After a brief conversation, Luo Xusheng and his father Luo Liansheng went to the study to discuss matters, while Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan went upstairs to talk about other things in private.
Luo Ziling told Ling Ruonan about Jin Yan and Hu Jianbo’s situation.
Upon hearing that Luo Ziling had arrested Hu Jianbo without informing her, Ling Ruonan was a bit surprised.
However, after Luo Ziling explained that Hu Jianbo had confessed, even divulging some details that he shouldn’t have, she didn’t say much more.
"It’s time to lay the cards on the table with Ling Zhengping." Ling Ruonan stated her decision, "When the time comes, I’ll take Hu Jianbo to see Ling Zhengping, and have Wu Weihua expose Ling Zhengping’s actions to see how he reacts. Afterward, we won’t need their help anymore."
Hearing Ling Ruonan say this, Luo Ziling sighed.
He understood what Ling Ruonan meant.
Ling Ruonan still didn’t want to completely sever ties with Ling Zhengping; she just wanted to warn and strike against him, driving out all the people Ling Zhengping had placed in the Northern Group.
As long as Ling Zhengping removes them, she would let it go.
The purpose of Ling Ruonan’s actions was certainly to avoid internal strife in the Ling family, to maintain internal stability, and to seize this opportunity to gain some benefits.
With such thoughts from Ling Ruonan, Luo Ziling could only agree.
Initially, Luo Ziling didn’t want to expose the situations of Wu Weihua and Jin Yan.
After all, the people Ling Zhengping had placed might not be connected to each other.
It was perfectly normal to catch Hu Jianbo without finding any doubts about Jin Yan.
Later, they could still use Jin Yan and Wu Weihua to strategically target Ling Zhengping.
But since Ling Ruonan didn’t want to do it that way, Luo Ziling had to respect her decision.
The usefulness of Jin Yan and Wu Weihua disappeared with Ling Ruonan’s new decision.
"So how should we handle Jin Yan?" Although his arrangement had become futile, Luo Ziling still wanted to discuss this seriously with Ling Ruonan.
"She is also a pitiable person, and although she has done some rather detestable things, if she is willing to reform, I will still give her a chance. Otherwise, we’d be ruining a family."
"Alright then, I’ll talk to her about this tomorrow."
"Let me talk to her in person then," Ling Ruonan suggested, "But she definitely can’t continue as an assistant. I will arrange another position for her, hoping she can adjust her mindset, do well, completely sever ties with the past, and have a new beginning."
"Alright!" Luo Ziling could only agree.
The actions Luo Ziling had planned, including dealing with Fang Zhongxiu’s people, exposing the black materials of those managing assets for Ling Zhengping, and the like, were not mentioned to Ling Ruonan.
These matters, he could decide himself, and telling Ling Ruonan wouldn’t be beneficial.
Luo Ziling then brought up Lin Lan, saying that Lin Lan had officially retired and reported to him yesterday.
Originally, Luo Ziling planned to have Lin Lan come over today, but Lin Lan and Wuyue were busy with other matters, and it was unclear when they would return.
"If they come over later, I’ll talk with them!" Ling Ruonan smiled, "With Lin Lan joining us, we can save a lot of effort in planning. Her abilities are not inferior to Wuyue’s, and she can share many of Wuyue’s responsibilities, easing some of her burden."
"Wu Xiao’s retirement application hasn’t been approved yet. Once she retires, I’ll take over her duties directly."
Ling Ruonan nodded and didn’t comment much on Shanque’s retirement.
She wasn’t familiar with Shanque and hadn’t thought about how to arrange for this special warrior adept in disguise skills, so she let Luo Ziling handle it.
Luo Ziling then discussed going to the Yang Family Old House for dinner with Ling Ruonan.
"Mom, what do you think Yang Yunlin’s attitude will be when we go for dinner?"
"It’s possible he’ll refuse to join us, claiming he’s busy," Ling Ruonan said with a wry smile, "He might attend but won’t be friendly, might not give face to his father or us, and might even bring up old grievances."
"Actually, having a big argument isn’t a bad thing." Luo Ziling chuckled, "A fierce argument in front of Yang Yuanshan might lead to a resolution."
"Sigh!" Ling Ruonan sighed and didn’t comment further.
Luo Ziling also informed Ling Ruonan about Chen Qiaoyu providing him with black materials on the Chen Family.
Upon hearing about this from Luo Ziling, Ling Ruonan’s eyes lit up.
She inquired in detail about the materials provided by Chen Qiaoyu.
"Wu Yue and Wang Zhenjun are organizing it. Once it’s done, we’ll analyze it together," Luo Ziling said with a wry smile, "After their overview, I found out the Chen Family is far more shameless than we thought."
"With these materials, it’ll be much easier for us to proceed," Ling Ruonan told Luo Ziling her plans, "In a few days, I’ll meet with Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping. They promised to provide me with black materials related to Chen Ruchang, Chen Yining, and Chen Yijing. Once we compare it with Chen Qiaoyu’s materials, we’ll distinguish the truth from the falsehood."
"Hmm, good plan. I forgot you were in contact with Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping!"
"If I am not mistaken, a few other families are ready to take down the Chen Family, forcing them out of the elite circle. Judging by the current situation, this possibility is real. But we must guard against a desperate backlash from the Chen Family, given their decades of glory and extensive network. Toppling them is not simple, and nurturing one person to clean up the mess is the best outcome. If Chen Yining doesn’t cooperate, we’ll choose Chen Yihe."
"I think Chen Yining will change his stance, put aside his pride, and collaborate with us." Luo Ziling laughed with pride, "I’m waiting for his call."
"The next few months are crucial for us all," Ling Ruonan solemnly reminded Luo Ziling, "In everything we do, we must be extremely cautious. Rather be unsuccessful than take reckless risks. A small mistake could unravel all our efforts. Remember, all prominent families are scheming; we must avoid being caught in their plans, or if we can successfully escape their schemes, we win!"
"Mom, I will remember your instructions!" Luo Ziling grinned happily.
Ling Ruonan hesitated for a moment and then asked Luo Ziling, "Was there anything different when you had dinner with your Great Grandfather?"
"He was indeed different!" Luo Ziling described the situation.
"Your Great Grandfather’s thoughts haven’t changed, so you should be careful about his unusual behavior."
Ling Ruonan’s words sent a shiver down Luo Ziling’s spine.
He understood something.