"Lishu, it seems to be an unfamiliar number," Li Na said, handing the phone to Chen Lishu with trembling hands.
Chen Lishu glanced at the phone, then pressed the answer button. A processed voice soon came from the other end: "If you want to save the person, then deliver the ransom to the abandoned factory on the outskirts of the West District!"
Chen Lishu calmly asked, "We can give you the ransom of one million, but when can you release her? We need to ensure the hostage is safe right now!"
"Think she's safe? Come on, say hello to them!" After the man on the phone finished speaking, Li Xiuli's pained wails could be heard from beside him.
Chen Lishu's brow furrowed tightly. She coldly threatened, "If you are only after money, I advise you not to act rashly. If anything happens to this old lady, I cannot guarantee your personal safety.
Before kidnapping this person, I believe you must have investigated our identities. You should know that our influence makes it very simple for us to find someone, even if it means searching every corner of the capital."
The man on the phone was silent for a moment after hearing Chen Lishu's words. Then, he commanded the subordinate behind him, "Alright, stop hitting her. If anything really happens to this woman, how will we get this million?"
After speaking, the man continued, "One million, delivered to the place I mentioned. If you dare to play any tricks, I guarantee you'll never see this old woman again in your life!"
After that, the call was hung up.
Chen Lishu picked up her phone and took a look, then stared deeply at Li Na and said, "Keep the phone with me for now. When people on the other side call, I can receive it immediately and analyze the situation.
Don't worry, I promise you I will rescue your mother. By the way, do your family members know about this? If not, hurry back and report that you are safe. I can arrange a car to take you.
I have another thousand yuan here. Take it. If you feel unwell at any time, remember to go to the hospital or use this money to buy something to eat and recuperate."
With that, Chen Lishu handed the thousand yuan to Li Na.
Li Na saw the money in her hand and tears streamed down her face. She looked up at Chen Lishu with a choked voice and said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! You didn't hold a grudge against me for how I treated you before, and you even gave me money to use. You are truly a good person.
I will never forget your great kindness. Don't worry, if my mother is rescued, I will definitely repay you by being your loyal servant and will never oppose you again. I have children at home, so I won't stay overnight. If you need anything, just ask me."
After speaking, Li Na, with red and swollen eyes, turned and left the siheyuan.
Chen Lishu turned and exchanged glances with Gu Xingdong, then silently returned to the room.
Around three o'clock in the morning, the family gathered in the basement again.
"What are your thoughts on what happened this morning?" the old man asked, leaning on his cane, his face serious as he looked at everyone below.
He Zinian propped his head with one hand, his face a mask of indifference born from seeing through the truth with disdain: "I don't think this matter is credible. Firstly, as a kidnapper, how could they act so casually without understanding the situation?
If Li Xiuli's relationship with your family was very good, I would find this matter plausible. However, her family has done so many evil deeds to frame Lishu.
The incident a while ago where Lishu kicked Li Xiuli's family out of the siheyuan caused quite a stir. At that time, some people online even said Lishu was ruthless.
I'm wondering, with things having gotten so tense, why would this kidnapper abduct Li Xiuli to threaten us?"
"Can this brat speak more seriously? There's no evidence now, and you're pushing all the blame onto them. Have you considered Xingdong..." Elder He did not finish his sentence but glared fiercely at He Zinian, his meaning obvious.
He Zinian pouted, unsure what his father meant. The other party had already plotted against Lishu. As the saying goes, it's better to kill a thousand by mistake than let one go. Besides, he wasn't talking nonsense; everything had a trace.
Just then, Gu Xingdong, who had been silent, spoke up: "I think Zinian's analysis is reasonable. I listened carefully to that phone call just now. Although the man's voice was processed through special technology, some of the background noise couldn't be eliminated.
There were sounds of wind and sand blowing intermittently, indicating that the other party was in a rather open area. The weather in the capital these days has been gloomy, but even when making calls outdoors, one wouldn't hear such strong winds.
Based on years of experience, the other party is likely in the suburban areas. Combined with the transaction location they mentioned, it means they are likely lying in wait there.
Although that suburban area is vast, the Kyoto government has been intending to develop that area over the years, and staff members frequently visit. Logically speaking, those kidnappers wouldn't make such a big fuss."
After listening to Gu Xingdong's analysis, Chen Lishu immediately summarized the key points: "You mean Li Xiuli's cries of pain might have been pre-recorded?"
Gu Xingdong shook his head, his expression somewhat complex, "I can't be sure about that."
He Zinian, upon hearing this, immediately looked at the couple with curiosity and asked, "So what are your thoughts as a couple on this matter? Are you still going to rescue her, or let the other party fend for themselves?
Could their motive be to drive a wedge between you two? If Lishu strongly opposes this matter, and Xingdong later feels Lishu is cruel and unreasonable, leading to conflict and a difference in values, then Zhang Wan'er only needs to step forward at this time to support Xingdong's plan to successfully capture the man's heart!"
By the end, a flicker of excitement flashed in He Zinian's eyes, as if he had seen through all the causes and effects!
Gu Xingdong listened to He Zinian's analysis and said indifferently, "If that were the case, I can only say they are overthinking. No matter what decision Lishu makes, I will support her. Moreover, Lishu is not deliberately making things difficult for them; they were unreasonable first!"