Chapter 453 - 304: Unknown Contract (Part 3)

Su Mo met Zhao Yiming’s gaze and heavily said, "Mammon, and all members of the Fools’ Association, I want them dead."

A sly light flashed in Zhao Yiming’s eyes, and the corners of his lips curled into a dangerous arc. "Young man, trying to take down a company supervisor, you’re quite bold."

After a brief stare-down, Zhao Yiming provided a surprising answer. "Alright, if that’s what you want, so be it."

Su Mo nodded respectfully. "Then what is it you want in return?"

Zhao Yiming: "I want Qi Ling."

Su Mo’s fingers twitched involuntarily.

This unconscious reaction was caught by Zhao Yiming, who smiled meaningfully. "It seems she indeed holds an irreplaceable position in your heart."

"Rest assured, with such good rapport between you young people, how could I bear to separate you?"

"I won’t forcibly bind Qi Ling to the company. I have only one small request—8 hours of her time."

Su Mo frowned in confusion. "8 hours?"

Zhao Yiming: "Yes, 8 hours, fully under my control. During that time, she will not resist anything, nor refuse any request."

Seeing Su Mo’s pupils dilate, Zhao Yiming raised his hand in a calming gesture and smiled. "Don’t think in sordid ways. I’ve always regarded her as a friend; there’s no intention of desecration."

"I assure you, I won’t touch a hair on her head. I just want her cooperation to complete some work tasks, that’s all."

These words left Su Mo in a daze.

Earlier, all the conversation was within Su Mo’s expectations; those humble gestures were just part of playing along with Zhao Yiming.

But Zhao Yiming’s final request took Su Mo by surprise.

Su Mo originally thought Zhao Yiming would ask for long-term contracts beneficial to the company, placement of personnel within Edge, or even demand shares of Edge Technology and so on.

All these could be managed; Su Mo had already devised a counter-strategy.

But... 8 hours of unconditional cooperation from Qi Ling?

Su Mo couldn’t grasp the intention behind this, couldn’t assess the risks, and couldn’t foresee the potential consequences.

For a moment, he was stuck in hesitation.

Zhao Yiming glanced unhurriedly at his watch and said, "You know, I’m very busy with work and don’t have much time to waste here. Why not give a straightforward answer?"

He extended his hand to Su Mo. "8 hours from Qi Ling, in exchange for the conclusion of all this recent turmoil."

Su Mo stared at that hand, his lips pressed together, hesitating to take it.

Suddenly, Zhao Yiming’s expression turned calm. He withdrew his hand and started walking away. "It seems you have other means in mind; I wish you good luck, young man."

Just as Su Mo watched Zhao Yiming’s retreating figure with uncertainty, the miniature communicator hidden in his ear sounded.

"Tap, tap-tap-tap..."

To exchange timely information, Qi Ling and Su Mo both wore these communicators.

The rhythmic tapping sounds were a prearranged encrypted language between them.

Now, these sounds conveyed the message—Agree to him.

"Tap, tap-tap-tap..."

"Tap, tap-tap-tap..."

The tapping sounds kept coming.

[Agree to him]

[Agree to him]

After several repetitions, perhaps sensing Su Mo’s continued hesitation, the tap sequence changed.

"Tap-tap, tap..."

[Trust me]

...

Just as Zhao Yiming was about to leave the tea room, Su Mo’s voice called out, "President Zhao."

Zhao Yiming turned around and saw Su Mo extending his hand.

Su Mo’s eyes were blazing, his voice brimming with unwavering resolve. "8 hours from Qi Ling, in exchange for the end of all this recent turmoil."

Zhao Yiming’s face lit up with a profound smile. He firmly grasped Su Mo’s hand. "Prepare to rise to greater heights, young man."