Chapter 26: Kidnapping

 Chapter 26: Kidnapping

The motorcycle stopped outside the chemical factory. South Phoenix, in tight jeans, gracefully swung her slender legs over and dismounted the motorcycle. She removed her helmet, and her long black hair flowed behind her.

During her journey, she had gathered quite a bit of information about the situation. The Yeguangda Shoe Company had owed its employees a substantial amount of unpaid wages for a whole year. During this time, the disgruntled employees had staged three separate protests, and the latest one had escalated into this kidnapping incident.

It was essential to remember that the employees were the victims here. Therefore, South Phoenix couldn't treat them as villains.

After careful consideration, South Phoenix had decided to confront the employees directly.

Inside the factory, a few men on the second floor were using binoculars to observe the approaching figure.

"Why is someone coming here?" one of them asked anxiously. "We've kept this place hidden. How did they find us?"

"Don't panic," another said.

The man in red clothes dragged Xie Yao to the window and pointed outside, asking, "Mrs. Ye, do you recognize this woman down there?"

South Phoenix?! Xie Yao's pupils dilated as she stared, initially unable to believe her eyes. Then, she struggled fiercely, attempting to break free.

Her mouth was stuffed with a cloth, but she managed to push it out and cried desperately toward the outside. "Go away! What do you have to do with this? Why are you here? Go away!"

The man pushed her back, saying, "Shut up!"

"Quickly gag her!"

Xie Yao's voice frightened South Phoenix, who was listening outside. She looked terrified and unsteady on her feet. She was leaning against the window, crying and shouting, trying to urge South Phoenix to leave.

"I've checked; this woman is Mr. Ye's daughter!" one of the men said as he held up his phone.

"Ah, I can't believe it. Mr. Ye didn't come, but his daughter did. She's quite filial," he commented sarcastically. "This way, we'll not only have Mr. Ye's wife but also his daughter as hostages. Do you think he'll hesitate to give us the money?"

The man in red took out a pistol and pointed it upward. Several gunshots echoed, causing Xie Yao to tremble in fear. She was leaning on the window, her eyes swollen and on the verge of tears.

"I'm here to deliver the money," South Phoenix shouted, trying to calm the situation. "I promise that the money will be here today. I only ask that you don't harm my mother."

Several construction workers listened to her words, and after a brief discussion, they fell silent.

One of them whispered, "This lady seems sincere."

"Could she be playing tricks on us?"

"We're already kidnappers; can we trust what she says?"

"Let's talk to her first."

"Alright."

The man in red retrieved a loudspeaker from a bag and asked through it, "How can we be sure you're telling the truth?"

South Phoenix continued to shout, "Cash withdrawal takes time. I've already informed my assistant to exchange the money at the bank, and he should be on his way to deliver it now! I have no ill intentions towards any of you. Just please don't harm my mother."

She reassured them, "I know you're all victims in this situation. This isn't your fault."

"That's right! We're not at fault!"

"This is all because of Ye's Shoe Company's mistakes!"

"So, I'm here to make amends. I will provide the money you're owed, as well as any penalties and interest. Once we complete the transaction, I won't pursue any charges against you. I promise not to disclose this incident to anyone. So, you will be safe. However, this all depends on you not harming my mother."

South Phoenix encouraged them further, "I know you're all good people, hardworking and honest. You would never harm anyone."

The workers fell silent for a while.

"She's right. We're just seeking the money we're owed."

"We don't want to cause harm."

"If we harm someone, we'll face legal consequences."

"Let's agree to her terms."

"Alright, let's do it."

South Phoenix raised her hands and turned around once more to show that she had no concealed weapons. She walked into the factory.

Once inside, South Phoenix assessed the terrain and environment of the factory. She located the men who had taken her hostage to replace her mother, and she stopped resisting, allowing them to tie her up securely.

Xie Yao's eyes were already swollen from crying.

South Phoenix looked at Xie Yao and reassured her, "Mom, Uncle Qun has already delivered the money. Don't worry; everything will be fine."

Xie Yao shook her head frantically.

South Phoenix was tied up tightly, and she looked at the man in red. "I've come inside. Please keep your word and release my mother. She's elderly and not in good health; she can't handle this kind of stress."

One of the workers in black was prepared to take Xie Yao outside.

In a dark corner, a short, sullen man stood up. While the workers were relaxing, he approached and, with a grim expression, suddenly held a knife to Xie Yao's throat.

"Mom!" South Phoenix stood up in shock.

They had already come to this point, so why was this small man holding Xie Yao hostage?