Ling Mingrui sat opposite Ling Ruonan and Ling Zhengping, speaking earnestly: "Wu Dongfang’s people investigated Ziling’s affairs, revealing a very serious issue. Some people are dissatisfied with the current status of the Ling Family, hoping we fall from grace. The strongest fortress, if disordered internally, is easily breached. What you are doing now fulfills their wishes. At this rate, the Ling Family will be finished. I believe there’s no conflict between you two that can’t be resolved. The Ling Family’s assets are plentiful, lacking Northern Group won’t make us poor. Let me tell you, the benefits Ruonan and Ziling can secure for the Ling Family in the future extend far beyond just a Northern Group."
"Dad, I will listen to your instructions and will not insist on controlling Northern Group." Ling Zhengping reiterated his stance, "I will always remember your and grandpa’s teachings, to have a long-term vision, not to compete with family but to compete with other families for benefits. While striving for benefits, we can do things for the country and the people."
"It’s good to think this way!" Ling Mingrui’s furrowed brow eased slightly.
While speaking, he looked at Ling Ruonan.
Ling Ruonan sighed slightly and then said seriously, "I am pleased that Zhengping thinks this way. Hopefully, similar incidents won’t happen again. A unified family, siblings living harmoniously, makes life better. I hope that Ling Family members can always get along peacefully without further disputes."
Ling Mingrui nodded again.
Ling Zhengping nodded and looked at Ling Mingrui, saying: "Dad, I’ll go give them instructions now, handle the aftermath properly, and come back when I’m free to chat with you."
"Then you go ahead, let Ruonan and Ziling have dinner here before leaving." Ling Mingrui nodded at Ling Ruonan and Ling Zhengping, then said to Luo Ziling: "Let’s continue."
Luo Ziling sighed but said nothing, continuing to play chess.
Ling Ruonan moved her chair, sitting beside the two to watch the game.
"Are you dissatisfied with how I handled things today?" While playing chess, Ling Mingrui asked Luo Ziling.
"How dare I express dissatisfaction?" Luo Ziling shook his head, "Grandpa handled the situation calmly, and everything ended well, without any quarrels or chaos. It was unexpectedly peaceful for Mom and me, which is the best outcome."
"Hmph!" Ling Mingrui snorted but said nothing further, continuing the game.
Ling Ruonan opened her mouth, wanting to say something but ultimately said nothing.
After a moment, Ling Mingrui said indifferently, "Having made progress is also a good result."
After a nonsensical remark, Ling Mingrui continued to play chess.
"I hope I’m worrying over nothing." Luo Ziling replied with that line.
Ling Mingrui glanced at Luo Ziling but did not respond.
Ling Ruonan still said nothing, quietly watching the elder and younger play chess.
Ling Mingrui and Ling Ruonan remained silent, but Luo Ziling spoke up: "Grandpa, how should we respond to Wu Dongfang investigating us? I mean, what should Mom and I do next? Or should we not do anything?"
Ling Mingrui looked at Luo Ziling, placed a piece with a "snap," a bit unhappy and replied: "You shouldn’t do anything. The specific response will be decided after discussing with your mom later."
Ling Mingrui was obviously displeased because Luo Ziling seemed a bit lacking in respect today.
Moreover, Luo Ziling’s chess moves were very aggressive today, appearing as if he wanted to crush him completely.
It was dire; he was clearly at a disadvantage, with the whole large dragon dangerously threatened.
If he couldn’t turn the tables, he would lose this game miserably, possibly having no territory at all.
Being wiped out is a great humiliation for an enthusiast of chess.
But unfortunately, there was almost no way to save that dragon, unable to create two eyes to live.
This brat before him was indeed too hateful.
Luo Ziling expressed his mood through chess, and Ling Mingrui’s heart was naturally uncomfortable being at a disadvantage.
"Alright, then everything shall be at Grandpa’s discretion!" Luo Ziling also heavily placed a piece down.
The force was so strong that he knocked over the chessboard, scattering black and white pieces everywhere.
"Sorry, I got too excited!" Luo Ziling hurriedly scrambled to pick up the pieces.
With a black piece in hand, Ling Mingrui looked at the chaotic scene in amazement, a bit unable to react.
Ling Ruonan also did not understand what happened, but seeing the scattered pieces, she quickly squatted down to pick them up with Luo Ziling.
Watching the mother and son squat down to pick up the pieces, Ling Mingrui let out two cold laughs and then his face softened.
After a while, Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan together put all the pieces into the chess box.
Ling Mingrui had lost interest in playing chess; he signaled Luo Ziling to tidy up the board and sit down for a chat.
Luo Ziling realized that his earlier action had dissolved Ling Mingrui’s awkwardness, earning his grandfather’s tacit acceptance of his impulsiveness.
If things had continued as before, Ling Mingrui indeed would have been wiped out by him.
Luo Ziling played aggressively as a sign of dissatisfaction.
Ling Mingrui didn’t perform well today, likely affected by what had happened earlier.
Though outwardly showing indifference, Wu Jianbo’s statements, along with Ling Zhengping and Ling Ruonan’s conflict, troubled him, affecting his mood.
When one’s mood is affected, it also impacts chess performance.
Facing Luo Ziling’s extraordinary performance in an excited state, he completely collapsed.
Luo Ziling knocking over the chessboard fortunately allowed him to avoid embarrassment.
Ling Ruonan realized this too, feeling relieved.
Ling Mingrui didn’t mention the previous incident, nor the conflict between Ling Zhengping and Ling Ruonan.
He said to Luo Ziling: "Tomorrow afternoon, a European Medical Delegation will visit. You will accompany me in welcoming the guests."
"Okay!" Though a bit surprised, Luo Ziling readily agreed.
"Do perform well at that time," Ling Mingrui said after a pause, "It’s best to find someone fluent in foreign languages, who knows you well, and can accurately translate what you say to be your translator."
Luo Ziling immediately understood Ling Mingrui’s intention and agreed: "I understand, Grandpa, I will find someone who can accurately translate what I say to be by my side."
Luo Ziling was not foolish; how could he not grasp Ling Mingrui’s reason for this instruction?
Ling Ruonan, also extremely intelligent, grasped Ling Mingrui’s intention before Luo Ziling did.
Her father aimed to compensate them in this manner.
Letting Luo Ziling accompany in receiving foreign guests, allowing him to gain spotlight, this was to build his momentum, making his reputation more prominent.