"That’s a good thing!" Luo Ziling said with a smile, "Even though we’re just pawns, we’re in a position to make the first move."
Ling Ruonan looked at Luo Ziling for a couple of seconds before softly saying, "If possible, meet him with me tomorrow."
"Mom, I might not be in Yanjing tomorrow!" Luo Ziling said with a wry smile, "I’m likely flying out tomorrow afternoon, the specific time is easy to find out."
Ling Ruonan’s face turned pale, "You’re leaving for Europe tomorrow?"
Luo Ziling nodded slightly, "So tomorrow you’ll have to meet Wang Zhengqiang on your own."
Ling Ruonan suddenly looked flustered, and her eyes turned red.
"Mom, how can you be like this?" Luo Ziling quickly said, "You’re making it seem like I’m not coming back. Just think of it as me going on a trip to Europe and coming back soon, isn’t that okay?"
Without waiting for Ling Ruonan to respond, he added, "If you act like this, it’ll definitely weigh on my mind. Just remind me to come back soon. Don’t worry, as long as circumstances allow, I’ll keep in touch with you every day. By the way, what do you want? I’ll help you buy something in Europe. I think things from over there should be cheaper than buying them here, right?"
Ling Ruonan was momentarily stunned, then she lowered her head bashfully.
"I’m sorry, Mom is just a bit nervous!" Ling Ruonan sighed and forced a smile, "Alright then, just go tomorrow, and take care of yourself. If possible, check in with me every day. If that’s inconvenient, find another way. As for buying things, Mom doesn’t need anything right now. Just come back safe."
After looking at Luo Ziling twice, she added, "You can buy whatever you think I might like, I’ll like whatever you buy."
Ling Ruonan’s emotional intelligence was quite high, which made Luo Ziling very happy.
After chatting for a while, Luo Ziling suggested holding a company executive meeting to set up plans for the situation ahead.
But Ling Ruonan advised against Luo Ziling telling everyone that he wouldn’t be at the company for a while.
This matter could just be discussed privately with Ye Qinqing and Zhou Chaoyang; no need to emphasize it.
Luo Ziling understood Ling Ruonan’s reasoning and agreed immediately.
Mother and son attended the temporary executive meeting together.
During the meeting, Luo Ziling listened to some summaries and reiterated a few important points. He informed everyone that some new drugs from Northern Pharmaceuticals were about to hit the market and urged the relevant personnel to prepare for marketing, advertising, and sales analysis, etc.
Luo Ziling didn’t highlight anything special; everything proceeded like a usual company executive meeting.
Ling Ruonan also didn’t say much, only urged everyone to work diligently and strive to increase this year’s sales figures, which in turn would boost year-end bonuses for everyone.
Indeed, year-end bonuses were most effective at boosting motivation, and Ling Ruonan’s promise instantly excited many people.
After the meeting, when Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan were leaving together, he couldn’t help but tease her, "Mom, why use such material incentives to motivate people?"
"As long as it inspires enthusiasm, it works," Ling Ruonan replied simply. She also reminded Luo Ziling, "Once a leader’s prestige is established, everything you say will carry weight. In the coming days, I’ll have Ye Qinqing and Zhou Chaoyang organize people to watch your TV feature. After all, very few people get such exposure, it’s an honor for the company. I’m sure most of the company has watched your interview and understand your significance."
"In the future, they’ll all admire me!" Luo Ziling chuckled, "Thanks to being your son!"
"I hope you surpass the master, and I believe you can achieve that!" Ling Ruonan said firmly.
"I’m already an idol for many, and within the company, many regard me as such. You can tell by the enthusiastic look in their eyes when I joined. After all, no other company executive has tens of millions of social media followers, more than a top-tier celebrity. As long as I don’t make any blunders managing the company, they’ll certainly recognize me," Luo Ziling said confidently.
Ling Ruonan laughed happily.
Her earlier worries about Luo Ziling’s trip to Europe were nearly gone.
The mother and son then left Northern Group, heading home.
Upon hearing Luo Ziling was going to Europe, Ling Ruonan initially planned to have dinner with him at Ling Mingrui’s place.
During dinner, they could discuss some matters and also have Ling Mingrui’s health checked, providing treatment if necessary.
But tonight, Ling Mingrui had to entertain foreign guests and couldn’t have dinner at home, so she had to abandon the plan.
Ling Mingrui mentioned finishing around eight in the evening, so Ling Ruonan decided to visit after dinner.
Luo Ziling said he’d invite Yang Qingyin for dinner as well, which Ling Ruonan didn’t oppose.
After leaving the company, the mother and son went to the supermarket to buy groceries before heading home together.
Once home, Ling Ruonan went into the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Luo Ziling went to school to pick up his grandfather and Yang Qingyin.
When Luo Ziling brought Luo Liansheng and Yang Qingyin back home, Ling Ruonan had already prepared most of the dishes, with only one soup left.
Yang Qingyin went into the kitchen to help and, seeing the last soup being made, proactively got the chopsticks and bowls ready.
The four of them had a lively dinner.
During the meal, it was mostly Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin talking, with Ling Ruonan and Luo Liansheng occasionally chiming in.
Nobody mentioned Luo Ziling’s imminent departure for Europe, as if it were not happening.
After dinner, Yang Qingyin helped Ling Ruonan clear the table while Luo Ziling chatted with Luo Liansheng in the living room.
Luo Ziling knew Yang Qingyin definitely had something to say to Ling Ruonan alone.
Ling Ruonan also had questions for Yang Qingyin, so he didn’t disturb them.
"Grandpa, I’m leaving for Europe tomorrow," Luo Ziling quietly informed Luo Liansheng, "It might take a month or two before I’m back, so I’ll be counting on you here."
Luo Liansheng was already aware and wasn’t surprised by Luo Ziling’s words. He just nodded slightly, "Be careful."
Although concerned, Luo Liansheng wasn’t as emotional as Ling Ruonan.
He believed Luo Ziling would be fine. Luo Ziling was quite capable and had ample protection, including elites from Dragon Rise. If something were to happen, it would have already.
Over the past year, Luo Ziling had faced enough trouble and numerous assassination attempts but had managed to survive them all.
This trip to Europe shouldn’t be problematic.
In Luo Liansheng’s mind, traveling to Europe seemed less perilous than past challenges.
"Grandpa, I think while I’m away in Europe, some people might target my mom, so please be extra watchful."
"Rest assured, if it comes to it, I’ll personally get involved," Luo Liansheng chuckled, "I’ll make them deeply regret it."
Though Luo Liansheng spoke with a smile, Luo Ziling sensed a heavy sense of resolve in his words.