(Two additional Chapters today)
After Ling Ruonan took a shower, Luo Ziling massaged her for a while.
Only after Ling Ruonan fell asleep did he leave.
As he exited Ling Ruonan’s room, Jin Yan came up to him.
When heading to Chen Xiaoyi’s place, Jin Yan did not accompany him.
Ling Ruonan brought several people with her to Europe, and of course, her assistant Jin Yan came along too.
However, Ling Ruonan didn’t want the people around her to know about Chen Xiaoyi, so she didn’t take them along when visiting Chen Xiaoyi.
When Luo Ziling was about to leave, Jin Yan, filled with curiosity, approached and asked Luo Ziling with concern if something had happened, since Ling Ruonan’s movements had been mysterious.
Luo Ziling told Jin Yan that Ling Ruonan was just handling some personal matters and advised her not to worry.
After hearing Luo Ziling’s words, Jin Yan felt a bit relieved.
She also knew that there were some things Ling Ruonan didn’t want her to know.
Not being specially trusted by Ling Ruonan, Jin Yan felt a bit regretful.
Luo Ziling didn’t say much to Jin Yan before leaving the hotel where Ling Ruonan was staying and returning to Chen Xiaoyi’s residence.
When Luo Ziling returned, Chen Xiaoyi was feeding the baby.
A newborn just a few days old doesn’t yet have a routine; cries when hungry and sleeps when full, completely disregarding anyone’s wishes.
A breastfeeding mother and those taking care of the child can only follow the baby’s schedule to rest or be busy.
The mother during confinement is especially exhausted, and those serving her are similarly so.
Once the baby awakes, Chen Xiaoyi feeds her.
While Chen Xiaoyi was feeding, Lin Lan sat nearby, staring blankly, without any particular reaction as Luo Ziling entered.
After the baby finished feeding, she fell asleep again.
Despite not sleeping enough these days, Chen Xiaoyi remained weary after feeding the baby.
But with Luo Ziling and Lin Lan in the room, she wasn’t comfortable sleeping, instead sat up to engage them in conversation.
"You should rest first, I have to leave!" Lin Lan didn’t intend to say much to Chen Xiaoyi and stood up, giving Luo Ziling a signal with her eyes.
Luo Ziling instructed Chen Xiaoyi to sleep a bit more, saying he’d escort Lin Lan out.
Chen Xiaoyi sighed and didn’t say much, just told Lin Lan to take care.
"I’m quite surprised your mom accepted them, the mother and daughter, so easily!" Outside, Lin Lan spoke softly, "Judging by your mom’s demeanor, she seems to really like this granddaughter!"
"What do you mean?"
"I’m wondering if one day I end up like Chen Xiaoyi, how your mom would treat me?" Lin Lan looked up at Luo Ziling, "I guess she wouldn’t be as calm as today. Even if I gave birth to a son for you, she’d still be upset, right?"
Luo Ziling didn’t reply but instead asked, "So, have you given up on the idea?"
Lin Lan paused and didn’t answer Luo Ziling, merely sighed softly.
Lin Lan was ready to leave, and Luo Ziling accompanied her out.
As she exited the elevator, Lin Lan stopped, "I talked to your mom about retiring, she also suggested I leave Dragon Rise early. I’ve been injured so many times over these years; I’m not suitable to continue there. Actually, I’m a veteran now, having stayed at Dragon Rise for years; without you, my body would pretty much be wasted. I know, even though my injuries have healed, my physical reaction has slowed significantly compared to before and will continue to diminish. So, I’ve decided upon returning, to submit my retirement application. One can only wear the military uniform for so many years in a lifetime; there are no regrets. Besides, I’ve fought for the country for years, earned numerous accolades, and have pride to lean on thereafter."
"That’s good!" Luo Ziling nodded, "Then go ahead and apply for retirement. After retiring, you can decide what you want to do; it’s up to you, alright?"
"Your mom has already invited me to work beside her, to handle security and regular tasks, to be her assistant." Lin Lan sighed again, "I’ve agreed with her. Your mom values me, and I’m willing to work by her side. You currently have Wuyue; she’s adjusted well to her role with you, understands your situation, and organizes everything effectively. Your mom lacks a capable assistant; I’ll be there for her."
Luo Ziling nodded, feeling a sense of relief.
"After retiring, I’ll appear beside your mom in a different identity, becoming a qualified assistant, surely needing some time to adapt, regardless I’ll take it slowly." As Lin Lan spoke, a smile appeared on her face, "It’s pretty good that after retiring, someone will take me in, saving me from job hunting to serve others."
"I’m glad my parents both recognize your worth." Luo Ziling smiled as well, "Then go back and prepare well."
"I’m twenty-three this year, started in military service at seventeen, spent six years in the army, and am a veteran too." After a few sighs, Lin Lan spoke more earnestly, "I’m two years older than you, and without parents or any background, it’s utterly impossible for your mom to let me be your wife; she explicitly told me that. I also told her I never considered being your wife, I’m just grateful you’ve saved my life several times; I’ll repay you for seven years. After seven years, when I reach thirty, I’ll decide my destiny. Maybe then I’ll quietly leave, find someone to marry, and live a normal life."
Facing Lin Lan’s sentiments, Luo Ziling didn’t know how to respond in words and instead remained silent.
Lin Lan seemed stirred by something, her words poured endlessly once discharged.
"Should I wish to leave by then, I’ll surely conceive your child before departing. You’re quite handsome and so clever; I wish my son to inherit your excellence." Lin Lan brightened with a radiant smile, "What Chen Xiaoyi can do, I’m bound to do too. After all, I know you far better than her. Until I leave you, I won’t cause trouble for you. Not only avoiding trouble, but I’ll help solve many of your issues."
Luo Ziling, originally assuming Lin Lan abandoned this idea, was very surprised but couldn’t formulate a response.
Lin Lan continued, "Shanque might also consider retiring; she’s older than me, and her physical responsiveness has declined a lot too, increasing injury odds during missions. Nonetheless, she wouldn’t submit a retirement request immediately; she’ll linger some more, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities before her departure. If she retires too, I’ll have her brought over to assist us. She’s trustworthy and multitalented."
"Good!" Luo Ziling agreed, "Very welcome for talents like yourselves to join, we’ll gain great success together."
"Just don’t flirt with many women under my nose, otherwise I’ll be upset!" Lin Lan teased, glancing at Luo Ziling’s lower body.
That look made Luo Ziling involuntarily shiver.