The morning sun slowly climbed higher, casting a golden light that gently reflected off the dew still clinging to the leaves. The clock on the wall showed seven o'clock in the morning, as the sound of birds chirping accompanied the life that was beginning to stir. In a quiet corner of the city, the aroma of fresh coffee began to spread from open windows, while the sound of vehicles waking from their long slumber started to be heard in the distance. It all felt like a morning symphony celebrating a new beginning, full of hope and possibilities.
Zhao Feng took a long breath, feeling refreshed after completing his morning run. Sweat still dampened his forehead as he walked past the small park that was his favorite route every morning. The cool morning air felt refreshing in his lungs, making him feel alive.
He glanced at the digital watch on his wrist, which showed fifteen minutes past seven. "There's still time for a shower and breakfast before starting the day," he thought, quickening his pace towards the apartment he rented.
Zhao Feng's apartment was located on the fifth floor of an old building with fading paint. Although the building was no longer new, Zhao Feng liked the place for its quiet tranquility and strategic location. As he entered the building's lobby, the friendly doorman greeted him with a warm smile.
"Good morning, Zhao Feng! Morning run again?" asked the doorman.
Zhao Feng nodded and smiled, "Yes, Mr. Li. The weather today is too good to miss."
After the brief conversation, Zhao Feng quickly went up to his apartment. Upon arriving, he opened the door and was greeted by a familiar atmosphere. His apartment was simple, yet cozy, with large windows that offered a beautiful view of the city.
He placed the keys on the table and headed to the bathroom. The cold shower helped to relieve the fatigue from his tense muscles.
His body was filled with perfect muscles, every contour and line showing extraordinary strength and resilience. His face was handsome with a strong jawline and sharp eyes, while his wet long hair covered his ears, adding a mysterious impression. He stood under the bathroom shower, water flowing over his glistening skin, creating a captivating scene.
Those muscles were not obtained easily. Since high school, he had dedicated himself to calisthenics—a training regimen that uses one's own body weight to build strength and fitness. Every morning, before the sun rose, he was already in the park, doing pull-ups, push-ups, running, and various other movements. His hard work and dedication over the years had finally paid off, shaping the body that now stood tall and full of confidence.
While showering, Zhao Feng's mind drifted to the tasks awaiting him today. He was an economics student.
After showering, Zhao Feng put on casual clothes and headed to his small kitchen. He prepared a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal, then sat at the dining table, gazing out the window. The sky was bright blue without a cloud, and birds flew low, as if encouraging him to stay motivated.
Sipping his coffee, Zhao Feng opened his laptop and began typing.
Time passed unnoticed.
Zhao Feng had just pressed the "Enter" key on his keyboard when suddenly the room he was sitting in brightened dramatically. A blinding white light filled every corner of his apartment, making him close his eyes for a moment. He felt the air around him vibrate, and a low humming sound filled the room.
When Zhao Feng opened his eyes, he was shocked to see an old man standing in front of him. The man had a face that looked similar to his own, but it was full of wrinkles and his hair was white. His clothes looked strange, like something from a distant future.
However, as Zhao Feng's eyes moved closer to the old man's face, he felt a tension hanging in the air. The old man's expression was unusual; his eyes were sharp and cold, giving the impression that behind his gentle smile lay deep malevolence. His wrinkled skin twitched with every movement, as if revealing a dark past. And when the old man smiled, the smile did not reach his dark eyes, creating a strange shadow at the corner of his mouth that made Zhao Feng's heart beat faster.
Zhao Feng stood up quickly, his heart pounding. "Who are you?" he asked with a trembling voice.
The old man smiled faintly, a smile that Zhao Feng recognized all too well because it was his own smile. "I am you, Zhao Feng. I come from the future," the old man replied calmly.
Confusion gripped Zhao Feng. "How is that possible? Why are you here?"
The old man stepped closer, his eyes peering deeply into the eyes of the younger Zhao Feng.
Speaking in a chilling tone that pierced the heart, the old man said, "In three hours, the world will undergo a change." Zhao Feng was shocked to hear this and began to ponder.
The old man watched Zhao Feng as he thought and did not interrupt him. While contemplating, Zhao Feng looked at the old man and said, "Is that all you want to convey? Is there something else?"
The old man lowered his head and pondered for a moment. Then he lifted his head and stared sharply at Zhao Feng. Then, with a cruel smile, he answered, "I want to kill you." His words sounded like a cold wind sweeping through the room, leaving Zhao Feng stunned.
"You're insane!" Zhao Feng shouted, trying to push away the fear enveloping him.
Without another word, the old man leaped forward with astonishing speed. His body felt like an unavoidable shadow, as if he possessed a power beyond that of an ordinary human. Zhao Feng tried to defend himself, dodge, and counterattack with full force. They engaged in a fierce battle in the narrow space, where every move was crucial for survival.
However, Zhao Feng soon realized something peculiar: the old man's body almost felt ethereal. Every punch he threw passed through his body easily, as if he were fighting an unseen spirit. With growing desperation, Zhao Feng focused his energy on one final strike. This time, his blow successfully pierced the old man's body, sending a wave of energy that shattered his existence.
The old man trembled for a moment, his eyes gazing softly at Zhao Feng as he smiled warmly. Then, in a gentle tone, he said, "Believe in yourself, and remember that every step you take is part of a greater journey. Do not be afraid to take risks."
The presence of the old man slowly became blurry and faded before eventually disappearing from Zhao Feng's sight. At the same time, the memories and experiences of the old man seeped into Zhao Feng's mind, filling the gaps in his thoughts with stories and knowledge beyond his imagination.