I Love Working

Li Ming saw that Tan Qingqing hadn’t fallen for his trick and had even called his bluff, her face full of disdain. He chuckled, unfazed.

It would’ve been great if she’d taken the bait, but if not…

A thought flashed through Li Ming’s mind as he activated his skill—Heartfelt Sincerity!

Effect: Can be actively cast on a target, making them feel your utmost sincerity, opening their heart, and fostering honesty, quickly gaining their favor. (Effect doubles when used on women; halves when used on men.)

Li Ming cast Heartfelt Sincerity on Tan Qingqing before leisurely continuing his explanation.

“Tan Qingqing, I’m not trying to trick you. I’m genuinely curious—who has the power to get you out of here? And even if you tell me, I don’t have any proof. I’m just a small-time warden—what could I possibly do against someone like that?”

Li Ming spread his hands, signaling that even if he knew, he wouldn’t dare oppose their boss.

“Besides, when the boss comes to get you, they won’t need my permission. A simple transfer order will force me to hand you over. If I refuse, it’s insubordination, right? That’s how it’s always been done—I know the drill. Just satisfy my curiosity, whisper the name to me. It won’t affect your release, and you’ll get to relax for the next two weeks. A win-win, don’t you think? So, what do you say?”

Li Ming coaxed her patiently, watching for the skill’s effect. Tan Qingqing’s expression shifted from disdain and wariness to furrowed brows, deep in thought—clearly, she was starting to trust him a little.

Meanwhile, inside Tan Qingqing’s mind, a battle raged. A little black devil screamed at her—Don’t trust Li Ming! He’s a two-faced bastard! If you believe him, you’ll never leave this prison!

A little white angel, however, smiled gently. Since meeting Li Ming, even though he’s a bit unreliable, he’s kept his promises—a private cell, no invasive exams, even letting you call your family for five whole minutes. He’s trustworthy enough for a small trade. A name in exchange for 15 days of no labor? That’s a steal.

The black devil trembled with rage and shrieked, Think about your 25-year sentence! If you slip up now, you’ll rot in this hellhole for 25 years, breaking your back in labor! Can you handle that?!

Before Tan Qingqing could react, the white angel countered, It’s just a name. What can he do with it? He’s just a measly warden. Humor him, let him learn something new, and maybe he’ll treat you better.

Tan Qingqing’s frown deepened as the two little figures brawled in her head, giving her a splitting headache.

Staring at Li Ming’s honest, earnest face, she felt something was off—but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

She glanced around—armed guards, towering barbed-wire fences, the imposing black walls of Black Mountain Prison, her own prison uniform, and… her aching back.

Something was wrong. Very wrong.

She had to get out of here. Out of prison! She should be lounging on a custom-made sofa, sipping wine, enjoying a gourmet meal while gazing at the city’s glittering skyline—living the high life!

No. I can’t say a word. Nothing can jeopardize my escape plan!

So what if she had to work? Fine! Fifteen days of labor was nothing compared to 25 years behind bars.

Her resolve hardened. Without answering Li Ming, she turned and walked away.

Li Ming was baffled. What the hell? Did the skill fail? He hurried after her.

“Tan Qingqing, where are you going? You didn’t answer me! Don’t you want to skip labor and relax in your cell?”

“Warden! I love working! I enjoy labor! Please send me back to the factory—I’m ready to reform! No need for special treatment.” Her voice was firm, and no matter how much the white angel in her head protested, she stood her ground.

Even if part of her believed Li Ming, she wouldn’t gamble her future on it. The stakes were too high.

“Uh… you sure?”

“Absolutely!”

“Really no deal?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Warden. I need to get back to work. If my group falls behind schedule, you’ll be held responsible!” She quickened her pace, radiating unshakable determination.

Li Ming could only laugh helplessly as he escorted her back to the factory.

His probing and skill had failed. Tan Qingqing was dead set on keeping that name to herself.

Back at her workstation, Tan Qingqing glared at the mountain of clothes before her, gritted her teeth, and grabbed her scissors. Her hands flew at an unprecedented speed, a stark contrast to her earlier sluggishness.

The deputy warden watching nearby nodded approvingly and said to Li Ming,

“Warden, you’re amazing! Your ideological education is so effective—no wonder you’re the warden! You’re on another level compared to us!”

Li Ming could only laugh bitterly at the praise. He’d tried to offer her a shortcut, and she’d refused—reverse ideological education, really.

Shaking his head, he left the factory area.

Turns out, the skill wasn’t foolproof. Heartfelt Sincerity could foster goodwill and honesty, but when it came to critical secrets, people wouldn’t spill blindly.

Returning to the office building, Li Ming checked the time. Wang Xin and her daughter should’ve cooled off by now—he’d go check on them.

But as he passed the infirmary, Xia Hong stepped out.

“Oh, Warden! What a coincidence!” She greeted him with a bright smile.

“Yeah, what a coincidence! What’s up, Hong?” Li Ming eyed the files in her arms curiously.

“Oh, just delivering these to Xiao Xi!” She fell into step beside him.

“Lin Xi? I haven’t seen her since lunch. What’s she up to?” Li Ming was puzzled.

As warden, he felt like a figurehead—Lin Xi seemed busier than he was.

“Huh? You don’t know? In a few days, we’re holding a dance competition in the prison. Xiao Xi’s busy selecting beauties!” Xia Hong patted the files.

“These are the applications. She’s forming a team to train a group performance. If they do well and place high, she’ll help them apply for sentence reductions. We hold events like this often—you’ll even be a judge!”

Li Ming blinked.

“A… prison girl group?”

…