After hanging up the phone with Grandpa, he was even more convinced that Tao Ti was his destined patron, recognizing her as his half-sister from different parents!
He dialed the director's phone and inquired about Tao Ti's situation.
He initially just wanted to gather some information, prepare a gift, and visit her parents later, then obtain their consent to formally become sworn siblings.
But unexpectedly, he heard from the director that the child had a difficult home life, with a stepmother suspected of abusing her with beatings and scoldings.
Director: "The company she's with, well... how should I say this, doesn't have the best reputation in the industry."
Understanding the director's implications, Cheng Guodong hung up the phone and immediately started investigating using his connections. It wasn't long before he received shocking news: this year alone, thirteen children had died at this company.
The sick were treated at private hospitals, death certificates were issued, and the parents did not pursue the matter further. Moreover, most of these children were from impoverished mountainous areas. Their funerals were hastily arranged, and their bodies were cremated together.
"No way, this is clearly a den of wolves. I must rescue my sister!"
Cheng Guodong arrived at Tao Ti's company and went straight to her agent.
Chen Bin looked at the person in front of him, feeling a bit familiar with him. He was always dressed in simple Unlined Garment, but his luck seemed blessed by the heavens, for every show and drama he invested in turned out to be a hit.
It just never crossed his mind that he would come here. Could it be that he, like those twisted big bosses, enjoyed watching children suffer?
"Don't look at me like that. Put away the filthy thoughts in your mind. I know the old devils who come looking for you aren't any good, so don't think I'm like them!"
Chen Bin gave an awkward smile, "Chairman Cheng, you're thinking too much."
"Whether I'm overthinking or not, you know better than I do. The way you just looked at me was as if you were looking at a pervert!"
Cheng Guodong waved his hand dismissively, "Let's not waste words. I'm here for Tao Ti. Transfer her contract to me!"
Chen Bin knew this moghul had strong backing and was not someone he could afford to offend.
Although he was reluctant to let Tao Ti go, he feared offending Cheng Guodong and thus decided to jack up the price, hoping to deter him.
"Her mother is not easy to talk to. It took a lot of persuading to sign the contract at that time, and besides, the company also prepaid a substantial amount of money."
"Enough with the nonsense, name your price!"
"Thirty million." Chen Bin said with a sly smile.
Although Cheng Guodong was wealthy, he was no fool; given Tao Ti's newfound fame, her worth was far from thirty million.
But for his half-sister from different parents, he grandly flipped a check towards him.
"I'll have my lawyer handle the rest. You better not play any tricks."
"Chairman Cheng jests. I hope our cooperation will be pleasant," said Chen Bin, extending his hand for a handshake.
Cheng Guodong glanced at him sidelong and scoffed, "I don't want to dirty my hands!"
He snorted and turned to leave, unwilling to stay a minute longer.
As soon as he left, Chen Bin hurriedly dialed his boss's number.
An angry, obese man's voice came from the other end of the phone: "She's the one I've set my sights on, I haven't even touched her yet!"
"Cheng Guodong is not someone we can afford to mess with. Everything he plants is for exclusive supply..."
"Pah! Just a stinking farmer!"
"Boss, calm down. With so many kids, one less wouldn't matter. And getting thirty million for her, why wouldn't we do it?"
"No, we can't let her off easily! Tonight, send her to Little Black's room!"
"Boss, calm down. If things get out of hand, Cheng Guodong won't let us off!"
"I said, send her to Little Black's room!" The phone was hung up.
Chen Bin redialed, but no one picked up.