Inside the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
The two had been put back into prison uniforms and fitted with handcuffs and leg irons.
Little White Tiger and Old Ninth were regulars at police stations and knew this routine all too well.
Several burly men escorted them into the detention center as though they were coming home.
The inmates here were serious offenders awaiting sentencing-practically every one of them a hardened criminal.
Wu Li led the way with a cruel smile, humming a little tune.
Screams from inmates fighting each other occasionally echoed down the corridor. The Criminal Investigation Bureau staff were long used to it.
"We're short-staffed here. A few little disputes between inmates are perfectly normal." Wu Li turned and explained cheerfully, "A friendly reminder: those cuffs are for Special Ability Restriction. You're no different from ordinary people here. Get along with your cellmates. Otherwise, if they break your legs, you'll have to wait until the prison doctor comes to work tomorrow."
The burly men laughed without restraint, their threat obvious.
They had thought the two young men would at least be a little frightened by the scene. Instead, Old Ninth was so excited he looked positively pumped.
"Perfect. My insomnia's been terrible lately. Going back to a holding cell is just like coming home."
"Heh, thanks, Sir Wu. The two of us grew up hungry. Whenever the cold got unbearable, we'd commit some little offense and hide out in a holding cell. Food to eat, and no fear of freezing to death."
Wu Li stopped short.
He stumbled and nearly fell.
Old Ninth even took off his shoes, looking ready to put on pajamas.
"A couple of old hands."
"Hiss..."
The door opened.
Inside the crowded holding cell, a dozen or so inmates lay crosswise across two five-meter-long concrete beds.