Chapter Forty-Three: A Major Embezzlement Case (Part One)

After hearing what Ban Yunchan had to say, Zhao Li felt as if a sudden revelation had struck him, clearing away the fog from his mind. He realized he had been far too obsessed and anxious for quick success lately; it was already fortunate that he hadn’t lost himself completely in his pursuits.

He had always thought that the old warden had underestimated Sanders, ranking him only third from the bottom in terms of strength. How could a delicate girl like Ban Yunchan possibly be stronger than Sanders? That simply didn’t make sense.

Yet, after Ban Yunchan’s words, as Zhao Li felt his worries dissolve and his spirits lift, he found himself thoroughly impressed by the old warden’s discerning eye. Could someone who could offer such profound guidance really be a mere amateur in the martial arts? Could someone who didn’t understand for himself resolve the doubts of others? Zhao Li did not believe that for a moment.

Compared to Ban Yunchan, Zhao Li realized that he fell short by more than just a little. In his simple way of thinking, he had always believed that as long as one trained diligently and worked hard, one could become a master and rise above the rest. It was a worthy belief—after all, perseverance and hard work had been lauded in the inspirational words of the past. But when compared to someone with such a calm and broad-minded demeanor, he realized he was left behind in an instant. It wasn’t that toil and effort were worthless, but when one’s mind and character were on a different plane, no amount of hard work could bridge that gap.

Toiling away in solitude, one could become a master—perhaps even a formidable one—but only for the sake of being a master. Endurance and perseverance would certainly grow, which was a good thing. But after becoming a master, then what? What remained but loneliness, clinging to solitude, forever pursuing ever higher realms, a master lost in endless isolation?

How unlike those who understood the ways of the world, who wove their cultivation into the very fabric of life. They might be masters as well, but while one enjoyed life, the other found solace only in solitude—truly two worlds apart.

Unable to resist, Zhao Li glanced again at Ban Yunchan, who noticed his look with a hint of confusion. She glanced elegantly at herself, as if to check whether anything was amiss. “What is it?”

“Ban, you’re truly remarkable. Thank you!” After expressing his gratitude, Zhao Li straightened his uniform and hat, swiped his card, and, invigorated, opened the door—once again becoming the earnest, responsible prison guard he had always been.

Jiang Hao had just finished tending to Sanders on the other side and had not yet come over. When he saw Zhao Li return, noticeably changed, he was momentarily stunned.

“Sorry about earlier. Are you badly hurt?” Zhao Li approached. Sanders’ dislocated shoulder had already been set, but it was impossible that there was no injury at all, so Zhao Li could only ask if it was serious.

Sanders, however, did not directly answer. He simply stared at Zhao Li and exclaimed, “Impossible! Even if your true energy wasn’t sealed, you couldn’t have injured me that easily! What exactly did you use just now?”

“Just a special grappling technique I recently learned. Not bad, right? If you’re not convinced, we can have another match sometime!” Zhao Li felt no psychological burden when it came to Sanders; whether it was banter or challenge, Sanders would always respond in kind.

“Alright!” Sanders was a born fighter and readily agreed to Zhao Li’s playful challenge.

From that day onward, everyone seemed to notice a completely different Zhao Li. The old severity, the anger, even the touch of naivety—all seemed to vanish in an instant. Whenever anyone saw Zhao Li, he always wore a cheerful smile.

“Chief, enjoying yourself alone? I just came up to look at the sea—mind if I join you for a drink? No? Juice? Fine! Chief, are these fine spirits of yours fake? Afraid I’ll taste the difference and find out? Back in the day? What about back in the day? Come on, tell me…” Zhao Li’s presence was a frequent sight on the warden’s beach terrace. Who could have a more colorful life than the old man? Even just listening to his tall tales was entertaining.

“Brother Jiang, did anything embarrassing happen when you first arrived? Tell me! No? I don’t believe it! Then what about them—the others? Surely they have some stories, right? Haha, alright, I’m all ears…” Jiang Hao seemed reluctant to talk about himself, but when it came to others’ gossip, he became garrulous, speaking with such zeal he could have passed for a professional storyteller, eager to bang the judge’s wooden block and hold court for Zhao Li.

“Sanders, don’t exaggerate! Did you have any trainees as exceptional as me back then? Boasting? Not me! Still not convinced? Fine, let’s go—just don’t go tattling…” Sanders’ repeated small-scale challenges were all easily handled by Zhao Li, who always showed restraint, putting Sanders down without causing injury. Over time, the two seemed to develop a camaraderie, often chatting together. “What’s the most powerful firearm? What weapons do special operatives use? What skills do they need to master?…”

“James, have you ever piloted a mothership? Or was it just a few little fighters? Hmph! When I got here, I ran Simpson so ragged he nearly puked. What? You don’t know him? Impossible—he’s the chief pilot here…”

“Jack, what kind of combat knife do you use? Made it yourself? No way! How could the military allow you to modify standard issue equipment? Bragging, aren’t you! What? Not convinced? Of course I’m not! I challenge you! Hmph, if I’m not afraid of Sanders, why would I fear you?…”

“Professor Hans, isn’t it nice to bask in the sun? Still lost in your research? Even research requires a healthy body—you can’t go on like this. Come, let me wheel you out!… What are your dreams? Art? You dabble in art? Dream of your work being shown at the Louvre in Paris? Hahaha, keep dreaming! Not that I’m mocking you—really, I’m not. Alright, tell me about your research…”

“Haha, Old Kang, don’t think just because you’re the elder here you can spin yarns like that. How could such a thing really happen? We live in a society governed by law! Not making it up? I don’t believe it—I’ll have to investigate before I do. Whatever you say? Fine, go on…”

…

In the prison, Zhao Li was often seen stopping during his rounds to chat with someone, full of enthusiasm. Whether he was listening to their tales of glory or spinning stories himself, everyone seemed to share in the laughter. Yet, for some, no matter how Zhao Li changed, they remained exactly as they were.

Often, the old warden’s gaze would sweep over, and seeing Zhao Li conversing so freely, he too would find a smile tugging at his lips for reasons he could not quite explain.

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