Yang Chun's cell was on the shady side of the second floor, shared with four other inmates. Known throughout Haizhou and feared in the criminal underworld, Yang Chun's status was evident from his bunk and the deference shown to him by the others.
Before his incarceration, Lin Xiaoliang, following Guo Xiaopeng's instructions, had told him to be patient and await further arrangements. But after several days with no movement, Yang Chun grew anxious. Liu Mei's situation was precarious, and waiting idly could prove disastrous. His impatience led him to ignore Lin Xiaoliang's advice and take matters into his own hands.
Just then, a suspect nicknamed Black Cat entered the cell, carrying supplies and food sent by his family. He respectfully handed a food box to Yang Chun, who didn't even glance at it, instead asking, "Did you find out which cell Liu Mei is in?"
Black Cat's eyes drooped as he replied, "No... no, I haven't."
Yang Chun exploded in anger, "Didn't you say you had connections?"
Black Cat's voice lowered, "My contacts said that everything related to Liu Mei is handled by the criminal police squad. They can't get close."
Yang Chun's eyes burned with fury, "If everyone could know, what use are you to me?"
Three other inmates, watching the exchange, edged closer with predatory intent.
Black Cat's legs gave out, and he dropped to his knees.
Yang Chun gestured to the onlookers to back off, then shook the iron bars and shouted, "I'm an American! I'm an American!"
The commotion died down after lunch, and the detention center returned to its usual quiet.
Jia Sidong walked up to Yang Chun's cell and ordered the guard to open the door.
"Interrogation?" the guard asked.
Ignoring him, Jia Sidong commanded, "Bring your things and follow me," to Yang Chun. Sensing something in Jia Sidong's look, Yang Chun obediently grabbed a small bag and stepped out. Jia Sidong told the guard locking the door, "Higher-ups say this guy's special. Like a dung beetle with a shiny coating. Let's keep him isolated to save ourselves the trouble." Yang Chun followed closely as Jia Sidong led him across the yard, into another secure area, and up a corridor to the third floor.
Stopping at Cell 1, Jia Sidong instructed the on-duty officer, "Open the door." Once inside, the iron door clanged shut. Yang Chun, like a caged leopard, paced and peered around. Finally, he spotted Liu Mei's death row cell directly across from his, barely nine meters away. He couldn't help but mutter, "Amazing!"
Sunlight slanted through the bars. Yang Chun saw Liu Mei's shadow and pressed his face between the bars, straining to see her.
Slowly, Liu Mei turned. Shackled and handcuffed, her face was swollen and sallow under a shaft of light, her hair dull and yellow. She moved unsteadily around the small cell.
Yang Chun's heart broke, his face contorted with pain as tears streamed down. He opened his trembling mouth, wanting to call out to let her know someone cared, loved, and was thinking of her. He wanted to tell her to hold on, that he would save her... but he couldn't bring himself to shout.
Haizhou Pharmaceuticals' headquarters stood silent in the winter sunlight. Guo Xiaopeng sat in the chairman's office, dealing with a mountain of paperwork. He hadn't realized Liu Mei's importance until her absence made him appreciate her hard work and dedication.
Han Lifang entered, carrying a briefcase. He placed a file folder on the desk, bowing slightly, "The trial ended this morning. Here are the documents."
As Guo Xiaopeng opened the folder, he asked, "As a professional, what sentence do you expect for her?"
"Death penalty," Han Lifang replied without hesitation.
"Any chance of a reprieve?" Guo Xiaopeng pressed.
"She has three lives on her conscience, confessed fully, and with Mayor Jin's 'swift and severe' directive, it's unlikely," Han Lifang reported honestly.
"Can we find grounds for an appeal?" Guo Xiaopeng asked after a pause. "I mean, anything to delay the sentence."
Han Lifang understood immediately, "I'll see what I can do, but it might only be minor technicalities."
In his solitary cell, Yang Chun retrieved several disposable syringes and matching paper cups with thermometers from a box. He poured hot water from a plastic thermos into the cups, gently shaking them while watching the thermometers intently.