bookpower Chapter 148: Prison Chapter (Memories) 37: The Human Heart
Chapter 148: Prison Chapter (Memories) 37: The Human Heart
Chapter 148
At almost the same time as yesterday, Shen Yue was led by the same authority figure into the same restaurant, walking towards the same dining table.
Although it was in the lobby, only that one table was always empty, as if it was specially reserved for Si Chengyou.
After Si Chengyou sat down, the restaurant staff immediately came over as usual, handing him a menu.
Shen Yue basked in Si Chengyou's glory and was also given a menu, while No. 14 did not receive one.
So after Shen Yue ordered a bowl of cabbage porridge and a dish of chili sauce for herself, she passed her menu to No. 14.
No. 14 did not take it. He lowered his head slightly, his bangs fluttering as he did. "Why only have porridge?"
"I don't know what to eat, so I just ordered randomly."
No. 14 then remembered that in the past, the dishes Shen Yue ate were also randomly grabbed by him. Shen Yue would eat whatever he brought over without saying whether she liked it or not. On the other hand, Masha would always make a fuss about what she didn't like to eat. She also liked to force Shen Yue to talk about her thoughts on the food.
Only when Masha pestered her to no end would Shen Yue reluctantly say a few words.
"Should I just grab some food randomly for you?" No. 14 asked.
"No need, just get food for yourself."
"You're only having so little, that's not enough."
But Shen Yue still shook her head. "It's fine for now, I don't need more."
Seeing that she declined, No. 14 did not insist further. He ordered the same food as Shen Yue.
Seeing that the two seemed to have finished their conversation, Si Chengyou finally spoke up, "Shen Yue, don't go to Building 6 tomorrow. I'll take you directly to Building 8."
Hearing Si Chengyou's words, No. 14 looked over, his eyes full of curiosity.
Looking at Shen Yue's expression, Si Chengyou suddenly didn't have the heart to continue. If one day, Shen Yue found out that it was precisely because of her affection that Masha had lost her life prematurely, how would she feel?
But Si Chengyou only wavered for a moment before regaining his composure. Although Shen Yue was pitiful, who in this world wasn't?
He didn't bring up Masha again, but pulled the topic back to Tang Yi. "As the authority figure of Building 4, Tang Yi is hostile towards all other buildings. The prison needs Building 4 and its unpredictability to control the other buildings. So Tang Yi can't get close with anyone other than the inmates of Building 4.
You're currently staying with me, so the rest of the inmates see you as under my protection. At this time, if someone like Tang Yi tries to get involved, two problems will occur.
First, Building 5 which I manage may worry that Tang Yi will retaliate against them, causing internal panic in Building 5. Second, Tang Yi showing submission to you implies a close relationship between you two. In such a case, you'll definitely become suspicious to the other authority figures after the end of the inter-building battles, and the final outcome will only be one - you'll be abandoned by everywhere except Building 4, and have no choice but to join Building 4."
Si Chengyou analyzed the situation for Shen Yue in an unhurried tone. Even though Tang Yi had schemed against him too, he didn't show the slightest panic.
Anyone who saw him like this would involuntarily calm down.
Si Chengyou's words were a little convoluted, but Shen Yue still understood.
There were no secrets in Flightless Bird. No matter where the inmates were or what they did could quickly be found out by those interested. The authority figures were especially closely watched. That was why Si Chengyou chose to talk to her about this in the restaurant, a public space.
Sometimes, things laid bare were the safest.
The little play Tang Yi put on today would soon reach the ears of the other buildings. Afterwards, Shen Yue would automatically be assigned to either Building 4 or Building 5's camp by the rest.
Shen Yue knew Si Chengyou must have a way to deal with this matter, but she didn't ask. Instead, she contemplated it herself.
Likewise, Si Chengyou didn't elaborate further, and also signaled with his eyes for the restless No. 14 to keep silent.
After quite a while, when all the dishes had been served, Shen Yue finally said softly, "I don't want to go to Building 4. If my value is higher than the threat Tang Yi poses, won't the other buildings accept me then?"
Hearing the satisfactory answer, Si Chengyou's eyes showed some real delight. "Of course."
"Then I want to understand the human heart."
This was Shen Yue's answer.