September 30th was anything but an ordinary day.
A fine rain drizzled from the sky, so even though it was already afternoon, everything remained exceptionally dark.
But for some people, it was a brand-new beginning, a brilliant future.
Xi Ling Detention Center.
Song Luping was receiving his final lecture.
"Now, you may leave. I don't want to see any of you here again. Behave yourselves..." Speeches everywhere were always dull and long-winded, and the detention center director's was no exception.
But it was finally over.
Song Luping stepped forward and collected his Release from Detention Certificate, along with the belongings and clothes that had been confiscated earlier.
He took off the uniform that represented his official post and iron rice bowl, changed back into his own clothes, and headed for the entrance.
No one had come to pick him up.
That was normal.
Song Luping's family was not in Xiling. Although the Demon Suppression Division had surely called to contact them, this was not his first time getting arrested. They were used to it by now, so naturally they would not travel all that way to pick him up.
Under the watchful eyes of the Demon Suppression Envoys, he walked straight out of the detention center into the steady drizzle.
This was... the taste of freedom.
Yellow Sky above, he was finally out.
Song Luping spread his arms and tilted his face toward the sky, completely unconcerned about the rain.
At that moment, his eyes actually welled with tears.
He felt just like Andy in The Shawshank Redemption.
"Some birds aren't meant to be caged!" he shouted one of its classic lines.
"What kind of stupid bird is that?" The Demon Suppression Envoy at the entrance furrowed his brows and could not help mocking him.
Song Luping: "..."
The atmosphere