Lie like a rug (The End) [California State Media Approved Ending]

"Actually I'm a very important person at my office." I proudly boasted, giving Kaila my best smile. "I make a lot of money, and am well respected among my peers."

"Huh. That's quite strange, because according to the search I just completed on your social credit score, I see that you are a bad person. In fact, you are not currently wearing a mask, therefore you are double plus evil and I must immediately inform all passers by of that fact." Kaila suddenly stood up and moved away rapidly, leaving me with the check and strapping a tight gas mask onto her face. She also immediately washed her hands, disinfected the entire area and called party officials as to my dishonesty.

The waiter did not want to take my money, and informed me that although the state would make an exception this time for my flagrant dismissal of new procedures due to my status as a decorated member of the People's Revolutionary Army, any further public displays would result in re-education.

I left the remainder of the money as an apology and meekly placed my mask back on. While I had forgotten my sweater, it was not necessary to worry, because in the glorious workers paradise of California, all buses were free, provided that you were properly obeying party rules, wearing a mask, and observing the proper distances. It was a good thing I had did so as a passing drone scanned my face, and noted that I was in full compliance with the law. This was of course, a good thing.

I waited patiently under the gas heater that the city had installed for the temporarily embarrassed millionaires of the city, and was relieved to tell the vast majority of socially disadvantaged people that I had no cash with which to pay them, honestly. I at least would not be flagged by the cities social credit system as being a liar once again, as my occasional flamboyant stories of my service and sexual conquests had resulted in an extremely low score, which necessitated a twenty minute wait minimum for all government transactions, and allowed anyone with a higher score to skip ahead of me.

The bus was completely properly heated, and had no offensive smells or pushy and obnoxious people whatsoever. It was in fact perfect in every way, and the thirty minute delay off of the schedule had allowed me plenty of time to contemplate the wisdom and knowledge of our elected officials, who informed me of their goodness via repeated cell phone notifications, which I had graciously agreed to pay for. After all, one of the fastest ways to rebuild your social credit is to follow all orders at all times, even if they aren't actually orders. Suggestions followed are after all, showing loyalty to the state, and there is no higher goal than that in life.

I arrived at my perfectly apportioned tiny house, which in no way resembled a shanty. It was in fact my choice to downsize and have more money available for other things. The state had graciously installed space heaters between the tiny houses, and as such it wasn't really necessary to have the places wired or plumbed. The communal shower at the end served everyone's needs, after all, and why would you really WANT a toilet all to yourself? Much better to sit in the cubicle and enjoy the free wireless, which the state had provided, allowing everybody to get their doctorates. I personally had three doctorates, but I admit to being a bit of a slacker. Most jobs need at least ten, and even being a former member of the PRA didn't help as much as I'd like.

Fortunately for me, my virtual waifu had waited up for me. She was really nice like that, and it was kind of the state to provide every guy with their own personal assistant artificial intelligence that has been determined to be my perfect mate within twelve decimal places. It was so much better than actually dealing with a woman, because she wouldn't actually report me to the state without warning me that my actions could result in a report. Made things easier, and built up social credit every time I listened to her instructions. I admit that a few things that she's requested I do have turned my stomach a bit, but I know full well it's all for the greater good. And People lower than me on the Social credit score deserve everything they get. Kaila had shown today why I NEEDED to improve my score, because if I was higher than her, I would have been able to tell her what to do.

It's so nice to have a clear goal.

THE END

Credit Music