Chapter Three: The Cheapest Entrance

“Chairman Gu will restore your job, release your service charges, and pay fifty thousand.” He offered an envelope. “Withdraw the report and confirm the wine transfer was ordinary.” “What about everyone else's service charges?” “You're about to be rich. Why care about them?” Behind the glass door, Ajay and several servers watched. Cheng wanted them to see Lin take the money. Inside the envelope was no cash, but a $50,000 “confidential consulting agreement.” Signing would make Lin part of the related-party scheme. He raised it under the security camera and read every clause aloud. Cheng lunged. Lin stepped back, sealed the contract in a transparent takeout bag, marked the time, and handed it to Su as she arrived.