The next day, it was finally my turn.
The indictment accused me of participating in drug trafficking. After verifying my identity, the judge began to question me.
Judge: "Do you dispute the charge of participating in drug trafficking?"
I replied: "I admit to participating in the transportation of goods, because Manager Chen told me to pick up the goods and did not tell me what I was picking up. Therefore, I dispute the indictment's charge of participating in drug trafficking."
Judge: "Have you ever inquired about what goods you were supposed to pick up on other occasions or out of curiosity?"
I replied: "No!"
Judge: "Do you know that it is illegal to pick up or deliver any items through unofficial ports of entry?"
I replied: "I received the goods within our country, and neither party declared the goods as foreign. Therefore, I believe the judge's question is inaccurate."
Judge: "You are a local of Ruili, and you should know that the place you went to is close to the border. Didn't you have any doubts when they asked you to pick up goods in such a remote place?"
I replied: "I was new to society and was often beaten and scolded while working at the club. When my superiors assigned us any task, I could only accept it unconditionally. I didn't dare to ask where we were going or whether the task was legal, because disobedience would result in physical pain."
At this point, my lawyer supplemented my statement: "My client was still a minor and his understanding of the law is not yet complete. I hope the court will take this into consideration."
Judge: "Noted!"
The judge continued: "When you were at the club, did you know that drug transactions occurred here?"
I replied: "No, I had only been working for three days and was unfamiliar with the situation here."
The judge exchanged a few words with someone beside him and then continued to ask me: "The indictment states that Liu XX handed you a paper package suspected to contain drugs and asked you to deliver it to Wen XX, who is also a co-defendant. Did you do this?"
I replied: "Allow me to clarify. It is true that Liu XX handed me something, and I did hand it over to Wen XX. However, I did not know what was inside. I had never even heard of drugs in my life until I was taken to the detention center."
At this, my lawyer raised his hand and requested to speak again. After the judge granted permission, he said: "My client dropped out of school and entered society in the month the incident occurred. The court should fully consider his defense that he did not know what drugs were."
The judge acknowledged this as valid and continued to ask me: "When you went to pick up the goods, did Chen XX or Liu XX mention any payment?"
I replied: "They did. They said if the job was done successfully, we would each receive twenty thousand yuan. Payment upon completion. I didn't think there was anything wrong with it, I just wondered why the amount was so high."
Judge: "You yourself said the reward was quite high. Did you have any objections? Did you ask why?"
I replied: "I was severely lacking money, but I truly did not ask anyone because I was afraid. I was afraid of being beaten."
Regardless, they did beat me, so no matter how I put it, I wouldn't be straying from the point.
My lawyer stated: "Please, Your Honor, fully consider that my client is still a minor and his thought process may be one-sided."
Judge: "My questioning is concluded. Court is adjourned!"
When court resumed, I was released on the spot, fined one thousand yuan as a disciplinary measure.
Wen Siqiang also did not receive a custodial sentence but was required to undergo compulsory rehabilitation.
It was later verified that the package Liu Zong gave me was ordinary starch, not drugs. Liu Zong and the others had given it to me to test me. Therefore, this time, the 'female devil' and Wen Siqiang escaped punishment.
Manager Chen, Manager Liu, and the Burmese national were all sentenced to death. The others received sentences ranging from three to ten years.
The Burmese national is a foreigner, and his fate will depend on negotiations between the two countries. However, he will certainly spend time in prison.
As I walked out of the courthouse, the sunlight was blinding.
Lan Ya did not show up, fearing that remnants of Manager Chen and Liu's associates might be waiting outside the courthouse, which would have nullified all our efforts.
Sister Zhang handled all the procedures for me, paid the fine, and then took me to a hot spring bathhouse in Tengchong, saying she wanted me to relax completely and wash away the filth of these past few days.
Lan Ya was waiting for me at the bathhouse. As soon as she saw me, she moved to hug me. I quickly dodged and said, "Get away from me quickly. I might have lice on me, and I don't want to infest you."
She heard me and quickly said, "I forgot about that. Hurry and take a shower. I bought you new clothes and shoes in my car. We'll dispose of everything you're wearing right now."
Lan Ya handed me five thousand yuan in cash, saying, "This is your lost wages for a few months in there. Also, Mr. Song said that you were wronged in this matter and that he will thank you in person if he has the opportunity."
I said that would be best. If I were to be publicly acknowledged, it would affect my future endeavors. I don't want to be a hero; I just want to do what I need to do.
Lan Ya: "My brother has grown up. That's great. We're all taking a day off today to accompany you and relax!"
I agreed, then handed the cash to Sister Zhang, asking her to keep it for me and I would ask her for it when I needed money.
Tengchong is famous for its volcanic cluster, rich geothermal resources, and renowned hot springs.
Lan Ya gave me a pair of swimming trunks and asked me to change in the changing room, while she and Sister Zhang went to the women's changing room.
After being confined for several months, I probably smelled of sweat and grime.
Shedding my clothes and discarding them in the trash, I put on the swimming trunks and came out.
They had also changed into swimsuits and were waiting for me outside.
Lan Ya was tall and slender, while Sister Zhang was petite. Both had alluring curves that stretched their swimsuits taut, making one's nose bleed just looking at them.
I stood beside the two of them like an attendant. My unkempt hair and unshaven beard from the past ten days made me look out of place next to the two beautiful women, and many people were looking at us, finding the sight somewhat incongruous.
They didn't seem to care about that. They linked their arms with mine, one on each side, and led me to the open-air bath.
Anyone unfamiliar would have thought two aunts were taking their older nephew to the baths.
We soaked to our hearts' content, then went to the restaurant to eat. After that, we got massages to relax. The entire experience lasted until well past midnight.
Lan Ya: "Alright, young man, the room is ready for you. Go back and sleep, and have sweet dreams. We'll head back to Ruili first thing in the morning to start a new battle!"
I returned to my room, my body dragging with fatigue, and collapsed onto the bed. The ordeal had left me more exhausted than running a marathon. Even with two beautiful women present, I had no romantic thoughts.
Sister Zhang, mindful of Lan Ya's presence, didn't engage in any intimate actions with me today. Perhaps she sensed I was physically and mentally exhausted and simply wanted me to relax, so she didn't cling to me as she usually did.
I still hadn't asked about the suburban nightclub. If Brother Bao had taken back the nightclub, there would be no question about it. So, who was managing it now? And where had Xiao Hong and Xiao Li gone? Especially Xiao Hong, had she been bullied by anyone, and where was she now?
I hadn't had a chance to ask about any of this. She had given herself to me, yet I was unable to protect her. I hadn't heard from her in months, which ached my heart.
Tomorrow, no matter what, I had to get a clear answer.
I thought they originally belonged to the 'female devil.' Since the 'female devil' had escaped this ordeal, they would naturally follow her. At least, she wouldn't abandon them.
Lost in these thoughts, I drifted off to sleep. When I opened my eyes, the sun was high in the sky.
I was awakened by the ringing of the phone on the bedside table.
It was Lan Ya calling, asking me to get up for breakfast.
Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I brushed my teeth and washed my face, then took a shower, which finally cleared my head.