Shuangling: Braving the Rapids

After spending a week in solitary confinement, Cheng Dong missed many important things. By the time he finally managed to contact his brother, the court summons had already been issued.

In the past few days, Cheng Dong has stopped thinking about whether or not to be sentenced, but how much he should be sentenced to. Just when his emotions were at their lowest point, the lawyer that his brother and sister-in-law had hired for him at a high price finally came to visit him in prison.

"Hello, Lao Chengdong, my name is Cao Gang. I am the lawyer your brother and sister-in-law have entrusted to defend you." A middle-aged, square-faced man in a suit sat opposite Chengdong. He gave a brief self-introduction and casually took out the documents from his briefcase.

"Hello, Attorney Cao, are my family members alright?" Cheng Dong appeared calm on the surface, but his mind was in turmoil.

"It's all good. Your sister-in-law specifically asked me to tell you not to worry about your mother. With them here, you just need to prepare for your court appearance."

Hearing what Attorney Cao said, Cheng Dong breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that his sister-in-law understood him best and knew where his weakness lay.

After a brief silence, Attorney Cao continued, "Since I am your defense attorney, please cooperate with my work. Before that, I need to make one thing clear: until you receive the judgment, you are only a suspect. I will do everything I can to help you, and please trust me, okay?"

"Sure," Cheng Dong readily agreed.

"Now I need you to tell me in detail about your arrest. Make sure you give me every single detail so I can make the necessary arrangements..."

Over the next few hours, Cheng Dong recounted the events that had occurred at the highway intersection to the other party in detail, while Attorney Cao barely interrupted, simply jotting down the key information in her notebook, appearing very serious and responsible.

After Cheng Dong finished explaining the entire case, Attorney Cao slowly asked, "I am aware of the whole matter. I want to confirm one more thing with you: you were intercepted by the police at the Luoshan Expressway exit on February 2.12th, right?"

"Yes..." Cheng Dong nodded in reply.

"That day, there were two drug dealers, and the ringleader has not yet been caught. This matter has caused a great stir and has now been listed as a major case under the supervision of the Provincial Public Security Department."

Attorney Cao's seemingly casual remark shocked Cheng Dong. The image of armed police pointing guns at his head immediately flashed through his mind. "Oh, I understand now! No wonder so many armed police suddenly appeared; that's what happened!"

"Well, so you've run into trouble. But don't feel unlucky. I've said all this just to prepare you mentally, you understand?"

The astute Cheng Dong could understand the implication in the other person's words. He realized that he couldn't escape unscathed this time, and his head slumped. "Attorney Cao, I heard that those who traffic in tobacco are sentenced to more than five years in prison and sent to a labor camp in Xinjiang..."

Before he could finish speaking, Cao Gang waved his hand to interrupt him, "I checked the amount of tobacco you purchased. Even with the maximum penalty, you wouldn't get such a long sentence. Don't be too discouraged. Even if the final outcome isn't good, you still have the chance of probation or a reduced sentence. Rest assured, within the scope of the law, I will fight for your best interests!"

Although the other party's tone was very confident, Cheng Dong's mind was in turmoil. Just as he was about to say something, Attorney Cao suddenly asked, "By the way, did you ride back to the detention center in the same car as a drug addict? I also heard from Warden Lu that you even gave that guy a pair of pants. Is that true?"

"You know Warden Lu too?" Cheng Dong didn't answer Attorney Cao's question directly, but instead steered the conversation towards the warden.

"In our line of work, we have to be familiar with the people in the public security bureau, procuratorate, courts, detention centers, and prisons. Otherwise, it's hard to do business!" Attorney Cao said with a smug smile. Then, glancing at his watch, he added, "It's almost time. You can go back now. If you need anything, you can make a list for Lao Lu. As long as it's not contraband, I'll get it for you."

"I don't need anything else, I just want to read some newspapers and magazines. If possible, bring me a book on criminal law too. I can't absorb any information from this book, it's so damn frustrating!" Cheng Dong complained.

"It's a good thing that the young man loves learning and cares about current affairs! No wonder Old Lu speaks highly of you, hahaha!" Lawyer Cao readily agreed.

Throughout his career, Attorney Cao has encountered countless people from all walks of life. In his opinion, Cheng Dong is a person of excellent character and is well worth defending.

Hearing the praise, Cheng Dong gave a wry smile, then raised his hands, and the gleaming shackles popped out from his sleeves. "Don't flatter me. Look at what I've become."

Seeing Cheng Dong's discouragement, Attorney Cao encouraged him, "I don't think you need to be too pessimistic. It's normal for young people to make mistakes and take detours. The key is to get up wherever you fall!"

"Also, your current situation isn't that bad. After all, you still have your older brother and sister-in-law supporting you. From what I've observed, they care a lot about your situation, especially your sister-in-law. In addition to preparing a change of clothes for you, she also wrote you a letter. After we finish talking, you can have Lao Lu take you to collect it."

Attorney Cao's words stirred something within Cheng Dong. Yes, he wasn't at his wit's end yet. Compared to those prisoners who had been completely abandoned by their families, he was already considered lucky.

Half an hour later, Cheng Dong returned to his cell carrying his bundle. Opening the package, the first thing he saw was a manila envelope. Upon opening it, he saw several lines of neat handwriting:

Dongzi, how are you doing inside? Are you cold while sleeping? Are your bedding still intact?

Your sister-in-law has prepared a change of clothes for you. Try them on to see if they fit. If you need anything else, you can tell Attorney Cao and the guards directly, and we will get it for you as soon as possible.

In order to get you bail, your brother personally went to northern Shaanxi, but they refused to let you two brothers meet. After going around in circles, nothing was accomplished. After all, that place is not Yanghe. We can't just do whatever we want there. I hope you can understand that.

After your brother came home, he smoked all night and didn't eat properly. The whole family is worried about you.

As your sister-in-law, I have to give you some advice! From now on, never hold a grudge against your brother again! If you're ever short of money and don't want to ask your brother, just tell your sister-in-law! I have some money saved up, so please don't go out of town to do those shady businesses anymore!

By the way, we're keeping your situation a secret from Mom for now, so don't be too scared. Your brother and I will take care of her, so you can rest assured.

No matter what the verdict is, we will always be family. We're waiting for you to come back safely!

Zhou Xiangyi

December 1997, 2