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墨書 Inktalez
The next day, I followed the old man to the fields to work. It was only then that I realized just how exhausting it was; farming was truly no easy task, and there were people watching us, not allowing us to take a break.
To make matters worse, the person responsible for distributing the rations didn't show up on the day I started working. After more than ten days of three people sharing the rations meant for two, we had already run out of food. Recently, during the times when rations were not distributed, we had relied on the old man’s goodwill to borrow food just to get by.
Today would be no different.
“Ah, Old Wang, our food supplies are running low these days. I can only lend you this much today,” the old man said.
“Old Wang, I don’t have much left either. Sigh, when will this kind of life come to an end?”
The old man had a decent reputation among the villagers; several families would each contribute a little food to help him out. I knew it was all because of me. As a young man staying at Old Wang's house for over ten days without doing anything, I had consumed all his stored food and even exhausted all the food he could borrow.
This made me feel quite ashamed.
“Thank you, thank you all! Everyone knows Old Wang’s character; I would never let anyone down!”
With one arm, the old man cheerfully expressed his gratitude for the little food he received. Everyone else remained silent. After a long day’s work, we returned to our small, dilapidated house.
When dinner was ready, we only had thin porridge—so thin that it hardly filled our stomachs.
“Old man, if someone is watching us work, why don’t they give us our rations?” I asked him.
He explained that those who watched us were responsible for overseeing our work, while those who distributed rations had their own duties; they weren’t part of the same department.
“What the hell!”
Is there really such a thing as departments in this situation? Do those drug lords not have any money? Why do they treat us this way? If we starve to death, who will do their work? Don’t they understand this logic?
The old man sighed helplessly and said, “Of course they understand. They’re not short on money; they just look down on us. They fear that if we are well-fed and comfortable, we’ll lose our sense of urgency to survive and become slow.”
These bloodsuckers!
I gritted my teeth in anger! They don’t see us as human beings at all!
But there was nothing we could do about it. We had to show up every day on time; any hint of resistance would cost us dearly—possibly losing our hands or feet!
For several days in a row, I continued to work alongside them. Fortunately, during these days, those responsible for distributing rations came on time and gave us some food, but it wasn’t much; each person's share was barely enough for one person to stay full.
We repaid what we owed others in food but still found ourselves hungry.
Then, a week later, Old Wang fell ill from exhaustion and high fever. When I asked how we could get medicine for him, those supervising our work told me it needed to be exchanged for something.
But damn it!
What could we possibly exchange when each of us barely had enough food for one person?
I was furious with the Manager who told me about this situation!
I naively tried to reason with him, explaining that if we saved them, we would still work for him and earn money for him!
But damn it! You really are an idiot! A complete fool!
I was surrounded and beaten! Like a dog, I was struck without dignity, just following orders.
I was filled with hatred! Why were they so unreasonable? So dark? Could they really watch someone die without lifting a finger?
I wanted to fight back! I wanted to take them on! But I knew that if I retaliated, it wouldn’t just be me who suffered; their displeasure could drag many others down with me!
I had no choice! I didn’t know what my former identity had been like. If I had even a little power, I would make these people pay dearly!
Absolutely!
Dong Ge, Dong Ge, what should we do? What will happen to Grandpa?
The ones who had beaten me finally stepped away, and only then did Wang Qing and the other farmers dare to approach me. When they were attacking, no one dared to intervene; the only solution was to let them tire themselves out before they left.
I looked at Wang Qing's tear-streaked face and forced a smile. With my dirty hands, I wiped away the tears of my savior and said to her, “Don’t worry, sister. I won’t let Grandpa die like this.”
The people around sighed. No one wanted Old Wang to die here, but more than that, there was a sense of helplessness—helplessness from the weak, a despicable kind of helplessness.
“Kid! Don’t say we don’t have good hearts. Here’s a tip: you have a choice to save Old Wang. Are you interested?”
One of the men who had just beaten me returned, smiling as he looked at me.
I frowned.
I could tell it wasn’t going to be anything good.
But did I have a choice? I couldn’t let Old Wang die! Without him, there would be no Wang Qing, and without Old Wang, Xiang Dong wouldn’t have made it this far!
“Tell me!” I gritted my teeth and said to the man.
He smiled, clearly satisfied.
It was like this: our young master has a Gladiatorial Arena, and I see you have a good physique. If you’re willing, not only can you save Old Wang, but both he and your sister will be able to eat without having to work in the future. What do you think?
The man smiled at me as he asked. Immediately, I noticed many people around me exchanging glances, clearly signaling me to refuse.
Old Wang was also tightly gripping my sleeve, tugging at me to indicate that I shouldn’t agree. But the temptation he offered was simply too great.
I could save Old Wang? And ensure that both he and Wang Qing would never have to struggle for food again?
Alright! I agreed. I didn’t know what kind of person Xiang Dong had been—whether good or bad—but Old Wang had treated me well! I couldn’t just stand by and watch him die without doing anything!
“Haha! Good! You said it; I didn’t force you! But let me tell you, since you’ve agreed, it’s settled. If you go back on your word, they will make sure you know the consequences!” The man laughed heartily, satisfied with my response, and turned to leave.
How could I not? I was just afraid he wouldn’t keep his promise!
“Wait! You promised to save Old Wang! He might not survive tonight!” I called out.
I didn’t know how many more days Old Wang could hold on, but it was better to treat him sooner rather than later.
“I know! Don’t worry; I’ll find a doctor for you. Just wait; it won’t take long!” The man replied without looking back as he walked away. The sky darkened, signaling that it was time for us to disperse.
“Oh dear child! How could you be so impulsive? That Gladiatorial Arena is no good place; no one who enters comes back alive. They fight each other to the death!”
After the man left, someone immediately explained to me what the Gladiatorial Arena was all about. I smiled; of course, I knew it wouldn’t be anything good.
Now it was too late for regrets. If I didn’t act, Old Wang would die, and Xiao Qing would be sold into prostitution. Sigh...
Some people told me that nothing would happen to me.
I still smiled.
I wouldn’t back down!
Xiao Qing had been crying the whole time. I didn’t say anything as I took her home. Before we reached home, I informed the villagers and told Xiao Qing not to let Old Wang know about the Gladiatorial Arena; he was still sick after all.
As for my life and death?
I don't see it so openly; I don't want to die, nor do I want to face that terrifying Gladiatorial Arena. It must be a cruel place, and my legs are trembling at the thought. But what can I do?
Forget about others; for the sake of saving me, for the hospitality of my benefactor, Old Wang Ye Sun, I must do this! Because I am a man! I want to live with dignity, without shame! In this fleeting life, I don't want to be filled with guilt.
Cough, I'm back. Are you tired? Did you receive your wages on time today?
Old Wang Ye Sun asked as soon as we returned. The bed he lay on was the same one I had been using not long ago. I would also ask him the same question every day when he and Wang Qing came back.
Yes, not only do we have food, but I've also brought a doctor for you. He should arrive shortly.
I smiled as I placed the meager supplies on the worn-out dining table. To ease Old Wang's worries, I had concocted a lie.
Ah? A doctor? You called for one?
Old Wang seemed surprised. I smiled and nodded, confirming it before sharing my fabricated story.
I told Old Wang that I remembered my past and that I was friends with those Drug Lords. Today, I wanted to say goodbye to him.
Old Wang fell silent after hearing this. His expression darkened.
I knew he hated the Drug Lords.
Well, child, once you leave this place, I don’t know if you'll come back again. If you do return, please bring me some pictures of Huaxia, okay? I've heard from my elders that it’s truly beautiful there.
Old Wang said with a hint of helplessness in his smile. I laughed and nodded in agreement, promising to do so.
The person who made me that promise kept his word and arrived on time, but I didn’t let him mention the Gladiatorial Arena in front of Old Wang. Let Old Wang think I'm a friend of the Drug Lords; this way, my benefactor will feel a little better about it.
I also assured Old Wang that he and Wang Qing wouldn’t need to worry about food anymore; there would be enough to eat. Old Wang thanked me without saying much more.
That night, the doctor examined Old Wang, gave him medicine, and left some supplies behind, instructing him to take them regularly for good health. Hearing this eased my mind considerably.
Later that evening, the person who had promised me brought plenty of food, including meat, telling me to enjoy a good meal and get some rest before taking me away at dawn.
I agreed.
That night, Old Wang Ye Sun and I ate our fill, but both he and Wang Qing seemed unhappy; everyone has their own burdens to bear.
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