Luo Chenyang will be two months old on December 18th, and as long as Luo Ziling arrives in Paris before that date, he can celebrate the double-month birthday celebration for him.
Though this matter must be kept a secret from Yang Qingyin, Luo Ziling felt conflicted when he thought about it while Yang Qingyin discussed matters with him. Yet, he ultimately decided to leave on the same day as Yang Qingyin.
"Then I should just relax for these two days, invite Fang Dongxun for tea, and make an appearance with Wang Feiyang. We’ve been spending time together often enough!" Luo Ziling said this and chuckled.
Yang Qingyin glanced at Luo Ziling but didn’t refute what he said.
Thus, after spending some intimate time with Yang Qingyin, Luo Ziling took her out for a late-night snack.
The next day, Luo Ziling again pulled Yang Qingyin to invite Fang Dongxun out for tea.
The three of them spent the entire midday together.
However, Luo Ziling did not invite Wang Feiyang out for a meal or tea, as he often spent time together with Wang Feiyang.
Following Wang Feiyang around was already conveying enough information.
After making all the necessary appearances, Luo Ziling prepared to travel.
He and Yang Qingyin planned to spend three or four days touring the South.
The weather had cooled, and the North had already entered winter, but temperatures in the South were not too low.
The scenery of early winter was still quite pleasant.
"The verdant hills and distant waters, grass in the Southern autumn not yet withered." While discussing where to head, Luo Ziling smiled and said to Yang Qingyin, "Let’s head to the South, shall we? Maybe start at Jinling, spend a day or two, then head to Yangzhou, and Gusu for some sightseeing, then back to the Capital? Stroll along Qinhuai River and see the beauty of the Twenty-Four Bridge in the moonlight, wander through the Gusu Gardens?"
Yang Qingyin readily agreed.
Thus, the two of them made final preparations for their trip.
However, what Luo Ziling didn’t expect was that just as he and Yang Qingyin were about to leave for Jinling the next morning, Zhen, one of Wu Dongfang’s subordinates, contacted him for a meeting.
This time, Luo Ziling saw Zhen in her true form.
To his surprise, the last time she appeared as a disheveled older woman, this time, she transformed into a sharp and capable professional.
"Mr. Luo, delighted to see you again!" In a sleek suit with her hair styled in a ponytail, appearing no older than forty and quite charming, Zhen felt slightly smug upon seeing Luo Ziling’s astonished expression. She extended her hand to Luo Ziling and introduced herself, "I’m Li Lanqing, Deputy Director of Section Three in Investigation. I hope for Mr. Luo’s and Miss Ling’s kind support moving forward."
"Who would’ve thought Mrs. Li could be so young and beautiful!" Luo Ziling grinned as he shook hands with Li Lanqing, then offered her a warm smile, "I almost didn’t recognize you! But I won’t call you Director Li, how about Mrs. Li instead?"
"I ask Mr. Luo to forgive me for my obligatory actions!" Li Lanqing said sheepishly, "Before sensing Mr. Luo’s sincerity, I couldn’t dare show my true self."
Li Lanqing felt that there was no one from the Ling Family in her department, so she thought that changing her appearance would prevent recognition.
Though Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan were exceptional, they had difficulty investigating her department’s situation.
Thus, she believed concealing her true form during their first meeting allowed her to maintain anonymity.
If Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan could have dug into her identity, they wouldn’t have been so passive during the previous incident.
She was actually quite right, as Luo Ziling considered investigating her identity but eventually decided against it.
He might not learn about Zhen’s situation, and he trusted that she would proactively seek him out again to reveal her true identity.
Thus, he spared himself the effort.
"Completely understandable, caution is wise in your line of work." Luo Ziling chuckled, teasing Li Lanqing, "Mrs. Li, I bet many men pursued you when you were younger, right? I’m guessing you might be around my mom’s age but look significantly younger."
Luo Ziling’s words made Li Lanqing burst into laughter, "To be complimented by Mr. Luo like this makes me genuinely happy! Indeed, many pursued me when I was younger, but I can never compare to your mom, or Mr. Luo yourself. Both of you are so striking; I can’t help but feel a tinge of envy."
"Mrs. Li, not only do I look good, but I’m also admired by many for my great character!"
Li Lanqing laughed again at Luo Ziling’s demeanor.
After a few humorous exchanges, their relationship quickly became closer.
Li Lanqing had hinted at her intention to seek goodwill from Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan before.
Today’s meeting further clarified her position.
She candidly told Luo Ziling that in her current role, she lives in constant fear daily.
The calculating nature of her industry is perilous; while scheming against others, she risks being schemed against herself.
Without any backing, she is hopeful for support.
She has aspirations for stability and advancement, thus seeking help from Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan.
Of course, she also expressed her admiration and respect for Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan.
Especially Ling Ruonan, who truly was her model and icon.
"When can I arrange a meeting between you and my mom?" After their conversation, Luo Ziling voiced his intention.
"Sure, but there’s no rush!" Li Lanqing seemed a bit embarrassed, "It’s not the right time, I know you all are busy, better to wait. Once things quiet down and you’re less occupied, I’ll approach your mom to discuss matters. Anyway, there’s currently nothing urgent. If a critical issue arises, I will inform you right away!"
"Thank you, Mrs. Li!" Luo Ziling reiterated his gratitude.
Following that, the two shifted away from serious topics and chatted casually.
Luo Ziling did not pry into Li Lanqing’s affairs, preferring not to investigate what she did not openly disclose.
Li Lanqing grew fond of Luo Ziling and voluntarily shared some of her personal stories, even mentioning her husband’s situation.
Li Lanqing’s husband, in fact, currently works under Ling Ruonan.
Ling Ruonan holds a deputy position, while Li Lanqing’s husband serves as a section chief.
Listening to Li Lanqing talk about her husband, Luo Ziling gained a clearer understanding of the situation.
He enthusiastically assured her that Ling Ruonan would look after Li Lanqing’s husband.
Luo Ziling’s thoughtfulness put Li Lanqing at ease.
After chatting for over an hour, they parted ways.
Upon returning home, Luo Ziling informed Ling Ruonan about the meeting with Li Lanqing.
Ling Ruonan was quite pleased upon hearing this.
She mentioned that once things become calmer, she would meet with Li Lanqing and communicate various matters.
Concerning the promotion of Li Lanqing and her husband, she would also address this.
"Mom, once we gather enough people, your strength will naturally increase!"
"It’s not that simple, everything must proceed slowly!" Ling Ruonan was not as optimistic as Luo Ziling.