The following days saw no direct contact between the Hong family and the Ding family. The Hong family was working tirelessly to investigate the source of Ding Yun's evidence, while the Ding family took Ding Yun out to relax and reconnect with old contacts, preparing for her eventual comeback.
After all, regardless of whether she could gain custody of the children in the future, she couldn't live off past earnings forever after a divorce. She needed to make a comeback and earn money.
However, due to her low-profile approach, entertainment reporters and paparazzi paid little attention to the former film empress who had retired nearly five years ago. No related news had leaked yet, but that wouldn't last indefinitely.
This was also a primary reason Ding Yun wanted to settle things quickly. If the matter dragged on, she couldn't imagine what kind of rumors the entertainment reporters and paparazzi would fabricate.
Meanwhile, after days of diligent investigation, the Hong family remained fruitless, completely unable to ascertain the origin of Ding Yun's evidence. While they wished to stall further, they also worried that if they waited too long, Ding Yun might become dissatisfied and leak the information.
Therefore, on the fifth day after receiving the divorce agreement, Hong Xingwen could no longer restrain himself and contacted Ding Yun via email, requesting a meeting for negotiation.
Perhaps to avoid misunderstanding or excessive caution from Ding Yun, the meeting location was not their home but a private dining restaurant, the entire establishment booked out, with no need for the owner, chef, or service staff.
After all, their primary objective wasn't dining. Negotiating the divorce and maintaining confidentiality were more important.
Ding Yun readily agreed, as she herself intended to settle the matter swiftly. If Hong Xingwen hadn't approached her, she might have started to strategically release some evidence to the public and legal reporters.
After communicating via email and setting a time, they both appeared at the private dining restaurant punctually.
However, unlike Ding Yun who came alone, Hong Xingwen brought his father with him. Upon meeting, he said, "There are some things I cannot decide on my own. I brought my father; you don't have any objections, do you?"
"You've already brought him here, so what's the point of asking if I have objections? If I say I do, are you going to kick your father out? Come in, don't make a scene at the doorway. Hong Guai'er!"
After a sarcastic remark, Ding Yun walked in without looking back. Hong Xingwen was furious but was restrained by his father: "We're here to resolve issues today. Can't you see she's deliberately provoking you?"
"Dad!"
"What are you two dawdling at the door for? Should I play some sentimental background music for you! How is my dear old father doing?"
Although Ding Yun was already inside, her sharp words were clearly audible to the father and son. However, perhaps due to the frequent taunts, Hong Xingwen calmed down. With a dark expression, he quickly entered, his father following closely. Soon, they met Ding Yun again in the private room in the backyard.
Upon their entrance, Ding Yun preemptively stated, "You should have seen the divorce agreement. Give me a definite answer on whether you'll sign it. I don't have much time to waste here, and I also miss my son and daughter and want to take them to raise them myself as soon as possible."
"I believe that as businessmen, you can accurately distinguish priorities. For the sake of the children, I'm reluctant to make this too ugly, but if you insist, the children are still young. In three to five years, even if things get ugly, they will eventually settle down. Therefore, my reluctance doesn't mean I dare not! Give me a definite answer, yes or no!"
"You're going too far! You've been sarcastic from the start. Don't think that just because you're ill, you can act recklessly. The children aren't yours alone. Why should you get custody of both children? Even dividing property results in half each, and the children aren't impossible to divide. I'm telling you, don't think you can truly threaten us. Our bottom line is one child each. The daughter goes with you, and the son stays with me. This is our bottom line! Our Hong family will absolutely not take another step back!"
Once inside the private room, Hong Xingwen lost the composure he had managed to maintain outside. He immediately roared at Ding Yun, his tone firm.
His father, Hong Taoyang, was slightly more conciliatory and advised, "Xiao Ding, you should be well aware of the vast difference between your assets and the Hong family's. I know you cherish the children, but have you considered that if you take custody of your son, he will no longer be able to inherit our Hong family's fortune? I can guarantee you here that as long as your son's intelligence is normal in the future and he has the ability to manage Hong Corporation, regardless of how many more sons Xingwen may have after your divorce, your son will be the first in line for inheritance. If you forcefully take custody of this child now, are you sure he won't resent you in the future? After all, he would be losing the inheritance of a multi-billion dollar group, something you likely cannot provide for that child!"
Hong Taoyang said this not because he genuinely valued Ding Yun's son that much. His main intention was to hold Ding Yun's son hostage. After all, if they were to give custody of both children to Ding Yun, and she still held many incriminating documents against their group, they would have no way to control her. They also couldn't guarantee that Ding Yun wouldn't turn on them in the future. This undoubtedly made Hong Taoyang very uneasy. Only by keeping custody of Ding Yun's son within their family could he feel somewhat secure. Ding Yun would likely be hesitant to expose those incriminating documents, fearing for her own son's safety, and might even be forced to help them conceal them.
Ding Yun, being perceptive, understood the implied meaning and purpose behind Hong Taoyang's words. Therefore, she quickly responded: "Who can say for sure? Examples of large groups suddenly collapsing while small enterprises soar like dark horses are not uncommon. A child's future depends on education. A child I personally raise will not have to worry about becoming greedy for profit or the like in the future. And if I remember correctly, if one of the child's parents is imprisoned, the child is primarily handed over to the other parent who is not imprisoned and is willing to take in the child. Grandparents wishing to raise a child cannot supersede the child's biological mother. Only if the mother gives up custody do the grandparents have the right to raise the child. Hong Xingwen, tell me, do the evidence I sent you contain anything that could land you in prison for several years? Some things may not seem significant, but you understand the principle of cumulative sentencing, right? If you don't, you can ask your company's legal department. I don't even need to use all of it; just a portion would suffice to achieve my goal. So, I hope you weigh things carefully. Tomorrow, I will personally go to the old house to pick up the children. And while I'm at it, I'll get the divorce certificate."
"Oh, and Father-in-law, I know what you're worried about. Well, I'll stake my future career and prospects as a guarantee. As long as my objective is successfully achieved, I will absolutely not keep any copies of the materials I sent you. I will destroy them all. Rest assured, I have this much integrity!"
After delivering her final threat and guarantee, Ding Yun stood up and left without waiting for a response from the father and son. As for her guarantee, it was indeed genuine because the evidence she sent them was only the less damaging kind. The truly critical evidence was not sent. These were clearly outside the scope of her oath.
(End of Chapter)
Quick Transmigration: The Golden Finger Trial Member.
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