Jing Xi was back at his presidential palace in Beijing. The world was in an uproar after the Hei Bai virus outbreak in New York and Xuwan, and the global death toll was approaching half a million. Jing Xi had declared a national lockdown and it was time to wipe out the 1.2 million dissenters that Jing's AI had identified. They would all 'die from the virus' and the Columnist Party would add them to China's death toll during this 'tragic' time of Chinese history.
Even though everything was going according to plan, Jing felt worried. He could not be certain that the virus testing video was deleted from the internet. Jing needed a way to gain sympathy, a way to prove that he was not the mastermind behind the virus outbreak. Jing pulled his hair. He worried about the massive outbreak that had taken place in New York. Jing hadn't ordered the contamination of New York's water supply, so who was behind it?
Jing tapped up a bath and added some bath salts. A nice, warm, oily bath would soften his limbs and put his mind at ease. He thought of summoning Min Li. Jing intended to meet her for her company as he was too tense to think about sex. Jing sunk his fat body into the warm water and for a short moment, he felt at peace. The shrieking voice of his wife, Lan Peng, broke the peace.
- Honey. Are we still going to the Shen Yun dance show?
Jing took a deep breath. Why would he even consider visiting the Shen Yun dance show? Jing's enemies, The Falun Gong movement, sponsored the Shen Yun performers. Jing:
- Are you fucking insane? Why would I visit the dance show run by my enemies during a nationwide lockdown?
Lan Peng:
- Do we need a lockdown every time you hype a flu virus? Lah? Last year was so boring!
Jing:
- 200,000 people died in Xuwan yesterday. It is not hyped this time. You stupid bitch!
Lan Peng:
- Whatever, lah. I'll ask Chancellor Chi Wang to summon the Shen Yun troupe for a private show. He knows how to treat me.
Hearing this, reminded Jing of his suspicions that Lan Peng was cheating on him with Chi Wang. He had suspected it for years, but he had never bothered investigating. After all, he was too busy having sex with his young and beautiful concubines to pay his wife's sex life any attention.
But, since Lan Peng was cheating on him, he had a reason to murder her. If she were to die from the Hei Bai virus, Jing could showcase his tragedy to the world. That would deflect suspicions elsewhere. Jing smiled. It was time to fulfil the 'until death do us apart' part of his wedding vows and send Lan Peng off to the afterlife!
***
Jing Xi approached Lan Peng as she was preparing her make up for her private Shen Yun dance show. He gave her a cup of tea laced with selenium and spoke:
- I am sorry, honey-boo. You were right. I would be happy to watch the Shen Yun show together with you.
Lan Peng:
- Oh really? What made you change your mind?
Jing:
- I am not a fan of leaving you alone with Chi Wang. He might make a fool out of himself swooning over your beauty.
Lan Peng scoffed:
- Bah. When was the last time you called me beautiful?
Jing:
- I just did. Now stop arguing.
Lan Peng:
- What about Min Li and your other whores?
Jing:
- You cannot expect the Emperor of China to settle for one old hag. Now drink your tea and we'll head to the show. I am not going to ask again.
Lan Peng thought of objecting but she didn't. Instead, she had a few sips of the tea and replied:
- Thank you, for giving me the tea, Heavenly Master.
Jing smiled as Lan drank the tea, he watched her for a while. Eventually, he spoke:
- I know what you did. I know that you have been fucking Chi Wang behind my back for years.
Lan Peng:
- So, what is it to you? Since when do you care about my fidelity?
Jing:
- It's not about fidelity. It's about power. I cannot have my chancellor fuck my wife.
- On the bright side, you will realise that the Hei Bai virus is very real, as it ends your life in terrible pains.
Lan was about to slap Jing when the virus took hold of her and she collapsed to the ground in severe pain. Lan shouted:
- What did you do to me, monster?
Jing:
- I infected you with the Hei Bai virus.
- I'll use your death to my advantage. I'll get my revenge for your affair with Chi Wang, and I can use your passing as a distraction. I will fill all the newspapers with stories about how I am mourning your tragic death.
Lan Peng couldn't argue against Jing Xi. Her excruciating pain took hold of her senses and all she could do was to scream in pain. After a few minutes, the pain put Lan into shock. She slipped into unconsciousness never to wake up again.