The infinite heavens begin with American horror.

The warden's office at Shawshank Prison was quiet as Warden Norton intently read the newspaper in his hands.

Suddenly, a soft knock on the door broke the silence.

Warden Norton slowly raised his head, his gaze leaving the newspaper, and said softly, "Come in!"

As he finished speaking, the office door was gently pushed open, and a tall, middle-aged white guard walked in. His name was Henry Matthews, the newly appointed captain of the guard unit; the previous captain, Old Mad, had honorably retired a few months earlier.

Henry Matthews walked to the desk, stood ramrod straight, saluted Warden Norton, and reported, "Warden, what are your instructions?"

Warden Norton frowned slightly, and asked with some displeasure, "Where's Andy? It's so late, why isn't he in the break room?"

"..."

Henry scratched his head, a little confused. "Um... I'm not sure either. Maybe he's in the library..."

He has no obligation to follow Andy around all the time, so how would he know where Andy is? As long as Andy doesn't break the prison rules, that's fine.

“The library? Doesn’t he know what he’s supposed to be doing today?!” Warden Norton muttered, his displeasure growing. “Send someone to find him and bring Andy back to the lounge right away.”

"Understood, Warden."

......

Not long after, a guard rushed in to report: "Warden, Andy is not in the library."

Warden Norton's face darkened. He glanced at Henry and said sternly, "What kind of work are you doing? You can't even keep an eye on one person! Conduct a full search of the prison immediately and find Andy."

Just as Captain Henry of the guards was preparing to take action again, a voice came from outside the office.

"No need to look anymore, we've come ourselves."

"..."

Warden Norton quickly looked towards the door and saw Li Qing leading Andy in from outside.

"What are you all doing all together again?"

Warden Norton frowned as he looked at the two men before him.

Over the years, Li Qing has been a maverick in Shawshank Prison, acting as he pleases and completely unrestrained by any rules. Even Warden Norton, the highest authority in the prison, sometimes finds himself helpless against him.

Norton felt utterly helpless about Li Qing's behavior.

He knew that Li Qing had a special background and abilities. Even though he knew that Li Qing's backer had fallen, he did not go after Li Qing. After all, apart from being unruly, Li Qing had been quite well-behaved over the years. So even if he was somewhat dissatisfied, he could not easily take any action against him.

After all, in this closed and complex environment, it's better to avoid trouble. However, this laissez-faire attitude left Norton with a lingering resentment, always looking for an opportunity to kick Lee Qing out of Shawshank Prison.

He had previously chosen to be patient and compromise because he didn't want to have a direct conflict with Li Qing. He knew that Li Qing could take on ten people at once, and it was not a wise move to confront Li Qing head-on. It might even backfire.

......

“Andy asked me for help with something, but after thinking it over, it seems that the only person in Shawshank Prison who can help Andy solve this problem is the warden,” Li Qing said.

Andy didn't show much emotion upon hearing this; he simply stood quietly to the side. After all, Li Qing had already explained the relevant situation to him before coming to the office, and Andy's trust in Li Qing had never wavered.

At this moment, Warden Norton smiled slightly and asked in a relaxed tone, "Oh? Is there something you need me to handle?" His gaze swept over Andy, revealing a hint of curiosity and confidence in his eyes.

Then he continued, "Andy, why don't you come to me directly if you have any problems? There's nothing I can't handle in Shawshank Prison. After all these years, don't you trust me?"

Andy looked directly into Norton's eyes and slowly replied, "Warden, you have always been someone I respect. This time, we have indeed encountered some special circumstances, and I felt it would be more appropriate to consult Li Qing first. But now it seems that if we can get your help, that would be even better."

“Warden…something happened…I…it really is…I don’t know where to begin.”

“Why don’t you start from the beginning? That would be much easier,” Warden Norton said. “Henry, you go out now and close the door behind you.”

"Yes, Warden."

Andy only spoke slowly after Henry left.

"......"

After Andy finished speaking, Warden Norton remained silent, simply watching Andy quietly, while inwardly suppressing a laugh.

Now he only had one thought in his mind: Have Li Qing and Andy lost their minds? They actually came to him with this kind of thing. Do they naively think that I would help Andy overturn the case?

They even told me the name of the only witness. Don't they know what our relationship is? How could I possibly help Andy get his case overturned? Andy knows all about my dirty deeds. How could I let Andy leave Shawshank Prison? That would be digging my own grave.

However, Norton couldn't directly lash out because Li Qing was present, so he put on a serious expression and said, "Andy, you actually believe this story."

"In my opinion, it's obvious that young Tommy had a very good impression of you. He had heard your story and received your kindness, so it's natural that he wanted to... to cheer you up, he made up this story to make you feel better."

“Warden, do you think I haven’t had this suspicion? I’ve never told Tommy anything about Umor, I’ve never told anyone what Umor looks like, but Tommy’s description of Umor’s appearance is exactly the same as the one I’ve seen!” Andy said.

"Tommy definitely didn't..."

"Okay, let's stop for a moment!"

Norton interrupted Andy, turning to Li Qing, "Mr. Li Qing, do you also believe what Tommy said?"

Norton sat at his desk, his hands clasped under his chin.

“Of course I believe you,” Li Qing replied without hesitation.

Norton scoffed. "How ridiculous! You believe everything you hear from a stranger?"

Andy said anxiously, "Warden, I know this sounds unbelievable, but Tommy has no reason to lie to me..."

"Enough!" Norton slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "Andy, I'm letting this go this time since it's your first offense. Don't waste my time on this nonsense again. And you, Li Qing, don't get involved in this anymore."

After saying that, Norton turned around, picked up the documents on the table, and ignored the two of them. Andy wanted to say something, but Li Qing stopped him.