"Ningjing, I’ll be honest with you!" Seeing Wu Ningjing’s surprised expression, Ling Ruonan finally spoke again: "This incident caused us significant loss because of Xiaoqing. If measured in terms of money, it’s even more than the amount involved with your family this time. The intangible losses are immeasurable. After making such a big mistake, it’s impossible for nothing to happen."
"Originally, Ling Haijun had been helping Luo Ziling handle Northern Pharmaceuticals’ affairs. After months, he had become completely familiar with the management work there. Now that he’s injured, he’ll need to rest for at least a few months, and meanwhile, we have to manage the complex affairs ourselves. Also, Ling Haijun’s injury will make those around us cautious, concerned about whether they would follow in Ling Haijun’s footsteps. If we don’t hold Xiaoqing accountable, they’ll be even more disappointed. The argument that broke out at my father’s place this morning will further expose the conflicts within the Ling Family. If the matter goes public, the impact on us will be enormous," Ling Ruonan sighed again, "Do you understand these matters?"
Wu Ningjing opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say.
Ling Ruonan continued: "Originally, there were conflicts between me, Zhengping, and other members of the Ling Family. Ziling even had disputes with them. This time, because of Xiaoqing, the conflicts are more intense. Ziling was a staunch supporter of Xiaoqing in front of them. Because of this, he argued face-to-face with my aunt Minglan and my brother. You should understand what this implies. If my dad stands on their side, or it seems others think my dad stands with them, what do you think the perception of our status will be?"
Wu Ningjing listened and finally understood the severity of the matter.
Although the Li Family isn’t a top-notch prestigious family, it is quite a well-established family.
As a daughter-in-law of the Li Family, Wu Ningjing experienced a change in status firsthand.
Originally, her status in the Li Family was relatively high, but matters that followed gradually degraded her position.
Eventually, now, no one in the Li Family respects them, and Li Xiaoqing also lost her original status.
The Li Family is somewhat dependent on the Ling Family, and if there’s conflict within the Ling Family, it will definitely impact the Li Family.
Thus, Wu Ningjing understood the point Ling Ruonan wanted to express.
Upon understanding, she felt a bit terrified inside.
If the worst outcome unfolds, the loss is truly immeasurable in monetary terms.
It might even threaten Ling Ruonan and Luo Ziling’s living environment, even their lives.
"I’m sorry!" Wu Ningjing said quietly: "I must teach him a good lesson, make him remember."
"Mrs. Wu, you’re no longer able to discipline him," Luo Ziling didn’t give Wu Ningjing any face, "If you could discipline him, would he be like this now? So, let him follow me. I will let him gradually accept severe punishment and rehabilitation. Rest assured, in a few days, I will return you a more sensible son."
Wu Ningjing felt even more embarrassed, not knowing what to say.
At this moment, someone gently pushed the door open and walked in.
Luo Ziling looked and was overjoyed; it was Luo Xusheng.
"Dad, why are you back?" Luo Ziling hadn’t seen Luo Xusheng for several days, showing a surprised expression, "Did you come home because you knew Mrs. Wu was here?"
Luo Ziling’s words made Luo Xusheng very embarrassed and left Wu Ningjing a bit at a loss.
Ling Ruonan gave Luo Ziling a fierce look, blaming him for speaking indiscreetly.
"Why are you back today? Didn’t you say something beforehand? Have you eaten?" Ling Ruonan greeted with a smile, "Another coincidence passing by?"
"No, I came back purposely!" Luo Xusheng responded a bit awkwardly, and after speaking, didn’t know what to say.
"Dad, it wouldn’t be that Li Xiaoqing is also your child, right?" Luo Ziling suddenly had a bad premonition, "Otherwise, why did you suddenly return?"
Luo Ziling’s words changed Ling Ruonan’s expression.
Wu Ningjing’s expression also changed, feeling even more embarrassed.
She immediately negated the notion: "No, Xiaoqing and Yuqing don’t have the same father."
She felt a sense of losing face.
Luo Ziling didn’t speak anymore but stepped back two steps, ready to watch the situation unfold.
Ling Ruonan remained calm, she looked at Wu Ningjing and then at Luo Xusheng, signaling everyone to sit down and talk.
Luo Ziling didn’t act up, sitting far away from them.
"I happened to learn what happened today!" Luo Xusheng was the first to speak about the matter, "But my return today isn’t to interfere with this. I returned to discuss something with Ling’er."
Ling Ruonan looked at Luo Xusheng and then at Luo Ziling but didn’t say anything.
Luo Ziling understood the reason for Luo Xusheng’s return, but he didn’t want to discuss this matter with Luo Xusheng right now.
"Dad, Mom, Mrs. Wu, let’s first clarify Li Xiaoqing’s issue." Luo Ziling feared Luo Xusheng might not understand the situation, so he recounted today’s incident and Li Xiaoqing’s mistakes, then added: "My stance is actually very simple, which is to make sure Li Xiaoqing pays for his mistakes. We must punish him to prevent him from making such mistakes again. Of course, there are many ways to punish, but it’s crucial that he learns the lesson, just like Ling Haijun did."
At that moment, another person pushed the door open and walked in.
It turned out to be Luo Yuqing.
"Why didn’t any of you inform before coming home?" Luo Ziling got up to greet her, holding Luo Yuqing’s arm, then pointing at Luo Xusheng said: "Dad arrived a few minutes earlier. We haven’t finished talking, and you suddenly appeared. Can’t you say something before coming back?"
"Didn’t I tell you I would return to handle this matter personally?" Luo Yuqing gave Luo Ziling a dissatisfied glare, "This kind of issue needs to be handled promptly, so it was definite I’d return tonight."
Having finished speaking to Luo Ziling, she approached Luo Xusheng, Wu Ningjing, and Ling Ruonan to greet them.
Luo Yuqing addressed Luo Xusheng as "Dad", Wu Ningjing as "Mom", and Ling Ruonan as "Mrs. Ling", making the atmosphere in the living room very awkward.
Luo Yuqing quickly reacted, instead of sitting next to Wu Ningjing, she sat beside Ling Ruonan, holding Ling Ruonan’s arm, quietly said: "Mrs. Ling, Xiaoqing made a mistake, I came back to discuss this with him properly, to ensure he is punished to remember the lesson, otherwise he becomes uncontrollable. I’ve already thought of a way to handle it."
Then she said to Wu Ningjing: "Mom, since everyone is here, let’s have Xiaoqing come too, we can discuss this matter clearly and work out a solution, okay?"
"Alright!" Wu Ningjing hadn’t recovered from the embarrassment and shock, hearing Luo Yuqing’s suggestion, she instinctively nodded.
"Li Xiaoqing is just outside; I asked Wuyue to watch over him. Let’s bring him in!" Luo Ziling said, getting up to go outside to have Wuyue bring Li Xiaoqing in.