Chapter 841 - 701: Feng Mu and the Second Prison Have Too Many Secrets_2

Li Shang and Chang Erbing followed behind Guan Chong, their steps unhurried, providing a perfect opportunity to look around.

Through rows of evenly spaced iron bars, they saw the scenes inside each cell.

Contrary to their imagined noisy, chaotic, or lifeless prison scenes, the interiors of these cells surprisingly exhibited an unusual "orderliness."

The inmates were all sitting neatly on their respective beds or small stools, collectively reading books under the guidance of a prisoner who seemed to be the "cell leader."

Prisoners, reading?

Li Shang was aware that some prisoners in the prison loved to read, but the situation where every cell collectively loved reading wasn't just something unseen, it was unheard of.

Furthermore, if they were seeing correctly, it appeared that all the prisoners had the same book in hand.

Since when did the prison also have unified... textbooks?!!

Chang Erbing exchanged a glance with Li Shang once more, both seeing incredulous astonishment in each other's eyes, but neither opened their mouth to inquire.

Instead, they simultaneously perked up their ears, eager to hear what kind of "sage books" the prisoners were reading.

The "long way" led by Guan Chong happened to be separated by a not-so-close distance from the prisoner's area.

They could just barely see their reading actions and neat formations but couldn't clearly hear the specific content.

Almost holding their breath, they maximized their auditory senses, catching intermittent and vague fragments:

"...The prison is my home, dedication relies on everyone..."

"...I am guilty, I am a sinner, I must strive to redeem myself, seek honor..."

"...We can create value while alive, and when dead too, the key lies in how we die..."

"...We are one family, we must love each other..."

Li Shang wondered if he was hearing correctly, or if the distance and echo caused mishearing, feeling as though he might have heard wrong or suffered auditory hallucinations.

How to put it?

These fragments, taken individually, each brimmed with "positive energy," and similarly exuded an "upwardly mobile" feeling.

Promoting dedication, acknowledging mistakes, creating value, unity and love... these positive elements are commendable in any other context.

Yet, when these words are collectively read aloud, nearly like a chant, from the mouths of a group of inmates trapped in prison, it exudes a sense of inexplicable eeriness and absurdity.

Everything feels odd!

Li Shang harbored doubts in his heart:

"Is this part of the 'Octagonal Cage Beast Fighting Plan' as well? What exactly does Member of Parliament Wang Xinfa intend to do with the Second Prison?

A prison, from guards to inmates, filled with this kind of overwhelming 'enthusiasm,' is indeed somewhat unsettling, isn't it?!!"

Li Shang employed his full Detective Power, his mind racing, considering all possibilities, ultimately unable to deduce any definitive conclusions.

He then increasingly felt an unfathomable strangeness about the Second Prison, and hence, his mindset began to undergo a subtle change.

He originally came to the Second Prison to inquire with Feng Mu, valuing friendship and hoping to clarify some doubts regarding the Jade Garden case in person, yet he didn't entirely dismiss his intent to seek accountability and demand an explanation.

After all, Feng Mu's actions and concealment did indeed make him, as a friend, feel passive and embarrassed.

However, witnessing this bizarre scene within the Second Prison, that thought of seeking accountability seemed like a balloon punctured by a needle, slowly deflating.

Li Shang silently admonished himself:

"When speaking with Feng Mu later, I still need to be mindful of my attitude and maintain some discretion.

We are all good friends; even if there are mistakes or misunderstandings, we must communicate amicably and calmly, never letting a moment's impulse harm our relationship and feelings."

He actually wanted to linger a bit longer to eavesdrop on the prisoners' reading as this collective atmosphere carried a strange infectiousness.

After merely listening for a short while, Li Shang unexpectedly felt as though his soul had been washed by some force, his thoughts becoming... somewhat "kindlier?"

The sharp edges within him were smoothed somewhat, and his demeanor became inexplicably more gentle.

But Guan Chong didn't give him more opportunity to "receive the influence."

The following content would be the internal textbooks of the Second Prison, containing many classic quotes and crystallized thoughts from the Minister, fit solely for family members' internal learning, not to be overheard by outsiders.

In Guan Chong's view, although Li Shang was recognized as a "friend" by the Minister, he was still a crucial step away from truly being a "family member" who could share all secrets.

Thinking of this, Guan Chong even felt a faint regret toward Li Shang.

Therefore, Guan Chong quickened his pace, leading the two out of the corridor of the prisoner's area, passing by the Prison Director's office.

The place was relatively familiar to them, visited for investigation not long ago.

Back then, it was still a charred ruin of explosion, but now it had been renovated and painted white, with an overly large fish tank placed in the center of the office.

The fish tank was empty, yet to be filled with water.

Several seemingly unusually thick glass partitions were leaning against the wall, waiting to be installed.

Finally unable to contain his doubts, Li Shang pointed inside the office and asked aloud:

"Could this be?"

Guan Chong didn't conceal, casually explaining:

"Oh, this is a refurbishment ordered by the Minister, as Prison Director Qian is soon to recover and return.

Considering the previous injuries of Prison Director Qian and his incomplete recovery, requiring rest, the office needs more humane adaptive refurbishment."

As if remembering something, he quickly supplemented with a reminder:

"By the way, the outside world still isn't aware of Prison Director Qian's imminent return.

The Minister's intention is for Madam Li to use this opportunity to discern exterior fake friends from genuine trustworthy insiders.

Hence, this matter is presently internal confidential; Captain Li, be sure not to leak it."

Li Shang's heart suddenly froze, inexplicably feeling a prickly sensation on his scalp, wrought with an indistinct crisis unfathomable even to himself.

Alright—

The mysterious "Octagonal Cage Beast Fighting Plan," I know nothing about!

The eerie cooperation and preparation within the Second Prison, I am in a foggy haze!

The significant news of Prison Director Qian's pending return, I'm completely unaware!

The internal cleansing and assessment of friends and foes by Madam Li, I am kept in the dark as well!

Not only these…

But also numerous intricacies of the Jade Garden case, Mr. Wang or Madam Li also keep tight-lipped from me!

Alright, alright—

Are all secrets concealed from me?

In a sense, am I Li Shang busting myself for you, risking my neck investigating the case, yet still perceived as a merely "extraneous" person not worthy of total trust in your eyes?

But….

Feng Mu seemingly knows everything, indeed, he is Madam Li's close confidante, while Madam Li and Prison Director Qian's relationship with Member of Parliament Wang.

Rumor has it, they've started calling him dad.

Worth mentioning, there are truly many secrets Li Shang doesn't know, yet he managed to uncover the secret of the Member of Parliament's adoption.

Li Shang's mind spun like an overloaded computer, processing massive information and weighing pros and cons.

A torrent of mixed grievances, anger, reluctance, and intense unease surged in his chest, ultimately transforming into a resolute sigh of reality acceptance released slowly.

At that moment, he made a crucial determination:

"Regardless of whether Feng Mu speaks the truth or keeps more secrets from me next, it doesn't matter anymore, nor should it be the focus of my pursuit.

What's crucial is, the more secrets he knows, the more stable his position in the power circle, the more trusted and intimate he becomes.

Hence, I must maintain and fortify my good friendship with him steadfastly!"