Ling Ruonan and Yang Yunlin’s interactions have not been few; over the past few years, they have had quite a bit of contact.
Yang Yunlin had intentions towards her, which made Ling Ruonan even more disgusted by him, leading to an unhappy relationship between the two.
Even casting aside grievances from two decades ago, Ling Ruonan still harbored no goodwill towards Yang Yunlin based on his later actions.
Not to mention all the other grievances, including Yang Yunlin’s several attempts to harm Luo Ziling later on.
For Ling Ruonan, even if Yang Yunlin wasn’t holding these things against them, it was still difficult for her to let go.
Today, she was somewhat hoping for Yang Yunlin to act impulsively, so she could vent her dissatisfaction instead of keeping it bottled up inside.
Thus, she waited.
However, today Yang Yunlin’s behavior surprised her a bit; he had not spoken or acted excessively.
After three rounds of drinks, Yang Yuanshan and Luo Liansheng started talking more.
The two old men were quite enthusiastic about drinking and chatting, while the others merely accompanied them.
Yang Yunlin spoke very little, while Chen Qiaoyu frequently chimed in with occasional comments.
Given Luo Ziling’s nature, he would definitely interject a few words when Yang Yuanshan and Luo Liansheng were speaking.
But today, as Yang Yunlin, Luo Xusheng, Ling Ruonan, Yang Qingyin, and Yang Qingye all kept quiet, he also spoke very little.
The family dinner wasn’t particularly lively, nor was it cold and detached.
All thanks to Chen Qiaoyu’s support.
While contributing to the discussion between Luo Liansheng and Yang Yuanshan, she occasionally pulled Yang Qingyin and Luo Ziling to join in, also bringing in Ling Ruonan and Luo Xusheng. Although the others didn’t speak much, they’d say a few words, which prevented the atmosphere from becoming cold.
Yang Yuanshan drank a considerable amount, as did Luo Liansheng.
Luo Ziling noticed that during dinner, Yang Yuanshan occasionally glared at Yang Yunlin.
Whenever Yang Yuanshan glared at him, Yang Yunlin would always sit with his eyes lowered, showing no reaction.
He could tell that it was Yang Yuanshan signaling to Yang Yunlin not to cause trouble with his eyes.
It seemed Yang Yuanshan’s frequent eye signals kept Yang Yunlin from making any noticeable outburst.
He drank a lot too, probably bottling things up inside.
Dinner ended after about an hour.
After eating, Yang Yuanshan invited everyone to the living room to have tea and fruit, while Chen Qiaoyu instructed the housekeeper to clear the dishes.
Yang Qingyin went over to help but was sent back to the living room by Chen Qiaoyu.
Yang Yuanshan called Chen Qiaoyu over too, wanting the families to sit together for more conversation.
This was also a chance to discuss some matters unsuitable to mention during dinner.
"Who knows when both families will gather again for a meal next time." Yang Yuanshan chuckled, steering the conversation to Luo Xusheng and Ling Ruonan’s wedding a few days ago, "Xusheng and Ruonan’s wedding, though delayed by twenty years, was extraordinarily grand. So many people came to congratulate them, it was quite an eye-opener. Sir Luo, isn’t this a case of ’blessings in disguise’?"
"You mean, even though their wedding was delayed, they ’profited’ from it? And they owe this ’profit’ to you, so they should thank you?" Luo Liansheng teased with a smile.
"Not at all! What I mean is that I don’t think anyone’s wedding could be grander in the future." After a pause, Yang Yuanshan shook his head again, "But then, if Ziling and Qingyin end up together, perhaps their wedding would be even more lively."
Yang Yuanshan’s words caused Yang Yunlin’s face to change immediately.
Ling Ruonan and Luo Xusheng also appeared slightly uneasy.
Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin exchanged a glance without any reaction.
Yang Yuanshan surveyed those present and raised his voice, saying, "Old Mr. Luo and I are considered your elders and have some reputation in the community. I believe our words carry some weight?"
Although his words were polite, he looked at Yang Yunlin expectantly after speaking, wanting him to respond.
Yang Yunlin felt a bit embarrassed but eventually nodded.
Luo Liansheng remained silent, only giving a slight nod.
"Let’s not mention past grievances anymore, regardless of the reasons my son died or why you were worlds apart. We won’t discuss right or wrong or pursue responsibility. Let’s turn the page of history." After saying this, Yang Yuanshan glanced at Yang Yunlin twice, then at Ling Ruonan and Luo Xusheng.
"What’s your opinion?" Yang Yuanshan asked Luo Liansheng.
"I never wanted our families to hold grievances against each other, nor did I ever intend to interact as lifelong enemies. Sir Yang, you’re right; regardless of past right or wrong, the past is behind us. No matter who it was, everyone has suffered punishment by time. We should forget the past and focus on the future." After expressing his view, Luo Liansheng looked at Yang Yunlin, waiting for him to express his stance first.
When Luo Liansheng looked at Yang Yunlin, Yang Yuanshan also turned his gaze towards him.
The look Yang Yuanshan gave Yang Yunlin was somewhat unfriendly, and even Luo Ziling, sitting to the side, could feel the immense pressure from Yang Yuanshan’s authoritative gaze.
"Since both Dad and Old Mr. Luo hold such views, then let me share the same attitude." Yang Yunlin stood up and reluctantly said, "Let bygones be bygones; I hope there will be no further disputes between our families. I also hope..."
Amidst everyone’s anticipation, Yang Yunlin didn’t finish his "hope" and ultimately just nodded to everyone before sitting down.
Chen Qiaoyu immediately took over the conversation, saying joyfully, "In fact, our two families should’ve done this earlier. It’s better to resolve enmities than to create them. In the blink of an eye, we’re all getting old, even we are growing old. Many past events were due to misunderstandings caused by accidents. After so much time, everything has faded, and misunderstandings have been clarified, so there’s no need to dwell on them. In the future, our families should grow closer; after all, we have years of friendship. Ruonan, don’t you think so?"
Ling Ruonan didn’t speak as amiably as the others; instead, she spoke seriously, "Since the elders and everyone here hold such views, I won’t dwell on anything either. However, I have a habit of treating others reciprocally. Anyone willing to treat us amiably, we will reciprocate; if anyone plots against us secretly, we will respond accordingly, perhaps even more strongly. Of course, I hope to live in peace with the Yang Family, develop and progress together. I hope our beautiful wishes can be realized."
Ling Ruonan’s rather blunt words made Yang Yuanshan’s face change slightly, and Yang Yunlin’s brow furrowed.
Before Yang Yunlin could express his thoughts, Yang Yuanshan cleared his throat and followed up on Ling Ruonan’s words, "Ruonan is right; it’s better to lay things out beforehand rather than blame each other afterward. Here, I also remind the Yang Family members not to plot against the Luo Family behind their backs in the future."
After a pause, he instructed Yang Yunlin, "You should convey my message."