Chapter 41

Shenhai City Prison Administration Bureau, Deputy Director’s Office

Yang Yuanbing was carefully reporting on his work, while Han Jianyong sat slightly hunched, puffing on a cigarette. His expression gave away nothing of what he was thinking.

“So that’s the situation,” Yang Yuanbing explained. “Afterward, we discovered that the iron bars on the factory restroom window had been deliberately damaged ahead of time. Those two inmates escaped through that window, then snuck into a cement mixer truck to get out of the prison area, and finally jumped out halfway to make their escape.

“The iron bars had been gradually worn down over a long period. To break through bars that thick without making too much noise would take at least one or two years.

“From that, it’s likely it was Luo Ji’s doing. Xu Tianyou didn’t have that kind of time.”

When Yang Yuanbing finished, he cautiously watched for any change in Han Jianyong’s expression.

“It took the Narcotics Unit so much effort to capture these guys, and you just let them slip away like that?” Han finally said slowly after a long silence. “Tell me, how exactly am I supposed to explain this to the Narcotics Unit? How am I going to explain it to those above us?”

“Right, right, it’s all our fault!” Yang quickly admitted. He knew Han’s temper all too well; the slower he spoke, the angrier he was, no matter how calm his tone.

“You’re admitting fault? What makes you think you’re in a position to admit fault? Who do you think you are?! Who’s in charge over at First Prison? Is Wang Tao dead? Why isn’t he the one reporting this to me?”

Han Jianyong finally exploded, pounding his desk as he yelled.

“Now, now, sir, please don’t get angry. Director Wang’s gone to the city to report, and everyone knows you’re my former leader, so they sent me here to keep you updated.”

“Hmph! Now you’re getting smart, playing things to your advantage, making me look like some pushover accountant from Shanxi! Tell Wang Tao this nonsense won’t work with me. I want him to come explain in person how they’re managing things over there! If he can’t handle it, I’ll find someone who can!”

“Of course, of course. Take it easy, sir. Don’t let your anger hurt your health…”

Yang Yuanbing reassured him for a while before Han finally managed to rein in his temper.

“In fact, having Xu Tianyou escape might not be entirely a bad thing…”

“Oh? And how’s that? Are you telling me this is actually a good thing?” Han Jianyong glared at him.

“Well, you see… Xu Tianyou has a major grudge against An Xiaohai. Word’s already spreading on the street that Xu wants An all to himself, that he won’t let anyone else touch him. He’s planning to take care of An personally.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes, that’s it…” Yang shrugged.

“Yang Yuanbing, this is what you call a ‘good thing’? What are you even saying? Are you out of your mind?” Han Jianyong was practically growling.

“…Right…” Yang realized he had misspoken. Han Jianyong was cunning as a fox; he’d never explicitly stated his intentions regarding An Xiaohai, and bringing it up like this practically laid things bare.

“Get out! Just get out! I don’t know what’s wrong with you, coming in here spouting nonsense. Out!”

Han was at his boiling point. Yang quickly grabbed his things and left, aware he’d overstayed his welcome.

As soon as Yang shut the door, Han Jianyong’s fury vanished instantly, as if the angered man a moment ago was someone else entirely. The change was eerie.

Outside, Yang lingered by the door, listening for any noise in the office. Hearing nothing, he let out a breath and quietly walked away.

“Hypocrite! If he doesn’t trust me, why get me involved? What’s the point?” he thought to himself. “Looks like I might need another backup. It’s clear Director Han won’t be reliable in a real crisis…”

—

Shenhai City Government, Vice Mayor Liu Ming’s Office

“Chairman Hu, what a surprise to see you here today! My modest office isn’t exactly fit for an esteemed guest like yourself. I don’t have your kind of tea, but please make do with what I have, ha ha.”

Liu Ming chuckled as he personally handed Hu Haikong a cup of tea.

Hu Haikong was the actual owner of Haikong Real Estate in Shenhai, a household name in the city. In his early forties, he’d built an empire that made him a local icon.

Tall and fit with a sharp crew cut, Hu’s black-framed glasses lent him an air of refinement, setting him apart from most businessmen.

As Vice Mayor, Liu Ming’s humble attitude wasn’t because of Hu’s wealth or influence alone. After all, no matter how rich a businessman is, they can’t match political power.

What Liu truly respected was the person behind Hu. Hu was essentially just a “white glove” for this figure—well, more of a “grey glove” given his reputation.

“My dear Mayor Liu, no need to joke around. We each have our roles to play, after all,” Hu chuckled.

Liu knew better than to respond to that.

Most assumed Hu was just a successful businessman, but Liu Ming was aware of his past. Hu had worked in the Provincial Committee’s office alongside this figure. Several years later, he’d left to start his own business and, in less than a decade, had built an empire. No one would believe he hadn’t had support from above.

In status and influence, Hu was nearly Liu’s equal.

“But let’s get down to it. What can I do for you, Chairman Hu?” Liu finally turned to business; after all, he was dealing with a crisis at First Prison.

“Oh, it’s nothing serious. Just wanted to drop by and see if there’s any way I might be of help or if there’s something you could, say, involve me in?”

“Understood,” Liu nodded.

Hu’s words were crystal clear. He was here on behalf of his contact, seeking information on First Prison and on An Xiaohai. Something must have triggered his superior’s interest.

“But you picked a tricky time to visit, Chairman Hu. First Prison has had a serious issue, and I’m dealing with the fallout.”

“Oh? What happened?”

“Two prisoners escaped.”

“Escaped prisoners? That’s a big deal. How could that happen? Who were the prisoners, and how dangerous are they?”

“Very dangerous. Both were drug traffickers, especially one named Xu Tianyou. He’s highly dangerous and suspected to be a core figure in a major drug network. We’ve long had our eye on him, but he won’t talk.”

“Xu Tianyou!” Hu raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, Xu Tianyou. He was in Cell 232, along with that university student convict. Somehow, he managed to escape with help from another inmate.

“The worst part is that, right after escaping, he publicly threatened revenge on his former cellmate, the student. This is causing us quite the headache. The Narcotics Unit is particularly incensed—Captain Wang Tiejun is relentless once he gets involved…”

“I’ve heard of Captain Wang but never met him… I see. Well, Vice Mayor Liu, I’ll take my leave then. Thank you for your time.”

“Not staying a bit longer, Chairman Hu?”

“No, no. I’ll come by again another time.”

With a smile, Hu left, and Liu breathed a sigh of relief.

The An Xiaohai case was indeed tricky. For a vice mayor to handle a mere student convict felt excessive. Though he hadn’t done much directly, luck was on his side. An had managed to get on the wrong side of a drug lord, making Liu’s involvement unnecessary.

Hu seemed satisfied with the outcome, but Liu still felt uneasy. Given his superior’s interest, he needed confirmation.

“Xiao Sun, come in, please.”

“Yes, Mayor. What can I do for you?” No sooner had Liu spoken than Sun Jianchun appeared at his office door.

“Call Yang Yuanbing at First Prison and tell him I have a job for him. Ask him to come meet with me.”

“Shall I have him come here?”

“Yes… Actually, on second thought, have him arrange for us to meet somewhere private. Having him here so often is too conspicuous.”

“Understood. I’ll take care of it.”

With a subtle sway, Sun went to make the call as Liu leaned back in his chair.

“‘Paradise on Earth’… Just the name is appealing. I hear it’s quite the place! I wonder if I’ll get the chance to experience it myself…”