"Alright, within a week, I'll gather the five million and return it to him. This matter will end here. Otherwise, I don't mind using the Jin family's connections to fight him to the death. You know how much Jin Ye values me..."
Su Ding threatened coldly. She was willing to return the money, but only if the matter was concluded. She was definitely not a fool to be toyed with.
Five million was the price and proof for her to say goodbye to the past completely!
Shao Lin smiled with satisfaction. "It seems you still care about your reputation. As expected, Su Ding, with your noble character, wouldn't owe that five million. It would tarnish your position as the Jin family's young madam."
"Shao Lin, I'll tell you one thing."
Su Ding interrupted her coldly. "He who does much evil will surely destroy himself. We'll take things one step at a time."
Shao Lin didn't take her words to heart and said impatiently, "I'll send you the account number on WeChat. Remember, five million, all at once, to this card, next week on this very day. Don't pay early, and don't be late."
"Otherwise, you know the consequences."
After speaking, Shao Lin hung up and sent the bank account number.
Su Ding checked and found that the account number didn't belong to Shao Lin at all. It was a newly registered temporary account. It seemed she had planned this long ago.
Next, it was about how to raise five million in cash.
She had some savings from her years of work, but nowhere near five million. She could only use some of her company stocks and her existing real estate and movable assets.
During the day, she worked from home, quickly converting her assets that could be easily liquidated into cash flow, trying her best to gather the money.
It was as if by giving away this five million, that night five years ago would cease to exist.
In the evening, Xin Jiaer called, her voice somewhat weak, "Ding Ding, I miss you."
Hearing Xin Jiaer's lack of her usual vitality, Su Ding quickly asked, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
She guessed that Xin Jiaer was still caught in the shadow of that scumbag.
Actually, this matter had a little to do with her. She had been under a lot of pressure from Shao Lin these days and hadn't paid attention to Jiaer.
"My dad has already pressured Xu Lang's company. Many of his company's original business partners withdrew their investments midway, and now Xu Lang is facing a cash flow crisis, with his company on the verge of bankruptcy..."
Xin Jiaer said mournfully, with a hint of emotion.
Su Ding, afraid that Xin Jiaer would be fooled by the scumbag again, quickly said, "Don't go soft on him. He slept with other women behind your back. Such a scumbag is really not worth it. The most disgusting thing is that he uses your money to support other women."
"Mmm, I haven't gone soft. Such a scumbag doesn't deserve my sadness!" Xin Jiaer agreed, then sighed again. "But everywhere I go recently, I see him."
"Is he stalking you?" Su Ding frowned.
"Yes, he's still lingering around my house. I don't want to worry my dad, so I haven't told him. But now I really don't know what to do. I don't even dare to go out anymore," Xin Jiaer said, her voice choking.
Su Ding became anxious upon hearing this.
Someone like Xu Lang, now at his wit's end, would eventually make a move, even if he wasn't hurting Xin Jiaer now.
"How about this, I'll go pick you up." She stood up and prepared to change. "Wait for me, I'll have the driver bring bodyguards to pick you up. I'm resting at home these days, and I'd like some company."
"Ah... maybe not. I'm afraid of Mr. Jin," Xin Jiaer just wanted to vent to Su Ding, she didn't intend to ask for help.
Besides, seeing Mr. Jin's stern and indifferent face scared her into silence. She felt more at ease at home, but...
She was still a little scared.
Su Ding said sternly, "What if Xu Lang hurts you? Don't worry, there are many rooms at home. It's fine. You can stay for a couple of days before leaving. He's watching you now, and I'm worried."
Xin Jiaer was touched and had no choice but to agree.
Actually, she had another troubling matter, but she didn't want to tell Su Ding, which was that she had accidentally slept with Xue Zhi Qiao.
This accident, she hoped, would never be known by anyone.
Su Ding put on her coat and called Jin Ye to inform him. Jin Ye arranged for two bodyguards to accompany her and had the driver take her.
Just as she was about to leave, a maid came to inform her, "Mr. Xue is here to visit."
Xue Zhi Qiao?
Su Ding was taken aback and had to postpone her departure. "Let him in."
Xue Zhi Qiao wore a casual wool coat. His proportions were excellent, and his handsome face wore a smile. He was also carrying some tonics.
"Su Ding, are you going out?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," Su Ding smiled, took the items from him, and handed them to the maid. "Sit down."
"Where are you going? It's so late. Isn't Mr. Jin home?"
"No, he hasn't returned yet. I was just planning to pick Jiaer up when you arrived."
Su Ding poured him a cup of tea.
Upon hearing Xin Jiaer's name, Xue Zhi Qiao's expression suddenly changed.
That name had been lingering in his mind these past few days. The deep sense of guilt was suffocating him. He didn't even know how to resolve it. Fortunately, Su Ding didn't notice his abnormality.
He unnaturally lowered his eyes, obscuring his reaction, and took a sip of tea. "She, what's wrong?"
"That scumbag is loitering outside her house, bothering her. I'm worried and want to pick her up," Su Ding explained.
Xue Zhi Qiao frowned. He had seen the scumbag grabbing her arm and trying to forcibly drag her away last time. Now he's targeting her again?
If that scumbag was determined to make a move, that girl would surely not escape.
Su Ding glanced at the time and was about to speak when she heard Xue Zhi Qiao say, "You're still in the early stages of pregnancy, so it's best to avoid any accidents. I'll go."
Su Ding felt a little embarrassed. After all, it was her best friend, and it wasn't good to always trouble Xue Zhi Qiao.
"Ah? It's okay, I'll bring bodyguards..."
"I'll go. She can't hide with you forever. I'll help her deal with that man."
Xue Zhi Qiao stood up, his expression somewhat serious. "It's so late now, you should stay at home. I'll call Xin Jiaer right away."
He picked up his phone and dialed.
Xin Jiaer's first response was with a bad attitude, "What is it!"
Xue Zhi Qiao glanced at Su Ding from the corner of his eye, subconsciously touched his nose, and turned away. "I'm coming to pick you up now. Is that person downstairs at your place?"
"Isn't Ding Ding coming?" Xin Jiaer sounded a little reluctant.
"Okay, I know you care about Su Ding. I'll go find you now." Xue Zhi Qiao didn't answer her question at all. After he finished speaking, he hung up the phone.
Xin Jiaer on the other end: ??? Did he mishear?
At this moment, Su Xiao Rui ran downstairs holding a teddy bear. "Mommy, you haven't told me a story yet~"
Before Su Ding could speak, Xue Zhi Qiao picked up Su Xiao Rui. "Little Rui darling, did you miss me?"
"Ah! Uncle Zhi Qiao! Why are you here! I missed you so much~" Su Xiao Rui hugged Xue Zhi Qiao's neck and nuzzled him affectionately.
Su Ding chuckled and shook her head.
Xue Zhi Qiao played with Su Xiao Rui for a while, then placed her next to Su Ding. "You two should rest early. I'm leaving."
"Okay, call me when you arrive." Su Ding had no choice but to escort him to the door.
"Okay." Xue Zhi Qiao waved to Su Xiao Rui and got into the car.