Lin Feng knew it was true. Knew that showing up to court covered in visible injuries from a prison ring fight would prejudice everyone against him. Knew that his lawyers, if they even showed up, would have no explanation for his condition that wouldn't make things worse.
And he knew, with crushing certainty, that this was exactly what Shuyin had planned. Every piece of his destruction had been carefully orchestrated to ensure not just punishment but total, inescapable ruin.
The eight o'clock bell rang through the cell blocks, signaling the start of the official prison day. Guards began their rounds, cell doors clanged open for those heading to work details, and the machinery of incarceration ground forward with indifferent efficiency.
