Chapter 7

He had made such a commotion that even the robot teacher stopped teaching, and the entire class turned to Zhao Xing again.

A few students wore particularly complicated expressions. Some gave him knowing looks, some envious and resentful, some suddenly enlightened and pointing at him. One skinny, effeminate guy even covered his mouth to snicker.

Zhao Xing suspected they were acting this way because every last one of them had seen that idiot Luo Mingshan blow on him and kiss him!

Fuck.

Zhao Xing kicked the desk. He didn't want to attend class anymore and turned to leave.

Luo Mingshan hurried after him.

Their electronic cards chimed twice. They had probably both lost 0.5 points for leaving early, but Zhao Xing was too worked up to hear anything clearly.

Once outside the classroom, Zhao Xing cursed all the way up the stairs. "Luo Mingshan, are you mentally disabled? Are you a fucking idiot?! Is your brain full of water?

"Have you gotten checked out? Did they tell you there's something wrong with your brain?

"Is your cerebellum underdeveloped or what?!

"Are you actually stupid or are you fucking pretending? I've never seen a seventeen-year-old this brain-dead!

"You were fucking with me on purpose, weren't you? Doing that in front of everyone—you wanted to humiliate me, didn't you?! I don't believe anyone could really be that stupid! You were acting, weren't you?!"

Zhao Xing cursed from the classroom all the way to the academy gates. Luo Mingshan kept his head lowered, brows furrowed, and said nothing. His expression was even a little solemn.

Zhao Xing's mouth was dry from yelling before he realized the person beside him had been quiet for a long time.

He turned to look at Luo Mingshan. He'd thought the guy understood what a stupid thing he'd done and was drowning in remorse and shame, but when Zhao Xing looked closely, Luo Mingshan simply had his eyes lowered and lips pressed together, his expression open and unashamed.

As though Zhao Xing were just yelling, making a mountain out of a molehill, causing a fuss for no reason.

Zhao Xing suddenly got irritated.

He narrowed his eyes and viciously jabbed Luo Mingshan in the forehead with one finger, making him stagger backward.

Luo Mingshan looked at Zhao Xing, blinked, and spoke slowly. "But you told me everyone does that."

Zhao Xing: "..."

Well.

It had indeed started with Zhao Xing. As a child, he was afraid of pain and got hurt a lot. Once, after noticing other mothers blowing on their children after applying medicine, he took it to heart. He wanted someone to blow on him too.

But it was so embarrassing that even five-year-old Zhao Xing found it embarrassing. Too embarrassed to tell his mother, he could only trick three-year-old Luo Mingshan into doing it for him.

He'd even told him that the whole world did it, that he had to follow the procedure strictly because it was important—just as important as closing your eyes when you slept.

...As for the kisses, Zhao Xing had slipped those in entirely for his own benefit.

Little Luo Mingshan had been soft and fair, obedient and well-behaved. Zhao Xing loved kissing him, and loved being kissed by him too.

Looking at Luo Mingshan now, Zhao Xing suddenly felt something strange.

It was as though everyone in the world had been pushed forward by time, while only Luo Mingshan had stayed where he was and never grown up.

Zhao Xing suddenly thought of something. His eyes narrowed and his voice cooled. "Wait. Do you apply medicine for other people like that too?"

Luo Mingshan shook his head. "I've only applied medicine for you."

Zhao Xing let out a breath.

He walked two steps ahead, lowered his gaze, and made his voice cold again. "Don't do that anymore. It's childish. Only children do that."

"But you used to say—"

"And," Zhao Xing cut him off. Looking into Luo Mingshan's eyes, he curled his lips as mockery and disdain gradually appeared on his face. "Do you think we still have the same relationship we did before?"

Luo Mingshan stopped where he was. His lips moved, but no words came out. Bit by bit, he lowered his head.

He stood silently in place as the color drained from his face, leaving it deathly white.

Like an old faded painting abandoned by its owner.

The cafeteria lay between the academy and the factory. It had three basement levels—B1, B2, and B3—and the food got more expensive with each level.

Zhao Xing strolled down to the cheapest, B1.

Sure enough, after more than a decade, the menu hadn't changed one bit.

The food here cost between 0.1 and 0.3 Repentance Points. Nutrient paste was cheapest at 0.1. Besides that, there was only mashed potato, mashed sweet potato, and rice: mashed potato for 0.2, mashed sweet potato for 0.3, and rice for 0.1.

Zhao Xing bought a bowl of rice and a serving of mashed potato.

Sure enough, it was sticky mush and tasted like shit.

Zhao Xing hadn't eaten this stuff in years.

Luo Mingshan got the same thing and ate quietly beside him.

Xitulanya Restaurant was huge. Male prisoners from Buildings One through Ten all ate here. Zhao Xing had started making a name for himself, but he had only been here a day and many people didn't know him yet, so he wasn't avoided like the plague the way he'd been at school.

Luo Mingshan, on the other hand, drew countless greedy looks with his elfin beauty. Before long, people had filled every seat around them.

But Zhao Xing looked hard to mess with, and as he was sitting with Luo Mingshan, no one dared harass him right away.

Zhao Xing was halfway through his meal when a commotion broke out at the entrance to Xitulanya Restaurant.

He looked up, chewing on his chopsticks.

The packed crowd separated like waves, voluntarily opening a path.

At its center was a tall man of about thirty. His hair was buzzed so short that his scalp was almost exposed, his skin an unusually wheat-brown shade, and he was well-muscled.

Seven or eight lackeys followed him.

He had quite the grand entrance, like a mob boss from an old movie.

Fuck, I'm so jealous.

He'll definitely make it into the 101.

Zhao Xing thought sourly.

Watching the "boss," Zhao Xing kept thinking. Maybe he'd picked the wrong approach. Going it alone lacked a certain presence. Should he take in a crew of underlings like before?

But what if he got another bunch of idiots?

Before he could think it through, the boss walked straight toward him.

Then the boss drove everyone else away from the table and sat down imperiously across from Luo Mingshan.

He stared directly at Luo Mingshan's face, his voice low. "I'm Su Ge. What's your name?"

Zhao Xing: "..."

Zhao Xing threw down his chopsticks and laughed in disbelief.

He turned to Luo Mingshan, unable to resist pinching his cheek, and said with a smile, "Fuck, baby Luoluo, you're really good at finding trouble for Brother Zhao. Should we just slash that face of yours up? Why do you attract people so much?!"

Luo Mingshan shuddered all over.

Only then did Su Ge notice Zhao Xing beside him. He frowned, displeased, and ordered his men, "Drag him away."

Zhao Xing laughed again.

Fuck, so arrogant.

Zhao Xing hadn't seen anyone more arrogant than himself in a long time.

The two towering men seated to Su Ge's right and left rose with a rumble.

Bang!

Without warning, a sharp dagger flashing coldly was hurled onto the wooden table, sinking five or six centimeters into it as easily as if it were tofu.

The air fell silent.

Zhao Xing casually pulled out the knife he had thrown and expertly toyed with it at his fingertips. He looked at Su Ge and gave him a lazy smile. "Let's see who dares move."

Su Ge gestured, and his two men stayed where they were.

He looked at this overly young man, who appeared to be no more than twenty, with some surprise.

Knives weren't prohibited here.

But one rule was perfectly clear.

If carrying a knife led to a physical conflict, whether or not blood was drawn, the penalty started at fifty points.

That meant either this man had plenty of Repentance Points and was confident he could get away unscathed, or he was a reckless lunatic who didn't value his own life.

Either way, he was clearly not someone to provoke.

Su Ge's eyes moved from Zhao Xing's knife to his face. "Little brother, it's not worth getting yourself electrically shocked in the Repentance Room on an impulse. How about we talk?"

Zhao Xing leaned back in his chair, idly playing with the knife. "Sure. Talk."

Su Ge glanced at Luo Mingshan again, though this time his gaze didn't linger. "The one next to you...is he your lover, or your boy toy?"

Zhao Xing nearly dropped the knife in shock.

Helpless, he said, "Uncle, do I look gay to you?"

Being called uncle at only thirty made Su Ge's face darken, but he kept his composure. "Then he is..."

"Oh, he's my little slave. He pours my tea and water, keeps me entertained, makes me laugh." Zhao Xing stroked the back of Luo Mingshan's head and smiled. "Right, Luoluo?"

Luo Mingshan hesitated, then nodded carefully.

Su Ge relaxed and smiled in relief, his posture loosening. "Then how about this? Give him to me, and I can give you something else."

"What can you give me?" Zhao Xing asked eagerly.

Su Ge smiled wider. "That depends on what you want."

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice into a quiet, deep rumble. "Cigarettes, fine liquor, gems, women..."

Zhao Xing raised his brows, surprised. "How are you giving me women? There are women here?"

Luo Mingshan's brows drew together.

"Hahaha, little brother, you're funny. There may not be women here, but once you get out, I guarantee I'll arrange—"

"Then forget it." Zhao Xing curled his lip and interrupted him. "Who knows what'll happen in the future?"

Su Ge straightened up, his voice brightening. "Then I'll give you what's most useful. Repentance Points—how about a hundred?"

A few gasps and murmurs sounded around them.

One hundred Repentance Points. That was a million in cash. A prisoner who worked every day, committed no violations, ate only the cheapest food, and had no extra expenses would need over half a year to save that much.

Even Zhao Xing was a little surprised.

That was a big offer.

Very tempting.

Zhao Xing calculated silently.

Seeing Zhao Xing's bright eyes, Luo Mingshan's heart sank.

When Zhao Xing finished his rough calculation, his expression had become almost cheerful. He turned, cupped Luo Mingshan's cheeks in both hands, and said with delighted surprise, "Luoluo, you're so valuable. I thought I could sell you for twenty. Never expected you'd fetch a hundred."

Luo Mingshan's cheeks went white as snow. He looked at Zhao Xing in disbelief, lashes trembling, his eyes immediately reddening and dampening at the corners. He was beautiful like a mermaid broken by despair and driven to tears.

"Luoluo is so pretty when he cries," Zhao Xing murmured, gently wiping the tear from his eye with his thumb.

Zhao Xing turned to Su Ge. "Pretty, right?"

Su Ge's Adam's apple bobbed. His voice was rough and low. "Pretty."

Zhao Xing smiled. "Then add more money."

Su Ge: "..."

Su Ge took a deep breath and pulled his eyes from Luo Mingshan's face. "How much?"

"Three hundred."

"You're asking an outrageous price. Aren't you afraid I'll just take him by force?" Su Ge said darkly.

Zhao Xing petted Luo Mingshan's head as he looked at Su Ge. "Why put it so crudely? Give me the right price, and I guarantee Luoluo will serve you well. Right, Luoluo?"

Luo Mingshan lowered his head without speaking.

Su Ge weighed it privately. This guy said he wasn't gay and didn't have the slightest interest in the beauty beside him, but the beauty might not feel the same. He was clearly attached to this straight asshole.

If Su Ge bought him, perhaps he could sever the beauty's attachment.

And three million for such a stunning beauty was honestly a bargain.

He hadn't expected a little prison like this to have merchandise of such quality. Even the A-list celebrities he had seen before paled beside him.

Su Ge made his decision. "Deal."

Zhao Xing pulled out his electronic card, his face full of anticipation. "Come on, then."

Su Ge also took out his card, but didn't do anything else. He just stared fixedly at the beauty.

"Oh, got it." Zhao Xing patted Luo Mingshan's back. "Go on. Don't follow me anymore. Go with Big Brother Su."

Luo Mingshan sat motionless as a statue, head lowered.

Impatient, Zhao Xing kicked his chair. "Get the fuck out!"

Luo Mingshan still didn't move.

Zhao Xing snorted. "Luo Mingshan, haven't you been going on and on about how sorry you are to me? Now's your chance to atone."

Luo Mingshan slowly raised his head. His face was pale, making his eyes look even blacker than an abyss. He asked slowly, "...If I do this, will Brother A-Xing forgive me?"

Zhao Xing suddenly didn't dare meet his eyes. Looking away and around at random, he said, "Maybe."

Luo Mingshan was silent for two seconds before slowly standing, like a puppet, and walking to Su Ge's side.

Zhao Xing eagerly shook the card in his hand. "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

After a few taps on his electronic card, Su Ge transferred three hundred Repentance Points to Zhao Xing.

Satisfied, Zhao Xing put his card into his pocket and stood. "Thanks."

He walked two steps, then suddenly remembered something. Turning back, he went to Luo Mingshan. "Bye, Luoluo. Remember to serve Big Brother Su well. Don't let him waste his money."

Luo Mingshan kept his head lowered and said nothing.

Zhao Xing frowned, dissatisfied. "Luoluo, say goodbye to me."

Only then did Luo Mingshan look up. Expressionless and stiffly, he gave a small wave. "...Goodbye."

Zhao Xing smiled and waved. "Bye, Luoluo."

The instant Zhao Xing lowered his left hand, his expression changed.

He grabbed Luo Mingshan's wrist, pulled the dagger from his clothes and threw it into Su Ge's thigh, then dragged Luo Mingshan and ran!

Su Ge was stunned for a moment before he reacted. Clutching his bleeding thigh, he shouted like a madman, "Stop them!"

One lackey hurried to treat Su Ge's wound while the other six chased Zhao Xing together. Seeing he couldn't escape, Zhao Xing shoved Luo Mingshan to the edge of the fray and turned to fight the six men.

Fortunately, they all knew Luo Mingshan belonged to their boss, so none of them touched him.

Before long, Su Ge and the crowd watching in horror realized that Zhao Xing was simply inhuman.

Against six professional thugs, he not only didn't fall behind, he clearly held the advantage.

Zhao Xing's movements were sharp and efficient. Soon, two of the six had gone down.

Whatever else might be said, Zhao Xing was quite confident in his hand-to-hand fighting.

Since childhood, no one his age had been able to beat him. From the age of ten, he had hired professionals to teach him taekwondo and sanda.

At seventeen, he had spent some time at C City's underground boxing ring.

At eighteen, there had already been no opponent for him in C City's little boxing circuit.

It could be said that from eighteen onward, Zhao Xing had never lost a fight.

As the six thugs fell one after another, Su Ge was so enraged that veins stood out on his forehead. He walked toward them step by step.

But he didn't go after Zhao Xing. Instead, with the bloodied dagger in hand and a sinister stare, he went to grab Luo Mingshan nearby.

Zhao Xing's heart jolted. He hurriedly took down the last man, spun around, and kicked the dagger out of Su Ge's hand before yanking Luo Mingshan to him.

At that moment, the seventh thug—the one who hadn't joined the brawl—picked up a chair and smashed it toward Luo Mingshan's head.

Fuck!

Zhao Xing's mind went blank. He clutched Luo Mingshan tightly against his chest and bent over him.

Bang! The solid wooden chair crashed into Zhao Xing's shoulder and head. Splinters stabbed into his neck, and blood dripped steadily down.

The blow to his head left Zhao Xing dazed.

Just then, someone behind him viciously kicked the back of his knee. Zhao Xing stumbled, couldn't hold himself up, and fell.

The instant he hit the ground, darkness swam before his eyes and his head rang, yet he instinctively stretched out a hand to protect the back of Luo Mingshan's head.

Seeing the two on the ground, temporarily unable to fight back, Su Ge sneered. Clutching his still-bleeding thigh, he picked up the dagger and limped toward them.

When he reached Zhao Xing, he knelt on one knee, raised the dagger with a vicious expression, and stabbed at Zhao Xing's nape.

Smack! A pale, jade-like hand suddenly caught his wrist.

Then he saw that gorgeous face he had been obsessed with peek out from behind Zhao Xing's shoulder.

A few drops of blood stained that snowy face, but every trace of vulnerability and despair was gone. His dark eyes were cold and sharp as blades, chilling one to the bone.

At almost the same instant, excruciating pain flared in Su Ge's captured wrist. A strange force burrowed inside. His teeth chattered, pain seeping from the cracks between his bones. His mind blurred, as though something were devouring his soul.

But it all happened within two seconds.

Two seconds later, the beautiful, cold man pushed him away with barely any force.

Su Ge relaxed as the terror faded, and he smiled in relief—

But in the next instant, his pupils contracted. Extreme agony engulfed him. Trembling all over, he collapsed to the ground and gradually stopped breathing.

"Someone's dead—!"

Someone cried in terror.