Chapter 25: Only a Street Separates Heaven and Hell

Zhang Guohua pondered for a moment before calling Liu Jianshe to offer some consolation. "Director Liu, there is no need to be disheartened. It is not that you lack capability, but rather that the kid is far too cunning. I, too, have suffered many setbacks at his hands."

In truth, the two had rarely interacted before. Even when they encountered each other at meetings, it was, at most, a polite nod. They had even been competitors when it came to vying for certain government policy preferences. However, with Cheng Shi now acting as a common "enemy," they seemed to have become comrades-in-arms in the same trench.

Liu Jianshe replied, "Many thanks for your concern, Director Zhang. I am fine. Our factory still has another CNC machine; the one Cheng Shi took was merely an idle unit. Besides, our factory has plenty of veteran masters far more skilled than he is. To be honest, he is just a 'defective product' we discarded. The parts we produce will certainly be superior to his."

"I agree completely," Zhang Guohua said.

"I will have someone make a part tomorrow to show you," Liu Jianshe promised.

"Very well, I shall await it."

***

Meanwhile, Liu Jie was feeling deeply disgruntled and unwilling to accept defeat, so he headed out to find someone to "vent" his frustrations. He never frequented massage parlors or barbershops, fearing infection, so he always called a madam he knew, who would then bring a girl to him. He simply paid a little extra afterward.

Ever since Cheng Shi had exposed his "secret" last time, Liu Jie had changed his spots. After all, he had visited that previous place too often, and it was no longer safe. He had chosen a hotel called "Beautiful," located far from the machinery factory.

After waiting at the entrance for half an hour, the madam arrived with a young girl. The girl clearly hailed from a big city; she was dressed in stylish, clean clothes, had a fair complexion, and wide, round eyes. Liu Jie was very satisfied: this girl was truly fresh and beautiful.

The madam pulled Liu Jie aside and pleaded in a low voice, "Comrade Liu, could you please not beat her today? All the previous girls refuse to take your orders now."

Liu Jie’s expression turned hideous, a stark contrast to his usual refined demeanor. "Bullshit. I pay you money to enjoy myself, so of course I’ll do whatever pleases me. A woman in this business has no right to be picky."

"But she is still young, not even sixteen," the madam argued. "I had to find a way to get her from the train station just now."

Liu Jie shoved money into the madam’s hand. "I happen to like them young. Are you going to make money or not? One more word out of you and I’ll report you."

The more afraid the woman was, the more excited he became; he found it incredibly gratifying. Especially with one this young. That expression of terror and helplessness, much like a lamb on a butcher’s block, made his blood boil just thinking about it.

The madam had no choice but to tell the girl, "Don't be afraid. This uncle will give you money for food. You just need to go inside and stay with him for an hour."

The girl looked at Liu Jie, shook her head, and stepped back. "Ma'am, I don't need food. Thank you." She turned to leave, but Liu Jie grabbed her by the hair, dragged her into the room, and locked the door behind them.

The girl struggled desperately, but she was no match for a grown man. Her cries for help were abruptly silenced, and quiet returned to the room. The madam, unable to bear hearing what might happen next, sighed, shook her head, and left.

Liu Jie choked the girl until she nearly fainted, then tied her to the bed and gagged her. She was truly beautiful, though not yet fully developed and somewhat thin. Yet, her delicate, porcelain skin was like a freshly peeled lychee. She must taste sweet, too.

His eyes gleamed with lust as he prepared to abuse her. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Liu Jie stopped and asked, "Who is it?"

"Room service, bringing hot water," a voice whispered from outside.

"I don't need any," Liu Jie snapped.

"Comrade, we have to finish our work and go off duty. Please cooperate."

Liu Jie cursed under his breath, unlocked the door, but before he could open it, it was kicked open with great force. Liu Jie was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the floor, seeing stars. Before he could even sit up, a burlap sack descended over his head. He dared not scream, for if the police were called to this scene, he would be in serious trouble.

Soon, he couldn't scream even if he wanted to. The intruder said nothing, focusing kicks on his most vulnerable ribs. It took only two blows to knock him unconscious. The subsequent strikes were lost on him.

***

The intruder wore a mask. Seeing Liu Jie was motionless, he kicked him once more before going over to help the girl on the bed untie her ropes. He made a "hush" gesture and pointed outside, signaling: "I will wait for you outside; get dressed and come out quickly."

The girl was trembling all over and clutched the edge of his coat. She was terrified that he would leave and the man on the floor would wake up again. The stranger turned his back. With trembling hands, the girl began to button her clothes. Tears welled in her eyes, and