Chen Lishu tilted her head slightly. After recovering from the momentary dizziness, she asked with feigned surprise, "Isn't it? If President Gao doesn't fancy this million, why drag his subordinates into it? Kidnapping and extortion involve a huge sum; sentencing is at least ten years, right?"
"Gu Xingdong dared to play dirty with me and push me to a dead end, so he has to face the consequences. I know how capable he is. To gather a million, he'll have to use the settlement funds Dong Sheng wired him. If the material payments can't be made and the supply is cut off, Jiang Pan Garden will have to halt construction. The project in the west of the city will also face a broken capital chain. Without turnover, he'll not only have to pay liquidated damages but likely face lawsuits."
Gao Mingyuan sneered at this point, "And as for me, don't you know that money makes the world go 'round? As long as you offer sufficiently tempting conditions, plenty of people are waiting to do your bidding."
Gao Mingyuan paused, his gaze suddenly sharpening as he looked at Chen Lishu.
"Originally, my company could have developed well, but it was all ruined by your husband, Gu Xingdong. Even with the Jiang Pan Garden project, he insisted on meddling in the west city project..."
Chen Lishu looked at him, her expression conveying a 'Are you out of your mind?' look. "What does this have to do with my husband? If it weren't for your greedy forced demolition that led to someone's death, the authorities wouldn't have investigated this matter so thoroughly. Besides, even without Hongyuan Company taking over, another company would have. People like you, when something goes wrong, instead of reflecting and improving, you shift all the blame onto others. It's truly laughable."
Gao Mingyuan ignored her, his gaze falling on the two men beside Chen Lishu. "This woman has too many thoughts and is too noisy. To be safe, tie her hands and feet, and gag her."
The two immediately sprang into action, fetching ropes and tape from the car outside.
Chen Lishu knew resistance was futile and might even lead to unnecessary mistreatment, so she obediently allowed the two men to bind her hands and feet.
Gao Mingyuan: "My agreement with Mr. Gu is to exchange the money for the person tomorrow. This person is not simple, so be sure to arrange your people properly. Don't worry, I will fulfill the agreed-upon conditions."
'Mei Qiu' smiled with satisfaction, "I naturally trust President Gao. Don't worry, tomorrow will be flawless."
...
Upon confirming that Rui Rui was his nephew, He Ziyu felt both excited and overjoyed, even eager to bring the boy back to Kyoto.
However, after seeing Gao Mingyuan and conducting a few more days of investigation, a suspicion gradually formed in his mind, and he began to hesitate.
Before everything was clear, would taking Rui Rui back to Kyoto prematurely alert the other party?
Moreover, his second brother, He Zinian, was now blinded by infatuation. If he truly cared for Sister Wen and Rui Rui, he wouldn't have Zhu Shasha and their child.
The elderly Mr. and Mrs. He had limited energy due to their age, especially Mr. He, who had developed high blood pressure in recent years and was not as robust as before. It was best not to trouble them with these messy affairs.
He would wait until he had conclusive evidence to expose the true face of that woman named Zhu.
However, he still needed to inform Gu Xingdong and his wife about Rui Rui's situation first.
When He Ziyu arrived at the Gu residence, neither Gu Xingdong nor his wife were present. Only Li Xiulan and a nanny were taking care of the two younger children. Rui Rui was at school and, naturally, was not seen.
Leaving the Gu residence, He Ziyu hesitated for a moment before turning towards Hongyuan Construction Company.
Meanwhile, Gu Xingdong had already raised the million yuan. Two large bags sat on his desk.
He sat at his desk, frowning, his expression grave, waiting for Gao Mingyuan's call.
"That Gao fellow is simply too rampant," Gu Xingye paced anxiously around the room. "They dared to kidnap Third Sister-in-law. We should have called the police immediately. These scoundrels, unable to compete on skill, resorted to such despicable tactics. I hope they don't fall into my hands, or I'll tear them to pieces."
Wang Kuo: "The other party is only after money. They shouldn't do anything to Sister-in-law. If we had called the police and alerted them, the other party might have become enraged, putting Sister-in-law in greater danger."
Li Hongyu glanced at Gu Xingdong's expression and said regretfully, "Gao is too cautious in his actions. We haven't been able to find Sister-in-law's whereabouts."
"Ring, ring, ring—"
As the phone on the desk rang, the people talking seemed to hit a pause button. A moment of silence filled the room, making the phone's ringing sound jarring.
Gu Xingdong deliberately paused before answering, "Gao Mingyuan?"
"How's the money preparation?"
Gu Xingdong: "It's ready. How is my wife?"
Gao Mingyuan: "You didn't call the police, did you?"
"No."
"Good. The person is currently in the old residential area in the west of the city. Only you alone are allowed to come. My people will monitor you, so don't try any tricks."
Gu Xingdong was silent for a moment: "The money is too much, and it's too conspicuous to carry it alone. I need to bring one more person."
Gao Mingyuan considered for a few seconds before finally agreeing, "Alright, only two people are allowed."
After Gu Xingdong hung up the phone, Gu Xingye quickly said, "Third Brother, I'll go with you."
Wang Kuo: "It's too dangerous. You don't know how to defend yourself. If anything happens, you won't be able to help, and Brother will have to be distracted looking out for you. I should go instead."
Li Hongyu: "I'll go. Brother has assigned you a more important task. I'll do my best to ensure Brother's safety."
"I'll go with you."
At this moment, the door was suddenly pushed open, and He Ziyu walked in from outside.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just heard Gao Mingyuan's name, so I couldn't help but listen a little. I also have something to ask him. I'll go with you, and I promise not to be a burden."
Seeing his serious expression, Gu Xingdong hesitated before finally handing him a bag. "Let's go."
After the two got into the car, Gu Xingdong stepped on the accelerator, and the car sped towards the west of the city like an arrow.
Not long after, the car stopped at the entrance of an alley. Gu Xingdong and He Ziyu got out, each carrying a black bag.
"You two, follow me."
A man who had been waiting at the alley entrance glanced at the bags in their hands and turned to lead the way.
"President Gao, the people are here," the man reported before stepping aside.
Gao Mingyuan turned, and his gaze lingered on He Ziyu, clearly surprised.
However, he did not possess He Ziyu's exceptional memory. Although they had met before, several years had passed. The momentary astonishment was merely seeing his face and feeling a sense of familiarity, but it was quickly forgotten.
Gao Mingyuan's attention shifted back to Gu Xingdong. "I didn't expect President Gu to arrive so quickly. Did you bring the money?"