Chapter 1457: The Weight of a Straw (Part 2)

11:57

Peristan sat quietly in the yard of his home. On the light and shadow screen at hand, the voting panel was still flashing. He had not voted yet.

Peristan had never thought that this day would come. His choice could affect the future of the city. Peristan had considered countless possibilities. The implementation of the citizen hierarchy system was inevitable and unavoidable. Now there was also an expulsion law. The consequences of the two combined were immeasurable.

Peristan stood up and looked at the dark place in the distance. He knew clearly why the expulsion law was born. This was also an inevitable result. Since Section 3 began to distribute free water and food to criminals wandering in the barrier area, Peristan felt vaguely uneasy.

Such uneasiness came from the worry that the situation would become more and more complicated in the future. Indeed, the existence of criminals in the barrier area could make Section 3 move. The large number of Section 3 could drive the industries and economies of most low-level cities, as well as the economies of some industrial companies. When the economy was good, the number of employed people increased, consumption would also increase, and the economy would come alive, but it was obtained at such a cruel price.

As the medical level in the city is now steadily advancing, Peristan has more or less guessed that the criminals in the fortress area have become drug test subjects, which is the fastest way to get results.

Under the premise of retaining the last bit of humanity, it is still economic and technological. It is difficult for Peristan to accept such an era. In the entire entertainment industry, Peristan is basically a marginalized figure. His comic "Special Warfare Hero Zero" is still serialized, and he has only done special dramas and some animations, but the producers have simplified the core part and made it into a funny entertainment program suitable for children.

Zero in the story can always solve many things perfectly, and in the process of solving these things, it often makes people laugh. Recently, many adults have also been exposed to his works and given certain affirmation.

There is only one reason why Peristan can't make up his mind to vote. This time he can't see the future. Although this vote is meaningless in the cognition of many people, it is indeed meaningless. At the top of the city, the gods hope to use the citizen system to lift the already collapsed city. This is the most direct and effective means.

There is no other way. The city is currently in a state of panic because of the large amount of money printed by Congress. These money belongs to the Hillman family and most people in the city. The Hillman family is indeed very large, but this time the city has also suffered a considerable impact.

The stable period that the city can go through in the future will not last too long. The original industries have been disrupted, and the city's economy is no longer what it used to be. This is a very big problem. The loopholes that money can make up for are only temporary, not long-term, while the impact of the destroyed industries is long-term.

It is impossible for these affected industries to return to their previous levels, especially the riots caused by today's vote, which is a new round of cruel baptism for the city.

These two opposing voices have become more and more disturbing as time approaches. Peristan has no choice because he knows that no matter what choice he makes, the citizen grade system will definitely be implemented.

Peristan is now struggling with the expulsion law. What should he do? People with citizen grade 0 will be expelled. I am afraid that once they step into that cold, hard and dark land, they will have no future.

This was a difficult decision for Peristan, but no matter what, Peristan still planned to do his part. He walked to the light and shadow screen and voted in favor.

11:58

The city has entered a white-hot stage. Large-scale riots have occurred everywhere. The streets are full of noisy supporters and opponents. Many people have already grappled with each other. Tear gas smoke is constantly spreading on the streets. A large number of people from Sections 3 and 5, as well as people from other local departments, are on the streets to stop these people.

Supporters 10117477, opponents 10117478, abstentions 800001

2 people did not vote

A man stood quietly on the balcony of his home, overlooking the chaotic streets below from a high-rise apartment. Many people have chosen to go home. There were bursts of noise outside the corridor. The man had asked his wife to lock the door.

The man abstained from voting, and now he regretted it. If the motion could be tied, there should be room for discussion. He should have saved his vote until the last second.

But the man could not bear the suffocating pressure and the deep guilt in his heart. Whether he chose to agree or disagree, the citizen system expulsion law was cruel and unacceptable.

The man prayed as he looked at the voting panel. There was only one vote difference between the supporters and opponents. The man only hoped that it could be tied. If one of the two people who had not voted cast an abstention vote, there might be no result in this vote.

The result without a result is the best result. Someone once said that. Chen Se stared at the light and shadow screen. The noise around him seemed to disappear from his ears. Chen Se's eyes just stared at the light and shadow panel quietly, and his fingers were still on the light and shadow screen, and he still did not vote.

Chen Se was a resolute opponent. The reason why he saved his vote until the last moment was that he hoped that the citizen hierarchy system would not be implemented.

Today's film and television entertainment industry has a clear actor grading system. In order to firmly control these artists, the capitalists behind the scenes have established a set of actor grading system. Chense is still a level 5 actor, with a total of 5 levels.

If you want to upgrade, you can only accept some conditions of the investors, and all of this is invisible, and everyone recognizes the unspoken rules. Each level of actor has a price list, and high-level artists have other price lists in addition to their prices.

The indignation for this unreasonable system is just due to a small problem that is the simplest for people in this area. Chense once had a lover named Shasha, who was a simple and beautiful girl.

At that time, the actor grading system had just come out. Chense finally relied on some transactions to get to the level 3 actor and still had a meal, while Shasha had just entered the circle.

With Chense's help, Shasha soon became a hot commodity, but Chense was never willing to take Shasha deeper, and Shasha seemed to understand what Chense was doing. At a banquet, someone took a fancy to Shasha, but Chense refused with some reasons and planned to replace Shasha. As a result, because of that incident, he angered the other party.

Chense wanted to protect Shasha, but she was weak and powerless, and she could not do anything in the end. She could only watch Shasha go home one night, trembling and crying and died in front of her.

Then some people came, gave Chense a hush money, and took away Shasha's body. In the years that followed, Chense lived in hatred. She figured out everything and finally killed her enemies one by one.

At this time, Chense noticed that Mansha on the bed had woken up. She came over with a playful smile, suddenly grabbed Chense's hand, and blocked Chense's mouth.

"You......."

Chen Se's mouth was blocked just after she uttered a word, and her finger also clicked in favor, casting a vote in favor. In an instant, Chen Se pushed Mansha away in fear, but the vote had been cast and took effect.

Number of supporters 10117478, number of opponents 10117478, number of abstentions 800001

1 person did not vote

"Why think so much? No matter how much you think, you can't figure it out. It's better to leave the decision to the last person."

11:59

An old beggar trembled and walked on the street. The chaos on the street had been suppressed by the people in the Operation Department. He walked step by step to a light and shadow pole, and then pressed the button. After the voting panel appeared, the beggar stretched out his dirty hand, his eyes showed a trace of determination. Several people in the Operation Department noticed the beggar, and some supporters and opponents who were still wandering nearby stared at the old beggar in front of them.

There was a violent cough, the beggar smiled and covered his mouth, and bright red blood flowed out. Some time ago, his wife who had been with him for most of his life died on the street. He was begging at the time, hoping to get some medical expenses for his wife, but he was arrested.

For such an indifferent city, the beggar had no place to stay. After his wife died, his condition began to accelerate and worsened in just a few months. Although he received free medical treatment and assistance, the beggar's condition did not improve. He knew that he had not much time left.

A few days ago, the old beggar was about to die, but the city was going to vote. The beggar heard a lot of people talking about the vote, the voices of supporters and opponents. In these seven days, the beggar heard enough, and the beggar was not busy voting, but waited until the last moment. At this time, the beggar showed an excited smile, and the violent cough became louder and louder.

Tears flashed in the old beggar's eyes. He smiled and blood flowed from the corners of his mouth. His calloused fingers trembled and pressed on the support.

12 o'clock

The number of supporters is 10117479, the number of opponents is 10117478, and the number of abstentions is 800001

For a moment, the world seemed to fade away from the ears of the old beggar. He fell to the ground. Several people from the Operations Department ran over immediately. The old beggar looked at the sky that was beginning to darken with a smile on his face.

"You deserve it!"

After spitting out two words, the old beggar closed his eyes. A staff member took out the cardiac stimulant he carried with him and injected the old beggar. But at this time, violent noises suddenly broke out in various parts of the city. Supporters shouted excitedly and gathered in piles on the streets regardless of anything, venting their joy, because many people are confident in the future. Such a system is reasonable for them. Those who have no contribution to the city should be expelled.

12:04

A take-off and landing machine of Section 4 landed, and several personnel from Section 4 went to the old beggar lying on the ground on the street. After checking, several people from Section 4 shook their heads.

Everyone was venting their joy or dissatisfaction. The words "citizen level has come into effect" and "deportation law has been passed" had already appeared on the panel of the Congress.

Some people took out their identity information and soon saw the rights and obligations of the corresponding citizen level, including some details.

Many people wanted to know who was the person who voted at the last minute. They asked each other, but the news spread quickly. In an era of such advanced informatization, it only takes 1 minute for a piece of news to spread.

The last person who voted in favor was an old beggar in his 90s. He was a humble man. He went bankrupt a long time ago and lived at the bottom. He had no source of income and could only rely on relief food from the Congress and some scraps. Garbage, including begging on the street for a living.

No one knew everything about this beggar, but at this time many people called the old beggar a hero, and the supporters chanted and rushed to repost the last photo of the dead beggar lying on the ground. .

Gene stood quietly with Locke on the top floor of the General Affairs Department. Unrest began everywhere. Just three months after the last unrest, unrest happened again. Many opponents were protesting. Some people suggested that Re-vote.

Locke looked at his identity information quietly. The citizen level is 10. I am afraid that this level will never fall down in his life. All newborns are the same. Before they complete their studies, the citizen level is 10. 5.

"What should I say?"

Locke asked, but Gene just shook his head and did not answer the question.

Today is destined to be an extraordinary day, April 8, 2226

Gene is still looking at the information of the last voting supporter. The most recent information can be traced back to 20 years ago. When a car repair shop closed down, the man was fired, had no source of income and his wife was ill. The man later worked in many jobs.

Car washers, porters, construction workers, garbage collectors, restaurant waiters, and many other jobs that used to be very common in this city, but seven years ago, men lost their jobs.

That was the year when the Acting Department was officially established. In 2219, with the change of management, the update of the system, and the establishment of councillors, the entire city was in great turmoil, and the Acting Department took over the baton from the past management. Ke, promised everything in front of the people in the city.

"Do you think everyone has fulfilled half of their past promises?"

Gene asked suddenly. Locke was still wiping tears. He shook his head, and a bitter smile appeared on Gene's face.

The unemployed man, because he had been struggling to earn money for medical treatment for his bedridden wife for many years, eventually became ill himself. In order to survive, the man began to beg, and his wife, who was ill, begged all over the city.

After seven years, Gene was still looking at the man's information silently. There was only a very simple introduction, which was recorded in this population statistics.

But at the end of the record, Gene saw the man's last wish.

Under the arrangements of social groups, the man is willing to actively receive treatment and live in a nursing home when he recovers. Someone has already arranged everything.

Jean didn't know what the man was thinking at that time, but he might still have a glimmer of hope. But soon Jean saw a piece of information. The man was arrested by the 5th Section when he was begging on the street last year. The wife died on the roadside with no one paying attention.

"Perhaps there is no such thing as hope long ago, in this man's body."

Locke knew very well that as the voting ended, there would be no room for maneuver in the level of citizens, and the same was true for the eviction law. The future would be cruel for the entire Brilliant City, but it was also lucky for the city, because the city could Quickly recover from the huge problems caused by the Hillman family.

"where are you going?"

Gene lit a cigarette and took a leisurely puff.

"Go find the seeds!"

As he spoke, Gene jumped down. Locke bowed slightly. Looking at Gene's smile when he jumped, Locke knew very well that Gene had not accepted his fate.

Locke didn't know how deep a person's obsession could be, but he could only see obsession from Jean. Jean and Locke once talked about some past events.

"Just because of a promise?"

"Of course Xiaopang, there is nothing more important in this world than this, in my eyes!"

The situation in the city slowly began to calm down, because when the expulsion law came into effect, many people became alert, because serious riots would be directly expelled.

Jean quickly passed by tall buildings one after another, and the smile on his face became even wider as he watched the city gradually calm down.

"Ma Dong!"

This was the old beggar's name. Gene smiled and called it out.

"I'm sorry for making this city so cold. Everyone is enjoying the sunshine, but it's still so cold."

Jean sat quietly on the edge of the rooftop, and a string of long names appeared in his mind. Jean remembered everyone's name, appearance, and experience. He clearly remembered the list of those who died. If he wanted to If written down, Gene could write for days and nights.

For those who passed away with unwillingness to be angry, humiliating, and holding on to hope, Gene stood up and raised his head slightly.

"If I can't do it, everyone's resentment will not disappear!"

Gene jumped up softly, lit a cigarette and slowly put it to his mouth, lifting his uniform with one hand, his eyes still filled with the light of hope, and a warm smile hanging on his lips, always like a breeze.

As time passed, the sounds of the city gradually began to calm down.

At around 1 o'clock in the afternoon, a large number of people gathered in a large number of restaurants. The opponents seemed relatively silent, while the supporters were talking and laughing happily, telling their longing for the future.

It’s just that no one can imagine what the future will look like or what color it will be.

At this time, Jean came to the door of a restored mansion. The mansion had been evacuated, but the courtyard was still the same. Jean came here every day to take care of the flowers.

After Jean jumped into the courtyard, he began to take care of the flowers and plants step by step, but there was still no movement in the house.

Gene really hoped that the people in the house could come out, but he never stepped into the house because he knew that if Hawke didn't come out on his own, it would be useless no matter who called him.

Looking at the beautiful and pitiful flowers blooming in the sun, Gene lay on the edge of the flower bed and gently loosened the soil for the flowers. After working for nearly half an hour, Gene turned his head.

"Are you hungry?"

There was still no movement in the room, but now there was a clicking sound.

Gene heard the sound of high heels. The next second that Gene was confused, the door to the room was opened. Gene stared blankly at Hawke who was carrying a large box, and then said with a smile.

"It seems to suit you quite well!"

Gene said and looked at Hawke with a smile. At this time, Hawke was wearing a red-dot white dress that didn't fit her figure very well, but seemed to have been modified, a pair of black high-heeled shoes, her face had been trimmed, and she also wore makeup. He wore heavy makeup, purple eye shadow, and false eyelashes, but his figure was still tall, and the two exposed arms were very strong.

Hawke smiled exaggeratedly, his lipsticked lips looked a bit flamboyant, he had a cigarette in his mouth, and his hair had grown a lot longer. He walked up to Gene in an awkward manner.

"I'm leaving little Jean."

Gene was caught off guard, but nodded quickly.

"It fits really well, Kailyn's dress."

Hawke laughed loudly, his voice sounded a little feminine. He clamped Gene's neck with his thick arms, then pulled Gene over and kissed him, leaving a big kiss on Gene's cheek. Behind her red lips, Hawke jumped out with his suitcase, then raised his orchid fingers and butt coyly, turned around and gave Gene a wink and a blowing kiss.

Gene smiled and nodded.

"treasure!"

Hawke turned around and pinched his chest with one hand.

"Still alive, in my body, as long as I remember!"

The heavy and sad expression had disappeared from Hawke's face. He waved to Gene, carried the suitcase, raised his head, and strode forward. The sound of high heels gradually faded away.

Gene looked at the flowers in the yard, smiled and continued to lie down. At this time, Gene felt relieved. He was worried that Hawke would be depressed because of this, but now it seems that Hawke is much more relaxed than before. He There is no problem in the future.

After Gene finished handling the last flowers, he turned around and walked towards the door of the room that was still open. Then he bowed slightly, closed the door, turned around and jumped out of the courtyard. But the moment he landed, Gene saw that he was wearing Ye Chunwang, who was uniformed by the section chief, ran over in a panic.

"I just saw Hawke, what happened to Jean, the lip print on your cheek..."

Gene smiled without wiping off his lip marks, walked to Ye Chunwang, and hugged his neck.

"We can go have a drink with Hawke when we have time! What do you think, Xiaoye, it's just that Mr. Hawke has become Miss Hawke from today on, hahaha!"

Ye Chunwang's frown relaxed and he nodded.

"That's fine. This is also a way. As long as he wants to, it's fine as long as he can continue to live!"