Chapter 130

Dust and rubble swirled in the air, a desolate silence hanging heavy.

First World Tong Yang watched her silently, her expression inscrutable. Her deep gaze was like a bottomless black hole, making it impossible to grasp her emotions.

After nearly half a minute of standoff, First World Tong Yang spoke: "Why go to such lengths?"

Tong Yang lowered her eyes to the ground, pausing for a moment before saying, "Because Tong Le is still alive."

Whether this was Tong Yang's true feelings or not, she knew it was the answer First World Tong Yang wanted to hear at this very moment.

The three shared the same face, had different personalities, yet their paths would ultimately converge.

"Buzz—"

"Buzz—"

Suddenly, a vibration sound came from First World Tong Yang.

Taking a phone from her jacket pocket, Tong Le had called as promised.

Tong Yang looked at the phone that had somehow appeared in her hand. She didn't ask how; it didn't matter anymore.

In the distance, the red rays from the sensor bracelets piercing through the buildings grew more numerous, indicating that the vital signs of everyone except Tong Yang had become critically poor.

Tong Yang had no other choice. Only by persuading First World Tong Yang, by making the magnetic field energy disappear as soon as possible, could everything end.

"Shall we hear Tong Le's opinion?" First World Tong Yang shook the phone slightly, speaking to her.

Tong Yang watched her quietly, unsure of her intention, and made no move to stop her.

First World Tong Yang answered the call and put it on speakerphone.

"Let's congratulate student Tong Le! His project has won first prize in the National Primary and Secondary School Science and Technology Competition!"

Thunderous applause followed.

"Tong Le, you're amazing!"

"Congratulations!"

Joyful voices erupted from the phone, causing all three to freeze momentarily.

"Thank you, teacher."

"Teacher, may I step out to call my sister?"

"Of course! Such important news must be shared with family immediately!"

"Tong Le really loves his sister!"

"Yeah, he talks about her every day!"

"Lele says his sister is a hundred, a thousand times more amazing than him. I really want to meet her."

"I've seen her! Lele's sister is super cool!"

Amidst his classmates' cheerful clamor, Tong Le walked out of the classroom.

Entering the quiet hallway, Tong Le called out, "Sister, did you hear that?"

First World Tong Yang softened her gaze, a gentle smile on her lips. "You're incredible, winning first prize for your project."

Tong Le chuckled sheepishly, then said with regret, "I wish you could have seen my project, sis."

First World Tong Yang asked, puzzled, "Can't I see it?"

Tong Le explained, "I promised the teacher I'd donate it to the science museum for exhibition, so more kids can see it."

"Is that so? You're truly remarkable."

"Not as remarkable as you, sis! Sister, is it raining there? The wind sounds so loud," Tong Le said.

First World Tong Yang replied, "It will rain soon."

"Then you should hurry home. Don't get sick."

"Mm."

Tong Yang listened silently to their conversation. First World Tong Yang's expression was unusually gentle, different from her usual self. This ordinary dialogue for Tong Yang was something distant and unattainable for both First World Tong Yang and Parallel World Tong Yang.

"Lele, did your sister ever tell you about parallel worlds?" First World Tong Yang shifted the topic abruptly.

Tong Le's voice grew tense. "Sister, you did tell me. Are you in danger now?"

First World Tong Yang asked, "Do you know how many people exist in the world who look exactly like your sister?"

Tong Le's voice softened. "Sister, I know."

First World Tong Yang was silent for a beat, then asked, "To you, they are..."

Tong Le, always a clever child, ventured cautiously, "Are you another version of my sister from another world?"

Through the phone, hearing only an identical voice and tone, Tong Le had still recognized they were different.

First World Tong Yang nodded. "Yes."

Tong Le hesitated, then asked, "Is my sister... is she okay?"

First World Tong Yang glanced up at her. "Yes, she's right beside me."

Tong Le breathed a sigh of relief. "Sister, to me, you and my sister are different people, but you are both 'Tong Le's' sister."

"I don't know what parallel worlds are like. If there's a parallel world sister, there must be a parallel world me. No matter which world, sister and Tong Le are family."

"Is that so," First World Tong Yang murmured. "So, anyone who becomes your sister is acceptable?"

Tong Le asked, "Sister, do you want to be this Tong Le's sister?"

First World Tong Yang smiled. "Would that not be allowed?"

Tong Le replied hesitantly, "But wouldn't the Tong Le from the parallel world be sad?"

"He's dead," First World Tong Yang stated calmly.

"I'm sorry..." Tong Le mumbled.

"It's fine. Answer me first. Would it be acceptable?"

Tong Le thought for a few seconds, then said earnestly, "Sister, if I died, and my sister became someone else's sister, even if it was another 'me' from a parallel world, I would be very sad."

First World Tong Yang was taken aback. "Really? Is that how it is?"

Tong Le continued, "But I also don't want my sister to be sad. So... if it would make you happy, then Tong Le would be happy too."

First World Tong Yang gave a faint smile. "Good child."

"Answer one more question for me," First World Tong Yang said.

"Sister, go ahead. I'll answer properly," Tong Le promised.

"If your sister disappeared from this world, what would you do?"

Tong Le was stunned, his voice turning panicked. "No! Sister can't disappear! I can't be without my sister!"

"I... I only want my sister. I can give up everything else!"

First World Tong Yang whispered, "I see."

"Sister..."

"Sister!"

Tong Le suddenly raised his voice, as if searching for Tong Yang.

First World Tong Yang said unhurriedly, "You are very much like Tong Le. Thank you for answering my questions. As a reward, I can grant you one wish."

"Don't hurt my sister!"

First World Tong Yang's expression remained placid as she nodded. "Alright, I promise."

"Sister, it doesn't matter if I die. You must survive. You are the person I love most, no matter which world..."

Without listening further, First World Tong Yang ended the call and tossed the phone to Tong Yang.

"Tong Yang, you were wise, and also fortunate. You protected Tong Le well, kept him alive," First World Tong Yang said.

Tong Yang lowered her eyelids. "I was just luckier than you."

Even so, could luck simply sum up the difference between her and the other two Tong Yangs?

"The lucky one isn't just you, but also Tong Le," Parallel World Tong Yang said.

The pain borne by the living far exceeded that of the dead.

This timeline had changed because of Tong Yang and 2036 Tong Le. Tong Le was the truly fortunate one. His luck stemmed from the version of himself in another timeline who had lost his sister.

Parallel World Tong Yang let out a sudden, dry laugh. "But saying that doesn't seem right either. No one is truly fortunate."

Originally, they should have all had a peaceful life.

"Who knows," said First World Tong Yang. "I won't go back on my word. The game is over."

First World Tong Yang looked up at the sky and said, "Take me to see him when he's grown up. After that, I won't interfere anymore."

Tong Yang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. As long as things developed according to her plan from here on out, she could separate the magnetic field energy and herself into different timelines before the others died. Then everything would truly be over!

Tong Yang called Wu Pingxue, briefly explained her idea, and then asked for the location of 2036 Tong Le.

After listening, Wu Pingxue fell into a brief silence. "Your speculation is correct. The plan is feasible."

"Then tell me where Tong Le is."

Wu Pingxue sighed. "You two siblings should decide your own affairs. He's at the Joint Government base, underground level three."

"I understand," Tong Yang's voice was heavy. "Send the others back. The matter is resolved. Once the magnetic field energy disappears, it will all be over."

Wu Pingxue sighed. "Although I'd like to do that, it's a great pity they are already inextricably involved. Only when the magnetic field energy disappears will they have a sliver of a chance to survive."

Tong Yang clenched her teeth. The red rays of light from different directions around her were already tinged with black, signaling that their lives were nearing their end. It was unknown how much longer they could hold on.

"I understand."

Tong Yang hung up the phone and rushed to the decisive location. As long as she reached the Joint Government base before the rays turned completely black, everything would be fine.

Not daring to delay for a moment, Tong Yang rushed like mad, at the fastest speed she had ever mustered in her life, to the Joint Government base. This place was practically the only intact area left in the entire affluent district.

Fortunately, the Joint Government personnel had already entered the underground city. They didn't have much trouble entering the third underground level. Places requiring identity verification for passage posed no obstacle with First World Tong Yang accompanying them.

The icy walls of the third underground level reflected an eerie green glow, as if shimmering with watery light.

The three of them followed the light source forward, gradually seeing a pool of shimmering green water. Vague shadows flickered on the surface, and a golden energy core was enveloped within it.

A tall, slender young man sat with his back to them by the poolside. Perhaps hearing the sounds, the young man suddenly turned around, revealing a clean, fair face, his eyes smiling. "Sis, you're here..."

Suddenly, 2036 Tong Le's voice faltered as he looked at the three of them in surprise.

"You look so alike," 2036 Tong Le exclaimed in amazement.

"What do you think?" said Parallel World Tong Yang.

"Is that so," First World Tong Yang examined his face and suddenly smiled. "You actually look so much like you did when you were little."

2036 Tong Le chuckled. "Even your tone of voice is exactly the same."

Tong Yang looked at him, pressing her lips together tightly.

2036 Tong Le shook his phone and said to her, "Sis, the time differential is about to end. The others are already on their way to Tiananmen Square."

Tong Yang didn't speak. She hadn't yet figured out how to make 2036 Tong Le willingly return to the year 2036.

"Sis, you should return to the real world too. This will all be over soon," 2036 Tong Le said.

He didn't seem surprised that Tong Yang knew he was here, that he was the one to carry out the final task.

Tong Yang's throat felt dry. "Tong Le, did you hear it from Wu Pingxue?"

2036 Tong Le smiled. "Yes, I heard it from Master."

Tong Yang took a deep breath and said, "Lele, you've already done so much. It's enough, do you understand? You go back to 2036, and you'll see me right away..."

"I'm not going," 2036 Tong Le calmly interrupted her. "Sis, I won't go back."

"Tong Le..."

"No!" 2036 Tong Le suddenly raised his voice. "I've already lived through one twelve-year cycle, isn't that enough?"

Tong Yang stared at him, stunned. 2036 Tong Le seemed somewhat angry, leaving her momentarily at a loss.

"If no matter what I do, you are destined to die, why would I come back? Why would I do all this? Do you think I'm doing it to save the world?" 2036 Tong Le had already learned Tong Yang's purpose from Wu Pingxue. His eyes were red as he looked at her, tears welling up.

Tong Yang was momentarily speechless. That old fool Wu Pingxue, so tight-lipped at other times, had to tell 2036 Tong Le everything now.

"Do you know how I've held on until now? Do you think Tong Le is so stupid that he would believe the one returning was you?"

"You... don't cry. We can discuss this," Tong Yang took two steps forward.

2036 Tong Le choked back a sob. "Sis, I've been waiting for this day. That person can only be me, not anyone else."

"Sis, I won't die. I will always be with you, even if you can never see me."

Tong Yang clenched her jaw, walked up to him, raised her hand to wipe away his tears, her voice hoarse. "You're so grown up now, don't cry."

2036 Tong Le hugged her, leaning down against her shoulder, and said, "Sis, believe me, I won't die. I will never lie to you."

A wave of sorrow rose in Tong Yang's nose. She held him tightly with both arms. "Tong Le..."

Tong Yang didn't know how to persuade 2036 Tong Le, because since childhood she had never interfered with Tong Le's decisions. She respected any choice he made. She always believed that choices made by others were decisions made after careful consideration.

She didn't want others to casually interfere with her decisions, and likewise, she wouldn't casually interfere with others' decisions. After learning that once the time loop was completed, 2036 Tong Le would enter another timeline, she had clearly already accepted it.

It's just, if that person could be her, she would rather be the one existing on another timeline.

2036 Tong Le held her and whispered in her ear, "Sis, time is running out. Go."

Tong Yang shuddered all over, raising her reddened eyes.

"Sis, I will always love you. Even across an uncrossable span of time, I will always be by your side. I swear."

Tong Yang closed her eyes, tears tracing down her cheeks.

"Sis, leave this place. Answer my call, until the very last second."

Tong Yang parted her lips, her voice raspy. "Okay..."

"Go. Your friends might not have much time left."

Tong Yang pressed her lips into a tight line and gave his shoulder a firm pat. "I'm leaving."

"Okay."

Tong Yang took one last, deep look at him, then turned and left the third underground level.

Leaving the third level of the Joint Government base, they returned to the surface. There was no extra time for Tong Yang to hesitate.

First World Tong Yang did not leave with her. After the real world's self-destruct program was activated, it would only disappear upon the death of one party. Having been injected with the superior gene serum, as long as she died once before the magnetic field energy disappeared, the self-destruct program would deactivate, and her body could also recover.

Parallel World Tong Yang returned to the parallel world.

Tong Yang left the Joint Government base alone and discovered that the energy storm had vanished at some point. The mist had cleared, revealing the affluent district transformed into ruins.

After the magnetic field energy core fusion, a new temporal anchor point was established, so the energy storm disappeared.

"Bzzz—"

A vibrating sound rang out, and Tong Yang answered the phone.

"Sis, is your friend okay?"

Tong Yang stood on a road piled with rubble, staring at the dozen or so black rays that pierced through the entire affluent district, falling into dead silence.

Her throat was dry. She opened her mouth but no sound came out.

The black rays represented the death of those wearing sensor bracelets. It was too late.

"They're dead," Tong Yang said hoarsely.

"It's okay, sis," 2036 Tong Le said. "Return to the real world. I can save them."

Tong Yang was stunned. "What?"

2036 Tong Le laughed. "I've become the new temporal anchor point. But like you, it's only for a ten-minute loop, because we're both caught in the temporal displacement."

"Ten minutes ago, the energy core had already fused. I will enter the 2036 timeline with it at that moment. If their time of death is within ten minutes, they can be revived. Ten minutes ago, the energy core vanished, and the androids would have lost their ability to act, so naturally they couldn't have killed them."

"I can temporarily control the androids. Have the survivors bring their bodies back to the real world."

Tong Yang murmured, "Okay..."

Tong Yang did as he said, having the survivors bring the bodies of all those killed by the androids back to the real world.

Among them was surprisingly Yang Miao, who had attempted to control a top-tier android to issue a stop command, suffered a backlash, and died with blood flowing from all seven orifices.

Only Tong Yang remained completely unscathed in this storm.

She returned to the real world. 2036 Tong Le was saying inconsequential things in her ear, making her feel somewhat dazed.

"Sis, all this time, you've worked hard."

After saying this, there was no more sound from the phone.

2036 Tong Le entered the loop. Due to the time difference being less than ten minutes, he couldn't affect anyone else's timeline.

However, ten minutes ago the magnetic field energy disappeared, the androids lost their ability to act, and couldn't have killed the others ten minutes ago. Therefore, ten minutes later, they would come back to life.

"Tong Yang, where are you? Xu Junyue and the others are seriously injured and are already receiving treatment. What about you? How are you?"

Even ten minutes ago, Xu Junyue and the others had sustained significant injuries.

Tong Yang stared blankly at the scene before her, murmuring, "I'm fine. I'm at Tiananmen Square."

What a coincidence. She had returned directly from the First World to Tiananmen Square.

"It's good you're okay. We'll send someone to pick you up."

"Okay."

Immediately, Tong Yang hung up the phone.

Tong Yang looked around in a daze. Her phone buzzed again. Subconsciously picking it up, she saw it was a voice call from the "Netizen Gossip 007" group chat.

Answering the call, someone asked, "Sis Tong, what time is it over there?"

Tong Yang checked and said, "10:07 AM."

"We're only one minute apart!"

"I've already arrived!"

"Me too!"

"Sis Tong, are you here?"

Tong Yang said, "I'm here."

"Where?"

"The main gate."

Tong Yang held the phone to her ear, her expression distant, listening to their excited discussion.

Time ticked by. Suddenly, the sound from the phone disappeared.

"Tong Yang!"

Instead, a voice came from not far away.

"Sis Tong!"

"Finally meeting!"

"Sis Tong!"

"I've been looking forward to this for so long!"

Tong Yang raised her eyes, looking at the people running towards her from all directions.

—The temporal displacement had disappeared.

She put down her phone. The interface popped up a message: [Netizen Gossip 007 group chat has been disbanded by the group owner]

"Wow!"

"It's finally over!"

Tong Yang whispered, "Yes, it's all over now."

"Wonderful!"

"The real world is safe!"

"Sis Tong, you're amazing!"

"It's almost noon! Let's go eat!"

"What about Lele? Bring Lele along!"

"Right!"

"Since we're all here, let's take a group photo. I brought a camera!"

Tong Yang stood with them at Tiananmen Square and took a photo.

They found a print shop, developed the photo, and everyone got a copy.

Walking out of the print shop and passing by a street, suddenly someone called Tong Yang's name.

She looked up bewildered and saw Ye Huai, pale-faced, sitting in a wheelchair, staring motionlessly at her, his face full of concern.

"Ye Huai... you're alive," Tong Yang said.

Tong Yang felt extremely weary. Ignoring the others around her, she walked up to Ye Huai.

"I'm so tired," Tong Yang said softly.

Ye Huai pulled her close and said to the others, "Sorry, can she rest for a bit first?"

"No problem, let her rest."

"Sis Tong looks really pale. Go back and rest first!"

"See you later!"

Tong Yang crouched down and looked up at him. "You're okay now?"

Ye Huai said, "I woke up this morning."

"You shouldn't have left the hospital directly."

"It's fine, I know my limits."

Tong Yang buried her head, her cheek resting against his knee, looking at the photo in her hand.

Ten minutes had passed since the photo was taken.

Sunlight slanted onto them, their shadows reflected on the ground.

Tong Yang unexpectedly discovered that next to her shadow, there was an additional tall, slender shadow, lightly leaning against her shoulder, its head tilted as if smiling.

The corner of Tong Yang's mouth lifted. She murmured, "So you didn't lie to me."

"Bzzz—"

"Bzzz—"

The phone vibrated. Tong Le was calling.

Time: May 28, 2027, 10:43.