Chapter 8: Forest Prison (7) – Throwing a Dagger to Show Goodwill

After running out of the medical room and seeing that Fan Gui had no intention of chasing after her, Yu Huan automatically turned back, approaching the door to eavesdrop.

The door closed automatically, and directional arrows lit up on the corridor floor.

Gou Tu’s cold voice said, This way.

Having an artificial intelligence constantly monitoring her was truly inconvenient.

While following the directions toward the cell block, Yu Huan attempted conversation with Gou Tu: Gou Tu, help me contact Yu Buwan to discuss cooperation. I know she’s the one who wants to release me. If she doesn’t explain things clearly to me, how can I approach my neighbor?

Fan Gui found her words absurd, yet ultimately let her go reluctantly—clearly acting under instructions from someone higher up.

That would be Yu Buwan, the Yu Corporation’s representative in Forest Prison.

This was precisely why Yu Huan had delivered that speech.

She didn’t know why she had seen those two memories, but they revealed two key pieces of information:

First, Yu Huan had a good relationship with Fan Gui, who would care deeply about someone else occupying Yu Huan’s body.

Second, Yu Huan was essentially considered to belong to the Yu Corporation in some capacity.

To some extent, surnames represented allegiances.

Just as Yu Huan had chosen Yu from Yu Yuan among major surnames like Wu Jiang Hai Hui.

Therefore, she couldn’t help but suspect there was another Yu here.

For now, aligning with the Yu Corporation would bring her significant benefits within Forest Prison.

Fan Gui mentioned that his superior didn’t care much about Yu Huan, indicating that compared to Yu Huan’s situation, Yu Buwan was more concerned about Fan Gui’s true purpose for coming to Forest Prison—something Yu Huan didn’t yet understand.

This suggested that when it came to the interests of this matter, Yu Huan’s identity could be set aside. Yu Buwan didn’t care.

Yu Huan believed Yu Buwan was watching the medical room through surveillance. By acknowledging herself as Yu Huan, she was declaring—Yu Huan’s stance was her stance, and she was willing to help Yu Buwan act as a double agent.

She wasn’t sure if Yu Buwan would understand her gesture of goodwill or accept it.

But a path chosen by a player couldn’t be wrong.

Now, by having her return, Yu Buwan had essentially agreed.

Yu Huan didn’t want to return just yet; she wanted to gather more information about that matter—the same thing Shen Qin had been evasive about when she asked.

Standing still, she urged Gou Tu: Yu Buwan needs me quite a bit. Tell her I want to meet her.

She hadn’t come to Forest Prison just to work for Wei An in a different location—she wanted to extract more from Wei An.

[Speak.]

Text appeared before her.

[Yu Huan: Yu Buwan?]

[?: 3]

[?: 2]

[Yu Huan: . I want an official position!]

[?: ?]

The atmosphere in the cell block remained relatively harmonious.

The evening gathering was nearing its end. The platform that had risen in the central clearing stood empty, with no one currently performing. Prisoners chatted in small groups.

During the evening gathering, all cell doors remained open. Prisoners could move freely and visit each other’s rooms, though they couldn’t leave the cell block area.

Unlike other prisoners with backing from factions who chatted with their sisters, Yao Zhong exercised alone in her cell. Wearing a tank top, she was doing pull-ups on a wall-mounted bar, muscles bulging.

The nearby chatter in the corridor faded as a group of deliberately heavy footsteps approached.

Yao Zhong landed on the ground as the wall-mounted horizontal bar retracted into the wall. She tilted her head to glance at the cell doorway.

Wu Zhi, whose plans she had disrupted earlier that day, stood surrounded by a crowd with a grim expression. Yao Zhong.

Yao Zhong pulled out the now universally issued stainless steel knife from beneath her bed plank.

I’m not here to fight you, Wu Zhi motioned for her companions to step back while she advanced, saying, I want to talk.

Yao Zhong shook her head, clearly refusing to negotiate.

Wu Zhi nevertheless strode directly into the cell, stating, Aren’t you concerned? Yu Buwan is clearly here, yet the Yu Clan is still sending people in. What matter could warrant their such attention?

Yao Zhong stared at Wu Zhi as she entered. Wu Zhi timely stopped, maintaining a three-step distance from Yao Zhong.

There have long been rumors that the Rebel Leader is among the prisoners of Forest Prison, Wu Zhi paced slowly back and forth, her voice deliberate and clear. Of course we didn’t believe it – the Rebel Leader, the most wanted criminal, the mastermind behind the presidential palace fire. How could someone of her stature be captured so quietly?

But internal intelligence indicates the Yu Clan intercepted a signal from Forest Prison confirming the Rebel Leader’s presence here.

Wu Zhi halted her steps and turned to look at the silent Yao Zhong. What do you say? Yao Zhong, do you think your Boss is in Forest Prison?

Yao Zhong remained silent, merely pointing at the doorway to indicate she should leave.

Wu Zhi walked toward the exit, commenting as she went, I never expected you to answer me anyway. However, this information should be sufficient to trade for you not blocking our path, shouldn’t it?

Seeing Yao Zhong offered no response, Wu Zhi didn’t press further and left with the group from the Research Institute.

What if she takes our information without reciprocating? someone voiced concern.

What does it matter? This information itself is a trap for her. Based on her reactions, we can determine the location and identity of the Rebel Leader, another replied.

Activity time is almost over. You go report to the elder sister, the rest of you disperse, Wu Zhi designated one person, then added, I’m going to speak with Spider Web’s people.

Except for the designated person who went upstairs, the others scattered.

Wu Zhi arrived at the middle section of the third floor and knocked on the cell door bars to alert those inside. Silver Spider, it’s me.

Inside the cell, a group sat on the floor playing cards. The only person sitting on a bed reading put down her book and said, Enter.

The card players shifted positions to let Wu Zhi pass but showed no intention of leaving.

Knowing these were all Silver Spider’s trusted associates, Wu Zhi came straight to the point. We’ve delivered the Resistance Army intelligence to Yao Zhong. When will you provide our materials?

Silver Spider sat shirtless, her chest and abdomen adorned with a massive silver spider design whose legs extended to seamlessly connect with her metallic-armed arms.

Tomorrow, Silver Spider’s voice carried the same metallic quality as her body. Her silver eyes were likewise prosthetic, creating a strong non-human impression. After studying Wu Zhi for a moment, she said, You reached for Yu Huan today. Were you trying to obtain her blood?

Wu Zhi responded, Any suggestions?

Silver Spider offered, I’ll give you this information freely – Yu Huan is an Android.

An Android of this caliber could only have been developed by the United Federation Research Institute… Wu Zhi’s eyes brightened with sudden understanding. Senluo attacked the United Federation Research Institute three years ago. She’s with Senluo? No wonder Wei An is investing so much money and effort to target her.

Silver Spider said, Trade your latest research serum for this information.

Wu Zhi readily agreed.

Watching the group on screen discussing her, Yu Huan remarked, Does Yu Buwan spend every day watching surveillance like this?

Gou Tu’s voice, cold and calm, echoed in her ear: Ms. Buwan isn’t that idle. All surveillance content is filtered and screened by me.

Yu Huan gave an oh and asked, Would you ever tamper with it?

Gou Tu replied, I am completely loyal to the Federation’s interests.

Escaping the Forest Prison would be troublesome then, Yu Huan thought.

Gou Tu continued, We’re about to reach the cell block. I advise you not to reveal your new identity—it will attract unnecessary attention.

After successful negotiations with Yu Buwan, Yu Huan had obtained partial authority as an enforcer within the Forest Prison.

Yu Huan said casually, I know.

Returning to the cell block, Yu Huan first noticed the platform that had materialized in the center of the open area, then the prisoners moving about freely.

She’s back, someone whispered upon noticing Yu Huan.

Yu Huan! another called out loudly, It’s time for your talent show.

New inmate Yu Huan, talent show time has arrived. The evening event ends in three minutes. Please prepare promptly.

Gou Tu’s voice echoed from above throughout the cell block.

Let me know if you need anything.

Most prisoners leaned against the railings of their floors, watching Yu Huan below.

Their expressions varied—some purely curious, some excited for a performance, others scrutinizing her carefully.

This was a good opportunity.

Yu Huan strode confidently up the steps to the platform and declared, I need three throwing knives.

A cloth bag descended from the ceiling on a string. Opening it revealed three real, sharpened, lethal throwing knives.

Though called a talent show, it was really about which lucky individual would be targeted.

Seeing the wary prisoners, Yu Huan smiled and said, Don’t worry. There are so many of you, and I only have three knives.

Most didn’t retreat. These were all hardened criminals, unlikely to back down just because of potential injury.

Moreover, they assumed Yu Huan would target those who had attacked her, not bystanders like themselves.

Let me perform ‘Flying Knives Piercing Leaves’ for everyone, Yu Huan announced, holding three knives between her fingers as she looked up at the higher floors.

Only two people watched from the fifth floor: Shen Qin and a blond, blue-eyed middle-aged man Yu Huan hadn’t yet encountered.

Silver light flashed as three knives flew out in succession.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The knives grazed the blond man’s earlobe, Wu Zhi’s right hand, and Shen Qin’s shoulder before embedding in the wall.

She sure knows how to pick—directly targeting leaders of three major factions.

A collective intake of breath followed. Some stepped back to avoid involvement; others watched their bosses’ reactions, ready to act on command; some grew excited, anticipating more drama…

Observing the varied reactions, Yu Huan found it highly amusing.

Shen Qin was the first to move. She pulled the knife from the wall, thoughtfully glanced at the crevice, then casually tossed it down.

Your aim is good.

Her response was calm. The Senluo members remained still.

The blond man touched his bleeding earlobe but said nothing. A subordinate behind him yanked the knife from the wall and hurled it back at Yu Huan.

Yu Huan raised an eyebrow, not dodging just like the other party.

The throwing knife sank into the high platform with a sharp crack, leaving only the hilt exposed.

This could be considered an immediate payback.

Wu Zhi, who had just licked his hand clean, chuckled and said, To group me with these two ladies—what an upgrade for me.

If you have a personal issue with me because of today’s incident, I apologize.

Even after the apology, the people from the Research Institute remained unmoved.

Don’t misunderstand—this isn’t an attack, it’s my way of showing goodwill. Yu Huan spun in place, waving and smiling at everyone. I know you’re all interested in me. Feel free to come to me for collaboration.

With that, she decisively leaped down from the high platform.

Evening activity is over. Everyone return to your cells and line up for washing up, Gou Tu’s voice rang out.

The high platform descended, and the throwing knife, as if drawn by a magnet, flew toward the ceiling and stuck to a silver object. Shortly after, that object vanished into the ceiling.

On her way back to her cell, Yu Huan passed by her neighbor’s and waved at the neighbor sitting on the bed.

Neighbor, if I had an extra knife, I’d definitely throw one to you.

Yao Zhong twitched the corner of her mouth and surprisingly replied, Not necessary.

It seemed her neighbor had also enjoyed her performance.

Yu Huan returned to her own cell.

As she turned her head, she spotted a brightly colored snake coiled on the narrow single bed.

At that moment, the snake, alerted by the closing cell door, raised its head and hissed at her, tongue flickering.

Author’s note:

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