One day, more than a month later, outside Jing City First Prison.
"4907."
"Present."
The prison guard handed over the things he was holding. "These are your documents. Take them."
Ling Xi nervously accepted them with both hands, then murmured his thanks.
"The community office where your household is registered will continue to follow up on your situation. You also need to report regularly to the correctional agency about any problems adjusting to society. Make sure you cooperate on schedule."
"Yes. I will."
Once the guard finished giving his instructions, he turned around and closed the gate.
Ling Xi stood alone in the open space outside the prison gates. He should have left at once, but his feet seemed nailed to the ground.
A warm breeze brushed his trouser legs. It was early summer, yet it felt as though a blanket of white snow had fallen inside his heart.
Ling Xi had no idea where to go or where he could find a place to stay. As he dwelled on it, large tears began rolling down his face.
He crouched down and hugged his legs. Just as he was trembling all over from crying, a car stopped in front of him.
A pair of black leather shoes entered Ling Xi's blurred field of vision. He looked up in confusion and vaguely made out a familiar face.
"Hello, Mr. Ling. I'm Fang Jie."
Ling Xi froze. He grabbed his sleeve and scrubbed it haphazardly across his face, then stood up. "I remember you. You're Ji Yanzhi's secretary."
Fang Jie wore a polite smile. "You have a good memory. I..."
Before he could finish, Ling Xi cut him off coldly. "Ji Yanzhi and I have nothing left to say to each other. You don't need to relay any messages from him. I