"Yu Hao," he said, "think it out for yourself, or take the time to do my work, or... I can assure you that Liu Ruyue will never be so lucky next time."

"Do you have to do that?" I asked.

"Stop bargaining with me. There's no room for discussion." Mr. Meng said, "In addition, I'm going to shut down all those businesses in your company."

"Why?" I asked. "I'm no longer in that company. They're doing it all. It has nothing to do with them. They're innocent. Why do you do that?"

"You just care." Meng said, "The solution is very simple. You have done what I told you. You...