Chapter 37: Old Friend

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Wen Nian didn’t accept any benefits. However, most of the time, she wouldn’t bother with what was going on in prison.

Prior to going to prison, Wen Nian was willing to do anything for money. But when she got into prison, she became more resilient and refused to give in even when subjected to brutal beatings that left her bones broken. This sudden change in behavior led many people to believe that Wen Nian had lost her mind.

From the moment Wen Nian found out that her only relative, Wen Yu, had died, she felt that she was the one who was most unworthy of living in this world.

This world, you know, has always been about the weak being afraid of the strong, the strong being afraid of the foolish, the foolish being afraid of the ruthless, and the ruthless being afraid of those who are unafraid of death. Wen Nian happens to belong to the last group.

However, most people believe that it’s better to live than to die. Even those who were sent to prison were still hoping to start a new life after their release. Every time Wen Nian resisted, she used the most intense and fearless methods, truly unafraid of perishing together.

Wen Nian was subjecting herself to this torture because she wanted to be covered in wounds from fighting them. It was also a way for her to find some semblance of peace in her heart. In a way, it was a way of repaying a tiny fraction of the debt owed for the deaths of her parents and brothers.

Even death row convicts were only allowed to die during execution. Wen Nian’s attitude of wanting to take people down with her after a fight not only frightened other prisoners, but also worried the guards that someone might actually end up dead. It was at this moment of deep despair that Zheng Mo appeared.

Once, Wen Nian thought that she was really going to die. Zheng Mo rushed over with her men and brought Wen Nian to the hospital outside of the prison for medical treatment, as her injuries were too severe.

Upon seeing the vibrant world outside, Wen Nian felt that her life was still moving forward. Her eyes sparkled with hope as she turned to Zheng Mo and said, “Officer Zheng, I want to go to the cemetery to pay my respects to my family.”

When Wen Nian’s parents passed away, it was her brother who organized the funeral, and she was too ashamed to attend. And when she learned of her brother’s death, she didn’t even have the opportunity to say goodbye. However, she used her parents’ savings to settle their affairs in their hometown and purchased a cemetery to bury all three of them together.

At that moment, Wen Nian and Zheng Mo were alone in the hospital ward. Zheng Mo looked at Wen Nian expressionlessly and responded coldly, “If you wish to go, you must apply for permission first.”

Wen Nian’s eyes instantly dimmed. “All my family members are dead. I can’t submit the application.”

The prison had strict regulations regarding temporary releases, and prisoners were only granted permission for serious reasons. Even if the request was approved, the prisoner’s family would need to provide a deposit and have someone vouch for their temporary release.

Wen Nian observed the birds perched on the branches outside the ward, resembling a family unit. Suddenly, she felt an urge to share a story with someone. “Officer Zheng, may I tell you a story?” she asked.

Wen Nian began telling the story of her life. Upon concluding the story, the bird had flown away. Wen Nian could only wait for the completion of her wound dressing before returning to prison. At this moment, a solitary tear trickled down her cheek.

Zheng Mo’s eyes flickered and she did not say anything else.

As Wen Nian was losing hope, Zheng Mo unexpectedly appeared before her with the approved temporary release form. To Wen Nian’s surprise, the guarantee and guarantor columns were both signed by Zheng Mo.

Despite the act of signing the form, Zheng Mo remained stoic, with no change in her expression or tone. She curtly informed Wen Nian that there was only half a day left and urged her to change clothes quickly.

Wen Nian knelt in front of the tombstone and sobbed. On their way back to the prison, Zheng Mo spoke, “I can see that you are not afraid of death because you want to die.But remember, as long as you are alive, there is still a chance for you.”

These words enlightened Wen Nian.

Because of Zheng Mo’s words, Wen Nian no longer gave up on herself and tried her best to live. She wanted to take revenge on the people who had harmed her family with her own hands.

Not long after this incident, Wen Nian heard the news of Zheng Mo’s death. She had no way of knowing the details. Wen Nian hoped that she could help her avoid such an ending if they met earlier in this life.

Wen Nian’s mood had always been a little low as she met an old friend from her previous life and recalled the past. She followed the crowd out of the school building absentmindedly.

Just as Wen Nian was about to push open the door of the school building, it bounced back and nearly hit her. Shen Jun quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her back, saying, “Watch where you’re going.”

Wen Nian came back to her senses and was shocked. “Thank you.”

Shen Jun had long realized that Wen Nian had been absent-minded during this lesson. Wen Nian seemed to be in a very gloomy mood. And so, he asked, “Are you in a bad mood?”

Wen Nian looked at Shen Jun in a daze and nodded honestly.

Shen Jun wasn’t someone who would pry into someone else’s business. However, considering that it was enjoyable being her deskmate and considering how compatible he was with Wen Nian, he said, “Wait for me here.”

Without waiting for a response, Shen Jun left. Wen Nian scratched her head. She was slightly confused but she didn’t walk away.