By the end of November, the autumn mood in Yanjing was already quite strong.
The days had shortened significantly, and by past five, dusk had begun.
When Luo Liansheng and Luo Ziling arrived, Yang Yuanshan welcomed them into the courtyard for tea.
Because there were no tall buildings obstructing the view, the sunlight in the courtyard was quite good.
Having tea with the glow of the setting sun felt rather nice.
When Ling Ruonan and Luo Xusheng arrived, the glow had already faded, but the warmth lingered, and Yang Yuanshan still hosted them in the courtyard.
They didn’t discuss anything important, just casually chatted about some trivial matters.
By five-thirty, dusk had settled in, and Yang Yuanshan invited them inside, ready for dinner.
He no longer mentioned Yang Yunlin, but his slightly furrowed brows revealed his mood.
The fact that Yang Yunlin was still not here this late had made him angry.
Upon entering the house, Yang Yuanshan invited everyone to take their seats and prepare to dine.
No one brought up Yang Yunlin.
Yang Qingyin, sitting next to Luo Ziling, looked a bit embarrassed.
She wanted to explain something but ultimately said nothing after glancing at Yang Yuanshan’s expression.
Unable to hold back, Chen Qiaoyu explained apologetically once everyone was seated: "I just called Yang. He’s on his way over. It’s rush hour everywhere in Yanjing, and he’s stuck in traffic."
"Hmph, at his age, he still has no concept of time!" Yang Yuanshan snorted, then instructed Chen Qiaoyu to serve the food, deciding not to wait on Yang Yunlin.
Yang Qingye was also very embarrassed, wanting to say a few words in defense of Yang Yunlin but didn’t dare do so with Yang Yuanshan present.
After Yang Yunlin arrived, once Luo Liansheng and Yang Yuanshan had finished three glasses of wine, he finally showed up at the old residence.
Wearing a suit, he strode into the dining room and immediately offered an apology.
He explained that there was a last-minute event at noon today, where he had to deliver a few words and make some arrangements. The timing was initially quite sufficient, but unforeseen circumstances occurred, which he had to address.
After resolving the matter, he hurried over but was caught in traffic, resulting in his delay.
He first apologized to Yang Yuanshan and then expressed regret to Luo Liansheng.
Yang Yunlin did not express regret to Luo Xusheng, Ling Ruonan, or himself, and Luo Ziling knew awkwardness was coming.
Sure enough, upon seeing Yang Yunlin’s behavior, Yang Yuanshan’s face instantly turned cold.
"Being busy with things is understandable." Luo Liansheng chuckled, smoothing things over, and invited Yang Yunlin to sit down, "Come, sit down and eat!"
Yang Yunlin gave Luo Liansheng a difficult smile and then sat down beside Chen Qiaoyu.
When Yang Yuanshan came in, Luo Xusheng and Ling Ruonan were sitting quietly, not saying anything.
Yang Yunlin did not greet them, nor did they speak up.
After Yang Yunlin sat down, Yang Yuanshan stood up, lifted the cup of wine in front of him, and invited Yang Yunlin, Chen Qiaoyu, Yang Qingyin, and Yang Qingye to join him in toasting to the three generations of the Luo Family.
Yang Yunlin had just sat down when he got up again, poured himself a glass of wine.
Chen Qiaoyu, Yang Qingyin, and Yang Qingye also raised their wine glasses.
Luo Ziling, Luo Liansheng, Ling Ruonan, and Luo Xusheng stood up as well, holding their wine glasses.
Yang Yuanshan raised his glass in a toast, saying: "Come, let’s drink. We’ve had our share of disagreements in the past, but let’s leave those behind after this drink. We must live in the future, not in the past. Whether it’s my son or the years apart for those of you in the Luo Family, it’s all in the past. Let’s hope that we won’t mention them again, and everything starts anew."
After saying this, he drank his cup of wine in one gulp.
Luo Liansheng laughed heartily twice before downing his drink.
After drinking, Luo Liansheng continued: "It’s during special moments that one realizes whether their thoughts and actions are right or wrong. Often, it’s impossible to discern right from wrong regarding a matter. Many people place interests above all else, only discovering later in life that living well is what truly matters. When a person dies, they have nothing."
Luo Liansheng looked at Yang Yuanshan, still smiling broadly, "Old Sir Yang, am I right? Living well is the best, and only with good health can we accomplish many things."
He sighed, "Ever since my wife passed from illness, I started studying medicine. After saving many lives, I discovered a great sense of achievement and honor in studying medicine. There’s an indescribable feeling of pride when pulling someone back from Ghost Gate Pass. I also shamelessly say, if it weren’t for my grandson and I helping you, you probably wouldn’t be in such good spirits now. But we don’t need your thanks, as it’s the duty of a healer. Let’s not dwell on those words again today; our families are dining together formally for the first time, and we should enjoy the drinks."
Having said that, Luo Liansheng took the wine bottle before him, filled Yang Yuanshan’s and his own glass, lifted his cup, and drank it all.
Yang Yuanshan wanted to say something but ultimately said nothing, clinked glasses with Luo Liansheng, and drank it all.
Yang Yunlin showed no reaction, just quietly watching.
After Yang Yuanshan and Luo Liansheng had said their pieces, he also raised his glass towards Luo Xusheng and Ling Ruonan, "I toast to the two of you."
Ling Ruonan and Luo Xusheng stood up again, picked up the wine glasses in front of them, nodded to Yang Yunlin and Chen Qiaoyu, and drank in one go.
Seeing the atmosphere at the banquet ease, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin both breathed a sigh of relief.
Luo Ziling stood up, filled his glass, and toasted Yang Yuanshan, "Sir Yang, I toast to your continued good health."
"Thank you!" Yang Yuanshan raised his glass again without reservation and drank it all.
After toasting Yang Yuanshan, Luo Ziling raised his glass towards Yang Yunlin and Chen Qiaoyu, "Mr. Yang, Mrs. Chen, I toast to you both."
He didn’t refer to Yang Yunlin as "Uncle Yang" or "Uncle," instead using "Mr. Yang."
This special address did draw glances from Yang Yuanshan, Luo Liansheng, and the others.
But they didn’t make any comments.
Yang Yuanshan and Chen Qiaoyu both gestured with their glasses towards Luo Ziling, while Yang Yunlin said nothing, just drank his wine in one go.
Chen Qiaoyu smiled warmly at Luo Ziling, speaking affectionately, "Ziling, I greatly appreciate your help with treating my father and Qingye. Without you and your grandfather’s treatment, they wouldn’t have recovered so quickly. There’s a saying, ’No fight, no acquaintance,’ which means that through our past conflicts, relationships grow closer, not colder, like with ordinary people. I hope our families grow closer together."
After these words, she raised her glass towards Luo Ziling, downing the drink.
Noticing Yang Yunlin remained indifferent, Luo Ziling was energetic when toasting, making both Yang Qingyin and Chen Qiaoyu sigh with relief.
However, Ling Ruonan didn’t think the same. She suspected Yang Yunlin would show his displeasure soon.
He would express his dissatisfaction.