picked up the glass and took a fierce gulp, trying to suppress the agitation in his heart with the ice water.

The excessive sugar spread, entangling with the sourness, leaving only an indescribable bitterness.

Jealousy. This was the taste of jealousy.

When with that man, A Tao revealed a stunning smile he had never seen before. It was like sunshine, deeply wounding Shenjin’s heart and almost driving him mad.

If only she could be happy, that would be enough. As long as she was well, it wouldn’t matter what happened to him. He could only comfort himself with this rationale, curling up in a corner where the sunlight couldn’t reach, gradually becoming as insignificant as dust.

But happiness never came. After bearing that man’s child, A Tao was cast aside by that scumbag. She changed completely from who she used to be.

Not much later, she began appearing with a new boyfriend, always as a couple. Her smile remained, but it gradually differed from the past. Then, time and time again, she experienced betrayal and abandonment.

It was all because of those damn bastards!

After every breakup, A Tao would come to him in tears, pouring out her troubles. Every time, he wanted to muster the courage to speak what was in his heart...

Maybe, just maybe, the next one could be him. When that time came, he definitely wouldn’t let her be hurt like that.

Shenjin made such vows countless times.

Until one late night, her cheek flushed with a hint of alcohol, she leaned in close, studying his face, her eyes flitting about.

”Oh, I get it now,” she said with a smile. ”Shen-kun, you must have never held a woman, right?”

She whispered in his ear, ”Once you’ve tasted that, you won’t feel so awkward. What do you say? Want me to help out? Consider it thanks for all you’ve done...”

CRACK!

In Shenjin Qing’s hand, the glass fractured.

That was the sound of a dream shattering.

Shenjin had forgotten how he responded at that moment. All he remembered was bowing his head and shamefully, awkwardly... running away.