Luo Ziling still felt the pressure under the gaze of the crowd.
But he stood up and shared his views, even though he was nervous: "I feel that without the engagement, maybe my relationship with Feifei could be better. A mere engagement feels like a thorn between us, making things uncomfortable. It’s the twenty-first century now; marriage and relationships should embrace freedom, and personal happiness should be one’s own choice. Perhaps, when we actually reach the age where we consider marriage, we might choose each other. So, Feifei is right, let’s just let the engagement go!"
"Alright then!" Seeing both of them speak in this manner, Ouyang Lingyun also expressed his opinion happily: "Since both of you young folks have similar thoughts, the engagement is hereby canceled. As for whom you will marry in the future, that will be your own decision. But we still hope you can be together. From my perspective, you two are quite suitable for each other and can help each other in many aspects."
After pausing for a moment, Ouyang Lingyun continued: "Originally, I planned for Feifei to continue managing family affairs even after marriage. But it seems I don’t need to consider this for now. At least for these years, Feifei remains the granddaughter of the Ouyang Family, and not someone else’s daughter-in-law, and no one at home would complain."
While saying this, Ouyang Lingyun glanced at Ouyang Zhenhua and Ouyang Zhengang sitting beside him.
The two sons of the Ouyang Family remained silent, nodding slightly, leaving their intentions unclear.
Luo Liansheng also nodded slightly after hearing Ouyang Lingyun’s words: "Since they have figured it out, we elders shouldn’t interfere with their marriage affairs. However, no matter whom you choose to marry, before making a decision, talk to us. After all, we are your elders, wishing for your happiness, and we hope our advice helps you live better!"
Ling Ruonan didn’t say much. After Luo Liansheng expressed his opinions, she remained silent.
This puzzled Luo Ziling; given the situation, shouldn’t Ling Ruonan express her stance?
Luo Xusheng expected Ling Ruonan to urgently express her stance. Seeing her silence, he found it strange but understood that her thoughts were different from others. Her silence was merely due to concerns.
Ouyang Lingyun was also surprised by Ling Ruonan’s silence and couldn’t help asking her, "Ruonan, what is your opinion?"
"Anyway, the cooperation between Feifei and me and with the Ouyang Family will continue." Ling Ruonan smiled, "As for the children’s matters, let them decide for themselves. After all, currently, they are young; Ziling hasn’t even reached the legal age yet."
Although Ling Ruonan’s words expressed similar sentiments, careful consideration reveals her intentions differ somewhat.
Luo Liansheng noticed it, and Ouyang Lingyun had some understanding, but Luo Ziling, Ouyang Feifei, and Luo Xusheng were not paying attention.
No more discussion followed. Luo Liansheng laughed heartily, suggesting everyone held similar attitudes, so there’s no need to mention the matter again. After all, they remain friends.
He also advised Ouyang Feifei and Luo Ziling not to feel burdened; they are good friends and partners, and their relationship should stay as it is.
Ouyang Feifei sat calmly, while Luo Ziling did not express much.
Although their expressions were similar, their moods were entirely different.
Luo Ziling felt relieved, whereas Ouyang Feifei held back a breath.
After a bit more casual talk, Ling Ruonan suggested leaving to the Ouyang Family, saying she had disturbed them enough and didn’t want to impose further.
Ouyang Lingyun and the other Ouyang Family members made polite attempts to retain them but eventually got up to see them off together.
"Ouyang, I’ll come to see you for a drink in a couple of days." As they walked out, Luo Liansheng laughed heartily and patted Ouyang Lingyun’s hand, "At our age, living one day less than the next, joy is essential, don’t you think?"
"Always welcome!" Ouyang Lingyun laughed heartily as well, "I don’t understand why, at this age, you are still busy with things; why not leave them to the young ones?"
"After being busy for a couple of months, I plan to visit the Northwest, gather some herbs, and settle down there for a while. Afterward, I may settle permanently in Yuezhou. When that time comes, Ouyang, you must visit Yuezhou to see me frequently. Regardless of anything, the waters of the South are more nurturing!" Luo Liansheng laughed, gesturing to the Ouyang Family’s garden, "Otherwise, your garden wouldn’t have a Southern style."
"If I have time, I’ll travel with you to the Northwest during summer break. It’s been a long time since I’ve traveled; seeing the Tianshan and the grassland is also a good choice."
Ouyang Lingyun’s interest in visiting the Northwest surprised Luo Ziling.
But it wasn’t the right time for him to express his opinions, so he remained silent.
Luo Liansheng laughed heartily: "Alright, prepare yourself, and if you wish to go, we’ll travel together. Back then, you never conquered Tianshan!"
Seeing the two elderly friends still so close, Ling Ruonan felt relieved.
She and Ouyang Feifei walked together, and when they reached the door to get in the car, she smiled and said to Ouyang Feifei, "Regarding upcoming collaborations, we still need to discuss them well. The Northern Pharmaceuticals, Lingyun Pharmaceutical, and Lingyun Film and Television capital expansion, investment matters in the South, we need to exchange opinions comprehensively."
"Whenever Aunt Ling is available, I’ll come to find you!" Ouyang Feifei readily replied, "Then, let’s have a good talk!"
"At that time, Ziling will join us as well." Ling Ruonan instructed Luo Ziling publicly, "You are handling some matters, and your opinion is significant."
"Alright!" Luo Ziling could only nod his agreement.
Everyone understood, whether it was Luo Liansheng’s or Ouyang Lingyun’s public display of affection, or Ling Ruonan and Ouyang Feifei’s agreement, they aimed to show that the cancellation of the engagement hadn’t affected the relationship between the two families.
It’s just that such declarations felt a bit awkward.
A bit pretentious.
Reaching the entrance and preparing to leave after a farewell, Luo Ziling, Luo Liansheng, Ling Ruonan, and Luo Xusheng drove away.
Luo Xusheng still drove, with Luo Ziling in the passenger seat.
Watching the four members of the Luo Family drive away, Ouyang Zhenhua asked Ouyang Lingyun with a bit of gloom: "Dad, is this matter just settled like that?"
Ouyang Lingyun smiled: "The engagement is off; now Ziling and Feifei have a chance to be together. If the engagement still existed, they wouldn’t have the opportunity to be together."
Ouyang Zhenhua seemed confused, but Ouyang Lingyun didn’t elaborate further.