The World They Left Behind

Arga fell silent, trying to form the right words. But before he could answer, Ningning continued with a sharp tone,

"Alright. Since you're healed, there are two punishments for your offenses. Daring to hug me back then was a serious violation. It's the rule! I'm the District Leader, and now everyone knows. You must be punished!"

Hearing that, Arga was shocked. "But I didn't mean to... I've already said..." he muttered quietly, his voice weakening.

However, Ningning interrupted him with a high-pitched tone, "Didn't you hear me? Do you think hugging a woman like that is proper etiquette here? Don't make excuses! Your punishment is twofold. First, you will be whipped one hundred times in the main field of the district. Second, you will serve me in District Xinjiang for life, until you learn not to act recklessly toward women. No appeals. In this district, I am the law!"

Arga took a deep breath, trying to digest her words. Finally, with a flat voice but full of submission, he said, "Alright. I have no other choice. I'll accept the punishment." But in his heart, Arga felt disgusted by Ningning's tyranny.

Not long after, soldiers entered and pulled Arga out. Ningning watched from a distance, her expression slightly changing. A faint trace of concern crept behind her cold demeanor. With slow steps, she followed outside, intending to witness the punishment being carried out with her own eyes.

In the district's main square, tension hung thick in the air. The scorching sun only intensified the oppressive atmosphere surrounding the crowd. Soldiers had already gathered, forming tight lines, while the district's residents stood at a distance, watching with various expressions. Some looked curious, others anxious.

Sana and Nico could do little. One of the commanders approached and said coldly, "By order of the District Chief, you will be sentenced to serve in Xinjiang District for the rest of your lives. If you refuse, you may leave this area, but don't expect to take your friend Arga with you."

Hearing that, Sana was outraged. Moreover, she had already developed feelings for Arga. "We will accept it," Sana said with conviction.

Nico was shocked. "Sana, what are you saying?" he asked in confusion.

Sana looked at Nico sharply. "Do you think I would leave Arga alone after everything? I won't make the same mistake twice," she said firmly. The commander only smirked at their conversation.

Not long after, Arga was brought to the center of the square. His hands were tied to a sturdy wooden post. His face remained calm, even though his heart pounded. In front of him, Ningning stood elegantly with a cold demeanor, her eyes keenly observing his every move.

"This punishment should serve as a lesson for anyone who dares to break the rules," Ningning declared loudly, ensuring everyone heard. "No one is allowed to defy the order in this district, especially against their leader."

People whispered among themselves. "That man... what a pity. He's so handsome, but it turns out he's a pervert," one of the residents murmured.

Hearing that and knowing the truth, Sana's blood boiled. In her heart, she said, "Arrogant woman, I will never forgive you." Sana glared at Ningning, who was seated on her chair.

One of the soldiers stepped forward, carrying a long whip made of thick leather. Each strand of the whip seemed to glisten under the sunlight, indicating the severity of the punishment. Ningning raised her hand, signaling the start.

The first lash landed with a loud crack, breaking the silence. Arga bit his lip, enduring the stinging pain. Each subsequent strike made his body tremble, but he remained silent, refusing to show weakness in front of the crowd.

From a distance, Ningning watched intently. Though her face remained expressionless, her eyes hinted at an unspoken turmoil. With each lash, something inside her ached. "Is this too much?" she wondered briefly, but quickly dismissed the thought. She was the leader, and the law had to be upheld.

When the final lash fell, Arga's body slumped weakly. The soldiers untied him, letting him collapse to the ground. Blood seeped from his wounded back, yet he still tried to rise, showing his remaining strength.

Ningning stepped forward, approaching Arga. Her gaze softened slightly beneath her firm exterior. "Remember this punishment, Arga. It's not just for you, but for everyone who thinks they can act recklessly here," she said quietly, her voice softer than before.

Arga lifted his face, looking at Ningning with weary yet defiant eyes. "I understand, District Chief. Thank you for the lesson," he said weakly before his body gave in completely.

Ningning signaled the soldiers to take Arga to his room. As they lifted him, she turned and walked back to the hall, her steps steady. Yet deep down, she knew something had changed. Not just in Arga, but in herself as well.

Sana and Nico were confined elsewhere. Though it wasn't a prison, the place had comfortable beds and decent food. Ningning treated them fairly well, but Sana's heart was already burning with anger. Nico sighed deeply, trying to see the bright side of things. "At least we're safe here with a place to stay and food," he said, attempting to comfort her.

But Sana, already consumed by emotion, hit Nico. "Are you crazy? Did you see what that crazy woman did to Arga!" she snapped furiously.

Nico could only remain silent at Sana's words.

Arga, who had fainted from the whipping, slowly regained consciousness, lying face down. He felt someone applying ointment to his back. Though his eyes couldn't open, he heard the sound of a woman sobbing. "Sana, you don't need to worry about me," Arga thought with a faint smile in his drifting consciousness.

When Arga woke again, his body felt healed, as if the whipping had been nothing more than a bad dream. His muscles no longer screamed in pain, and he felt surprisingly refreshed.

Soon, light footsteps approached, and Ningning entered the room with a calm expression.

"Are you feeling better?" she asked, her voice gentle but firm. "If you are, tomorrow you're coming with me. There's something I need to do, and I need your help."

Arga looked at her for a moment before nodding without hesitation. "Alright. I'll help you. Should I bring the others?" His tone was slightly formal, ensuring everything was in order."