It seemed that the winter in Bin Cheng had come earlier this year, and it was colder than usual. The wind blew into her collar. It was bone-chilling. The few leaves on the branches rustled and fell, and the streets were deserted.
Shu Pan arrived at the hospital and saw that her father's condition had improved significantly. He spoke more clearly and forcefully than before, finally putting Shu Pan's mind at ease.
"Dad, recently you've been facing consecutive cases of unpaid debts, causing a lack of liquidity. Don't you find it strange? Is it Gu Shaoting's doing?" Shu Pan went straight to the point.
"Panpan, it seems like there's no way for Dad's company to continue operating. The bank can't provide a loan, and we owe so much money to the suppliers. Dad plans to close down the company. Don't blame Shaoting, everything is Dad's fault. I've only caused trouble for you," Shu Laide said before collapsing. He received a call just before, learning the ins and outs of the situation. At that moment, he truly regretted it, as if he had aged ten years in an instant.
In fact, they were once impoverished, and it was only by stumbling upon good fortune that they achieved their current life. Gu Shaoting's father's incident was an accident, and they never expected him to be driven to suicide.
"Is it true? Is it true that you killed Gu Shaoting's father?" Shu Pan felt a suffocating sensation at that moment. She bit her lip, realizing that everything was indeed true.
"It was a moment of confusion..." Shu Laide's face turned pale, filled with pain.
"Dad, focus on your recovery. Don't think too much. When you're discharged, we'll sell the house to repay the debts and rent a place to live," Shu Pan poured a glass of water for him, her tone firm.
"That's the only thing Dad can leave for you. I'll think of another solution." Shu Laide was reluctant. He thought about how hard he had worked all these years, hoping for a better life for his wife and daughter. Who would have thought that people's plans are not as reliable as fate?
"Dad, as long as our family is safe and sound, I don't care about anything else. Promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay?" Shu Pan pleaded. It was her greatest wish now.
"They want money. Once we repay the money, it'll be fine. I'll think of a solution." Though Shu Pan felt as if the sky was falling, she couldn't collapse.
In the past, she could rely on her father, but now she had to rely on herself.
Hastily leaving the hospital, she returned to her father's residence to see if there was anything they could sell to repay the debts.
"Get Shu Laide out!" Near the entrance to her home, a dozen or so people were gathered, shouting and even pounding on the door.
"Who are you? What are you doing?" Shu Pan's expression turned cold.
"Shu Laide, open the door." The burly man at the front shouted loudly.
"I recognize her. She's Shu Laide's daughter," someone in the crowd suddenly said.
Shu Pan was scared, beads of cold sweat forming on her back. Immediately, she spoke calmly, "He's not here. If you cause trouble again, I'll call the police."
"Debts must be repaid, it's only right. Since Shu Laide isn't here, we'll come to you, it's the father's debt, so the daughter must repay it." The voices grew louder.
Shu Pan clenched her fist. There was a hint of fear in her heart. But her words were resolute, "If you want money, give us some time to raise the funds. Otherwise, if you push us too hard, we won't give you a single cent, and we'll all go down together."
"You little brat, won't you learn your lesson unless you suffer a bit?" One person stepped forward and grabbed Shu Pan's shoulder, exerting so much force that she felt her shoulder might dislocate.
"Let go! If it's my father's debt, we'll repay it. Come back in seven days," Shu Pan endured the pain, her face pale, a thin layer of sweat on her forehead.
"Why should we believe you?"
"Just because my husband is Gu Shaoting, the CEO of Gu Group." Shu Pan took a deep breath, coldly laughing inside. She usually wouldn't mention his identity.
The crowd looked at each other, and in the end, they agreed to come back in seven days.
Shu Pan nodded, pursing her lips.
After the people dispersed, Shu Pan walked into the yard, dragging her exhausted body. She looked around, reminiscing about her childhood memories associated with every blade of grass and tree here.
Shu Pan closed her eyes for a moment, and the gray sky mirrored her dim mood.