But the sudden arrival of the shadow of corporate warfare heralded the possibility of a major change in the times.
Having received the news in advance through his own channels, Huo Donghua organized this gathering, particularly wanting to hear Ren Zhong's thoughts as the person involved, so he could readjust his life's trajectory.
Ren Zhong gladly attended the gathering.
Back in Liao Yuan County, he didn't like socializing, always feeling that excessive communication with strangers was a waste of life, a crime.
But after coming to this Second Prison truly because of "crime," he let go of everything outside and returned to his academic life, living still fulfillingly, but the pace of life unknowingly slowed down.
His interactions with these fellow inmates felt even better than interacting with the majority of people outside.
After a bland yet genuine dinner party, everyone moved to the large conference room in Huo Donghua's villa.
