As if knowing Luo Ziling’s doubts, Xie Enhua immediately said: "The house we’re living in now, the property rights belong to us, and it was bought with our own income. In the future, this house will be yours, Ruonan, as part of your dowry!"
Xie Enhua must have discussed this with Ling Mingrui long ago. Right after Xie Enhua spoke, Ling Mingrui chimed in: "Actually, we are quite attached to this place, having lived here for over a decade. But your mom and I have already decided that once we retire, we’ll move to the suburbs instead of staying in Yanjing City. We’ve acquired a property near Mulan Weichang, where we plan to live in the future. The scenery there is nice, and it’s only a few hundred kilometers from Yanjing, a round trip possible in a day. So, when we stop living here, the house will be yours."
A very shocked Ling Ruonan reacted only after hearing Ling Mingrui’s words.
She immediately declined: "Dad, Mom, how can this be? This is a house you’ve lived in for over a decade, and it’s also the most prestigious place in the Ling Family next to the old residence. How can I take this place?"
"We’ve already decided to give this place to you, and in a couple of days, we’ll transfer the property rights to your name, but we’ll need to live here for a few more years," Xie Enhua said earnestly. "Don’t refuse, what we’re giving you is far less than what we gave to Zhengping. We owe you too much. You’re getting married at such an age, and we’re truly sorry. This material compensation might be a bit worldly, but it at least expresses our feelings. We’ve talked to Zhengping about this, and he has no objections."
Hearing Xie Enhua’s words, Luo Ziling couldn’t help but speak up: "Grandpa, Grandma, I know you mean well and want to give my mom some compensation, but people who don’t know might think she’s demanding a dowry from you. Certainly, many would have opinions, especially those from the Ling Family. Because the compensation you’re giving her far exceeds what others have received, it will surely make them jealous."
Luo Ziling, like Ling Ruonan, clearly understood the weight and value of the estate where Ling Mingrui lived.
If evaluated by real estate standards, this courtyard-style Chinese house is worth at least several tens of millions, possibly even over a hundred million.
In Yanjing, a courtyard of several hundred square meters surely commands such a price.
The value of the courtyard isn’t what’s most treasured; what’s most treasured is that Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua have lived there for over a decade.
With Ling Mingrui’s status, his residence has been endowed with an air of mystery.
Under the current circumstances, being able to set foot here and visit, is an supreme honor.
Being Ling Mingrui’s guest is undoubtedly a great honor—this is something everyone agrees on.
Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan often visiting Ling Mingrui’s place has been seen as them being especially favored by him, even making Ling Zhengping somewhat resentful.
Now, Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua want to transfer the property, representing the Ling Family’s honor and status, to Ling Ruonan; if this news spreads, who knows how many people will be shocked.
Luo Ziling couldn’t imagine what kind of feelings Ling Zhengping would have upon hearing this news.
Or how he would accept this reality.
After hearing what Luo Ziling said, Ling Mingrui waved his hand a bit impatiently: "We’ve already decided, don’t bother with courtesies, just accept it straightforwardly. As for how others view it, let them say what they want. This courtyard, though not as modern as the villa you bought yourself, Ruonan, is older and closer to the city center. If you ever fall on hard times, selling this house can still ensure a lifetime without worry."
Ling Ruonan took a deep breath, then stood up, bowed respectfully to Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua with tears in her eyes, and thanked them: "Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mom!"
Luo Ziling also stood up, expressing his gratitude to Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua.
Ling Mingrui waved his hand, indicating for Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan to sit back down and talk.
After Ling Ruonan sat down, Ling Mingrui continued: "The Northern Group is actually an industry you created yourself, and it hasn’t been ours for a long time, so it doesn’t count as your dowry. As parents, all we can give our children is our love and property. With one son and one daughter, we try to be as fair as possible in dividing the property, though treating son and daughter equally is difficult. Don’t overthink it; what we’re giving you has been discussed long beforehand."
He paused before continuing: "A daughter reaching her forties without being married is something any parent would be anxious and guilty about. Now that everything is finally as we wished, our greatest pressure is lifted. So, you’re going to have a wedding, and we as your parents are the happiest. We’ll definitely attend your wedding, and I’ll personally walk you down the aisle on the red carpet."
Ling Ruonan finally couldn’t hold back, and tears flowed from her eyes.
"Dad, Mom, thank you!" she said, biting her lip. "Thank you so much for giving birth to me, raising me, and dealing with the burdens my obstinacy has put on you, and the troubles it has brought to so many people’s lives. I’m very sorry. Thank you for always loving and protecting me, and not letting anyone bully me..."
At this point, Ling Ruonan was choked with sobs and couldn’t continue.
Xie Enhua walked over, took Ling Ruonan’s hand, helped her to sit down, and wiped away her tears.
"Now that you have a complete family, your mom and I are very happy. And you have such an outstanding son; although he didn’t grow up by your side, now that you two have a close bond without any barriers, we’re thrilled." With that, Xie Enhua looked at Luo Ziling and instructed, "Ling’er, your mom has always treated us well, with utmost filial piety. In the future, you must also be a filial child like your mom. When your parents are old and need your care, you must take good care of them, understood?"
Luo Ziling, affected by Ling Ruonan’s tears and somewhat moved, nodded quickly: "Rest assured, Grandpa and Grandma, I’ll definitely honor my grandparents and my parents well."
"Alright, let’s have dinner first. Some things can be discussed after dinner!" Although Ling Mingrui had gone through many things and was indifferent towards many, the conflict among his children made him quite troubled. Ling Ruonan crying in front of him today stirred many emotions, making him a bit agitated. He didn’t wish to immerse himself in such an emotional state anymore, so he stood up.
"Yes, let’s have dinner first, and discuss other matters afterward!" Xie Enhua also stood up.
Luo Ziling helped Ling Ruonan to stand up, and they followed Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua towards the dining room.
He knew very well that everything that happened tonight was quite extraordinary.