Chapter 2: The Future Tailor

When he brought the foot-washing water in front of Shi Wenchang, Shi Wenchang took out a box of biscuits from under his blanket and handed it to Chen Lubing

"It is petty theft, but what was stolen is not an object, but a person..." Chen Lubing recounted the details of his case.

No need, you go back and tell her that as soon as I get out, the first thing I will do is settle accounts with her. She has ruined my life, does she think that just arranging for me to stay in a good cell is enough

However, what he did not expect was that his lawyer, Sang Luoning, actually dared to visit him

I did not expect the story here to be so complex; I have been friends and close confidantes with Qi Hongyan for many years, and it seems I have truly underestimated her

Upon hearing this, Qi Hongyan reached out and grasped Sang Luoning's hand, saying: "Luoning, I haven't told anyone about this. You are the one I trust the most. Please help me one last time. As long as he lets this matter go and no longer troubles me in the future, just tell me what you want me to say, and I will agree to anything you ask."

In recent days, Shi Wenchang's health has not been well, yet the amount of labor in their dormitory has not changed at all. As Chen Lubing is the youngest, most of the work has been taken on by him.

"I raised the issue, but when I approached my senior before, it was already quite difficult. The conditions he proposed this time are even more outrageous. He doesn't want to participate in any labor; how can things be so convenient? Who does he think he is?" Sang Luoning asked irritably.

"The solution is good, but I fear that if he does not die, and ends up mingling with those who are extremely wicked, the future retaliation will be even more severe," sighed Qi Hongyan.

I have a senior who happens to be a leader here, so I asked him to take care of things a bit. It seems you are doing quite well...

This guy is truly impervious to reason; I think it's better to let it go. Regardless of that, I will help you find some connections to throw him into the cells for serious offenders. Whether he lives or dies will depend on his fate. " Sang Luoning asked with a fierce expression.

"Brother Shi, I am not hungry, you go ahead and eat..."

Qi Hongyan felt a tightening in her heart and asked, "What if he doesn't die? I have inquired about this person; he is known for being tough and fierce in his hometown, someone who does not yield to anyone. Since I had him imprisoned, will he settle the score with me once he is released? I can't hide for the rest of my life, can I? Three years will pass in the blink of an eye. What will I do in the days to come?"

"Alright, I will help him one last time, but I must tell you, some people are just ungrateful. No matter how much you sacrifice, they may not let you off the hook. If that doesn't work, perhaps you should try my method. Whether he lives or dies depends on his fate. What do you think?" said Sang Luoning.

I said, you really are a coward, just like that, you admit it?

Among these three individuals, Shi Wenchang has the longest prison sentence and the best sleep. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for illegally absorbing public deposits and engaging in pyramid schemes, with the whereabouts of several billion yuan in funds remaining unknown. His mindset is also the best; he eats and drinks as he pleases

Sang Luoning felt a deep sense of compassion as she looked at Qi Hongyan's frightened expression. They had been close friends and confidantes for many years, and this matter was known only to her, which clearly demonstrated the level of trust Qi Hongyan had in her

What happened? Is the discussion not going well?" Qi Hongyan asked nervously upon seeing Sang Luoning's angry expression

For a moment, Sang Luoning was at a loss for words, but there was one question she had always wanted to ask. Today, the opportunity was just right, so she inquired: "I am really curious about what you were thinking back then. That guy was just a waiter at the hotel; how did you come to take a liking to him?"

If someone outside is willing to spend money, they can also buy some food, but who would give money to someone like Chen Lubing? Therefore, there is a lot of work to do every day, yet they still go hungry

Qi Hongyan shook her head upon hearing this and said, "Let me think about it some more. If this matter succeeds, it will be fine, but if it fails, it is likely to anger him. Once he is out, I will truly have no good days ahead. I just hope to compensate him a bit, so that when he is released, he won't come looking for trouble with me. We can part ways amicably and never meet again"

The one wearing glasses is named Lu Jingshan, who was sentenced to eighteen years for smuggling

"In fact, this is also something that someone asked me to do. I am your lawyer, and once the case is concluded, my job is done. Technically, I have no obligation to help you arrange this matter. It is because someone feels guilty that they asked me to take care of it. I hope you can have a heart of gratitude. Let bygones be bygones; what is in the past should not weigh on your mind. Is that alright?" Sang Luoning asked.

The bespectacled man pinched a cigarette between his fingers, and the other two did the same. This truly surprised Chen Lubing, as this was a prison where cigarettes were considered hard currency for transactions. The fact that these three individuals could freely indulge in smoking after work was entirely different from the concept of a few people in the detention center taking turns to share a single cigarette.

"What’s wrong? Why do I feel ashamed to be here? If you don’t want to hear me speak, then I will leave right now. However, do not regret it; I came to find you for an important matter," said Sang Luoning.

Don't force yourself, my stomach isn't good. Eating these things will make me feel acid at night. Here, take this. You've worked hard these past few days. If you don't finish the work for me, then everyone will have to suffer the consequences... Shi Wenchang has been here for two or three years. He was originally a chubby person, but after serving his sentence for two or three years, he surprisingly hasn't lost any weight.

However, five minutes passed, and no one made a move. He awkwardly emerged from the sheets and looked at the other three people, who were sitting at the edge of the bed, staring at him as if he were a monster

The wood has already become a boat, what more do you want? She is also trying hard to make amends for you, but she has her own difficulties. She is just worried that you might not understand, which is why she asked me to help you

However, we have done everything that needs to be done, what else do you want?

Did he propose any conditions again?" Qi Hongyan asked

Upon hearing this, Chen Lubing no longer pretended; he had indeed helped Shi Wenchang, and it was only right for him to receive these things. However, he still had to put on a facade of being pleasantly surprised.

Upon hearing this, Qi Hongyan fell silent all at once, no longer chattering incessantly. She turned her face towards the window, as if reminiscing about the scene from that time

Is that so? Since you have this connection, why don't you come in and give it a try

Upon returning to the dormitory in the evening, Chen Lubing felt both exhausted and hungry, nearly unable to rise. Nevertheless, he still mustered the strength to prepare foot-soaking water for the three elder brothers.

At first, Chen Lubing was taken aback, but he soon understood what Sang Luoning meant. It goes without saying that this was all arranged by Qi Hongyan

Well, I will no longer inquire about your matters, but my ability to assist you ends here. I truly cannot help with anything else. Chen Lubing is a person who is difficult to fathom; just look at his rogue demeanor, and you will have troubles in the future. If you genuinely wish to resolve this issue once and for all, then heed my advice

Those who are barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes. Having reached this point, how much worse can it get? They certainly cannot impose additional years on themselves.

During labor, work is organized by each cell, and if the tasks are not completed within the stipulated time, penalties will be imposed. On his first day of work, he failed to complete his tasks, resulting in the entire cell facing hunger, which made Chen Lubing feel extremely embarrassed. He thought that when the lights were turned off at night, he would be subjected to another round of beatings, but to his surprise, the other three individuals did not take it seriously at all

In Cell 7, there are a total of four residents. Chen Lubing is the youngest among them, while the others are considerably older, and their sentences are all much longer than his, with the shortest being at least ten years.

Gradually, he came to understand the reasons for which these three individuals had been incarcerated

"If I don't admit it, there's nothing I can do. If I still don't admit it, I will be beaten to death in the detention center, and I won't have the chance to meet all of you big brothers." Chen Lubing said with a flattering smile.

The story of Qi Hongyan comes to this point, and Sang Luoning is suddenly stunned. She has always wondered how her close friend ended up with a hotel waiter. At first, she thought Chen Lubing must have some exceptional qualities.

The thinnest one is named Shan Yuecheng, who was sentenced to sixteen years for illegal business operations and insider trading

Because this accusation is indeed somewhat embarrassing to present, if it were not for being assigned to this harmonious cell, he would probably have been subjected to severe mistreatment by now. Therefore, although he is wronged, at present, Chen Lubing is still quite content; at least he has not been beaten and is able to live well. Once he endures these three years, the first thing he will do upon release is to settle accounts with Qi Hongyan. He is currently holding on to this belief.

In the days that followed, Chen Lubing did not witness any changes, as he continued to sew more than fifty pairs of jeans each day

After Chen Lubing said a few harsh words, he fell silent. Having reached this point, what else could he do besides being at the mercy of others? Therefore, he wanted to know why Sang Luoning still came to find him now that the case was closed

When he finished speaking, there was a moment of silence in the dormitory, followed by uproarious laughter from the three individuals

How is it going? Are you getting along well with your roommates?" Sang Luoning asked with a smile.

"Do you still have the face to see me?" Chen Lubing asked angrily.

"Alright, stop teasing him. Come on, young man, introduce yourself. What brought you here? The warden said you've only been here for three years. You aren't a petty thief, are you?" asked a middle-aged man wearing glasses.

"Do not just talk without action. Aren't you capable? I no longer wish to work. Currently, I am sewing fifty pairs of jeans a day. If you truly have the ability, then do not make me work. Otherwise, how should I settle the accounts with Qi Hongyan?" After saying this, without waiting for Sang Luoning to respond, he directly stood up and interrupted the meeting.

Sang Luoning angrily returned to the car, where Qi Hongyan was sitting in the back seat.

In fact, the person who was supposed to go that day was not Chen Lubing, but someone else. Chen Lubing and I acted on a whim. I had just been promoted that day and wanted to share the news with that person. However, when I had everything ready at the hotel, he said he couldn't make it. At that moment, Chen Lubing happened to come in to deliver a fruit platter, and out of spite for that person, I half-heartedly agreed to go with Chen Lubing.

Dear brothers, I apologize. I will learn to operate the sewing machine as soon as possible and will try not to cause any trouble for you in the future. I am ready, let’s begin. Chen Lubing imitated what he saw on television, covering his head with a bedsheet, signaling the other three to proceed.

Chen Lubing observed carefully and found that they truly had no intention of attacking him. He felt somewhat relieved and thought that perhaps he had indeed encountered good people

If all goes well, in three years, Chen Lubing will become a tailor, as his primary work in prison has been sewing jeans

The food in the prison is insufficient, and Chen Lubing, being young, has a faster metabolism, which leaves him in a state of semi-hunger every day

Chen Lubing was taken aback and asked, "How did you know? Speak up, what exactly do you want to do? I've already come to this point, what more do you want from me?"