Understanding everything, Hao Shuai wasn’t as worried, after all, it was a plan, Tang Jingjing shouldn’t be in any real danger. However, in any case, spending five million for a good future seemed worth it to Hao Shuai.
About twenty minutes later, Hao Shuai appeared at the abandoned flour factory.
It was completely empty inside, looking somewhat eerie and quite frightening. Normally, no one would dare to come here alone; even without bad people around, the eerie setting would still be scary.
At this moment, Hao Shuai’s phone rang again, and he quickly picked it up.
"Hello, where is the person? I’m already at the flour factory, hurry and bring the person over, I need to verify." Hao Shuai was in character, whether it was real or fake, this step had to be properly executed.
If his guess was wrong, this would still be a safer move; the first step was to see the person, then save them, that’s the basic procedure.
As for this five million, whether he sees it or not, it doesn’t matter.
"Haha, why are you in a rush? I will definitely let you see the person, but only after I see the money," the other party said with a laugh.
"I’ve already prepared the stuff, hurry and bring the person out."
Hao Shuai didn’t want to waste any more time with these kidnappers. Even in a kidnapping, there should be some professional ethics. Having done it himself before, he knew there was no need for so much talk—a straight exchange of money for the goods.
As soon as Hao Shuai finished speaking, four masked men appeared at the warehouse door of the flour factory, two holding guns, while the leader was empty-handed.
The other one was holding a woman wrapped in a black cloth, her face unseen, but Hao Shuai knew it must be Tang Jingjing.
Hao Shuai quickly walked over, also warily looking around, some kidnappers might not only be after money but might also want to silence witnesses.
Although his previous assumptions seemed logical, in this world, what’s logical isn’t always true; there’s also a possibility of the unexpected.
If things didn’t go as expected, he would lose everything.
For Hao Shuai, who seeks perfection, he didn’t dare take this risk, staying alert just in case.
Even if Tang Jingjing ended up in trouble, as long as he could escape, there was still hope. After all, without the Celestial Wolf Gang, if pushed to the brink, his father, Hao Dahai, might use his ultimate weapon.
"Bring the money over."
"Bring the person over."
"Haha, do you think you have the right to negotiate with me?"
"You have so many people, are you really afraid of just me?"
After the two exchanged a few words, one of the masked men pushed the woman forward and removed the hood. As expected, Hao Shuai immediately recognized Tang Jingjing.
Tang Jingjing appeared evidently excited upon seeing Hao Shuai.
How could she not be excited?
In such dangerous times, Hao Shuai showing up first was truly a moment of warmth.
"Xiaojing, don’t be afraid, I’m here to save you."
Seeing Tang Jingjing, Hao Shuai felt relieved and told the head kidnapper, "I’ve got the money ready, five million, not a penny less, a clear exchange of money for the goods."
The head kidnapper signaled one of his gun-toting lackeys to check the suitcase, verifying its authenticity.
A short while later, the lackey nodded, indicating that the money was there.
The leader then signaled another to push the person forward.
Hao Shuai quickly caught her, untying the rope on Tang Jingjing and ripping off the tape on her mouth.
"Hao Shuai, I was so scared, finally I can see you." Tang Jingjing was indeed scared, kidnapped by a gang of masked men and taken to such a place, anyone would be frightened.
"Don’t be afraid, I’m here."
Hao Shuai holding Tang Jingjing felt a sudden sense of belonging; he’d spent his life scheming yet had never been loved. Although Tang Jingjing was a pawn in his plan, these days he truly felt an unprecedented joy.
So, life could be lived , showing that there were such moments of heart-pounding delight in his life.
"Alright, let’s leave before we talk."
Hao Shuai didn’t know if things were as he thought, leaving was the safest bet.
Tang Jingjing was a bit frightened too; the place was so eerie, if anything happened, there really would be nothing they could do, and her father probably didn’t even know she was in trouble.
This was the contact name the kidnappers saw on her phone, which was why they called Hao Shuai.
As the two turned to walk away, suddenly a voice sounded from behind.
Hao Shuai froze, then realized things were not simple, he had a feeling these people wouldn’t let him go so easily, and now it seemed true.
"Boss, is there still something you need? I’ve given the money, please uphold some professional ethics," Hao Shuai said honestly.
"Haha, you should know what kind of place this is; I’ve changed my mind, I want to have some fun with you," the head kidnapper said with a cold laugh.
"Sorry, I’m not into games. If there’s nothing else, I’d like to leave. Bye!" Hao Shuai said, then took off with Tang Jingjing.
They had barely taken two steps when they heard two gunshots from behind, the sound of guns being pointed at them.
"Do you think you can run? To tell you the truth, there are two more guys outside waiting with guns, one step out and you’re dead on the spot!"
The leader said playfully, "Only one of you can live, choose for yourselves."
He then slid a handgun across the ground and continued, "This gun has only one bullet, meant to kill your woman or yourself. I know you want to use it to kill me, but if you do, both of you will die."
With that, the head kidnapper and the three other masked men were all pointing their guns at Hao Shuai and Tang Jingjing.
With three guns pointed at them and two snipers hidden outside, this move was impossible. Although Hao Shuai thought this might be Tang Xiao’s prank, he couldn’t rule out an accident.
If this were real, both of them would die here.
After hesitating, Hao Shuai picked up the gun, feeling a bit panicked; if this were real, shooting himself meant Jingjing would live, offering him no benefit.
But if it were fake, naturally, he wouldn’t die and would gain Tang Xiao’s trust.
"Hao Shuai, do it, so you can continue living and avenge me; as long as you live well, that’s enough."
Hao Shuai never imagined Tang Jingjing would say such words.