Mind Games and Stun Batons
A drizzling rain began to fall from the sky once again, accompanied by waves of thunder from afar.
Under the assault of cold and damp, the crowd gathered in the mud grew increasingly agitated. The people at the very front shook the barbed wire with all their strength, their dirt-streaked faces twisted with anxiety until their original features were no longer recognizable.
"I was just here yesterday."
"I was here just yesterday."
"We're visiting relatives, really! If you don't believe me, I can call him out..."
"What are you doing? I'm here to place an order!"
Shouts, roars, low sobs, and cries all converged into a wave of noise making people irritable. At the gaps between the roadblock and the barbed wire, members of the management team were shoved and pulled at. They kept yelling angrily, pushing away the hands reaching toward them again and again, nearly unable to hold the line.
Right in front of the roadblock, Old Gou directed several people to stack up a few crates, barely turning them into a small platform. He climbed onto it but did not say a word.
In front of the roadblock, Old Gou directed several people to stack a few boxes together, barely turning them into a small platform. He stepped up onto it but said nothing.
He merely weighed the loudspeaker in his hand and waited quietly. Only after all those eyes finally turned toward him and the boiling clamor died down slightly did he switch on the microphone, put on an honest smile, and shout, "Folks, friends... this is New Spring's City Appearance Management Team..."
"Move! Clear the road!!!"
Before he could finish, an angry voice sounded from within the crowd. The human tide surged once again, amid clamorous cries: "Give us a