Xia Qing Tian froze when she heard Mr. Gu's words, immediately opening the file in front of her and flipping through its pages.
As if considering Xia Qing Tian's lack of relevant knowledge in this area, Mr. Gu meticulously underlined problematic data with red lines.
With these reminders, Xia Qing Tian could also discern the trickery in the flow of funds.
Xia Qing Tian looked on silently for a long time. Mr. Gu did not rush her, only walking to the side to retrieve coffee beans and a grinder.
“If this stuff is handed over, will Song Jun Han have to go back to prison?” Xia Qing Tian placed the finished file on the table and asked, “Can this stuff get him a death sentence?”
“According to the Criminal Law, the maximum sentence is five to ten years of imprisonment, plus a fine of five to twenty percent of the laundered amount. It won't be a death sentence,” Mr. Gu asked, “Would you like a latte or an Americano?”
“Latte, please,” Xia Qing Tian pressed, “How did you get this?”
“Just some minor methods that can’t be brought into the open,” Mr. Gu didn’t answer directly, only placing a latte in front of Xia Qing Tian before returning to his seat opposite her with his coffee cup. “This stuff can’t be used as evidence for now; it’s enough that you and I know.”
“Why are you showing me this?” Xia Qing Tian’s gaze shifted to Mr. Gu.
“You witnessed a car accident by the roadside, and the person who was hit was Song Jun Han, right?” Mr. Gu placed another document in front of Xia Qing Tian. “But that car and the hit-and-run driver were arranged by Song Jun Han to deal with you, correct?”
“You’ve investigated very thoroughly,” Xia Qing Tian met Mr. Gu’s gaze directly, a faint smile playing on her lips. “That’s right.”
“My passing by then was an accident, but it also coincidentally made me a witness,” Mr. Gu looked at Xia Qing Tian. “Does this count as fate between us?”
“If you say it does, then it does,” Xia Qing Tian shrugged indifferently. “But even if you know these things, it’s not of much use, is it?”
“So much time has passed, Mr. Gu, do you really think you can threaten me with this?”
Xia Qing Tian felt she was increasingly unable to fathom the man before her.
“You have a grudge against Song Jun Han,” Mr. Gu said, looking at Xia Qing Tian. “I also have some issues with Song Jun Han’s money laundering organization. Let’s cooperate.”
“Cooperate?” Xia Qing Tian narrowed her eyes slightly. “The famous Mr. Gu wants to cooperate with me? I’m just a small fry under you; how can I be worthy? Do I deserve it?”
“You want to withdraw from the entertainment industry and resign, don’t you?” Mr. Gu did not directly answer Xia Qing Tian’s question, instead saying, “Let me guess the reason?”
“I’ve simply had enough of the entertainment industry. After all, I do have a CEO father, so I won’t starve and don’t need to struggle and endure criticism in the entertainment industry,” Xia Qing Tian said indifferently.
“You feel it’s difficult to achieve your goals in the entertainment industry within a limited time,” Mr. Gu ignored Xia Qing Tian’s words and continued. “You urgently wish to become strong enough to protect those you care about.”
“Although you do have a CEO father, in your plans, the Xia Corporation is just a temporary stepping stone. Your ambitions are definitely not limited to being a pampered househusband.”
“You have ambition, you have capability, but you lack a clear direction and professional deployment,” Mr. Gu said, looking at Xia Qing Tian. “By cooperating with me, not only can Gu Corporation and Xia Corporation achieve a win-win, but we can also get what we need. What do you say?”
Admittedly, Mr. Gu’s words were quite tempting.
However, Xia Qing Tian was still hesitant due to the trust that had already been fractured.
“Friendship may not last forever, but interests are always the best driver for stable relationships,” Mr. Gu seemed to know Xia Qing Tian’s concerns and said, “The enemy of my enemy is my best friend.”
“But how do I know I’m not playing with fire?” Xia Qing Tian asked, looking at Mr. Gu.
“Trust me, if I were that tiger, you wouldn’t have the possibility of sitting here safely,” Mr. Gu offered a meaningful smile.
Hearing Mr. Gu say this, Xia Qing Tian pursed her lips. Though displeased, she could not refute it.
After all, he was Mr. Gu.
“There’s no free lunch, Mr. Gu. Please state your demands first,” Xia Qing Tian looked at Mr. Gu and said.
“Dealing with intelligent people is indeed very easy,” Mr. Gu chuckled. “Agree to three things for me.”
“The first thing is, abandon the idea of withdrawing from the entertainment industry.”
“But I…” Xia Qing Tian was about to refuse when Mr. Gu interrupted her.
“The legal department can sign a new contract with you, allowing for a semi-retirement. Only when you wish to take on work will suitable jobs be arranged for you. You will have absolute freedom in allocating your time. However, correspondingly, your previous contract's validity will be extended to ten years.”
“Ten years?” Xia Qing Tian thought for a moment and said, “That’s too long?”
“Within ten years, it is all time you can freely allocate. Even if you don’t take on any work during these ten years, Gu Entertainment will not interfere. Other terms within the contract will remain the same as they are now; they will not change.”
“Alright, I agree to the first condition,” Xia Qing Tian nodded.
“The second thing is, you will lead the new energy project cooperation with Xia Corporation.”
“I can’t make this decision, can I?” Xia Qing Tian felt Mr. Gu was making things difficult for her.
After all, it was just a resort project, and the directors of Xia Corporation were acting as if their lives were at stake, protesting every step of the way.
Not to mention the current hottest national-level new energy project.
Would those old foxes who only move when they see benefits readily agree?
“This depends on your ability. As my partner, you should be able to handle this. Of course, if you think you can’t, I won’t force you; lowering the standard is not impossible.”
Mr. Gu held his coffee cup, looking at Xia Qing Tian with a half-smile, raising his eyebrows slightly. “What? Do you need me to lower the standard?”
Using a provocation tactic, huh?
Xia Qing Tian snorted lightly. “Fine, I agree to this matter as well.”
“The third thing,” Mr. Gu put down his coffee cup, looking at Xia Qing Tian seriously, his expression solemn.
Finally, the real matter is about to be addressed?
From the initial calculation of concealing his identity to the subsequent step-by-step planning.
This Mr. Gu did not hesitate to humble himself to cook for her, and even offered such a good project to Xia Corporation.
Xia Qing Tian had known for a long time that Mr. Gu had an ulterior motive.
Come on, just say it.
Let her know what this Mr. Gu is after!
“Call me Mobius,” Mr. Gu said, looking at Xia Qing Tian.
“???”