Chapter 263 - 263 Discussing Strategies

Ling Ruonan asked Luo Ziling to recount everything that happened.

Luo Ziling hesitated, but still gave a general overview of the situation. The intimate contact with Yang Qingyin, of course, was deliberately omitted.

“Actually, you and Yang Qingyin really complement each other well, whether it’s in appearance, scholarship, or temperament. If it weren’t for the feud between the Ling and Yang families, your mother would absolutely support you in pursuing her, and eventually coming together. But,” Ling Ruonan said with a helpless expression, “I have confidence in confronting them and ensuring your safety. However, the possibility of you and Yang Qingyin ending up together is slim.”

Ling Ruonan’s words only added to the bitterness in Luo Ziling’s heart.

“Mom, let’s not consider these things for now,” he said with a bitter smile, “Since the Yang family is aware of this and is preparing for revenge, I need to take some measures to prevent any harm from coming my way.”

As he spoke, Luo Ziling explained conflicts he had been involved in, including those with Ling Haijun, Lu Weiguang, Li Dongjun, Li Jiaqing, and even the issue with Chen Jiahai, who wished to pursue Ouyang Feifei.

“These are not big issues; they can’t stir up any trouble,” Ling Ruonan listened and didn’t take it seriously, “If Sir Yang of the Yang family takes action himself, then it gets somewhat troublesome.”

Continuing, she immediately cautioned Luo Ziling, “No matter what, don’t go looking for Yang Qingyin in the near future. Avoid any interactions with her. Even if… you wish to meet, it must be done secretly, unseen by others. I will inform your maternal grandfather and great grandfather about this matter; I believe they will not stand idly by.”

After a pause, she added, “In about a month’s time, it will be your great grandfather’s ninetieth birthday. I want to take you there to give him your wishes. I was hesitant to take you, but given the current circumstances, I definitely want you to present yourself and let the elders see that you exist, and to see what you look like now. Although the situation in the past got out of hand, your great grandfather and grandfather—that is, your great grandsire and maternal grandfather—didn’t blame me harshly, nor were too severe with your dad. They even secretly preserved your dad’s safety and let him join the military.”

“I understand; I’ll accompany you to wish him birthday wishes when the time comes,” Luo Ziling agreed without hesitation.

After thinking it over, Ling Ruonan said, “Also, your great grandsire has been unwell for the past six months. Initially, your grandfather wanted to ask your paternal grandfather to treat him, but somehow, that didn’t happen. Your paternal grandfather mentioned that you’ve inherited his medical skills. Perhaps, when you’re there, you could examine your great grandsire. If you can cure his illness, your status within the Ling family will definitely rise, and no one will dare to look down on you again.”

“What illness does the great grandsire have?” Luo Ziling knew the status and influence of the old gentleman who could send tremors across the land of Huaxia with just a cough. He hoped Ling Ruonan would give a detailed description of Ling Jinhua’s illness so he could prepare accordingly.

Understanding Luo Ziling’s intent, Ling Ruonan told him all she knew about the situation.

Later, she added, “I’ll visit him again these next few days, take photographs of his medical records, and inquire more about his condition, so you can reference it.”

“That would be best.”

“Ling’er, do you really… not want to give up on Yang Qingyin?” Actually, Ling Ruonan now thought that even resuming the engagement with Ouyang Feifei would be a better outcome than Luo Ziling getting entangled with Yang Qingyin.

“Mom, we haven’t reached the point where it’s ‘only she will do for marriage, and only I will do for her’. We just get along well and have a great time when we’re together. We want to let things unfold naturally. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll discover that we can’t tolerate each other’s faults, and then we might not continue seeing each other.” Luo Ziling said hesitantly, before adding, “Actually, everyone has a rebellious streak, and when you tell us not to do something, we’re inclined to do it anyway. Mom, I think it’s best if you don’t stop us; let us be together. Maybe one day, we’ll give up on our own. What do you think?”

“Ah,” Ling Ruonan sighed softly.

That’s what Yang Qingyin also said.

Boys and girls of this age still have a strong rebellious spirit; forcing them might really make them act against your wishes.

She never truly intended to force Luo Ziling or Yang Qingyin into doing anything; instead, she wanted to make the situation clear to them so they could make wise choices on their own after understanding the gravity of the issues.

But when she spoke with Yang Qingyin the other day, she experienced the woman’s stubbornness. She spoke at length, but Yang Qingyin did not heed her advice and even subtly reminded her not to be threatened.

Ling Ruonan believed her son was even more stubborn than Yang Qingyin, a trait evident from both his father Luo Xusheng and herself.

Many things get passed down, including one’s nature. If Luo Ziling were not stubborn, she would truly be disappointed.

Through their brief interactions, Ling Ruonan had already sensed Luo Ziling’s obstinacy and didn’t ask him to do anything specific anymore.

“Ling’er, I know you’ve grown up and have your own opinions on many things. I won’t force you into anything, but I just hope you’ll think things through more and not be too impulsive. You need to anticipate the seriousness of certain issues and also foresee the possible consequences. Of course, you will surely grow gradually; I just don’t want your path to maturity to be fraught with too much hardship. And I certainly don’t want your father’s and my tragedy to repeat itself in your generation. We’ve been apart for twenty years; how many sets of twenty years does one have in a lifetime?” She said, her expression turning somber.

“Mom, I will heed your instructions. I hope to grow slowly by encountering more of the real world. Grandfather has made me very strong, both physically and mentally. He once said that a man needs to face many hardships to grow; his son failed because he lacked adversity and was ousted by others. He hopes that I won’t be like his son,” Luo Ziling said firmly.

Ling Ruonan never expected Luo Liansheng to have said such things to Luo Ziling and was momentarily stunned.

After a while, she said distantly, “Actually, your great grandsire and grandfather have the same sentiment, hoping that I don’t interfere too much with your affairs, allowing you to grow on your own. But I just can’t help myself.”

“It’s actually good this way,” Luo Ziling smiled, “Mom, having your support behind me gives me more confidence. Let me handle the small stuff on my own first; if I can’t withstand it, then you come and help me, okay? This time, the Yang family wants revenge; let me resist on my own for a while. If I can’t handle it, you’ll help me then, okay?”