PB - Chapter 70
Chapter 70
Jin Zhiyu spent half an hour in Qiao Qi’s office discussing work, but he showed no signs of leaving. Qiao Qi simply capped her pen and waited patiently for him to state his true purpose. Jin Zhiyu knew she had seen through him, but not wanting to reveal his hand too quickly, he took another roundabout approach.
“Is Sister Jianchu feeling better? I just got back and haven’t had a chance to see her yet.”
The injuries on Gu Jianchu’s face had faded to the point of being unnoticeable, and the ones on her body had never been severe. However, out of concern for her mental state, Su Jiayin had found her a psychologist, so she was spending most of her time in therapy.
Qiao Qi answered him, “She’s fine.”
Jin Zhiyu remarked with a sigh, “It’s a good thing Sister Qi found out in time.” He added, “The trial officially starts next Monday. Although it’s a closed hearing and the media isn’t allowed, the city is still buzzing about it.”
Qiao Qi’s voice was soft. “Zhiyu, you don’t need to be nervous.”
Jin Zhiyu smiled, revealing a row of teeth. “I’m not exactly nervous, I just can’t remain indifferent. I heard Grandpa found a defense lawyer for Jin Zhihuan who’s aiming for an acquittal.”
An acquittal was impossible for Jin Zhihuan. If he were found not guilty, Gu Mingyi would have to bear an additional charge, which would render his initial move to drag Jin Zhihuan down with him meaningless. Furthermore, Gu Yong was determined to see them both receive heavy sentences. The three sides were locked in a power struggle, evenly matched; no one could expect to walk away unscathed.
Although Old Master Jin had promised her he wouldn’t interfere, it was only natural for a grandfather to hire a lawyer for his grandson. That was why she hadn’t pressed the issue. Of course, the old master understood the intricate web of interests better than he did.
“Zhiyu, it would be understandable if you misunderstood me after this, but please don’t bring those personal feelings into your work.”
Jin Zhiyu paused for a moment, then smiled. “Sister Qi, it’s not that serious. I’m not a child.” He spoke honestly, “If you hadn’t been on guard from the start, you would have been one of the people kidnapped. Jin Zhihuan had malicious intent; he brought this upon himself. I don’t feel sorry for anyone. It’s just that this is the first time something like this has happened in our family, so it’s hard to get used to.”
Qiao Qi nodded and said seriously, “I’m not very used to it either.”
Jin Zhiyu’s smile widened. If Jin Zhihuan hadn’t crossed Qiao Qi’s bottom line this time, she probably wouldn’t have pursued the matter so relentlessly. His loyalty, naturally, was with Qiao Qi. He teased, “It looks like our Sister Qi really treasures Sister Jianchu. So, what should I call Sister Jianchu from now on?” He leaned in, pretending to think. “Sister-in-law? Brother-in-law?”
Before Qiao Qi could cut off his teasing, Gu Jianchu’s voice suddenly rang out. “That depends on which one the Young Master finds easier to say.”
Jin Zhiyu turned to see Gu Jianchu walking in. It was deep winter in Beicheng. Gu Jianchu wore nine-tenths-length wide-leg trousers and high heels, a mock-neck sweater under a caramel-colored cashmere coat. She was tall and slender, her face stunning. His eyes darted around before he said, “Sister-in-law is a bit easier to say.”
Gu Jianchu had been confined to her home for the past two days, so her sudden visit was a surprise even to Qiao Qi. “What are you doing here?”
“I had an appointment with the doctor. I was passing by Ruifeng on my way back, so I came up to see you.”
Jin Zhiyu quickly made for the door, not forgetting to say as he left, “Take your time, sister-in-law. I won’t disturb you.”
After he left, Gu Jianchu asked, “Was he here to sound you out?”
“No.” Qiao Qi shook her head. “Things have been chaotic on that side of the family for the past two days. He’s young and has never been through something like this, so it’s inevitable that he’s nervous and uneasy.” She looked at Gu Jianchu and asked, “Do you want to have dinner together tonight?”
“Why else would I come find you?” Gu Jianchu said, propping her chin on her hand and smiling at Qiao Qi. “Is President Qiao ready to get off work?”
Qiao Qi turned the digital clock on her desk toward her. “Twenty-seven minutes left.” As she spoke, a smile bloomed at the corners of her eyes and brows.
Gu Jianchu didn’t change her posture. Her eyes curved into crescents as she said cheerfully, “Although being kidnapped isn’t a memory worth cherishing, it did provide some new ideas. For example, when a certain president refuses to make time for her girlfriend, it makes her girlfriend want to carry out a kidnapping plan of her own, in exchange for enough time with her.”
Qiao Qi told her in all seriousness, “You are now premeditating a crime. Once your actions constitute a fact, I can call the police and have you arrested.”
Sometimes, meeting one’s match was a joy in life. Gu Jianchu raised an eyebrow and said, “In that case, I’ll have to be very careful. It would be best to make the hostage fall in love with me, her kidnapper.”
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
Gu Jianchu glanced at the digital clock and reminded her, “President Qiao, you have sixteen minutes of work time remaining.”
Sixteen minutes was just enough time to wrap up the day’s work, shut down the computer, and tidy the desk. Gu Jianchu waited until the very last minute before taking her hand and leading her out of the office. President Qiao leaving work right on time was a surprise even to Yao Qiu, who had assumed she would leave as soon as President Gu arrived. The three of them took the elevator down to the first basement level to get their cars. Along the way, Ruifeng employees glanced in their direction, but didn’t dare to stare too openly.
The Rongfang president kidnapping case, which had caused a sensation in Beicheng, finally reached the trial stage. The perpetrator, Lao He, confessed to the crime and testified in court that he had been hired by Gu Mingyi. Gu Mingyi’s side admitted to having been in private contact with Lao He but claimed that he, too, was acting under instructions. They also provided evidence of the source of a massive sixty-million-yuan fund, which matched the unexplained funds in Lao He’s possession.
Jin Zhihuan never imagined he had been set up and had suddenly become the mastermind. To escape blame, Gu Mingyi also revealed the origins of the video and the watch. Jin Zhilan was stunned on the spot. She had indeed provided the watch, but not the video. Her defense then implicated Qi Simiao, but Qi Simiao had already fled the country at the first whiff of danger.
Fortunately, the Jin family’s lawyer was very experienced and accustomed to such defense tactics. Compared to Jin Zhihuan, Gu Mingyi was one of the biggest beneficiaries of Gu Jianchu’s potential demise, so in terms of motive, the judge was more inclined to believe that Gu Mingyi was the mastermind and Jin Zhihuan was an accomplice.
Jin Zhihuan’s lawyer then argued that Gu Mingyi had claimed the loan was for investment purposes, suggesting he had concealed his true intentions. Therefore, Jin Zhihuan was, in fact, completely unaware of how the funds would be used. According to Jin Zhihuan’s side of the story, he was suddenly transformed from an accomplice into a victim.
However, Jin Zhihuan had not anticipated that Gu Mingyi had recorded every phone call they had. Gu Mingyi had initially held back the recordings, planning to pin the blame on him as the mastermind. But seeing Jin Zhihuan trying to absolve himself, he was naturally unwilling to let him succeed. The recordings quickly became the key evidence in the case.
This led to a mutually destructive outcome for both parties. The recordings also confirmed Gu Mingyi’s status as the principal offender. As for Jin Zhilan, her lawyer did his utmost to argue that she had been instigated by others and was unaware of the criminal facts. In the end, the court ruled her offense was minor and only imposed a fine. Jin Zhihuan was not so lucky; as an accomplice, he was sentenced to three years in prison.
Although the hostage in the case was rescued, Lao He’s actions constituted an attempted crime. Since he had other cases being investigated by the police, he was convicted of multiple offenses and sentenced to life imprisonment. Gu Mingyi, as the mastermind who instigated others to commit the crime, was ultimately sentenced to twenty years in prison and fined. The case was closed. Gu Yong successfully extricated himself. As for Qi Simiao, the police classified her as a fugitive.
With the sensational kidnapping scandal finally settled, the stock prices of Ruifeng and Rongfang had fluctuated wildly during this period. This was especially true for Ruifeng; because the person involved was the group’s president, its stock had fallen for several consecutive days. Fortunately, Ruifeng promptly announced a new personnel change, with Vice President Qiao Qi temporarily assuming the role of president, which finally stabilized the turbulent stock market.
After Jin Zhihuan’s downfall, his father repeatedly pleaded with Old Master Jin to no avail. Not only did the old master refuse to help, but he also publicly declared that the Jin family no longer had any connection to Jin Zhihuan. To the outside world, this looked very much like an internal power struggle that Qiao Qi had won.
After visiting Jin Zhihuan in prison, the man’s anger and hatred churned together. He ordered his driver to change course and headed straight for Ruifeng. He stormed in with such fury that Yao Qiu was unable to stop him. He burst into Qiao Qi’s office. Qiao Qi, who had been working, suddenly sensed a dark shadow rushing toward her and quickly stood up to dodge. Once she had regained her footing, she saw that the intruder was her eldest uncle.
Yao Qiu stood protectively in front of her, staring warily at the man. “President Qiao, should I call security?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Qiao Qi said. Then she added, “Uncle, please calm down first. If you can calm down, perhaps we can talk.”
News of the eldest Jin son’s arrival at Ruifeng quickly reached Jin Zhiyu’s ears. He hurried up in the elevator and entered the office just in time to see his uncle about to lunge at Qiao Qi again. He ran over and wrapped his arms around the man, also shouting, “Uncle, calm down!”
“Get off me!” The uncle’s eyes were bloodshot. He glared at Qiao Qi, but his curses were aimed at Jin Zhiyu. “What do you think you are? You think being a director at Ruifeng gives you the right to talk to me like that?”
Jin Zhiyu grew angry. “Uncle, show some respect, and we can still talk like family. It won’t look good for any of us if I have to call security up here.”
A person blinded by hatred can possess explosive strength. The uncle managed to throw Jin Zhiyu to the ground and even aimed a couple of spiteful kicks at him. But Jin Zhiyu was young and reacted quickly, dodging the blows. He got to his feet and moved to block Qiao Qi. Unable to get close for the moment, the uncle’s chest heaved violently, his face contorted with rage.
Qiao Qi’s brow furrowed. Her expression was cold, her eyes devoid of any warmth. “Jin Zhihuan should have thought about these consequences when he first conspired with others to harm me.”
“You’re framing my son! What kind of spell did you cast on the old man to make him listen to everything you say? You’re just a bastard, what right do you have to enter the Jin family and sit here?”
Qiao Qi’s voice was sharp. “My repeated concessions were not an invitation for you to push your luck. Please leave immediately.”
The man, well past fifty, trembled with rage. Gone was any semblance of calm or refinement; all that remained were his unrestrained words. “You’re a bastard! And your sordid affair with that woman from the Gu family… you’re a pervert!”
Qiao Qi’s gaze suddenly turned razor-sharp, her presence overwhelming. “You’d better watch your mouth. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee that things won’t get even worse for Jin Zhilan or Jin Zhihuan.”
“You… you dare.”
Security arrived, having heard the commotion. Qiao Qi had no desire to speak with him further. “Escort him out. And from now on, this person is not to set foot in Ruifeng again.”
“How dare you! Let go of me!” The security guards ignored his shouts and forcibly removed him from Ruifeng. The driver waiting outside saw his disheveled state and lowered his head, not daring to look too closely as he drove him back to the main residence.
Back at the residence, Old Master Jin, who already knew his son had caused a scene at Ruifeng, handed him three plane tickets the moment he returned. “I’ve made arrangements for the three of you in Canada. Leave as soon as possible.”
The uncle had exhausted all his energy trying to humiliate Qiao Qi. Now, he was utterly dejected. “Dad… Dad, you can’t do this. Dad, please save Zhihuan. He’s your eldest grandson!”
The old master grew agitated as well. “If he weren’t my grandson, do you think he would have only gotten a few years?” He sighed. “The fact that Zhilan is unharmed is already a sign of A Qi’s mercy. Don’t be too greedy. Take Zhilan with you and live a quiet life over there. Don’t think about matters in this country anymore. When Zhihuan gets out, I’ll send him over to join you.”
The Jin family members living in the grand residence, though outwardly harmonious, were inwardly estranged. Still, the number of people had at least provided a semblance of false liveliness. Now, with the eldest son’s family leaving for a foreign land, no one could get used to it right away. The vast residence felt empty, despite having lost only four people. Sitting in his study, the old master couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy.
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