Because there are Phoenix and Shanque present, Luo Ziling and Li Haiyang didn’t delve into deeper topics.
After chatting for a while about the events of today’s wedding, Li Haiyang brought up the topic of Lin Lan and Shanque’s retirement.
Both Lin Lan and Shanque are preparing to retire due to sustaining too many injuries. Li Haiyang found it a bit regrettable but expressed his understanding.
"They have fought for the country for years and earned many honors. The state will settle them. However, if they want to seek their own paths, it is entirely understandable," Li Haiyang said with a hint of sentimentality. "Their willingness to work alongside you indicates they acknowledge you. I hope you treat them kindly and provide them with a decent future."
"Please rest assured, senior!" Luo Ziling replied earnestly. "Them joining us isn’t merely to be security personnel. They are all very capable and will surely achieve more and greater success in the future."
He then turned to the Phoenix, who had been quiet throughout, and said, "In the future, when anyone retires from your side, recommend them to us first. There’s no other place that can offer our compensation and future."
Phoenix just nodded and didn’t say much.
Today, Phoenix was dressed casually, without deliberate styling. She also wore wide-brimmed glasses to cover her face.
The obvious intention was not to be noticed by more people.
Similarly, Lin Lan and Shanque didn’t dress up too much for Ling Ruonan’s wedding today. Considering there were many guests, they opted for a more low-key look to avoid recognition.
Shanque also didn’t speak much, Li Haiyang still commanded great authority before them.
Though Li Haiyang was no longer with Dragon Rise, he remained a legendary figure in the eyes of its people.
In front of him, everyone behaved with utmost discipline, not daring any mischief.
The only person who dared to speak unreservedly in Li Haiyang’s presence was Luo Ziling.
Li Haiyang didn’t linger long; he chatted with Luo Ziling briefly before saying goodbye and leaving.
Phoenix didn’t leave with Li Haiyang; instead, after he left, she pulled Luo Ziling aside to discuss some matters privately.
She informed Luo Ziling that the internal affairs of Dragon Rise had stabilized, and several troublemakers had been cleared out or punished, and dared not act recklessly. After sharing this information, Phoenix asked if Luo Xusheng intended to leave Dragon Rise, if he viewed Dragon Rise merely as a stepping stone for a higher position?
Although Luo Ziling hadn’t expected Phoenix to be so direct, he didn’t shy away and answered her questions head-on.
He told Phoenix that Luo Xusheng wouldn’t stay at Dragon Rise for long, given that staying too long could impede his promotions.
"The main position at Dragon Rise is capped at a colonel level, and a brigadier general is considered high-ranking. To progress further, he must transfer to another role. Both my mom and grandfather wish for his long-term growth, so leaving Dragon Rise is inevitable sooner or later; whether sooner or later depends on superior arrangements." At this point, Luo Ziling sincerely reminded Phoenix, "If my dad leaves, you’re the best candidate for Dragon Rise’s sect leader."
Luo Ziling’s words stunned Phoenix for a moment.
However, she quickly regained her composure and said calmly, "It doesn’t matter to me!"
"You leading Dragon Rise is fundamentally different from others being in charge!" Luo Ziling seriously stated, "If it’s under your leadership, Dragon Rise will certainly sustain its combat effectiveness as a national power!"
Phoenix interrupted Luo Ziling, "There are more capable people than me, and in their hands, Dragon Rise’s combat effectiveness might even enhance!"
"You don’t want to stay at Dragon Rise anymore?" Luo Ziling seemed quite surprised.
"Do you wish for me to stay at Dragon Rise forever?"
"I didn’t mean that!" Luo Ziling shook his head.
"Enough, let’s not talk about this. I know what I should do!" Phoenix said, turning to leave.
"If you plan to leave Dragon Rise, pay more attention to etiquette and interactions with people!" Luo Ziling shouted from behind.
Phoenix paused in her steps, turned back to look at Luo Ziling.
"I’m leaving, goodbye!" After speaking, she turned and walked away.
Luo Ziling felt a bit helpless.
After Phoenix left, Luo Ziling discussed some matters with Lin Lan and Shanque.
Lin Lan and Shanque submitted their retirement applications only two days apart. Currently, their applications have been approved by several principal leaders of Dragon Rise, but they still require approval from the higher-ups.
The principal leaders of Dragon Rise have given their approval, and the higher-ups mostly need to sign off without causing any trouble for them.
Thus, there’s no doubt that Lin Lan and Shanque will soon be leaving Dragon Rise.
Lin Lan has proactively prepared for her future, and she’s been working hard during this period to adapt to her new identity.
Shanque is on vacation these days and hasn’t been like Lin Lan, working for Luo Ziling and his team.
To her, matters outside the military are quite unfamiliar. What she plans to do post-retirement, or where she plans to work, she hasn’t considered yet. Choosing to work alongside Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan after retiring is influenced by Lin Lan, who encouraged her to make this decision.
Today, Luo Ziling directly clarified these matters to Shanque.
Luo Ziling has interacted with Shanque quite often, and he’s learned quite proficient disguise skills from her.
Being familiar now, discussing matters came with fewer reservations.
Luo Ziling informed Shanque she could come over to start working once her retirement and departure procedures were complete, or take a break before reporting. After joining, she would work alongside Lin Lan around Ling Ruonan, assisting Lin Lan.
Everything follows Lin Lan’s instructions.
Later, arrangements for Shanque working by his side would depend on Lin Lan’s decisions.
Regarding the salary, they could propose if there are demands; otherwise, it would follow Northern Group’s executive payouts.
Upon hearing Luo Ziling say the monthly salary was at least six figures, Shanque was somewhat taken aback.
Shanque’s hometown is in the southwest, coming from a modest background where her parents are farmers earning less than one hundred thousand yuan annually from farming and odd jobs.
During her service at Dragon Rise, her monthly allowances were adequate, but her annual earnings didn’t surpass what Luo Ziling offered in a month.
Moreover, her role would be assisting Lin Lan, not requiring her to undertake high-risk tasks.
Hence, she felt quite grateful to Luo Ziling.
Luo Ziling also spoke about Wuyue, who after retiring from the special forces, worked beside Ling Ruonan. Over the years, earning Ling Ruonan’s trust, she could now handle numerous confidential matters independently, even spearheading major issues.
Luo Ziling hopes Lin Lan and Shanque can achieve similar results.
Comparing her to Wuyue and asking her to learn from Wuyue, Lin Lan seemed slightly dissatisfied.
Even her gaze towards Luo Ziling carried a hint of unfriendliness.