It's not clear that he committed to a contract or was offered a contract. Generally, the elements of a contract are: offer, acceptance, consideration, mutuality

It's not clear that he committed to a contract or was offered a contract. Generally, the elements of a contract are: offer, acceptance, consideration, mutuality of obligation, competency and capacity. We don't know. Conspiracy is easier: two or more people agree to commit an illegal act and take some step toward its completion. But I don't think if Joe asks me to kill Bob for $100 and I say sure but then go to the police that I've actually agreed to kill Bob. The article is very light on details and certainly doesn't mention what the charges were for Ling. Also, this is China with a different legal system.