The Truth

From Li Ming's angle, he could see Dong Wentao's furtive glances behind Huang Feihu's back. It seemed Yang Yang was exactly his type of woman.

"Hahaha! Xiao Yang, you're still young—plenty of opportunities lie ahead. Don’t lose heart! Who knows, maybe one day you’ll even take my spot as warden!" Huang Feihu laughed heartily, teasing her.

"But you’re right about one thing—Li Ming here is truly remarkable for his age. Becoming a warden so young? He’s destined for greatness. One day, he might even be transferred to a more critical position! When that happens, Li Ming, don’t forget your old pal Huang, alright? Hahaha! If you ever need anything from me, just say the word. As long as it’s within my power, I’ll give it my all! Come on, Li Ming, bottoms up for me—you take it easy!" Huang Feihu stood up, raised a small cup of baijiu, and downed it in one go, even tipping the cup afterward to show not a drop remained.

Li Ming couldn’t refuse. He raised his glass and took a sip.

"Brother Huang, don’t worry—I won’t forget you. If I ever need help, I’ll definitely come knocking," Li Ming replied politely.

"Good, good! Hahaha! Xiao Yang, why don’t you share a drink with Li Ming? You’re both young—should get to know each other better. Don’t let her slender frame fool you; Dr. Yang here can hold her liquor better than most men!"

At this, Dr. Yang Yang also stood and clinked glasses with Li Ming. "Warden Li, I’ve met your deputy warden, Lin Xi, a few times. I honestly thought she’d be the one taking over as warden. But after meeting you, I realize this position was meant for you—no one else could fill it like you! With your presence, I’m sure you’ll go far beyond just being a warden. Here’s to your rise to greater heights! I’ll finish this—you take your time!" With that, she knocked back an entire cup of baijiu.

Li Ming couldn’t help but admire her. That cup had to be at least two taels’ worth, and for a woman to down it so effortlessly? Clearly, no ordinary person sat at this table.

Unable to decline, Li Ming took another sip.

As Yang Yang sat back down, the deputy warden, who had been silent until now, suddenly rose.

"Warden Li, I’m not much of a talker, but I respect you the moment I saw you. Like our warden, if you ever need anything, just give the order. I, Wang Hai, will give it my all! Bottoms up!" Without hesitation, he drained his cup, his expression unchanging as if he’d just drunk water.

"Hahaha! Li Ming, dig in, dig in! My deputy’s been with me for years—just tell him what you need!" Huang Feihu chuckled, nudging dishes toward Li Ming.

Li Ming sighed inwardly, amused and exasperated.

His "Heart’s Insight" skill, which rarely activated since people seldom lied to him, had been firing nonstop during this gathering. Aside from their names, not a single word from these three had been genuine. Suppressing a laugh, he played along.

As the night wore on and the liquor flowed freely, inhibitions loosened.

"Li Ming, your prison—lots of women, lots of drama. You’re new, so you might not know yet, but if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve been around longer, got some connections. Small stuff? I can handle it," Huang Feihu muttered, lowering his voice.

"Oh? Care to elaborate? I really don’t know what’s so troublesome," Li Ming pressed, suddenly alert.

Lin Xi had hinted at something similar. And given how frequently wardens were replaced, there had to be more to it. Huang Feihu seemed to know the inside story.

"Heh! Ask anyone else, they wouldn’t have a clue. But you’re asking the right guy. Figured I’d tell you—you’ll find out sooner or later anyway." Huang Feihu took another swig, grinning.

"Women—wherever they go, men’s eyes follow. The prettier they are, the worse it gets." His gaze flicked toward Yang Yang.

Yang Yang shrugged, not denying it. Tipsy, she leaned forward, elbows on the table, her ample chest pressed against the edge as if threatening to spill out.

The young guards nearby stared shamelessly, gulping. Even Wang Keyan gaped, unused to such boldness. She could never pull that off—being ogled by so many men yet staying so composed. She admired Yang Yang for it.

The guards noticed Wang Keyan’s delicate beauty too, but with Warden Li present, none dared look her way for long. Their own prison’s Dr. Yang was far safer to admire.

Huang Feihu continued. "But when a beautiful woman gets locked up? Well, certain admirers get restless. Those with connections pull strings before she’s even sentenced. But for the ones too hot to handle? They wait till she’s inside."

He raised his cup, giving Li Ming a knowing smile.

"Death penalty becomes suspended death. Suspended becomes life. Life becomes a sentence. Sentence gets reduced… Heh, you get the picture."

"When the big shots make their move, the warden’s the first to feel it. I knew all the previous wardens—some refused to play along. And how’d that work out for them? I’m only telling you this, Li Ming, because you’re young for the job. You’ve got backers—you’ll learn this eventually. Not like I’m spilling secrets." He drained his drink, winking.

Li Ming listened silently. His Heart’s Insight stayed quiet—Huang Feihu was telling the truth.

So we just let these rule-breakers do as they please? Li Ming thought, though he didn’t voice it.

Sheltered by his parents, he’d never faced such darkness before. He knew it existed, but experiencing it firsthand left him feeling powerless.

But if they dare come for me…

Li Ming smirked.

Then they’re in for a world of hurt. Cross me, and they’ll regret it. Better hope I never find proof—otherwise… If I can’t handle them, my father certainly can.

...