He Tang never knew what was there, because the lights inside were never on, always shrouded in darkness.
Every time she was brought in, her eyes would be blindfolded.
There was always an indefinable fishy and salty smell, mingled with the mustiness of the basement, which was nauseating.
This time, the same musty smell assaulted her again, and He Tang couldn't help but shudder.
Elder Fu, every time he brought her here, would always instruct her beforehand, "Be obedient, and you'll suffer less."
But there was not a trace of docility or obedience in He Tang's bones. She constantly defied Zhang Qian; the more upset she made him, the happier she was, and of course, the more she suffered in return.
...
By the time Zhang Qian carried He Tang out of the basement, it was already midnight.
She was without strength, and Zhang Qian tossed her into the bathtub with no regard for her fragility.
He Tang, unable to adjust to the bright lights, turned her head and simply closed her eyes.
