Shen Qingqing and Father Gao arrived at the study.
Father Gao sat in his chair, his gaze fixed on her. "Why do you have that document?"
Shen Qingqing blinked. "Are we just going to talk like this? I'm a guest, after all."
No refreshments were offered, not even tea.
Father Gao stared at her for a long time before finally instructing a servant to bring tea and pastries. "It was my oversight. Forgive my lack of hospitality."
Shen Qingqing smiled slightly, magnanimous. "I have a good temper, and I'm a very understanding person. I won't hold it against you."
Father Gao narrowed his eyes. "Miss Shen, are you satisfied now?"
Shen Qingqing raised an eyebrow. "It's acceptable."
Father Gao clasped his hands on the desk. "Then can Miss Shen tell me why this plot of land is in your possession?"
"I know your company has a project going on lately and has taken a liking to this plot of land," Shen Qingqing said, not wanting to beat around the bush. "So I specifically had someone investigate its value. It's very expensive, but for me, anything with profit is worth it, no matter the cost."
Father Gao heard another layer to her words. "Did you acquire this land specifically to find me? I didn't realize I held such importance for Miss Shen."
She had actually gone to such lengths to acquire land for him?
"What does Mr. Gao think?" Shen Qingqing neither confirmed nor denied, her expression inscrutable, making it impossible to fathom her thoughts.
Father Gao stared at her for a long time. Thinking of the recent events, he felt exhausted and no longer wanted to play cat and mouse. "Just tell me directly. What will it take for you to sell me this land?"
Shen Qingqing propped her chin with one hand, her fair fingertips lightly brushing the surface of the teacup. "Actually, Mr. Gao, you should understand even if I don't say it."
"For Gao Jian." Mr. Gao was confused. "What is your relationship? Why are you helping him like this?"
"That seems to be my private matter."
Shen Qingqing lowered her gaze slightly, appearing unwilling to elaborate.
Father Gao didn't press further. He took a deep breath, feeling a bit thirsty. He loosened his tie and took a sip of tea, the suffocating thirst slowly receding. "I can tell you the truth, but you must let me have this plot of land."
"Deal."
Father Gao looked down at his teacup. "My son was kidnapped a week ago."
"Gao Xu?"
"Yes."
When Mr. Gao heard the news that day, it was like a bolt from the blue. He still felt shaken. "Coincidentally, Gao Jian returned that day. Our family reported it to the police, momentarily setting aside our grievances, and worked together to find Xu'er."
"Has he been rescued?"
Father Gao gritted his teeth. "He was found, but the kidnapper who took Xue'er claimed to be acting on Gao Jian's orders. The police were all there and heard it clearly. He has been taken to the police station."
"You believe it too?" Shen Qingqing asked.
"What can I do if I don't believe it?" Father Gao's voice rose slightly. "All the police heard it. The kidnapper was very clear, and the police found evidence. What difference does it make if I believe it or not?"
Shen Qingqing immediately asked, "What evidence?"
Father Gao refused to elaborate. "Whatever the evidence is, it has nothing to do with you. Shen Qingqing, can you fulfill your promise to me?"
"Of course." Since Shen Qingqing had agreed, she wouldn't go back on her word. She took another document from her bag and placed it on the table.
It was a land transfer agreement.
The price was very reasonable. She was selling it for the exact amount she had paid for it, making no profit or loss. Father Gao paused slightly upon seeing the price.
Under the signature area, Shen Qingqing's name was already signed. Father Gao slowly picked up his pen and signed his name as the party of the second part.
"I estimated that developing this plot of land would cost at least 50 million yuan," Shen Qingqing said, standing up and slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Mr. Gao, would you like to consider cooperating with me to develop this land?"
Father Gao's eyes flickered.
What she said was true. After he had set his sights on this plot of land, he had immediately had people estimate the potential profits from its development and the initial investment required.
With his company's current liquid capital, it was barely enough. If any problems arose later, he would likely struggle to cope.
Shen Qingqing looked at him with some doubt. "Also, I have a question for you. If developing this land is already so difficult, why insist on taking it?"
A hint of ambition, uncharacteristic of him, appeared on Father Gao's usually composed face. "Some things are worth taking a risk for."
Shen Qingqing found some sense in his words. "You have a point. Then, consider it. If you can't handle it alone, I can cooperate with you."
"Let's forget it. Thank you for your kind offer, but I prefer to try things on my own." Father Gao couldn't deny that cooperating with her would bring significant benefits in the future.
But it also meant that if they collaborated, their interests would naturally be divided equally.
Shen Qingqing didn't insist. "Then I'll take my leave."
At the doorway, she suddenly turned back to Father Gao and asked a seemingly unrelated question.
"Now that we are partners, if I come to your house again, no one will stop me from entering, will they?"
"Certainly not."
Seeing the contract, Mr. Gao realized the extent of this woman's capabilities. She could acquire such an expensive plot of land on a whim.
With her decisiveness and capital, he could no longer allow his wife to keep her away.
Shen Qingqing left.
She went to the police station.
Upon seeing Gao Jian, Shen Qingqing first took in his appearance. Although his face was somewhat haggard and his hair disheveled, his clothes were neat, but he looked rather thin.
Shen Qingqing gestured to the microphone beside her and picked up her own. "Are you alright?"
Gao Jian gave a wry smile. "I don't know how to answer that. How can anyone be alright in a place like this?"
Shen Qingqing remained silent.
Gao Jian forced a smile. "But it's good that no one is giving me a hard time here. You don't need to worry. You know I'm here... Did you go to my house?"
"Yes."
"How is my brother?"
Shen Qingqing had expected that after hearing she had been to his house, his first question would be about his father's attitude. Instead, he was concerned about his brother.
"I didn't see him, so I don't know if he's well. But children who are kidnapped often suffer psychological trauma..."
She thought of Chenchen, and her expression turned somber.
"What's wrong? Did something happen at my house?"
Seeing her expression, Gao Jian misinterpreted it, his concern evident.
Shen Qingqing quickly said, "No, I was just thinking about my family. My family has nothing to do with yours. Don't worry about them, they are all fine. The most difficult situation is yours right now."