Chapter Three: Three Hundred Thousand Is Not Hush Money

“Which is why we go.” She rose and brushed glass from her coat. “If it was chance, we shouldn't be intimidated. If it wasn't, we cannot let them know we're afraid.” At four, they entered the thirty-sixth floor of Hanhai's Linjiang headquarters. Zhou Xiao sat across a long table with three corporate lawyers. Clouds hung low beyond the windows. Gu Chengzhou was absent, although a cup of coffee still steamed before the head chair, suggesting someone had just left. “One hundred thousand demonstrates considerable goodwill,” lead counsel said, sliding over the agreement. “The risk flag will be removed upon signature. You will destroy every copy of Zero and acknowledge that the dispute resulted from your personal misunderstanding.”