Chapter 35: Public Security Bureau

Originally, Li Ang's plan was that if Hall screamed, he'd hide in the prison block for a few more days, since food could always be found somewhere.

But if Hall made no sound at all, it meant there was probably no danger outside, and he could walk out directly.

But the problem was, a third scenario had now emerged.

As Li Ang was pondering his next move, Hall's voice came again from outside: "Buddy?"

"Why aren't you out yet?"

Hearing his urging, Li Ang made up his mind.

"Why don't you come in?"

The moment he spoke, Hall's voice cut off abruptly, as if paused mid-sentence.

Seeing this, Li Ang no longer lingered by the door—he slowly stepped backward.

Yet at that moment, a voice, unmistakably weary, suddenly came from outside: "Inmate inside, you've been temporarily conscripted by the Public Security Bureau."

"?"

Li Ang frowned—he hadn't expected that the one who had taken Hall hostage wasn't those insects, but the Public Security Bureau.

This suggested the situation outside wasn't as utterly ruined as he'd feared.

Before Li Ang could think further, the crisp click of high heels approached from afar and stopped before him.

When he saw who it was, Li Ang froze.

It's you, the Big Thunder office drone woman!

Sorry, officer, I didn't recognize you at first.

The tall woman, her face utterly drained, as if on the verge of transcendence, frowned slightly upon seeing Li Ang.

She felt the young man looked familiar.

Quickly, she recalled Li Ang's file from memory and sneered: "I knew it—you wouldn't have been able to afford smuggling fees if you weren't special."

"So you're a professional."

"Let me think… Li Ang, right?"

"You've been conscripted by the Public Security Bureau. For the foreseeable future, you'll obey my orders completely."

Silence.

Still silence.

Li Ang stood in the shadows, his expression unreadable.

He had two choices: kill her outright and become an outlaw, or obey her and accept the Public Security Bureau's conscription.

After brief consideration, Li Ang discarded the first option.

After all, he was an undocumented person—even if he killed her, that fact wouldn't change.

Accepting the Public Security Bureau's conscription was his fastest path to legal status and would help him understand this world better.

Of course, the most crucial point was…

Li Ang doubted he could beat her.

Bide your time! Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—don't underestimate a young man! With a system on his side, he shouldn't end up dead.

Thinking this, he spoke: "What's your name?"

"Danika Basha." The tall woman relaxed her tense posture, a flicker of approval crossing her weary face. "Wise choice."

"Follow me."

With that, Danika turned and walked out, utterly unconcerned whether Li Ang would ambush her from behind.

Thus, Li Ang followed Danika out of the prison, breathing free air once more.

The smoke was acrid.

The once-orderly city now swarmed with black smoke; countless skyscrapers had sunk below ground level, and occasional screams pierced Li Ang's ears from unknown places.

The situation was indeed better than he'd feared—but not by much. Clearly, a massive upheaval had struck the city.

After a quick scan of the surrounding environment, Li Ang turned his gaze to a few figures whispering with Danika.

From their standardized uniforms, it was obvious they were all Public Security Bureau agents.