Chapter Three: Three Hundred Thousand Is Not Hush Money

If regulators receive a signed complaint tonight, does that issuance still happen on schedule?” Zhou's eyelid twitched. This was the commercial opportunity Zero had identified. Three hundred thousand was not the value of the evidence. It was the value of Hanhai's time at this exact moment. “You're extorting us.” “I'm requesting three hundred thousand in unpaid compensation, damages for unlawful termination, and legal costs, plus a public withdrawal of the false risk designation.” Chen pushed over an itemized calculation. Every line cited labor law. “I also retain the right to pursue the fabrication of electronic evidence. This is settlement, not silence.” Zhou stared at him before leaving the room.