Chapter Five: Applause, Calculated

“You know. You won't admit it.” Her words echoed their earlier conversation. “From now on, no decision between us becomes material for a reward. That includes me rejecting you.” “I promise.” “Don't promise too quickly. You've always secured debts with your future self.” As she stood, an unmarked black car stopped outside. Wanqing entered alone with Gu's formal acquisition offer. “Sixty million. Answer by noon tomorrow. It is not my plan, but I must deliver it for the board.” Beyond acquiring every technology, the terms demanded permanent silence concerning Far Lantern and Gu Chengyue. Wanqing saw the printed list, and color left her face. “Where did you see my father's name?”