Luo Ziling’s sudden question made Chen Yining pause.
But in the end, he neither denied nor nodded, just gave a faint smile, "Let me tell you, many of the Chen Family’s plans against you weren’t my idea, nor was I the one planning them, it was Chen Yijing. As for how you deal with him, that’s your business, I won’t comment."
Luo Ziling shook his head: "That doesn’t sound like a collaborator’s attitude!"
"For some things, I will come to talk to Ling Ruonan when I am completely free." Chen Yining ignored Luo Ziling’s words, waved generously, "Some matters, you definitely can’t decide on your own, it needs your mom’s approval, right?"
"You could say that!" Luo Ziling did not deny it, but solemnly reminded, "But my mom rarely opposes my opinions."
"Then how we should cooperate, let’s discuss after I leave here and regain my freedom!" Chen Yining stood up, effectively issuing a dismissal, "I’m a bit tired and want to rest, feel free to see yourself out!"
"Alright, I’ll take my leave!" Luo Ziling also stood up, disregarding Chen Yining’s arrogance, and casually but sharply said: "If you have new ideas, you can contact me actively, I believe the management here won’t prevent you from making calls. Remember, the planned schedule is for you to appear in court in a few days as a defendant. Perhaps after one trial, the prosecution will likely convict you. Once convicted, everything becomes difficult to handle. Some things, like your attitude, think carefully about them."
After giving his phone number to Chen Yining, Luo Ziling walked out without caring if he remembered it or not.
Chen Yining hesitated for a moment, thought carefully, and then understood what Luo Ziling meant.
Luo Ziling indirectly threatened him, implying that abandoning their cooperation would result in him being sent to prison.
According to Luo Ziling, if they cooperated, his side would apply to withdraw the lawsuit and not pursue responsibility.
If the prosecution adopts this attitude, the parties could settle out of court if Chen Yining compensates sufficiently, allowing him to be released without charge.
But Luo Ziling’s words before leaving suggested that everything was uncertain, and he would appear in court in a few days.
Understanding this implication, Chen Yining almost jumped up.
But by then, Luo Ziling had already left the room, closing the door behind him.
Rushing to the door and opening it, but seeing no sign of Luo Ziling outside, Chen Yining’s anger subsided, replaced by a deep-seated fear.
When did young people develop such attitude, such strategy, playing with seasoned bureaucrats like him? Reflecting on this, he felt a bit despondent.
Recollecting today’s conversation with Luo Ziling, the more Chen Yining thought, the more fearful he became.
The wedding of Ling Ruonan and Luo Xusheng, attended by so many people except Chen Ruchang, clearly conveys a stance.
Moreover, Luo Ziling mentioned Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping.
Chen Yining knew well about them; he was more aware of what kind of people his cousins were.
If Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping took advantage of the Chen Family’s crisis to seize resources belonging to their father-and-son trio, it would equate to looting a burning house. Yet, Chen Yining understood that if they were troubled and Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping seized control of most or all of the Chen Family resources, it was possible.
Luo Ziling wasn’t short on partners, he could choose Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping.
Chen Yining also knew that if Luo Ziling allied with Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping, it would see him and Chen Yijing eliminated, without chance to regain influence.
Given the situation, should Chen Ruchang die, this outcome seems highly likely.
Realizing this, Chen Yining’s terror intensified.
But ultimately, he let out a long sigh with no further response.
After stepping out, Luo Ziling left directly.
Before leaving, he greeted the two accompanying him and suggested having a meal together.
However, they declined Luo Ziling’s invitation, citing other commitments, and left ahead.
Once in the car, Wuyue quietly inquired: "How did the talks go?"
"He’s so arrogant, even more so than last time, I can’t understand why!" Luo Ziling replied with a mocking look: "A person about to be sentenced, one who needs our forgiveness to escape punishment, why so arrogant? I’ll let him suffer for a few days, see how he reacts."
Luo Ziling’s words surprised Wuyue.
She initially thought that Luo Ziling came to negotiate cooperation with Chen Yining today.
Unexpectedly, whether cooperation could be achieved remained uncertain.
Chen Yining looked down on Luo Ziling, arrogantly refusing to concede to a junior, understandable.
Luo Ziling wanted to teach Chen Yining a lesson, breaking his arrogance until he pleaded for him - a move consistent with Luo Ziling’s character.
Wuyue simply nodded slightly and drove off.
Just entering the city, Luo Ziling’s phone rang, displaying a fixed number.
Recognizing the number’s origin, Luo Ziling promptly answered.
"Is this Ziling?" asked a staff member from Ling Jinhua’s side before handing the phone to Ling Jinhua upon confirming it was Luo Ziling.
"Great Grandfather." Hearing Ling Jinhua’s voice over the phone, Luo Ziling respectfully greeted, and then smilingly asked: "Is there something you need from me, Great Grandfather?"
"If you have nothing else, come keep me company," Ling Jinhua’s voice was very calm: "You young man, it’s been days since you visited this old man, don’t you know older people fall easily ill as the weather cools?"
"Great Grandfather, I’ve been a bit busy recently, intended to visit after things settle down." Luo Ziling explained briefly, then quickly agreed: "I just came back from outside the city, I’ll head over now, should arrive before dinner."
"Good!" Ling Jinhua didn’t say much else, but told Luo Ziling he would have two extra dishes prepared in the kitchen, along with a bottle of wine, for him to accompany his meal.
Of course, Luo Ziling agreed.
Hanging up, Luo Ziling spoke peculiarly to Wuyue: "It’s quite unusual for Great Grandfather to invite me over for dinner so actively!"
"He must have something important," Wuyue shared her thoughts, also finding it strange.
"What could he be planning to discuss with me?" Luo Ziling furrowed his brow.