As expected, Old Chang, having secured his prize, continued, “So, two performances from each sector, that makes eight. We, the guards, will put on one ourselves. Nine performances should be enough.”

Liu and Wang readily agreed. Tao Yu’s premonition intensified. This was bad. Her inmates were all troublemakers, each more difficult than the last. Who was she supposed to find for these performances?

Before she could object, Old Chang said, “Tao Yu just arrived, and his inmates aren’t exactly cooperative. So, just one performance from your sector.”

“This concerns all our jobs. You’re new, but you still have to contribute.” Liu added.

His words made it impossible for Tao Yu to refuse. They were doing two each, she was doing one. Any further objection would be unreasonable.

Although clueless about how to proceed, under the pressure of their gazes, she reluctantly agreed.

The moment she nodded, Liu said, “I thought Sector Four was split into two now?”

“Yes, they divided themselves. Since it’s two sectors, they should provide four performances. But Tao Yu is still adjusting, so giving her such a big task wouldn’t be appropriate. One per sector is enough.” Old Chang adopted a magnanimous tone.

…Damn them. Two sectors, same group of people, same territory. Tao Yu realized she was still stuck with two performances. These old foxes!

“What about the guards’ performance? We’re too old for this. We’ll be the laughingstock of those young punks.” Wang sighed, glancing pointedly at Tao Yu.

Tao Yu’s lips twitched. Although annoyed, she quickly agreed. “I’ll take care of the guards’ performance.”

The three veterans, surprised by her quick agreement, showered her with praise, then dispersed.

Tao Yu scoffed. She didn’t mind taking on the guards’ performance. If she couldn’t find anyone from her sectors, at least she’d have one performance to offer, and they couldn’t complain.

It was getting late. She didn't linger in the office. Clutching the items in her arms, she headed towards solitary confinement.

The night was cool, the sound of waves lapping against the rocks faintly audible. Yue Linze lay with his eyes closed, feigning sleep. His ears twitched.

He slowly opened his eyes, their sharp, hawk-like intensity softening a moment later.

The small hatch on the door slid open, and a bag was tossed inside. He was about to ignore it, but hearing Tao Yu’s voice, he sat up.

“Eat.” Tao Yu glanced at him and turned to leave.

Yue Linze looked at the bag. Despite the casual toss, it was securely tied.

He smirked, nudged it with his foot, and lay back down, closing his eyes. Three minutes later, he was happily devouring the still-warm steamed buns and vegetables.

The large bun filled his empty stomach, bringing a sense of satisfaction. He closed his eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep.

Tao Yu, however, couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned in her single bed, her mind racing with thoughts of the welcome performance. The thought of her difficult inmates filled her with dread.

Her first challenge in this world wasn’t Yue Linze, but everyone else.

Tao Yu sighed, finally drifting off amidst her worries.

She dreamt of Yue Linze and Li Xun, clad in grass skirts, engaged in an all-night boxing match, accompanied by Bollywood music.

Even after waking up, the lyrics, “It’s so cold, I’m playing with mud in the Northeast,” echoed in her ears. Looking at her tired reflection, she decided to talk to the inmates.

And the first person she sought out was Li Xun, with whom she had a bit of a history.

“A performance? Are you crazy?” Li Xun gave her a strange look. “Even if I agreed, which I won’t, does this face look like it belongs on stage, singing and dancing?”

Of course not, which was why she hadn’t planned to ask him. Tao Yu smiled. “You have so many men under you. Surely you can find someone with artistic talent. You could recommend someone.”

“Maybe. But why should I help you?” Li Xun sneered, anticipating her struggle. “Aren’t you fond of helping Sector Six? Go ask them.”

“Each sector needs to contribute one performance. I’m here to discuss your sector’s contribution. I’ll talk to Sector Six later.” Tao Yu had anticipated his lack of cooperation, but his nonchalant attitude irritated her.

Li Xun scoffed. “You’re mistaken, officer. This isn’t our problem, it’s yours.”

Then, a thought struck him. He narrowed his eyes. “However, if you can convince Sector Six, I might consider letting one of my men participate.”

He doubted even Sector Six, despite their camaraderie, would be foolish enough to perform for some inspection team just for her.

If this guard somehow managed to convince them, then he could agree without losing face. It would be Sector Six who caved first, and he could still mock them for it.