Chapter Four: The Credit of Twenty-Seven People

“Neither,” Lin said. “I want to buy their right to stop begging Cheng for money that is already theirs.” Rain dripped from Shen Yanzhou's worn gray shoulders. He offered no approval. “Then give me the employee authorization.” Lin did not move. “You need $2.88 million, don't you?” “They authorized me to negotiate, not to pledge their trust to a man who won't identify himself.” Shen smiled. “Trust cannot be collateral. An acceptable answer.” He entered and set an unsigned term sheet on the folding table: $2.9 million for seventy percent of the debt-acquisition vehicle, with sole authority to dispose of collateral. It was enough money—and enough control to keep Lin from ever owning Lanterns. “You didn't come to help me.”