Luo Ziling, Ling Ruonan, Luo Liansheng, and Luo Xusheng left the Fang Family when it was already past nine o’clock.
As they drove away, Fang Xiang, Fang Zhonghua, Fang Dongxun, and Fang Qianqian all escorted them to the door.
Only after their car departed did the Fang Family’s grandfather and grandson return inside.
Fang Qianqian was not interested in these matters, so after the Luo family left, she claimed she was tired and was the first to leave.
Fang Zhonghua and Fang Dongxun did not leave immediately but stayed to chat with Fang Xiang.
They certainly needed to discuss the events that transpired today.
During the meal and drinks with Luo Ziling’s family, Fang Xiang had been smiling.
While chatting and playing chess with Luo Liansheng, he seemed equally cheerful.
But after Luo Ziling, Luo Liansheng, Ling Ruonan, and Luo Xusheng left, the smile on his face vanished.
Fang Zhonghua and Fang Dongxun also lost their smiles; they could see that Fang Xiang was not in a good mood.
Fang Xiang sat down, and Fang Dongxun attentively made him a fresh cup of tea and stood respectfully by his side.
Fang Xiang gestured for Fang Zhonghua and Fang Dongxun to sit.
After Fang Zhonghua and Fang Dongxun sat, Fang Xiang asked, "What do you think?"
"Ling Ruonan is still somewhat resentful; even though we agreed to so much compensation, she remains this way," Fang Zhonghua said, while observing Fang Xiang’s expression.
Seeing that Fang Xiang’s expression was unchanged, he continued, "Ling Ruonan must be very upset. She confidently asserted that we teamed up with Wu Dongfang to target her and Luo Ziling. Fortunately, they have always conducted themselves with integrity, never doing anything to let down the country or its people, or else they would have been falsely accused. Listening to her words, it seems she never imagined Wu Dongfang would target her; she was completely unprepared for it. This makes it difficult for her to endure, which is why she is so resentful."
"What do you think caused things to turn out like this?" Fang Xiang looked at Fang Zhonghua. "Is it because the mother and son duo are too capable, or because those investigating them are too incompetent?"
"Neither!" Fang Zhonghua shook his head. "I believe one of Wu Dongfang’s subordinates intentionally warned them."
Fang Xiang listened and nodded lightly, without saying anything.
Fang Zhonghua then continued, "Dad, we were victims in this incident, struck by misfortune. We never teamed up with Wu Dongfang to suppress the Ling Family and Luo Family. Did you make that clear to them?"
"No need to say it; it won’t help!" Fang Xiang shook his head, "Would explaining such things be any use?"
Fang Zhonghua was a bit surprised but, after thinking it over, probably understood Fang Xiang’s point.
Perhaps there were many things he was unaware of, things Fang Xiang himself had done.
Regarding Fang Xiang’s stance and actions in this incident, Fang Zhonghua, as his son, wasn’t necessarily in the know.
Therefore, he didn’t add anything further.
Fang Xiang, however, was not planning to let the topic rest and continued, "If I’m not mistaken, in the upcoming period, members of the Ling Family and the Luo Family will definitely try to infiltrate the system Wu Dongfang oversees. It’s quite possible that an important backbone within that system might be replaced. Wu Dongfang’s own situation won’t be favorable either."
"Grandpa, did this incident catch Wu Dongfang off guard?" Fang Dongxun couldn’t help but interject, "We were collateral damage and suffered greatly."
Fang Dongxun knew that the collaboration projects he discussed with Luo Ziling could bring substantial profits to the Ling Family or Luo Family.
The Fang Family’s profits would undoubtedly decrease as a result.
He was further convinced that both his father and grandfather had agreed to other matters besides, offering Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan more compensation.
In other words, this incident had cost the Fang Family significantly.
What made Fang Dongxun feel wronged was that the Fang Family was truly innocent in this matter, which left him somewhat disgruntled.
"It did catch Wu Dongfang off guard; his days won’t be easy." Fang Xiang nodded gently, then said, "As for our Fang Family, there’s no need to dwell on whether the price we paid was significant. What’s important is that it’s good this incident can be put behind us."
Listening to Fang Xiang, Fang Zhonghua and Fang Dongxun were quite surprised.
Fang Dongxun wanted to ask more questions but was stopped by Fang Zhonghua’s look.
"Cooperate well with them," Fang Xiang finally remarked with a sigh, "The mother and son are quite competent, plus Old Ling and Ling Mingrui are willing to provide them resources. Their prospects are undoubtedly promising. Quarreling with them won’t yield us more benefits, so some previous ideas need to change."
Fang Zhonghua listened, somewhat astonished but didn’t say anything.
He was now fully convinced that Fang Xiang had withheld certain things from him, leaving him in the dark.
His father expressed the utmost sincerity towards the Luo Family today, but was actually a bit guilty underneath—Fang Zhonghua felt a tinge of sadness realizing that his father didn’t fully trust him, and had kept some things to himself.
Yet, this was quite normal, considering Fang Xiang’s high position and the very delicate situation in Yanjing right now. Not disclosing certain actions to him was understandable.
Fang Zhonghua also expressed that he and Fang Dongxun would definitely cooperate with Fang Xiang to handle everything well, minimize adverse impacts, and secure maximum benefits for the Fang Family.
Luo Xusheng left alone by car; he needed to return to the base as many affairs awaited him there, which is why he didn’t go home together with Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan.
Concerning today’s events, Luo Xusheng didn’t really play any role, so his presence or absence didn’t affect the grand scheme.
Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan, along with Luo Liansheng, went home together in one vehicle.
On the way back, they didn’t discuss what happened at the Fang Family; Luo Ziling didn’t ask about Fang Xiang’s conversation with Luo Liansheng or what matters Ling Ruonan had agreed upon with Fang Zhonghua. Today, it was Lin Lan who came to pick them up, while Wuyue had sent them there initially. In between, Wuyue had some matters to attend to, so Lin Lan replaced her to pick them up.
Lin Lan wasn’t very familiar with these matters, and Ling Ruonan trusted her slightly less than Wuyue, thus had no intention of discussing these topics on the way back.
While in the car, Luo Ziling talked about the amusing incidents during dinner, mentioning that in recent days he got to drink vintage Maotai twice—once at Ling Jinhua’s place, and the second time at Fang Xiang’s.
"Such old Maotai is definitely rare; thinking that one sip costs hundreds makes my heart ache," Luo Ziling spoke jokingly to lighten the atmosphere and avoid any awkwardness for Lin Lan.
However, his joke was soon interrupted by Lin Lan.
"Someone is following us." Lin Lan’s sudden remark changed the expressions on Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan’s faces.
Lin Lan reacted promptly, immediately calling their backup vehicles to provide cover and find a way to intercept the trailing vehicle.