Case Number 20250213

Liu Mingde recently took on a job with a generous salary and easy work – "playing" a detainee.

"Just think of it as experiencing life, and cooperate with us in going through the procedures," said Mr. Zhang, dressed in a suit and tie, with a kind smile. "We're short of a typical case here. Just help us out and act for a few days. You'll still get paid. How about it?"

Liu Mingde thought to himself, such good things still happen these days? He was a small-time actor, usually playing extras and passersby. This time, he actually got to "play" a lead role, although it was a detainee.

The "detention center" was bright and clean, the food was delicious, and apart from not being able to go out, it was even better than the basement he rented. Liu Mingde happily signed the contract, put on the uniform blue uniform, and began his "detention" life.

On the first day, he actively cooperated with the "interrogation." The "police officer" asked him, "Do you know why you're here?"

Liu Mingde, following the script, tearfully said: "I was wrong, I shouldn't have hit anyone..." He put on a show of remorse and self-blame, but in his heart, he was thinking, this "police officer's" acting is really good, his expressions and tone are all on point, he's truly a professional.

On the second day, he was assigned to "labor reform." The "inmates" assembled toys in the "workshop." Liu Mingde was clumsy, either assembling parts backwards or breaking tools. The "inmates" weren't annoyed, and even patiently taught him. Liu Mingde secretly marveled at how dedicated this film crew was, even the extras were so immersed in their roles.

On the third day, the "warden" had a talk with him. The "warden" earnestly educated him to reform well and start anew. Liu Mingde nodded repeatedly, but in his heart, he was thinking, this "warden" has a really strong presence and deep line delivery skills. He should ask him for advice in the future.

Days passed, and Liu Mingde became increasingly accustomed to "detention" life. He even started to like it there, with food, shelter, and people to "chat" with, it was much better than outside. He began to actively "work" and "reform" to strive for "sentence reduction."

A month later, Liu Mingde's "sentence" was over. He happily packed his things, ready to be "released."

"Where's Mr. Zhang? My 'acting' is over, it's time to settle the bill, right?" Liu Mingde asked the "police officer."

The "police officer" looked puzzled: "What Mr. Zhang? What acting? You caused serious injury by beating someone and were sentenced to one month of detention. Today is your release date."

Liu Mingde was stunned: "Wasn't it acting? I'm an actor!"

The "police officer" took out his file, which clearly recorded his "criminal facts" and "judgment." Liu Mingde was dumbfounded. He took out the contract, which clearly stated: "Party A hires Party B to participate in social practice activities, and Party B must abide by relevant regulations..."

Liu Mingde finally understood that he had fallen into a carefully designed trap. He wasn't "playing" a detainee, but a real criminal. His so-called "acting" was just being used to replace the real perpetrator.

He rushed out of the "detention center" and tried to find Mr. Zhang, but found that the company was already empty. He dialed Mr. Zhang's phone, but it was always turned off.

Liu Mingde stood on the street, looking around blankly. The sun was glaring, but he felt a bone-chilling cold. He didn't know where to go. He had become a true "marginalized person," carrying an indelible "crime."

He remembered the "warden's" words: "Reform well and start anew."

Liu Mingde gave a bitter smile and muttered to himself, "Start anew? Do I even have a chance?"

He slowly walked among the crowd, his back lonely and desolate. He didn't know that in this absurd world, how many other people, like him, were trapped in invisible cages, never able to be "released."