Wrench dipped his finger in some of the wine and began sketching a rough map of the KK camp on the table.
Every area is heavily guarded. There's a visible sentry every 100 meters and a hidden one every 50 meters, with Karen border patrols outside. It's nearly impossible to escape.
"If only we had a satellite image for precise locations," I said, wiping the table clean, feeling the weight of the situation.
If we could accurately locate each area and understand their shift changes down to the second, there might be a chance to escape through a gap.
"It's tricky," Wrench said after thinking it over. "I've been here for three years and never found a chance to leave."
"Why didn't you escape during the riot? You had a gun that day when you were rounding up the captives, didn't you?" I asked, recalling the opportunity he had.
"It's not as easy as you think. We're all under constant surveillance, especially by the local henchmen who wouldn't betray the camp. Their roots are here, so they keep a close watch on us Chinese. If you try to run, you'll be shot down instantly. A team goes out to capture people; as soon as you fire a shot, you're exposed. How can you escape?" Wrench sighed, his eyes full of sadness. He wanted to escape more than any of us. He often wondered if his mom and sister were still alive, a thought that pained him deeply.
"You know why I say I have no family? So they won't guard against me or force me to bring my sister here. These bastards will do anything for money, and they won't spare your family!"
"Brother, don't worry. As long as we're united, we can escape. Once we're back in China, I promise to help you through this tough time. I swear it!" I held Wrench's rough hands firmly, speaking with conviction. I trusted they wouldn't betray me like others had before.
"Ping An, thank you. I'm really happy to have you guys with me," Wrench, usually not one to express emotions, gripped my hands tightly, tears welling up in his eyes. In his three years here, he hadn't had many true friends. He worked diligently during the day and trained hard at the gym in the evening, which had kept him safe in this hellish place. But the longer he stayed, the more homesick he felt.
Chen Weiqiang, moved by the moment, held our hands tightly and said, "Brothers for life! Never to be separated!"
"Hmph, I want to settle in Hunan, enjoy the food, and always hang out at your place. Don't even think about sending me back to Northeast China," Bayi said defiantly, placing his hand on ours.
I joked, "Brother, I can't afford to feed you!"
"I'll work at the martial arts school to cover my living expenses," Bayi replied.
"That sounds good, hahaha," I laughed. We gripped each other's hands and laughed and cried together.
The next morning, Wrench dragged Bayi and me downstairs to the office. Unlike me, Chen Weiqiang was a high-tech expert and a hidden hacker, so he had a private office for handling complex technical issues. I, however, was a free agent until Mid-Autumn Festival. I could join Chen Weiqiang in scamming Americans and Europeans, team up with Bayi to scam Japanese and Koreans, or work solo. As long as I made deals, it didn't matter. I also had 24-hour access to the gym.
"Brother, where are you taking me? I don't want to see anything bloody this early," I said, rubbing my eyes, reluctant to visit places like the crocodile pool or the basement. We had stayed up late last night, and my nutrition wasn't keeping up, so I felt drained.
"The supervisor said many big shots are coming to the camp today. He wants us to act as security for the day to prevent any incidents," Wrench handed me an AK-47 and pointed to a building ahead.
"Are they here for gambling or boxing?" I perked up at the chance to see something new and maybe get some insider information.
"Brother, why don't I get a gun? That's not fair!" Bayi complained.
Wrench shrugged helplessly, "The supervisor only mentioned giving Little Bottle a gun." He didn't have to add that Bayi wouldn't know how to use it or that he hadn't killed anyone.
"Fine," Bayi grumbled, scratching his head. Men love weapons and adrenaline-pumping activities.
As we reached the red-painted building, we saw luxury cars parked outside. Inside, various middle-aged men were chatting.
It was the usual greetings and business talk, with the possibility of deals being made and later betrayed.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the auction will begin soon. Please enter the venue in an orderly manner and find your seats," two tall, young, and beautiful women in Chinese-style cheongsams announced sweetly.
"I want to explore your secret garden, hahaha!" A short, fat, and ugly man groped one of the women before entering, laughing.
"Welcome," she said with a forced smile, tears in her eyes, knowing that any display of dissatisfaction could lead to a brutal punishment from the henchmen.
After everyone had entered, the three of us followed with our guns. Bayi carried a stun baton, trying to look menacing. As we passed the girl who had been harassed, I whispered, "Don't cry, your makeup will smudge."
"…Thank you," she said, surprised, holding back her tears and smiling sweetly.
"We're all in the same boat, no need to thank me," I replied, smiling and catching up with Wrench.
"Brother, are you interested in her?" Bayi teased.
"Why are you always thinking that? Can't I just say a word to a girl?" I retorted, rolling my eyes as I looked around the venue.
"True, a word doesn't mean anything," Bayi muttered and went off to patrol another area.
The venue was over 200 square meters, with no windows and only two doors: one at the front and one at the back. Even the lights were off, not to save money but to follow the rules of the piglet auction. The only lighting focused on the empty stage at the front.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the KK camp's female piglet auction. This batch of top-quality goods has passed safety checks and is ready for bidding. The quality is as excellent as ever, so please pay attention to the prices. The starting bid is 50,000, with no upper limit. Bring the goods on stage," the beautiful hostess announced.
Ten naked girls with black hoods over their heads were led onto the stage by henchmen...