Ling Ruonan indeed didn’t make it in time for dinner.
Dinner was eaten by Luo Ziling with Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua.
During the meal, Luo Ziling shared some interesting stories with Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua, making Xie Enhua laugh heartily.
Luo Ziling had a few drinks with Ling Mingrui.
Ling Mingrui was in good spirits and actively suggested drinking with Luo Ziling.
Luo Ziling naturally did not refuse.
After dinner, Ling Mingrui asked Luo Ziling to play chess with him again.
Ling Mingrui was in the mood to play chess, and Luo Ziling was certainly happy to accompany him.
While setting up the chessboard, Luo Ziling remembered the last time he played chess with Ling Mingrui, where he expressed his dissatisfaction through the chess match. Fortunately, his wit later led him to knock the board to the ground, avoiding Ling Mingrui’s embarrassment.
Luo Ziling believed Ling Mingrui remembered the last incident.
He also believed Ling Mingrui’s mindset was different from the last chess game.
During the game, Luo Ziling raised the issue of the intelligence agency from Japan, and Ling Mingrui agreed to put some pressure on the relevant departments.
While the elder and the youth were playing chess, Ling Ruonan finally arrived.
When she entered, she first apologized to Xie Enhua, who came forward to greet her.
Then, she walked into the study and expressed the same sentiments to Ling Mingrui, who was playing chess with Luo Ziling.
Upon hearing Ling Ruonan say she hadn’t eaten dinner yet, Xie Enhua and Ling Mingrui urged her to have some dinner first.
"Mom saved some food for you, they’re all your favorites!" Xie Enhua led Ling Ruonan by the arm as they walked out, her face full of affection, "No matter how busy work gets, remember to eat on time, otherwise you’ll hurt your health from hunger."
Hearing Xie Enhua’s instructions, warmth uncontrollably welled up in Luo Ziling’s heart.
Though he hadn’t become a father yet—no, he was already a father.
Just that he hadn’t properly fulfilled his paternal duties.
He fully understood the selfless love parents have for their children.
In the eyes of most parents, no matter how old you are, no matter your achievements, you’re always their child, someone who hasn’t grown up, who needs their care. They’re afraid you’ll be hungry, tired, and are constantly concerned for your well-being.
In this world, the only man who can give you all his love without any demand for return is surely your father.
The only woman who gives you all her love, also without asking for anything in return, is surely your mother.
You only understand this truth when you become a parent.
Having your parents around really feels good.
"What’s wrong?" Seeing Luo Ziling holding a chess piece with a blank expression, Ling Mingrui couldn’t help but ask him.
"Just seeing grandma caring for my mom a moment ago moved me," Luo Ziling straightened up and looked at Ling Mingrui, "My mom’s own son is already so grown up, but in grandpa and grandma’s eyes, she’s still a child, someone who needs your care and love. I’m glad my mom has parents like you and it makes me happy."
Luo Ziling’s words immediately eased Ling Mingrui’s brow.
"Your mom didn’t raise you, but in the past twenty years, she always remembered you. She feels she owes you too much, so after meeting you, she’s been trying desperately to make it up. Whatever you want to do, sometimes she feels it’s not good, but she wouldn’t stop you. Instead, she tries her best to create convenience for you. In times of danger, if your life were at risk, she would surely protect you without hesitation. Your mom owes you too much, but it’s not her wish; she hopes she can protect you lifelong, so you wouldn’t get hurt. So, if you have grievances against her, don’t show it. Many things you’ll only understand when you become a father."
Luo Ziling’s feelings towards Ling Ruonan still gave Ling Mingrui some comfort.
Even though he’s the head of a big family like the Ling Family, many times valuing interests above all, Ling Mingrui still considers filial piety very important in his heart.
When his mother was alive, Ling Mingrui always showed great filial respect, visiting her almost every day.
Upon his mother’s passing, he cried heartbrokenly, causing Ling Jinhua to weep as well.
Now, although he often disagrees with Ling Jinhua, he remains very filial to Ling Jinhua.
In his mind, anyone disrespectful to their parents holds a very low position.
Ling Zhengping doesn’t respect him much, often acting as if competing with him, which makes Ling Mingrui dissatisfied.
This is why he’s so good to Ling Ruonan but not very friendly to Ling Zhengping.
Because of his influence, most of the Ling Family descendants are people who practice filial piety.
No matter how unruly their character, they don’t dare to show poor attitudes towards their parents.
In this regard, Luo Ziling does the best, and coupled with his outstanding ability, he is most admired by Ling Mingrui.
If Luo Ziling often showed dissatisfaction towards Ling Ruonan, presenting a disharmonious mother-son relationship in front of them, it’s likely he wouldn’t receive such esteem from Ling Mingrui.
Luo Ziling certainly didn’t expect that his sudden moment of reflection improved Ling Mingrui’s opinion of him significantly.
In life, many unintended favorable outcomes occur, sometimes even unbeknownst to those involved.
When Ling Ruonan finished her dinner and came to watch them play chess, Ling Mingrui praised Luo Ziling in front of Ling Ruonan.
"Your son is quite understanding of filial piety." He pointed at Luo Ziling, smiling as he spoke to Ling Ruonan, "Filial piety is the most fundamental character trait for a person. If one can’t even achieve this, then there’s no large probability of success in anything else later. Some people, because they lack this character trait, ultimately end up unlucky."
Ling Ruonan knew Ling Mingrui was referring to the Yang Family father-son rivalry.
Upon realizing this, she gently nodded and smiled, saying, "Ling’er’s grandfather is a person of high moral integrity; those he’s taught definitely wouldn’t have poor character. Moreover, Ling’er is naturally talented and well-read in both modern and ancient books, long comprehending these truths."
Hearing Ling Mingrui and Ling Ruonan speak of him like this, Luo Ziling couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed. He had once fiercely confronted Ling Jinhua and Ling Zhengping, showing less-than-kindness to many of the Elders of the Ling Family; how could these two seem to have forgotten all that?
It seemed Ling Mingrui and Ling Ruonan hadn’t thought of his "dark past", for after praising Luo Ziling a bit, they turned to discuss the main topic.
Ling Ruonan talked about some events from the past few days, including visits to the Fang Family and Yang Family, and her actions regarding Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping.
"As Chen Ruchang’s condition deteriorates, the struggle will become clearer. Our Ling Family should strive for maximum benefit, surely needing to be proactive. Whether they want to use us as pawns or wish to reap the harvest, we must take control. If Chen Yining can manage, great; if not, then let the Chen Family fall more thoroughly," Ling Mingrui stated his stance in front of Luo Ziling.
Ling Ruonan nodded, showing she understood Ling Mingrui’s meaning.
In front of Ling Mingrui, Ling Ruonan instructed Luo Ziling a couple of lines, "In many upcoming matters, don’t take the lead. Let me and your grandfather handle it. No matter the outcome, we’re more able to bear the responsibility, you just serve as our behind-the-scenes assistant!"
Ling Ruonan’s sentiments aligned with Ling Mingrui’s. Luo Ziling felt touched once again.