While Luo Ziling was meeting with Lin Lan and Wu Xiao to discuss matters, Ling Ruonan had other arrangements.
She had special plans today, hence didn’t have Lin Lan around her.
She was meeting with Wu Dongfang, and the venue was a small reception room at Northern Group.
The location was chosen by Ling Ruonan. She originally didn’t plan to have face-to-face communication with Wu Dongfang so early, but after Wu Dongfang called her twice to set up a meeting, she had no choice but to agree.
The two chatted in the small conference room for nearly an hour before wrapping up.
During her meeting with Wu Dongfang, Ling Ruonan appeared calm and composed, retaining this demeanor even after the chat ended.
When Wu Dongfang arrived, he showed little expression, and when leaving, his face was similarly impassive.
Wu Dongfang’s visit to Northern Group Headquarters was certainly not made public.
He didn’t put up any pomp, arriving in a very ordinary sedan, heading straight to the parking lot and taking a private elevator.
Ling Ruonan waited at the elevator door, accompanying him out of the elevator.
Ling Ruonan didn’t want others to know Wu Dongfang was visiting her, so she sent Lin Lan and others away, dealing with the reception herself.
Wu Dongfang wore large-framed glasses, and since he didn’t encounter anyone on the way, no one knew such a prominent figure had visited the Northern Group headquarters.
When Wu Dongfang was leaving, Ling Ruonan saw him off.
After Wu Dongfang left, Ling Ruonan returned to her office alone.
Back in her office, she dismantled the temporary security arrangements, allowing those responsible for security to return to their usual posts.
After sitting alone in her office for a while, Ling Ruonan called Luo Ziling, asking where he was, and invited him to come to Northern Group headquarters if he was free.
Luo Ziling wasn’t aware Ling Ruonan had met Wu Dongfang, but he knew that being summoned by Ling Ruonan signaled important instructions, so he headed over immediately.
Arriving at Northern Group and hearing Ling Ruonan say Wu Dongfang personally came to see her, Luo Ziling was greatly surprised.
"Mom, you actually let him come here to meet you, and he agreed?"
"That’s not surprising. He’s quite passive now and is more afraid of us retaliating, so he’s here to apologize." Ling Ruonan briefly explained what she discussed with Wu Dongfang.
Wu Dongfang explained to Ling Ruonan in person, saying some matters were just misunderstandings.
His subordinates hadn’t genuinely investigated Luo Ziling; it was merely someone influenced by others, acting secretly.
He promised such incidents wouldn’t happen again in the future.
He further expressed his belief in the integrity of Ling Ruonan and Luo Ziling, acknowledging that they were among the most upright people, certainly better than himself.
Wu Dongfang directly told Ling Ruonan that he hadn’t teamed up with the Fang Family to target the Ling Family or her and Luo Ziling, reassuring Ling Ruonan not to dwell on this.
He subtly expressed the hope that Ling Ruonan wouldn’t hold onto this matter, acknowledging that it was poor management on his part, and he would make amends.
"Is that all?" Listening to Ling Ruonan’s account, Luo Ziling was a bit surprised and slightly disappointed.
Their conversation seemed overly simple, lacking substance.
"It’s already commendable that he’s willing to express his stance face-to-face, admit his mistakes, and deny any alliance with the Fang Family." Ling Ruonan gave a bitter smile, "Regardless, this matter concludes this way. Wu Dongfang and the Fang Family both apologize and are willing to compensate us, and we accept, without dwelling on or pursuing this issue. As for how Wu Dongfang will demonstrate his intentions, that’s up to him."
"At least, regarding our plans against the Chen Family, he won’t obstruct us, right?" Luo Ziling chuckled.
Ling Ruonan nodded lightly, affirming Luo Ziling’s statement.
"Mom, it seems this episode is over now?" Luo Ziling said cheerfully, "Our troubles ahead will decrease, right?"
"Not necessarily! Things won’t end that simply. Wu Dongfang will surely investigate this matter internally, placing those supporting us in potential danger." Ling Ruonan shook her head, "Once they’ve considered targeting us and taking action, they won’t forget about it. As long as interests conflict, such matters can still arise repeatedly. Unless our strength balances with theirs, only then will they not act readily."
"Therefore, what we need to do is strive to enhance our strength. For now, we have your Great Grandfather and Grandfather’s support to rely on, plus other sources of strength to increase our influence. Of course, through interactions, we’ll gradually accumulate experience." Ling Ruonan earnestly said, "To survive here, one must adapt to the environment and live more resiliently than others. Since that incident happened back then, I’ve been holding onto the belief of showing those against us that we can live better than them."
"Mom, as your son, I’ll strongly support you and help create history." Luo Ziling flexed his arm muscles, "If we indeed have someone aiding us, I’ll find a way to identify them sooner."
Ling Ruonan smiled, her gaze becoming tender.
After discussing tonight’s dinner at the Yang Family Old House, the mother-son duo parted ways.
Ling Ruonan needed to handle matters at work, and Luo Ziling also had his own tasks to attend to.
Going to the Yang Family Old House for dinner tonight, one could roughly anticipate what might happen.
Both mother and son prepared for the worst.
If Yang Yunlin wants to argue, they’ll argue along. If Yang Yunlin treats guests well, they’ll lower their stance and enjoy dinner properly.
Ling Ruonan left first, while Luo Ziling stayed a while longer at Northern Group, handling some matters and chatting with Ye Qinqing and Zhou Chaoyang.
These two individuals were nurtured and promoted by him, regarded as confidants.
Ye Qinqing and Zhou Chaoyang didn’t disappoint his expectations, performing exceptionally well.
Luo Ziling planned for Zhou Chaoyang to take over Hu Jianbo’s position while Ye Qinqing would transfer to a different role, dealing with more significant affairs.
Luo Ziling had lunch at the Northern Group cafeteria, dining with Ye Qinqing and Zhou Chaoyang.
Seeing the young Ye Qinqing and Zhou Chaoyang, heavily entrusted by Luo Ziling, eating with him, many expressed envy and jealousy.
Nonetheless, no others approached, Luo Ziling’s reputation was still considerable. Additionally, his striking handsomeness made many feel inferior before him, including the highly trusted Ye Qinqing and Zhou Chaoyang.
Ye Qinqing, still unmarried, young and highly valued by Luo Ziling, led to internal gossip within the company.
However, neither involved party paid attention, and the rumors quickly dissipated.
After lunch, Luo Ziling left Northern Group, planning to return to school for classes.
Unexpectedly for Luo Ziling, Yang Qingye came to find him.
Seeing Yang Qingye approach with an unfriendly demeanor, Luo Ziling slightly furrowed his brows.