263 Negotiations
Yao Zizhou was still very calm. Since he was a mercenary, he would go with whoever paid the highest.
“How should I address you?” asked Yao Zizhou.
“Ray.”
“Ray, it’s nothing more than money,” said Yao Zizhou. “I can give you more.”
Ray thought for a moment. If there were no police, he would consider it. But they were surrounded, so negotiating with money was no longer of much use. Even if Yao Zizhou gave them money, Ray and the others would not be able to leave.
The only way now was to bring Yao Zizhou and his family along. After they escape, if Yao Zizhou paid him more, Ray would not mind helping him.
Yao Zizhou waited for a long moment, but Ray did not say anything. Yao Zizhou knew it was because there were still police officers outside.
“I know what you’re worried about, Ray,” Yao Zizhou said. “I have a way, but you have to guarantee the safety of everyone here.”
Ray nodded in agreement. Parker and the others did not have any objections either. As long as they had money, it did not matter who they worked for.
Yao Zizhou turned around and walked out. When the people outside saw Yao Zizhou come out, there was a big commotion.
The Chief of Police and the SWAT team captain rushed forward. The Chief of Police said, “Mr. Yao, what’s the situation inside?”
“Evacuate the crowd now,” Yao Zizhou said, “And withdraw your men. The kidnappers have agreed to release the hostages, but I have to go with them.”
The Chief of Police was in a dilemma. The entire city was watching this news. It would be unreasonable for them to suddenly withdraw.
The captain of the SWAT team said, “Mr. Yao, now is not the time to act on impulse. You have to know that there are many children’s families here—”
Yao Zizhou directly interrupted the SWAT team captain’s words. He said, “I know. This is also the safest way. Unless you can guarantee the safety of the hostages when you shoot the kidnappers.”
The SWAT team leader was speechless. No one could guarantee this.
The Chief of Police said awkwardly, “Mr. Yao, look at the crowd. Even if I agree, will they?”
“I’ll call the mayor now,” said Yao Zizhou. With that, he walked to his car.
When Ming Liuyi saw that Yao Zizhou had returned, she immediately went to ask if Yao Zhaoyang was alright.
Yao Zizhou said, “Dear, don’t worry. Zhaoyang is fine. I’ve already spoken with the kidnappers. I just need to make a few more calls. Wait for me outside.”
Yao Zizhou got into the car and dialed Mayor Li’s number.
Mayor Li answered the call, “Hello, who is this?”
“I’m the CEO of Yao Corporation, Yao Zizhou,” said Yao Zizhou.
Mayor Li suddenly became nervous. He already knew about what happened today. He said, “Hello, President Yao. Please trust our police officers. They will resolve this matter as soon as possible.”
“I’m at the kindergarten,” Yao Zizhou said. “I’ve already negotiated with the kidnappers. I need you to give them new orders now.”
Mayor Li was put in a difficult position when he heard the conditions. If this matter was not handled well, Mayor Li would not be able to keep his official position.
“Mayor Li, do as I say and I will continue to increase my investment in this city,” Yao Zizhou said.
Mayor Li’s eyes lit up when he heard this. Now was a crucial period for a promotion. If he could get an investor like Yao Zizhou, the results would be tremendous. Of course, Mayor Li’s pockets would also be bulging.
“Alright, President Yao. I hope you won’t make things too difficult for me,” Mayor Li said.
After hanging up, Yao Zizhou got out of the car and looked for Ming Liuyi.
“Bring Zhaoyang home later. I’ll handle the rest,” he said.
Ming Liuyi immediately became worried. She said, “Zizhou, don’t lie to me.”
Yao Zizhou smiled and turned to leave without saying anything.
When the Chief of Police saw Yao Zizhou return, he smiled and said, “As expected, Mr. Yao. Mayor Li has already called. I can handle the situation out here, but the kidnappers?”
“I’ll handle them,” said Yao Zizhou. With that, he went back into the kindergarten again.
Ray stood up when he saw Yao Zizhou return.
“I’ve settled everything. I’ll leave with you in a while, but first we must release everyone here,” said Yao Zizhou.
Ray frowned. He did not intend for Yao Zizhou to be his only hostage.
“Your whole family must come with me,” Ray said.
“It can only be me here. If you don’t agree, then you might as well sit tight while SWAT storms the building,” said Yao Zizhou indifferently.
Parker immediately panicked. He was not afraid of death, but he did not want to die in such an indignant manner.