"It is good to hear that you only see him as a friend. I will go straight to the point Li Fei. You very well know that you have issues with Jin Liwei and therefore I'm asking you to stay away from my nephew. Caihong can be stubborn and rebellious sometimes but I know that you understand. I wouldn't want my nephew to be dragged in this mess," he said. Li Fei had somehow anticipated that this was what he wanted to talk to her about therefore she wasn't surprised. She nodded before saying," I understand Warden and I promise to stay away from him."
On her way out, Li Fei remembered the Warden's words and she pursed her lips. She had gotten the opportunity of communicating with her parents through Caihong and perhaps, she liked him as a friend. It saddened that she had to let go of him before Jin Liwei ruins his life. Lost in thoughts, she bumped into someone.
"Li Fei, what are you doing here?" Caihong was surprised to see her this side. "I'm sorry I didn't see where I was going. Please excuse me," she said and decided to leave immediately but he got hold of her wrist," What's wrong? Did anything happen?"
"Please stay away from me. Please," she said before removing her hand from his hold and left hurriedly. He wondered if he had done anything wrong. He then realized that she might be coming from the Warden's office and he went there. "Uncle, what did you say to Li Fei?" he asked the moment he entered. "To stay away from you," he simply said. Taking a deep breath to calm down, Caihong asked," And why's that?" "I already told you Caihong. I don't want you ruining your life," he said. "I can take care of myself uncle Tang. I know exactly what I'm doing," he argued. "If you fail to listen, I will be the one to transfer that girl and make sure that you never see her ever again," he warned and Caihong left his office.
Since then, Li Fei never returned to the health care however much he sent for her.
_______________
Looking at the fireworks that were exploding in the sky, a small smile came to settle on Li Fei's face. She couldn't believe that she was celebrating New year's Eve for the second time in this place. Two years had passed ever since she came to prison and by now, she had gotten used to the life here. It being the New year's Eve, they had been permitted to stay awake until midnight such that they could celebrate the new year. Liling brought the mortar and together, they shoot aerial fireworks which made a very beautiful effect in the sky. Another group took it and the two decided to leave the place.
"I can't believe that it's two years now," Li Fei said. "Time sure flies," Liling said as they made way to their cell. As they walked in the corridors, they found names being pinned on the wall and they got closer to see what they were about. On reaching, they realized that they were names of prisoners who were going to be released on remission and the two admired them. They reached their cell and Li Fei sat down so that Liling could trim her hair that had become long again.
"Why don't you keep your hair this time?" she asked as her fingers felt the texture of the locks.
"I can't maintain it and perhaps, I'm not into modeling any more." "Don't you wish to go back into modeling when you get to leave this place?" Liling asked she started cutting her hair. "No. I don't think the industry would welcome me again considering what happened and perhaps, I would like to try something different. I intend to change everything about my life and choices," she said. A year ago, Liling and Li Fei decided to pursue a business course in prison. They decided on it first because they needed to get something to occupy their time and second they had to prepare themselves for the time when they will leave this place.
Standing at the balcony, Jin Liwei looked at the fireworks that were exploding in the sky. Looking at them reminded him of the first day Shan took him out on the New year's Eve. She was always a happy and jolly person. He couldn't believe that it was now two years since he had lost her.
Up to now, he hadn't gotten used to the fact that she was no more and what pained him the most was that even tormenting Li Fei wasn't able to make him feel better. His long fingers elegantly held the burning cigarette as the fragrance filled the air. He seemed to have come from bathing as his dishevelled jet black hair was sticking wet. When the fireworks stopped, he left the balcony and closed the door.
...
The next day Li Fei and Liling had just gotten back from class and were on their way to their cell when the guard approached Li Fei to tell her that she had a visitor. She was shocked to wits. For the two years she had been in this place, she had never received a visitor. Not that they had not been coming but they were not allowed to see her. She became scared and swallowing, she walked with the guard to the visiting room.
When her eyes fell on the farmiliar face, she internally gasped. She contemplated on going back but when the person saw her, she knew that she had no option but to meet her. Walking up to her, Li Fei pulled out a seat for herself and she sat facing Liu Han. Li Fei noticed that Liu Han still looked as beautiful as she remembered or even more. She looked elegant and arrogant, attracting almost everyone's attention in the room. She had her head held high with a charming smile on her face.