Chapter 43

Xu Tianyou’s prison break thoroughly disrupted the calm facade of Shenhai City’s First Prison. On the surface, the prison operated as usual, but behind the scenes, turbulence affected everyone. Taking this opportunity, prison officials initiated a large-scale personnel reshuffle, impacting nearly all prison wardens and guards across different sections. Many inmates even noticed a subtle shift in the way guards looked at them.

This strange, uneasy atmosphere lingered for over a month, gradually fading not because tensions diminished, but because everyone slowly adapted to the new normal. For An Xiaohai, the upheaval brought minimal impact, and even provided a rare moment to catch his breath. Relying on his knowledge of the prison system, he believed that as long as positions remained unfilled and roles unsettled, the hidden adversary would find it hard to make another move. After all, any clandestine action requires a stable environment to exploit.

Still, An Xiaohai couldn’t let his guard down entirely. The chaos itself could be used against him, allowing the enemy to strike under the cover of confusion. Caution was his only ally.

The one bright spot amid this tension was Liu Cong’s recent promotion to a full-time position, assigned to the first ward. Every day, An Xiaohai would see Liu Cong proudly patrolling with his new ID badge neatly displayed on his chest, radiating confidence. Each sight of Liu Cong’s determined demeanor brought a small smile to An Xiaohai’s face. In the darkness, even a faint glimmer could lift the spirit.

After submitting his revised circuit design to Tian Qiaoguang, it took only three days for the prototype to be completed. Tian Qiaoguang was thrilled with the outcome—a sentiment that came through clearly in his slightly excited tone. Generous payment followed: 8,000 yuan, nearly a year’s earnings for Tian Qiaoguang. An Xiaohai felt sure Tian Qiaoguang hadn’t skimmed anything off the top, as he’d refused half the payment An Xiaohai tried to offer him, leaving no room for negotiation.

This confirmed An Xiaohai’s suspicion: Tian Qiaoguang must have a deep connection with the electronics factory, likely a childhood friend, close relative, or influential supervisor. An Xiaohai asked Tian Qiaoguang to deliver 6,000 yuan to his mother, keeping 2,000 yuan for himself for nutritional needs and emergencies. Tian Qiaoguang agreed readily.

Through his contacts, Tian Qiaoguang knew that An Xiaohai was a single-parent child with a very close bond to his mother, who was currently in financial difficulty. Tian saw an opportunity: his older brother, Tian Qiaoming, could deliver the money himself to leave a good impression on An Xiaohai’s mother, increasing the chance that An would work for his factory upon release.

Unfazed by Tian’s motivations, An Xiaohai focused on the mutually beneficial aspect of their collaboration. Tian had proven a solid, high-quality partner thus far.

With some financial security, An Xiaohai began his physical training in earnest. He applied for reassignment to a heavy labor post to build endurance more effectively through physical work. While labor isn’t the same as exercise, with the right approach, it can yield similar results.

The guard overseeing An Xiaohai was perplexed. Most inmates chose easier tasks, but An Xiaohai applied for the most physically demanding role. Without questioning him further, the guard submitted his request. The next day, An Xiaohai was stationed in the prefabrication workshop.

From start to finish, An Xiaohai worked tirelessly, volunteering for the hardest tasks, and returned to his cell each night utterly exhausted, his entire body aching—especially his shoulders and palms, already rubbed raw. Even in this state, he forced himself to continue training.

Hu Jianming and Yang Bo, two inmates sharing his cell, watched in bewildered silence. They had no rapport with An Xiaohai, but he didn’t mind. As far as he was concerned, they were merely temporary figures in his life. As long as they didn’t interfere, he could pretend they didn’t exist.

The physical pain helped keep him grounded and provided a welcome distraction. The intense workouts, along with sufficient nutrition and his natural fitness from a brief stint at military school, yielded noticeable results. After a little over a month, An Xiaohai’s physique transformed, lean but defined, with visible, taut muscles under his clothes.

The uneventful peace over this past month felt almost surreal. Each day blended into the next without incident, giving him a fleeting sense of security.

On New Year’s Day, 1994, Chen Shuifen, his mother, arrived early in the morning. After catching up and making sure he was well, she informed him she’d received the 6,666 yuan he’d sent, personally delivered by a kind Mr. Tian, who brought his wife and many gifts. Chen Shuifen, though grateful, was apprehensive, confused by how her son, even in prison, could earn so much in such a short time. An Xiaohai patiently explained, using up much of their visit, but at least it put her at ease.

Relieved, Chen Shuifen mentioned how the money was a timely blessing, allowing her to repay several relatives. An Xiaohai considered advising her to hold onto the money instead, but ultimately held back; as long as she was happy, that was enough.

When their time was up, Chen Shuifen left reluctantly. Yet, as she walked away, An Xiaohai noticed a hidden sorrow in her expression. When he asked, she brushed it off, saying she was simply worried about him. Though unconvinced, An Xiaohai let it go.

“Hopefully, it’s just me overthinking,” he thought as he watched her disappear from view, feeling guilty for causing her distress.

But his instincts were right—soon after, an event would transpire that nearly derailed everything he had worked so hard for.