Seeing his greasy and sinister smile, I almost threw up the eggs. Looking down at the contract, I couldn't believe my eyes. Since when did I volunteer to come here and engage in fraud?
The contract was even more oppressive than those in the worst places I'd heard of. It stated that I "volunteered" to sell myself for five years. I could only buy my freedom and return home after earning the company ten million yuan. My base salary was 3,000 yuan per month, with higher commissions for better performance. Accommodation, food, protection, utilities, and even air fees would be deducted from my wages.
KK Park had various entertainment facilities that captives could use at their own expense. Those with excellent performance could apply to go shopping outside. Those with average performance were restricted to the park. The ones with poor performance were beaten and had their organs harvested.
Medical expenses were deducted from our wages, leaving us essentially enslaved.
"If you have any objections, speak up. If not, sign it quickly and record a video saying you're here willingly," Liu Shiyi said, standing up and tossing me a pen while grabbing the latest Apple phone. His desk had the latest Apple laptop, and the office was furnished with luxurious redwood furniture, leather chairs, branded clothes, and pens. The opulence left me speechless.
What objections could I have? With a gun to my head, I didn't dare to object. After signing, he directed me to record a video stating I was here willingly.
"Supervisor, can I really go home once I've earned enough money?" I asked bravely, seeing he was in a good mood.
"Of course. I keep my promises. Right, Wrench?" Liu Shiyi said, adjusting his leather jacket and looking at Wrench.
"Yes, Supervisor Liu is one of the few trustworthy managers here. He said he wouldn't kill you, and he didn't. Xiao Pingzi, remember, you killed three of our guards. From today on, you must work hard to repay your debt. Otherwise, you'll end up as the next 'art piece,'" Wrench said sternly, like a coach scolding a reckless trainee.
"I understand, Wrench," I responded obediently, not daring to cause any trouble.
"If you perform well, you can become my bodyguard like Wrench. The pay is high, the benefits are good, and you can have your pick of women," Liu Shiyi said, eyeing me with desire. "We have a variety of men too!"
I shuddered in disgust at his words.
"Supervisor, I'll take him to the workroom," Wrench said.
"Come back quickly. You're taking me shopping for new clothes," Liu Shiyi replied.
"Okay, I'll be quick," Wrench smiled, leading me out of the office. Once outside, he relaxed, looking both relieved and resigned.
I didn't know what to say or ask, so I just followed him downstairs to the adjacent building.
"Don't think about running. You'll die," Wrench suddenly said.
"I'm not thinking about running," I replied, quickly averting my gaze from the electric fence. His sharp eyes caught everything.
"Good. Focus on your work and performance. It's best for both of us," he said.
"I understand, Wrench."
"You killed three people. Be careful. The local guards will definitely try to cause you trouble," Wrench warned, lowering his voice.
"Wrench, why are you helping me?" I asked, feeling he was a good person.
"Maybe because we're both martial artists, and we respect each other. Do you believe that?" he asked, his eyes showing a hint of sadness.
"I believe it! You remind me of someone from another park who was also very kind to me and never harmed me. If you ever need my help, just ask. I won't back down, even though I'm a lowly captive now and need your help," I said, scratching my head awkwardly.
"It's okay. We all start somewhere. Work hard, survive, and you'll find a way out," Wrench said, patting my arm before continuing forward.
The 5-meter-high electric fence was heavily guarded, with patrol cars passing by regularly. Escaping seemed impossible.
A few minutes later, we arrived at a workroom on the third floor. The work environment was decent, with new desks, chairs, and computers, clean floors, and the appearance of a legitimate business. Inside, hundreds of captives of all ages were working hard, typing furiously to meet their targets. Supervisors and team leaders roamed around, monitoring and occasionally giving instructions.
"Wrench, another newcomer?" a chubby, bald middle-aged man greeted us obsequiously.
"Xiao Pingzi, 24 years old. He killed three guards on his first day, including two black thugs. Supervisor Liu assigned him to your department. Make sure to train him well. He's a high-education talent personally chosen by the supervisor. Understand?" Wrench said coldly, pointing to me.
"Got it, Wrench. Don't worry, I'll train him well and get him up to speed quickly," the chubby man replied, sweating profusely. He seemed very afraid of Wrench, or perhaps of Liu Shiyi, or maybe he'd heard about me killing the guards.
I silently thanked Wrench for his dramatic introduction, which certainly made an impression.
"Xiao Pingzi, work hard. When you close a big deal, treat me to a meal," Wrench said more gently to me.
"I will, Wrench," I replied with a smile, trying to look as obedient as possible.
"Good."
Wrench glared at the chubby man before quickly leaving the workroom with his AK.
The chubby man stared at me for a few seconds, looking puzzled. Maybe I didn't look like someone who could kill black thugs.
"Everyone, stop working for a moment. We have a newcomer," the chubby man announced, clapping his hands.
All eyes turned to me, making me very uncomfortable.
"This is Wrench's new recruit. Yesterday, he killed three guards and is a high-education talent personally chosen by the supervisor. Take care of him, don't bully him. We must be united and help newcomers. Understand?" he said.
"Yes!" the crowd shouted before returning to their work.
I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about his introduction. Saying I killed three guards seemed like he was setting me up for trouble.