Yang Yuanshan’s words shocked Yang Yunlin.
He never dreamed that his father would threaten him in such a tone.
This was the most powerful kind of threat.
Yang Yunlin knew that if his father truly stopped supporting him, no matter how hard he tried to resist, he wouldn’t stand a chance. Most of what he now possessed was the result of Yang Yuanshan’s backing; what he had obtained through his own ability and effort was really very little. But Yang Yunlin certainly didn’t want to lose it all, hence Yang Yuanshan’s threat left him feeling a mix of shame and anger, and even a temptation to stab his father to death.
Yang Yuanshan did not give Yang Yunlin more time to react. He earnestly said, "Remember, no matter what the matter is, always learn to consider the bigger picture. Your biggest flaw is a lack of this mentality. I’m not trying to be harsh, but compared to Fang Zhonghua, what you’re lacking is this broader perspective. In this regard, you’re much like Ling Zhengping. Unless something unexpected happens, Fang Zhonghua’s achievements will surely surpass both of yours. You both tend to forsake the bigger picture due to small matters. How long have you been brooding over the Luo Family’s affairs? What can you achieve by not letting go? It only leads to self-inflicted trouble."
After a pause, Yang Yuanshan continued, "Actually, you know yourself that maintaining good relations with the Luo Family is far more beneficial than being hostile with them. Enmity with them could very well result in mutual destruction, or even pave the way to your own doom. Since you understand this, why not take a step back and reconsider? Many things don’t have to be settled immediately; the future is long and a chance might suddenly arrive one day, just like the Chen Family’s predicament. Our grievances with the Chen Family were laid to rest for so many years, yet now we can pick them up and reconcile together."
Yang Yuanshan’s words in the latter part of the conversation hit Yang Yunlin like a revelation, awakening him instantly.
He took a deep breath and bowed respectfully to his father.
"Thank you for your guidance, Father. I will remember it. I will certainly heed your words, and will approach everything with the bigger picture in mind, no longer tangled in my own knots. In a few days, I will seek out Ling Ruonan for a chat, and will strengthen cooperation with the Ling Family and the Luo Family thereafter. As for Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin, let them decide their own matters. I won’t stop them anyway, as they’re not yet at an age to marry."
Yang Yuanshan nodded and said nothing more.
While Yang Yunlin and Yang Yuanshan talked in the study, Chen Qiaoyu and Yang Qingyin, who waited outside, were a bit anxious.
They heard the commotion of an argument between the father and son in the study and knew why Yang Yuanshan and Yang Yunlin were arguing.
When the noise ceased, they even thought for a moment that Yang Yunlin might have done something to Yang Yuanshan.
Fortunately, in the end, both father and son emerged from the study unharmed.
When they came out, Chen Qiaoyu and Yang Qingyin immediately approached them.
But they didn’t know what to ask.
"Alright, you should head back too!" Yang Yuanshan said with a chuckle, "In the coming months, all of you should be a bit more mindful. Especially Qingye, stop being stubborn. You’ve done enough foolish things in the past period; it’s time to reflect properly. Focus mainly on your studies for now; as for helping the family, you can get involved in a couple of years without any rush."
"Qingye, listen to Grandpa. Focus on your studies first," Yang Yunlin added, "If you have the energy, you can get involved in some matters, but if not, don’t worry about them for now."
"I got it!" Yang Qingye replied somewhat dejectedly, not daring to say much more.
After leaving the old house, Yang Yunlin and Chen Qiaoyu went home by car, while Yang Qingye and Yang Qingyin returned to school together.
Ye Xiaoli drove them, dropping Yang Qingye off at Qinghua University first.
On the way back to school, Yang Qingyin remained deep in thought.
Yang Qingye wanted to talk to Yang Qingyin, but seeing her absorbed in thought, he felt awkward interrupting her.
However, nearing the school, Yang Qingye couldn’t hold back any longer and asked, "Sister, can you chat with me? How are we supposed to think about today’s events?"
"Just listen to Grandpa and Dad, don’t overthink it. Reflect on whether the things we’ve done recently were truly wrong." Yang Qingyin answered, slightly exasperated.
"Alright then!" Yang Qingye agreed, feeling very frustrated.
As Yang Qingyin and Yang Qingye returned to school, Luo Ziling’s family gathered in the living room to discuss matters.
When they went to the Yang Family Old House for dinner earlier, Luo Xusheng maintained a very low profile throughout.
After coming home, he remained mostly silent.
It wasn’t easy for him to express his opinions on such matters, as he didn’t know as much about them as Ling Ruonan and Luo Ziling.
Ling Ruonan shared her perspective, saying she believed Yang Yuanshan would surely persuade Yang Yunlin, unless Yang Yunlin didn’t want his father’s support anymore.
Yang Yuanshan convincing Yang Yunlin wouldn’t mean Yang Yunlin would completely let go of past issues, but merely not express them for now.
In the upcoming period, the relations between the Yang Family and the Luo Family should improve, and Yang Yunlin would not target them as he did before. The connection between the Yang Family and the Ling Family would also improve, as there would be decisive actions against the Chen Family before the year-end, and both families needed a clear result.
Upon hearing Ling Ruonan’s words, Luo Liansheng immediately said, "Actually, this is quite good; without the Yang Family plotting against us, our days will be a bit more comfortable. As for what happens in the future, we’ll discuss it later. But regardless of everything, as long as you gain higher status and influence, whatever they plan to do, they’ll have to think twice. The best deterrent is being stronger than them!"
"In any case, if we can’t outplay them, we can retreat to somewhere quiet and spend half of our lives at peace with the world, and we might even outlive them. Living longer than them is a form of victory too." Luo Ziling joked happily.
"Finding an escape route and leaving a retreat is a long-term plan," Ling Ruonan seemed touched by Luo Ziling’s words, "Even a cunning rabbit has three burrows, let alone us who have never been at peace."
Ling Ruonan, as if thinking of something, instructed Luo Ziling, "In a while, go to Europe and try to acquire some properties there; make sure to have real estate, don’t worry about the price. It’s best to have some near Paris and London, and Berlin. Don’t register them under our names; use other people’s identities. Our business in Europe will expand as well, arrange it yourself. Even if we never use them, we can stay there when vacationing. If possible, swing by America too, our business there is rather substantial as well."
Luo Ziling understood that Ling Ruonan’s instructions were to prepare these things and also hoped he could visit Chen Xiaoyi and her daughter.
After all, the daughter that Chen Xiaoyi gave birth to was nearing her full month.
Luo Ziling had promised Chen Xiaoyi to visit when the baby reached a full month.
Since Ling Ruonan had instructed him, he could now legitimate plan the trip.