Look out at the whole world

2012 was destined to be an extraordinary year. After watching Roland Emmerich’s apocalyptic blockbuster 2012, doomsday hysteria reached fever pitch. Who knows—maybe some madman actually trekked to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to hunt for Noah’s Ark? But what good would that do? The Ark isn’t necessarily there. The Sahara, Australia, the Arab world—any of these could be candidates. Even if it were on the plateau, would you ever see it? And if you did, could you board? If I had that kind of money, I’d blow it all before the end times. Afterward, there’d be nothing left to splurge on. In reality, 2012 was uneventful. The sun rose as usual, the financial crisis persisted though the "impossible" didn’t happen. Housing remained unaffordable, and work stayed hectic. You ask how I know? Obviously—it’s fate. Can’t fight it. And don’t idolize me; I’m a low-key guy. "Damn it, Zhao Pangzi!" Jiang Gufeng cursed inwardly, straining to carry two massive suitcases. Though his face betrayed no anger, his thoughts raged: Just you wait till I outrank you. You’re just a deputy editor—who do you think you are? Making me haul your crap! I’ll— He mentally assaulted Zhao’s entire maternal lineage for five centuries. "How’s it going, Xiao Jiang? Tired? Want to rest? The plane’s boarding soon," Zhao smirked, turning his corpulent head. Watching Jiang’s exhausted, irritated expression, Zhao gloated: Talent means nothing. You’re just a pawn. I’ll crush you—my uncle’s the real power here. "Not tired at all, Editor Zhao. You’re the one working hard—traveling to Hong Kong for an interview. You’re an inspiration to us all," Jiang lied through gritted teeth, suppressing his disgust. This is life, Jiang sighed. Rank matters. Zhao quickened his pace. "Hurry—we’re late." It was astounding how fast the obese man could move. "Fall and die," Jiang seethed, trailing him. Thus, at Shanghai Pudong Airport, 2012—a year of unfulfilled prophecy—witnessed an absurd spectacle: a 300+ jin 150+ kg man sprinting faster than a racewalking champion, pursued by a scrawny youth lugging two gigantic suitcases. What a mad world, spectators marveled, mentally noting the anecdote for future gossip. Nearly collapsing, Jiang staggered toward Zhao, who stood smugly at the boarding gate, fiddling with two tickets. "Xiao Jiang," Zhao grinned, "our budget’s tight. Only one first-class and one economy ticket. What do you think…?" "Of course you take first class, Editor Zhao." "No, no—it’s not right." Zhao’s tone contradicted his smirk. "You deserve it. Who else?" Jiang forced a smile. I’ll remember this, you bastard, Jiang fumed, panting in his economy seat as Zhao swaggered into first class. The plane taxied, then soared into the azure sky. Gazing at the shrinking city, Jiang felt a surge of exhilaration: This is it—dominance, control. I’m nobody now, but I’ll rise. This is my destiny. "Uncle, juice!" A child’s voice interrupted his reverie. A porcelain-doll-like girl offered him a juice box, her mother—a graceful young woman—smiling beside her. Jiang froze, perplexed. "Juice, Uncle?" the girl repeated, wide eyes anxious. "Thanks, little one. Can I help you with anything?" Jiang asked. "Can I sit with you to see the clouds? They look like cotton candy!" she beamed. "Of course." Jiang unbuckled his seatbelt. Kids are refreshing, he thought. This is the first peace I’ve felt on this trip. "Mommy, Uncle said yes! Unbuckle me!" the girl chirped. "Thank you so much," the mother said. "She’s stubborn about the clouds. Sorry for the trouble." "She’s adorable. I—" Jiang began, but the plane suddenly jolted. A deafening boom and screeching metal filled the cabin. Jiang felt a chill as the floor tilted violently. Reacting instinctively, he shoved the girl into her mother’s arms. His body hurtled backward… into empty air. Seconds later, a black hole-like void yawned below. Jiang plummeted into it; the aperture rippled and vanished. Xinhua News Agency Report May 14, 14:28 A Shanghai-to-Hong Kong flight suffered an engine explosion over the Taiwan Strait. The detached propeller tore a 1.7m x 1m hole in the left fuselage. The pilot executed a calm emergency landing at sea. Despite panic, casualties were minimal: 14 minor injuries, 1 missing. The missing passenger, Jiang Gufeng, seated near the breach, was ejected due to unsecured seatbelt and aircraft tilt. Rescue efforts continue. May 17 After three days of searching, experts presume Jiang deceased. May 18 All injured passengers discharged, no aftereffects. Jiang’s death confirmed.