A Red Flag car silently drove through the dark gates of the detention center and stopped in front of the warden's office. Zhang Xiaohua, accompanied by guards, walked in. Warden Ding Zhi and the political instructor stood up. Ding Zhi said, "We heard you were coming, and we've been waiting."
Zhang Xiaohua asked, "How is Wang Jingfei? Any unusual reactions?"
Ding Zhi replied, "No reactions, she's been quite obedient."
"She's the general manager of Haizhou Tower and an agent for Hong Kong's Hualong Company. You must take her case seriously and ensure nothing goes wrong," Zhang Xiaohua instructed with concern. "She needs special supervision at all times. Understand?"
"Rest assured, we will handle it properly," Ding Zhi assured.
"Has anyone come to inquire about her?" Zhang Xiaohua asked.
"No," Ding Zhi shook his head, then added, "except for Team Leader Li."
Zhang Xiaohua's eyes narrowed. "Why did he come?"
"He requested a single cell for Wang Jingfei and asked for special care in her daily life," Ding Zhi reported truthfully.
"Trying to pull some strings, eh?" Zhang Xiaohua thought, but said, "No single cell and no special care. We don't want to give the impression of favoritism."
"Understood," Ding Zhi responded promptly. "We'll follow your instructions."
"But make sure she is absolutely safe," Zhang Xiaohua emphasized, glancing at the cells outside the window. "Who else is in her cell?"
"Five suspects," Ding Zhi answered.
"Tell me about them," Zhang Xiaohua requested.
"Two leaders of a prostitution ring, two human traffickers, and a fraudster. The oldest is thirty-two, named Luo Yan, and she's their leader," Ding Zhi explained.
"Pay special attention to Luo Yan," Zhang Xiaohua said as he turned to leave. "Show me around."
Ding Zhi grabbed his hat and baton, following Zhang Xiaohua to the women's cell. They observed through the peephole. The cell was dimly lit and eerie. Wang Jingfei sat cross-legged in a corner, eyes closed. Luo Yan and the others huddled at the far end, whispering.
Luo Yan sneered, "Not even bringing me foot wash! She may be a general manager outside, but here, she's my servant!" She signaled a burly human trafficker, "Get ready, it's your turn to shine!" Waving her hand, she commanded, "Go teach her a lesson!"
The suspects advanced with pillows and towels. Wang Jingfei stood against the wall, ready to defend herself.
Ding Zhi, alarmed, was about to intervene, but Zhang Xiaohua held him back, signaling silence.
The tall trafficker lunged first. Wang Jingfei sidestepped and struck his neck, then sent the fraudster sprawling with another blow. Both men lay groaning on the ground. Luo Yan pushed aside the hesitant prostitutes and charged at Wang Jingfei, who kicked her in the stomach and then kneed her face, leaving her bloodied.
Wang Jingfei looked down at them, "Everyone takes turns being the emperor."
The others responded with meek nods, forming a circle around her.
Ding Zhi, astonished, remarked, "Didn't expect such a quick regime change."
Zhang Xiaohua, impressed, added, "She's truly versatile in both intellect and combat."
"If her offense isn't severe, we should keep her here to help manage the suspects," Ding Zhi suggested earnestly.
Zhang Xiaohua teased, "Then you need to go to Hong Kong to raise funds and manage Haizhou Tower!"
Ding Zhi shook his head vigorously. "That's beyond me…"
Meanwhile, Liu Mei drove her Ferrari recklessly towards the sea. At the abandoned dock, she didn't slow down. Just before plunging into the turbulent waters, she slammed on the brakes. The car spun wildly before screeching to a halt. Barefoot, she walked to the edge, the cold sea spray mingling with her tears. The wind whipped her thin nightgown as she trembled, feeling utterly desolate. The man she loved was bewitched by another, oblivious to the impending disaster. She recalled a TV drama's words: once in love, even the smartest become fools. Better to end her life than face disgrace.
As she spread her arms to jump, strong arms grabbed her from behind. She turned to see Yang Chun. Overwhelmed, she collapsed into his embrace, sobbing.
Yang Chun held her close, murmuring, "Cry, Mei'er, let it all out."
After a long while, Liu Mei stopped crying and asked, "When did you come back?"
"I got back today and searched for you frantically. I saw Guo Xiaopeng hit you at the Peninsula Bridge. I was about to intervene when you ran off. I followed you here," Yang Chun explained softly.
Liu Mei snuggled closer, saying emotionally, "You always treat me well."
Yang Chun sighed, "Will you listen to me?"
Liu Mei, head against his chest, replied, "Yes, I'll listen."
"You don't mean much to Guo Xiaopeng anymore. Perhaps he never truly loved you."
Liu Mei shifted slightly, indicating agreement.