Ishihara Tarou didn’t stay long in Yanjing; after meeting with Ling Ruonan and handling some other matters, he returned to Japan.
He only stayed in Yanjing for two nights.
On the day Ishihara Tarou returned to Japan, Ling Ruonan met with Chen Yining.
Luo Ziling went along but did not stay by Ling Ruonan’s side.
He didn’t deliberately eavesdrop on their conversation, but he thought Ling Ruonan would surely tell him.
Ling Ruonan and Chen Yining talked for about forty minutes before leaving.
After leaving the place where Chen Yining was temporarily staying, Ling Ruonan headed home.
They did not exchange any words on the way home.
Once at home, Ling Ruonan finally shared with Luo Ziling what had been discussed with Chen Yining.
To Luo Ziling’s surprise, when facing Ling Ruonan, Chen Yining was very sincere, displaying a completely different attitude than when talking to him, which made him a bit indignant.
He knew Chen Yining did it on purpose.
In fact, Chen Yining had already made up his mind to cooperate with them, but didn’t grant him the courtesy, or disclose his final thoughts to him.
When talking with Ling Ruonan, he revealed his final decision.
Feeling despised by Chen Yining due to his young age or for other reasons, Luo Ziling was naturally very frustrated.
“It’s excellent that Chen Yining is willing to lower the conditions to cooperate with us. Next, I will find a way to arrange everything, and you should also drop the appeal and quickly ensure Chen Yining regains his freedom.” At this point, Ling Ruonan sighed softly, “Achieving this won’t be so easy. The Fang Family, the Yang Family, or others will not let things develop so simply. They will create obstacles in freeing Chen Yining. About this matter, I will talk to your grandfather, asking him to put some pressure on Wu Dongfang, then have your grandfather reach out to Yang Yuanshan and Fang Xiang to get them to accept our conditions.”
“Mom, do you need me to talk to anyone?”
“You shouldn’t take the lead!” Ling Ruonan shook her head, “In a couple of days, you should leave Yanjing and travel around. It’s okay to go to Europe soon. Just handle the things I’ve told you.”
Ling Ruonan’s expression showed a hint of hesitation when she said this.
Seeing Ling Ruonan’s hesitant eyes, Luo Ziling immediately asked, “Mom, are you worried about something?”
“Ling’er, in this struggle, we are the main players. Mom knows we have a high chance of winning, but we also have to worry about someone attacking us in the background. Your grandfather and I have our own ways to protect ourselves. In case something happens, Mom surely won’t be in big trouble, at worst losing the position we currently have. But it’s different for you. If they take the opportunity to target you, the trouble would be even greater. So, it’s better for you to stay abroad for a while, so we don’t have to worry about you. You can take Lin Lan with you; others can be used to handle things. This way, you’ll be safe, and we can focus all our energy on dealing with them,” Ling Ruonan shared more of her thoughts with Luo Ziling.
Luo Ziling nodded slightly after hearing this.
Of course, he didn’t want to leave Yanjing at this critical moment, especially since Chen Ruchang’s current situation was a result of his planning.
With the final result about to reveal itself, leaving now would certainly leave him unwilling.
Besides, he felt that he could be of great help to Ling Ruonan in Yanjing.
He thought Ling Ruonan’s decision to make him leave at this time wasn’t wise.
But in the end, he did not argue about it with Ling Ruonan.
Ling Ruonan further informed Luo Ziling that in the coming days, he would talk to Fang Zhonghua and Yang Yunlin about certain matters, at least to understand their attitudes.
The attitudes of Yang Yuanshan, Fang Xiang, and Wu Dongfang would be sought out by Ling Mingrui.
As for Wang Zhengqiang and Lin Zeping, they have almost expressed their stance and won’t likely cause disruptions.
“Mom, I think we still need to be cautious about Lin Zeping; he hasn’t approached you, nor has he sought me out, which is rather unusual!” Luo Ziling voiced his concern.
“I know!” Ling Ruonan nodded, indicating she understood Luo Ziling’s concern.
While they were talking, Luo Ziling’s phone rang.
Seeing it was a landline number, Luo Ziling couldn’t help but frown.
“Could it be Lin Zeping reaching out to me?” He handed the phone to Ling Ruonan with a smile, “Could it be such a coincidence?”
Ling Ruonan gestured for Luo Ziling to answer the call first.
As soon as the call connected, Lin Zeping’s hearty voice came through: “Is this Ziling? This is Lin Zeping!”
“Mr. Lin?!” Luo Ziling appeared surprised and courteously conversed with Lin Zeping while gesturing to Ling Ruonan.
Understanding, Ling Ruonan leaned her head in to hear what Lin Zeping had to say to Luo Ziling over the phone.
“I’ve been wanting to invite you for tea for a long time, but haven’t found the time. This afternoon I have some free time, I wonder if Ziling you are available? There are some urgent matters I want to discuss with you, hoping you can spare some time.” Lin Zeping did not stand on ceremony and straightforwardly explained the situation.
Ling Ruonan nodded, signaling Luo Ziling to accept Lin Zeping’s invitation.
Luo Ziling decisively agreed: “No problem, I’m free this afternoon, Mr. Lin, just tell me the place and I’ll head over.”
“Great, I’ll send a car to pick you up then!” Luo Ziling didn’t hesitate, relieving Lin Zeping.
After hanging up the call, Ling Ruonan quietly reminded Luo Ziling a few times to make sure he articulates his requests clearly when meeting Lin Zeping.
Ling Ruonan wanted Luo Ziling to express the hope that Lin Zeping would show support during actions against the Chen Family, or at least not aid the Chen Family.
This request naturally couldn’t be put forward directly but rather conveyed subtly.
Luo Ziling agreed, of course.
An hour later, Luo Ziling appeared in Lin Zeping’s office.
The secretary led Luo Ziling into the office and then shut the door on the way out.
Lin Zeping personally prepared tea for Luo Ziling.
After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Zeping steered the conversation towards the topic they intended to discuss.
“Ziling, are you aware that Chen Ruchang’s condition is already severe? According to hospital doctors, he doesn’t have much time left.”
“Mr. Lin, are you hoping I could go over to treat him?” Luo Ziling looked at Lin Zeping with a half-smile.
Lin Zeping didn’t answer but instead asked Luo Ziling, “Do you think, even with cases like this, you couldn’t do much as well?”
“Indeed, at most, it’s all about doing one’s best,” Luo Ziling nodded, “In this world, there are many things beyond human capability, like when someone is already terminally ill.”
“So, what do you think the situation will be like after Chen Ruchang passes away?”
Lin Zeping’s question seemed somewhat redundant, and Luo Ziling couldn’t help but feel a little disdainful.
He similarly countered with a question, “What does Mr. Lin plan to achieve in this situation?”
Luo Ziling’s directness took Lin Zeping very much by surprise.