Chapter 2

The next day was Saturday, and I got up very early. Emilia was still asleep; she had gone to a nightclub with her friends the night before to celebrate her successful job interview and didn't get back until 2 a.m.

I looked at my sleeping girlfriend; her face looked so peaceful and beautiful in the morning light. If any disaster were to strike, I had to protect her.

"Twenty-four hours." The bracelet seemed to be reminding me of the urgency of time.

I quickly finished washing up and then opened my bank account. As a prudent programmer, I've always had a habit of saving, and I had about $80,000 in savings in the account, which Emilia and I originally intended to use for a down payment on a house.

But now, this money may have a more important use.

I drove to the largest Costco in the city. It was Saturday morning, and the parking lot was already full of cars, with families coming and going to shop. I pushed my shopping cart and began my "doomsday shopping."

First, there was the food. I went on a buying spree of canned goods—tuna, beef, vegetables, and all sorts of compressed biscuits, energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Next came the water; I bought dozens of cases of bottled water, along with a portable water purifier and water purification tablets.

"Sir, are you having a party?" the cashier asked kindly, looking at my overflowing shopping cart.

"More or less," I replied with a wry smile.

After leaving Costco, I went to several different supermarkets and specialty stores. I bought a portable gas stove, sleeping bag, tent, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, medicine, and even some basic tools and self-defense items.

When I returned to the apartment, laden with purchases, Amelia had just gotten up and was making coffee in the kitchen.

"My God, Jack! You bought so much stuff?" Emilia stared wide-eyed at the boxes of supplies I brought in.

"I think we should prepare some emergency supplies," I said, panting.

"Emergency supplies? Why?" Emilia looked at me, puzzled. "Los Angeles isn't in a hurricane belt, and it's not earthquake season."

I put down the box I was carrying and looked at Emilia. "Amy, I know this sounds crazy, but I have a feeling something bad might happen."

"How do you feel?" Emilia approached me and touched my forehead. "You don't have a fever. Jack, have you been under too much stress lately? Grandma's passing has affected you..."

"No!" I interrupted her. "Amy, I'm serious. We need to be prepared."

Emilia glanced at the supplies filling the room, then at my insistent expression, and sighed, "Alright, consider it to put your mind at ease. But Jack, how much did you spend?"

"About twenty thousand dollars," I said in a low voice.

"What?!" Emilia screamed. "Jack Harrison! That's our down payment for the house! How could you..."

"Amy, please believe me." I held her hand. "If I'm wrong, we can return these things, or use them slowly. But if I'm right..."

Seeing the seriousness in my eyes, Emilia finally nodded: "Alright, but you have to explain to me exactly what happened."

I took a deep breath and decided to tell her the truth. I described in detail my grandmother's bracelet and the mysterious countdown I had been hearing over the past two days. By the end, even I thought the story sounded like science fiction.

After listening, Emilia remained silent for a long time: "Jack, do you think this makes sense? An antique bracelet can predict the future?"

"I know this sounds crazy, but..."

"This isn't madness, it's delusional," Emilia interrupted me. "Honey, I think you need to see a therapist. Grandma's passing has affected you more than I imagined."

I felt a wave of frustration, but I didn't give up: "Amy, give me a day. If nothing happens by tomorrow, I'll see a doctor, I promise."

Emilia looked at me, and finally relented: "Alright, one day."

That afternoon, I continued my shopping spree. I even went to an outdoor gear store and bought more professional camping equipment and some basic protective gear. The shop assistants looked at this young man, who clearly didn't usually participate in outdoor activities, with curiosity, but their professionalism prevented them from asking any further questions.

In the evening, my phone rang. It was Emilia calling.

"Jack, I'm on the set of Adam's filming. He invited us to a party at his Malibu villa tonight, are you coming?"

Adam Stone. That actor, so perfect he's enviable. Normally, I might make excuses to decline; I don't like socializing with Emilia's colleagues, I always feel out of place. But tonight is different. If something truly terrible were to happen, I want to be with Emilia.

"I'll come pick you up right away," I said.

When I arrived on set, I saw Emilia standing and chatting with a tall, handsome man. That was Adam Stone, even more perfect than he looked in the movies—deep blue eyes, a perfect jawline, and that innate star quality.

"You must be Jack." Adam walked towards me, extending his hand. "Amelia often mentions you."

I shook his hand, feeling the strength of his confidence: "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Same here. I heard you're a programmer? That's a promising career," Adam said with a smile, but I could sense a subtle condescension in his tone.

On the way to Malibu, Amelia talked excitedly about today's shoot. I tried to listen to her, but the countdown kept echoing in my mind. There were probably twelve hours left.

Adam's villa in Malibu sits on a cliff overlooking the entire Pacific Ocean. It's a modern glass building, brimming with design and luxury. The party has begun, and the guests are Hollywood actors, directors, and producers.

I felt extremely uncomfortable. Wearing simple jeans and a shirt, I stood out starkly among the elegantly dressed celebrities. What made me even more uneasy was that Emilia seemed completely at ease, chatting happily with everyone.

"Relax, man." Adam appeared beside me, handing me a glass of champagne. "You look nervous."

"I'm not really comfortable in these kinds of situations," I said honestly.

"I understand that. But Emilia belongs here, you know." Adam looked at Emilia, who was chatting with a group of people. "She has the potential to be a big star."

I followed his gaze. Indeed, Emilia shone brightly in the crowd; her smile, her elegance, her intelligence captivated everyone.

"She's special," I said softly.

"Indeed," Adam said meaningfully, then patted me on the shoulder. "I'm going to greet the other guests. Enjoy the party."

The party went on late into the night, and I remained restless. The bracelet seemed to grow warmer and warmer on my wrist, and time ticked by.

At midnight, I heard that voice again:

Three hours.

I suddenly stood up, attracting the attention of those around me.

"Jack? Are you alright?" Emilia asked with concern.

"We have to go," I said. "Now."

"What? Why? The party has only just begun."

"Amy, please believe me. We have to leave now." My tone was urgent.

Everyone around us was looking at us, including Adam. That stares made me even more nervous.

"Jack, that's very rude of you," Emilia said somewhat awkwardly.

"I don't care about being impolite," I said, taking her hand. "If you trust me, come with me."

Emilia looked at me, a flash of disappointment and anger in her eyes: "Jack, that's enough! Your behavior today was strange, and now you've embarrassed me in public. I'm not going with you."

"Amy..."

"If you want to leave, go ahead. I'll find another way home." Emilia turned around and walked back into the crowd.

I stood there, feeling the strange looks from everyone. Adam walked over: "Maybe you really should go home and rest, buddy. I'll take care of Emilia here."

Watching Emilia's resolute back as she walked away, I knew I couldn't force her. I could only leave the party alone.

On the drive back to Los Angeles, I kept texting Amelia, begging her to come home. But she didn't reply to any of them.

When I got back to my apartment, it was already 2 a.m. I had one hour left.

I sat in the living room, surrounded by emergency supplies, waiting for the unknown disaster to strike. I had never felt so lonely and helpless.