Chapter 5, What is theirs is ours (I)

Bai Xiangyun nodded slightly. Upon reflection, in such a unique place that gathers a special crowd, how could it be as simple as the calm night sky she currently observed? Even setting up a small stall on the street involves scheming and competing for business.

Li Dao leaned over to Bai Xiangyun, who was sitting by the door and gazing blankly at the night sky through the iron bars of the gate, and handed him a cigarette

At this thought, the White Elephant Cloud smiled inwardly

Winter nights always arrive rather quickly, and the prison located in the outskirts is somewhat tranquil, with only the occasional sound of firecrackers and fireworks giving the impression of celebrating the New Year

Help!

Today's events serve as the best example. If I did not possess certain skills, I would now be either using a toothbrush to clean the squat toilet or playing the clown to entertain those around me

Zhu Qi and Meng Zhu Wei, who are also astute observers of words and expressions, could certainly remain in this room. Upon seeing the demeanor of the two leaders, they dared not speak further

With the coarse curses of discipline, the crisp sound of "bang bang" echoed, occasionally interspersed with a scream. Judging by the density and the sound, it seemed that more than one person was being struck, creating quite a lively atmosphere

Fatigue washed over her as Bai Xiangyun closed her unfocused eyes, staring at the ceiling for a long time. Ultimately, her discomfort with the perpetual light could not overcome the exhaustion from the fierce struggle.

A piercing scream echoed through the night sky. Following that, the corridor outside and the rooftop above were filled with the sound of hurried footsteps.

The curses and the sound of whips outside the corridor continued incessantly, while the cries of agony and pleas for mercy grew increasingly faint

Li Dao turned over and, in a dreamlike manner, said: "Isn't it just another old Ding who has been played to the point of being unable to bear it? Sleep now, there is nothing strange about it"

"Boss, this is the kitchen specifically opened by the detention center to provide additional meals for the inmates, and there are also daily necessities. It's good, but the prices are high and the selection is somewhat limited," Zhu Qi explained while peeling shrimp.

What kind of background does Bai Xiangyun actually have? Although Li Dao and the others were puzzled in their hearts, they did not dare to ask a single question

"All of you kneel down, damn it..."

The screams erupted once more. This time, they were even more heart-wrenching than at the beginning, interspersed with intermittent pleas for mercy.

"Massage? Isn't that the sound of a whip?" Bai Xiangyun recalled the leather whips he had seen on the discipline table in the corridor that afternoon. Although he had never experienced such treatment during his time in the military, he had often witnessed others being punished. That thing hitting the body is no joke

At the very least, he observed that the expressions of those who were drawn were such.

Bai Xiangyun fell silent. The night before entering the police station, he was still eating and staying there due to business reasons. Invite him to eat? He actually hoped for such an opportunity, but with his limited knowledge of the law in this regard, he was uncertain whether he could walk out of here.

Mr. Zhang, how can that villain be so arrogant? Damn him! The lewd and despicable voice of the four-eyed man rang out again

"Indeed, Sir Zhang, if you are tired, just call out to me. I may not have much, but I do have a bit of strength," said Fatty with a sly smile.

Zhu Qi, while smirking, lit cigarettes for the two of them. After all, it was not him who was unfortunate, so he took pleasure in indulging in some fantasies.

The iron gate clanged, the iron gate clanged again... Noise, and then more noise...

It is said that there was an official who entered due to economic issues, and found the food unpalatable, so he requested an entire table of dishes to be sent directly from Shangri-La. The person in charge of the cafeteria complied. Li Dao chuckled and said, "But the price was three times higher"

"Another massage https://m.hetushu.com. I wonder who is so lucky." Meng Zhuwei turned over and lay on the pillow, wearing a face full of delightful schadenfreude

The sounds of lively chatter from the other cells brought a sense of leisure to the otherwise quiet Room 13, reminiscent of a family reunion dinner. Alcohol is not permitted here, and only beverages can be consumed, yet this does not diminish their enthusiasm for the New Year

How could there be such wonderful things here? Bai Xiangyun placed the large shrimp, whose shell had been expertly peeled by Zhu Qi, into her mouth, and the tender, smooth, fresh aroma surged straight to her head

The fist is the truth! Is it not?

Li Dao smiled and nodded upon hearing this, casting a meaningful glance at Meng Zhu Wei and the others who were playing "Shuo Ha" while gambling with cigarettes, and said: "Basically, that's the case. However, the money is not ours. Hehe..."

Watching the match slowly extinguish, Bai Xiangyun exhaled the smoke from his mouth towards the watchtower, faintly observing the armed police in green uniforms swaying back and forth, and said leisurely: "Is this what it means to be imprisoned?"

Encountering the killer Zhang on duty, the unfortunate fellow is done for Li Dao called out to Zhu Qi to pass him a cigarette and squatted by the iron gate to listen to the grand performance

"By the way, do you usually eat like this?" Bai Xiangyun recalled the recent "dinner," during which most of the leftover food was dumped into the sewer by the bewildered Zhu Wei

Boss, don't overthink it. In the first few days after joining, everyone feels the same way; you'll gradually adjust.

"What is there that money cannot buy? It's the same everywhere." Li Dao smirked as he took the chicken leg handed to him by Meng Zhu Wei, even making a self-deprecating remark: "You eat what you need to replenish."

Caught during the New Year celebrations. Deserved it! Li Dao raised his head, lightly tapping his chin with two fingers, as perfect smoke rings floated out from his slightly pursed lips.

Need money? I have it too

Meng Zhuwei also nodded in agreement: "Unless one is whipped a few hundred times, it truly is a massage that relaxes the muscles and bones. Hey... just a word of experience"

Li Dao smiled faintly: "You will see it in the future"

Years of military service had long instilled in him a vigilance that prevented him from sleeping deeply, especially in a place where he still had only a superficial understanding.

This feeling made Bai Xiangyun somewhat uncomfortable, just as the ever-burning light bulb indoors was quite glaring to him

Bai Xiangyun sat opposite him, gazing at his slightly crooked nose, and recalled the pile of people he had beaten earlier in the afternoon. A hint of remorse arose in his heart: "Does it still hurt?"

Reflecting on the events that transpired in this room today, he truly feels a sense of fortunate relief. Such a significant incident has harmed so many, yet no one has reported it. Li Dao and his group have indeed demonstrated considerable prowess in their roles as leaders.

Soldiers, merchants, and prisoners. A trinity, what a perfect combination

"Yes, Mr. Zhang. Let’s burst the flower of this troublesome fellow who prevents us from sleeping peacefully." The ghost laughed maniacally.

Bai Xiangyun suddenly sat up: "What happened?"

"Boss, you don't know this." Zhu Qi sat up, speaking like an expert: "The first few lashes are extremely painful, feeling as if your skin is being burned and torn apart. After more than ten lashes, you get used to it, and at that point, the sensation... um—it's tingly and itchy, quite comfortable."

Other cells were also abuzz with discussion, yet no one dared to speak loudly. In this quiet hour of the night, any rustle or movement became a target for suppression by the armed police

Shangri-La

Oh? Bai Xiangyun looked at him

This is the most comfortable meal Bai Xiangyun has had in several days, along with a book. He is a person who bravely faces reality. Since things have come to this point, he no longer harbors any expectations.

The dinner was unexpectedly lavish for Bai Xiangyun, featuring a wide array of chicken, duck, fish, meat, seafood, and game, all of which were fresh. Although the flavors did not quite match those of a five-star hotel master chef, it could still be considered a feast for the senses in terms of color, aroma, and taste

Bai Xiangyun understood that this exploitation is not solely the domain of capitalists; it is even more prevalent in places like the underworld and prisons

As night deepens, the detention center gradually falls silent. In this place devoid of entertainment, sleeping has become the best and only choice to endure the long, endless night

Bai Xiangyun certainly knows what a saltwater-soaked whip signifies. Anyone who gets whipped with such an instrument dozens of times and does not end up bedridden for three days or suffer skin abrasions is made of iron.

It would be even more enjoyable if another layer of salt were added

"It's nothing," Li Dao said nonchalantly. "Two whole bottles of painkillers, and a few tranquilizers, are not taken in vain."

What means? I have more.

Uncertain how much time has passed

Since they call me big brother, I should at least show some respect, right? Moreover, they are not really my brothers. Li Dao knew that the boss fully understood this

Li Dao glanced at him; so far, this new leader remained an enigmatic figure to them. Not only was he highly skilled, but he was also generous in his actions. The supervisor who brought the meals merely greeted him cheerfully and did not display any unusual expressions.

Indeed, money can make the devil push the mill. Hehe... Bai Xiangyun began to calculate in his mind like a businessman. The situation here seemed quite complicated, and with so many days ahead, he needed to plan early. As long as he was true to his own heart, he would have no regrets, no matter what he did

Do you want a fist? I have a book.

"You monkeys, behave yourselves. Don't let me have to deal with you one day." Zhang, the disciplinarian, picked up the soaked whip and shouted angrily as he walked out.

The cries of anguish indeed subsided after a while, transforming into muffled groans and whimpers, indicating that they had entered a certain state

With a clang, the large iron gate of the monitoring building suddenly swung open. Accompanied by furious curses and hurried footsteps, a guard swiftly approached the pool, extending his hand to immerse it in the water

Those who possess the truth are also those who hold the most resources

Boss, just treat it as noise. After all, it can only be heard, not seen. On the other side, Zhu Qi, who was sleeping a bit farther away, spoke indifferently.

Then he noticed that Bai Xiangyun's expression was somewhat off. He patted him on the shoulder and said, "Boss, don't take it to heart. This place is just like that. I, Li Dao, only admire capable people. Ha, at most you can just invite me to Shangri-La for a few more meals to replenish some nutrition in the future."

Li Dao saw his expression and realized that he had inadvertently touched upon a sensitive matter. Having stayed here for more than three months, along with his own experiences of entering this place countless times, he understood Bai Xiangyun's mindset at this moment. In the afternoon, he had acted so ruthlessly, also influenced by this unstable state of mind.

Bai Xiangyun nodded slightly. The big fish eat the small fish is a natural law, as well as a social rule; if one lacks ability, one should obediently acknowledge their inferiority.

The room fell silent, and the four of them were quietly smoking.

Bai Xiangyun felt a chill in her heart; how has human nature been magnified and distorted to this extent here

Bai Xiangyun was left dumbfounded, and an unexpected thought crossed her mind: People are truly despicable

No," Li said, shaking his head: "This can only be considered a warm-up"