The man stopped abruptly and frowned at the newcomer. “If it wasn’t for him, Boss wouldn’t have been hurt and Yue Linze would be in solitary right now. Stay out of this, Shouhou! I have to get justice for Boss!”

“Justice my ass! You can’t touch the guards in here! Didn’t you know that?!” A skinny man cursed as he walked forward. Tao Yu’s eyes narrowed as she recognized him. This was the monkey-like man who’d been with Baldy earlier. So his nickname really was Shouhou (Skinny Monkey).

He stopped in front of her, his small eyes scrutinizing her. When Tao Yu frowned, he smiled. “What brings you to the infirmary, officer?”

“Getting some medicine.” Tao Yu glanced at him. Judging by the earlier events, she guessed this man was Li Xun’s strategist. Her interference on Yue Linze’s behalf had likely made her a target, so there was no point in trying to explain herself.

Shouhou studied her thoughtfully. Tao Yu disliked his gaze intensely. Without another word, she tried to enter the infirmary. The men at the door immediately Districted her path. She frowned, about to speak, when Shouhou said, “Let the officer through!”

Though reluctant, the men obeyed Shouhou without question, stepping aside. Tao Yu raised an eyebrow. Shouhou’s authority over these men was surprising, almost as if… he was the real leader.

Dismissing the thought, Tao Yu entered the infirmary. Inside, she saw Li Xun lying on a bed, hooked up to an IV. His bald head gleamed in the dimly lit room. He sat up abruptly when he saw her, his expression darkening. “What are you doing here?!”

Tao Yu gave him a sidelong glance. “Your men injured me. I’m here for painkillers.”

“....” Baldy’s bluster immediately deflated. Assaulting a guard was a serious offense. If she chose to make a fuss, his men would suffer the consequences.

Seeing his reaction, Tao Yu couldn’t help but feel amused. “Don’t worry. If I wanted to report you, I wouldn’t be here quietly getting my own medicine.”

Li Xun visibly relaxed, his hostility fading. He gestured towards a shelf. “The doctor’s not here. Help yourself.”

Tao Yu walked over to the shelf and scanned the medications. After finding what she needed, she paused, remembering the other injured party in solitary. She grabbed a few more items.

As she turned to leave, Li Xun eyed her suspiciously. “I thought you just needed painkillers?”

“Never look a gift horse in the mouth,” Tao Yu said, giving him a pointed look. “Besides, why do you think I need painkillers?”

‘Because you’re hurt, obviously,’ Li Xun thought guiltily, but he blustered, “Just stay away from me. You’re annoying.”

Tao Yu scoffed, gathered the medicine, and walked out. Shouhou and the others were still waiting outside. The other inmates glared at her, but Shouhou simply grinned.

Not wanting to antagonize him further, Tao Yu nodded at him and left. As she walked away, she felt a burning gaze on her back, as if trying to peel away her clothes. She frowned and turned, but the gaze was gone.

After Tao Yu left, Shouhou entered the infirmary. Seeing that Li Xun’s IV drip was finished, he helped him remove the needle. Li Xun looked at him. “I don’t think that guard is as much trouble as you said. He seems easygoing, just a bit clueless since he’s new. He’ll probably be fine in a few days.”

“Why do you think that, Boss?” Shouhou asked, surprised.

Li Xun frowned. “He didn’t tell Old Chang about being hurt. What does that tell you? It tells me he doesn’t want to cause trouble for us. Old Chang probably already gave him a lecture.”

“Is that what he told you?” Shouhou sneered. “He looks all soft and innocent like some young master, but he’s pretty sly, Boss. Don’t let him fool you.”

“What do you mean?” Li Xun’s frown deepened.

Shouhou’s face turned serious. “I saw it clearly during the fight. None of our brothers touched him. Anyone who tried was stopped by Yue Linze. Of course he wouldn’t rat us out to Old Chang if he wasn’t hurt.”

Li Xun looked surprised. “But…”

“But why did he come to the infirmary, right? Think about it, Boss. He wasn’t hurt, but someone was.” Shouhou’s tone was meaningful.

Li Xun froze, then his face hardened as understanding dawned.

Inside solitary, Yue Linze lay listlessly on the narrow cot. The bed was barely five feet long, so his long legs dangled awkwardly over the end. He stared blankly ahead, his eyes unfocused.

Everyone on the island was ruthless, but few weren’t intimidated by solitary confinement. It wasn’t because of any abuse, but simply because there was nothing there besides a cot, drinking water, and a squat toilet.

No one to talk to, no entertainment, sometimes not even the sound of the waves. This emptiness was enough to drive anyone sane to madness.