But after lunch, the afternoon's work was abruptly canceled.
Manager Chun gathered the newcomers. Gone was his smiling façade; his expression was vicious as he spoke.
"Everyone, I have some bad news."
No one answered. The first thing they had learned here was never to speak until a leader gave them permission.
After taking his time to savor their fear, Manager Chun spoke again.
"Ask yourselves: how have I treated you since you arrived?"
That was their cue. Someone immediately rushed to declare his loyalty.
"Manager, you've been nothing but good to us. Thanks to you, we've come to understand our own worth..."
Zhou You nearly threw up.
Manager Chun, however, clearly enjoyed it. His expression softened a little before he went on.
"That's right. I've treated you with nothing but sincerity, and most of you know how to repay kindness. But—"
His tone changed. "For all my careful planning, I never expected a traitor to turn up among you!"
The people below him recoiled in shock.
They had seen the man cowering in a dog cage, tortured to death bit by bit. The moment Manager Chun said "traitor," each of them imagined himself in that cage.
Fortunately, Manager Chun did not single out anyone there. He merely beckoned for them to follow.
He said nothing as they walked. When the factory buildings had fallen well behind them, someone finally dared to ask.
"Manager, where are you... taking us?"
The man realized the instant he spoke that he had broken the rules. Manager Chun did not seem to care.
"I may be displeased, but I'm not petty. Even the newest of you has been here half a month. I thought it was time you saw what our rewards and punishments look like."
"Rewards and punishments? Wait, Manager, I haven't done