Chapter 34

“Xiao Hai, is this really the key to the prison door?” Xu Tianyou’s eyes widened in shock, showing a rare look of disbelief.

“Technically, it’s not the actual key, just a diagram of it.”

“That’s still incredible!” Xu Tianyou held his head, clearly stunned.

“Aren’t you worried I could just be fooling you with a random drawing?” Seeing Xu Tianyou’s reaction, An Xiaohai couldn’t resist joking.

“Heh, I know you wouldn’t trick me!” Xu Tianyou chuckled, carefully folding the paper and tucking it away.

“Xiao Hai, besides the key and wig, what’s with the rest of the stuff? Why the flashy shirt and gold watch? Are you making me play a thug or some rich poser?”

“Not a thug or a poser… you’re going to play the boss! Well, the boss’s spoiled son, to be exact.”

“You’ll be playing two roles: the bratty son and a prison guard. The bratty son should be easy for you, but to look convincing as a guard, we’ll need to work on it a bit.”

“Why does that sound like an insult?” Xu Tianyou chuckled, nudging An Xiaohai.

“Alright, enough joking around, time is tight. Let’s get started!” An Xiaohai said, springing to his feet.

“Is it really necessary to go all out like this…?”

“You heard right. We need to go all out. Get up, we have less than ten days.”

Most prison guards were former military or police academy graduates; Tian Qiaoguang was a rare exception. To blend in naturally, Xu Tianyou needed to embody that same military bearing — the stronger the impression, the greater his chance of success.

Though he grumbled, Xu Tianyou got up without hesitation.

“Okay, let’s start with posture. Stand up straight, chest out, shoulders back… like that. Heels together…”

An Xiaohai began drilling him, and Xu Tianyou picked it up quickly. An Xiaohai couldn’t help but feel if Xu Tianyou hadn’t been born into a family like Hai Fo Ye’s, his life could have turned out very differently.

Then again, life is never smooth sailing for anyone, even with a perfect start. He was the perfect example.

“Xiao Hai, is this really what you studied at university?” Xu Tianyou asked, lying back with his hands behind his head.

Hu Jianming and Yang Bo would be back soon, so they paused their training.

“Not exactly. I went to a military-affiliated school, but even at regular universities, freshmen usually go through basic military training. Why, thinking of college?”

“Haha, you got me! When I get out of here, I’m definitely touring a few campuses.”

“I get it. You’re not interested in college itself; you’re interested in the girls there!”

“Haha, busted!”

“Enough joking. Are you sure all the supplies can be prepped in time?”

“Of course, I’ve got it covered. You should worry about how you’ll manage here after I’m gone.”

“Me? I’ll manage. I always do.”

“Or I could make it known you’re under my protection—anyone messes with you, I’ll make them pay. What do you think?”

“Thanks, but no thanks.”

“What? Don’t think I can handle it?”

“Not at all. You’re powerful, Xu Da Shao, truly unbeatable! But the stronger you are, the stronger your enemies. The minute you announce you’re backing me, I’m a dead man.”

“Fair point, but I still feel like I owe you — another life debt.”

“Enough of that! We’ll settle it when we’re out. But why ‘another’?”

“Don’t worry about it. Let’s just say, my debt to you is piling up!”

“I don’t like owing people, but I’ve got an idea. It’ll protect you without putting a target on your back — but it’ll cost you something.”

“What cost?” An Xiaohai asked, eyeing him warily.

Xu Tianyou jumped off the bed with a sinister grin, cracking his knuckles. An Xiaohai caught on quickly, but understanding it didn’t make the punches hurt less!

“Can’t we skip the hitting?”

“Definitely not. Who would believe it if we don’t fight?”

“Then at least don’t hit my face?”

“No face, no effect. Everyone needs to see it.”

“Damn it!”

“Look at you, talking back to me! Take this!”

The cell erupted in sounds of scuffling and shouting, and inmates in other cells cheered on, relishing the entertainment in a place with few distractions.

The guards soon arrived and separated them. Both were bloodied, with torn clothes, and An Xiaohai even had a clear set of teeth marks on his shoulder. Xu Tianyou looked a bit better, but not by much. Though they’d both hit hard, An Xiaohai gave as good as he got.

They ended up in the infirmary for a quick checkup, and then earned three days of solitary confinement.

Solitary was a serious punishment, one most inmates dreaded more than extended sentences or even self-harm. But to An Xiaohai, it was a rare luxury in prison life.

In the tiny, dark room, he was free from prying eyes and interruptions. Meals came through a small slot in the door, with no interaction whatsoever. Solitary was like an island of isolation from the world.

Once he closed his eyes, his world became vivid and full of light. Alone, he felt like the master of his universe.

People say solitude is the hardest thing to endure, but if your inner world is rich enough, there’s no room for loneliness.

Three days flew by in a blink.

As An Xiaohai left solitary, Xu Tianyou stepped out too. Their eyes met briefly before they looked away.

An Xiaohai was calm, which Xu Tianyou expected, but he was surprised at how composed Xu Tianyou also appeared, showing no signs of the usual disorientation.

The guards noticed as well but said nothing, simply escorting them back to Cell 232.

Back in 232, Hu Jianming and Yang Bo were there, saying nothing. Yang Bo was indifferent, and Hu Jianming was too intimidated to speak, knowing Xu Tianyou’s formidable status.

To keep up appearances, An Xiaohai and Xu Tianyou began their “cold war.” Whenever others were around, they kept up a front of mutual hostility, with no sign of friendship.

Word spread quickly around Block A.

An Xiaohai noticed a marked decrease in hostile looks directed his way, confirming Xu Tianyou’s enemies were indeed numerous.

Relieved but cautious, he reminded himself that his real enemy wasn’t the prisoners around him.

Falling out with Xu Tianyou had another hidden benefit. If his enemy lurking in the shadows heard about the split, they might hold off on any moves.

Everyone knew Xu Tianyou’s background was complicated. An Xiaohai would inevitably suffer from clashing with him, so there was no rush to strike.

A win-win situation.

“Let’s hope that’s true…” An Xiaohai glanced at the calendar in the dining hall. December was just around the corner.

In one more month, 1993 would be over.