Zhu Lao San's eyes flickered, and he said as if joking, "As far as I know, Tang Guo has absconded with the money this time. As long as she can afford the price, I'm naturally willing to help you, who wouldn't when you've been kind to me!"
His words were intended to probe how much money Tang Guo had in her hands, to see if he could profit from the situation. He had no intention of using it as a bargaining chip.
The bargaining chip he wanted was not this. This profit was too small, not enough for him to risk being discovered and making a move.
Tang Shi Tong dared not acknowledge this kindness, lest he anger Zhu Lao San. He put on a bitter smile and said, "How much money would it take to hire Master Zhu for one act?"
Zhu Lao San unceremoniously held up a hand. "Ten million. Don't say you don't have it; Tang Guo alone must have at least ten million!"
"..."
Tang Shi Tong gasped, ten million. If this were in the past, he could easily gather it. But now that the Tang family had fallen, it was difficult for him to come up with ten million. If it were his niece, it wouldn't be difficult, but if she couldn't be released, it would all be in vain.
Moreover, Zhu Lao San's rule was to take the money first and then act. Where could he get ten million to place before Zhu Lao San?
However, this figure was indeed too large. This Zhu Lao San truly showed no regard for their past connection. If he hadn't discovered it in time last time and saved him, he didn't know how much suffering he would have endured.
Indeed, it was like dealing with a tiger; there was no benefit, only harm.
"I don't have it on hand for now, but Guoguo definitely does. How about you help me get her out first, and I'll pay you afterwards?" Tang Shi Tong was out of options. He only had Zhu Lao San as an ally here. Although this ally was not easy to deal with, they at least had some history.
Zhu Lao San did not like to hear this. What did he mean by helping them get someone out first? He wanted money before acting. Without money, he wouldn't do it.
"You'd better find your own way! I, Zhu Lao San, do not do transactions after the fact; I only do cash transactions." Zhu Lao San was a greedy person by nature and would not do anything that involved payment after the action, not even for Tang Shi Tong, who had saved his life.
Besides, even without Tang Shi Tong's intervention last time, he wouldn't have died, so the life-saving favor had some reservations.
"..." Tang Shi Tong's face darkened, and a lump of frustration lodged in his throat, making him uncomfortable.
He had come precisely to get Zhu Lao San's help, only to find that Zhu Lao San gave him no consideration and insisted on receiving money before helping to get someone out.
This made things difficult. Due to his work, he didn't have much money under his name. The money the Tang family earned in the provincial capital was mostly with his niece.
Zhu Lao San quietly watched Tang Shi Tong struggle, leisurely smoking his cigarette, his calculations running wild in his mind.
The formula for the ingredients the Tang family had given him last time had been researched. The value of that formula alone was worth tens of millions.
Since Tang Shi Tong couldn't come up with the money this time, he could just give him this formula. This was what he truly wanted. Once something fell into his, Zhu Lao San's, hands, there was no reason for a fifty-fifty split.
He was unwilling to share the profits with the Tang family. This was the perfect opportunity to make them let go completely.
"Master Zhu, why don't you show me a way out!" Tang Shi Tong snapped back to attention, seeing that Zhu Lao San seemed to be lost in thought, and interrupted him.
Zhu Lao San returned to himself, extinguished his cigarette, and said, "It's not that there's no way, but you might not agree."
"Tell me first," Tang Shi Tong knew from his words that he had set his sights on something they possessed. He felt bitter but had to go along with his wishes. After all, he had no other recourse but to have Zhu Lao San make a move.
For his niece, he was helpless and would offer anything if he could.
"We originally agreed on a fifty-fifty split for the formula last time. If you are willing to give this fifty-fifty split exclusively to me, Zhu Lao San, I will make a move. What do you say?" Zhu Lao San was confident that Tang Shi Tong would agree, seeing his demeanor. Then he wouldn't have to share money with them anymore and could enjoy it all himself. It was wonderful.
"Okay, I agree. We can sign a new contract now. When can my Guoguo be released?" So Zhu Lao San had this idea. It was just a formula for an ingredient, and it was obtained from Zhang Liunian. There was nothing to be reluctant about.
Tang Shi Tong was not in the food industry and did not know the value of the formula, so he gave it away easily. But Zhu Lao San knew!
However, he would never reveal it. He was naturally happy to not have to give away a single cent.
"Go down and prepare the contract, and also a good meal. We'll have dinner together after signing," Zhu Lao San turned and instructed his subordinates to arrange the contract and the meal. The subordinates immediately responded and went to carry out the task.
After his subordinates left, Zhu Lao San finally answered Tang Shi Tong's most pressing question, "Don't worry, I'll make sure to get her out before the night after tomorrow."
Tang Shi Tong's face lit up with joy, and he quickly said, "In a few days, I will bring her to thank you personally."
"Oh, speaking of which, I haven't seen Tang Guo for a long time. I wonder if she's still as captivating as before."
"Master Zhu, Guoguo is my niece. I attach great importance to her life events. Don't have any ideas about her." Tang Shi Tong's heart skipped a beat, fearing that Zhu Lao San might have designs on his niece.
Who in this provincial capital didn't know that Zhu Lao San was lecherous and wanted whatever he liked?
If his niece fell into his sights, wouldn't she be ruined? Not only would her purity be compromised, but her future would also be uncertain.
"You're overthinking it. I don't like restless women. I prefer stealing other people's women," Zhu Lao San stated his preferences directly, leaving Tang Shi Tong unsure of what to say.
"Let's go, let's sign the contract and have dinner." Seeing that Tang Shi Tong didn't know what to say, Zhu Lao San stood up and walked out of the room first.
Tang Shi Tong followed closely behind him, personally completed the contract, and had a meal with him.
"Are you planning to leave the provincial capital tomorrow?" That evening, at the dinner table in their new home, Jiang Qingqing's heart tightened when she heard her husband mention that he had to go on another business trip, and the chopsticks holding food almost slipped from her grasp.
In an unfamiliar place, Jiang Qingqing felt very insecure and only wanted to stay by her husband's side.
Zhang Liunian noticed his wife's unusual expression, put down his chopsticks, and pulled her into his arms. "Do you not want to be alone here?"
"..." Jiang Qingqing held her chopsticks, not knowing what to say, and lowered her head in silence. If one looked at her face, they would see that she did have this intention.
Sensing her thoughts, Zhang Liunian held her tighter and said, "Zhu Lao San appeared energetic today. I'm afraid he might make a move on you again, so I plan to take you with me."
"Really?" Jiang Qingqing's eyes lit up when she heard that her husband wanted to take her with him. She looked at Zhang Liunian as if seeking a definitive answer.
Zhang Liunian smiled, reached out, and flicked her nose. "Of course, it's true. Is there anything false about this?"
He had originally planned to take his wife with him, but before he could say anything, he saw his wife's mood was off.
Seeing her husband nod seriously, Jiang Qingqing believed that her husband genuinely wanted her to accompany him. She immediately hugged her husband's neck and leaned in to give his handsome face a kiss. "Liunian, you're so good."