"That’s not bad!" Wang Zhengqiang expressed this sentiment, so Luo Ziling felt that Wang Zhengqiang’s promise was quite satisfying.
"There are some things you can’t promise him right now. Often, not taking a stand is the best strategy in a conflict," Ling Ruonan shared her view. "His conflict with Lin Zeping isn’t going to be resolved quickly. Others believe their relationship will continue, neither side gaining an upper hand."
"Well, we can benefit from both sides," Luo Ziling said, smiling happily. "I bet Lin Zeping will also find an opportunity to talk with you about these matters directly. They’ve reached out to me, and after understanding the situation, they’ll offer you the specific plan."
"We’re not in a hurry. Let’s see how they perform!"
Ling Ruonan didn’t say much more.
After a little more conversation, the mother and son ended the call.
Early the next morning, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin went to Slender West Lake for a sightseeing trip.
"Slender West Lake was originally named Baozhang Lake. I’m not sure when it was changed to Slender West Lake," Yang Qingyin said with a smile as they bought tickets, ready to enter the park. "Do you know the poem that inspired the name of Slender West Lake?"
Luo Ziling replied with a smile, "Willows spread uninterrupted as they meet estranged lands, the rows at Hongqiao are a picturesque scene. This too is just a pot that poured gold away, hence we should call it Slender West Lake. Is this the one?"
Yang Qingyin shot a glance at Luo Ziling, pretending to be unimpressed and said, "You don’t even let me show off."
"It’s all written on the ticket; what’s there to show off?" Luo Ziling waved the ticket he had just bought. "If you want to show off, why not perform a flute song under the moon at the Twenty-Four Bridge, letting me experience the mood of when Du Mu composed his famous poem?"
"Pervert!" Yang Qingyin’s cheeks flushed as she glared at Luo Ziling.
Luo Ziling was momentarily confused, not understanding why Yang Qingyin called him a pervert.
Before he could figure it out, Yang Qingyin had already grabbed his hand and pulled him forward.
The Slender West Lake scenic area isn’t very large, but it has a distinct Southern charm, with small bridges and flowing water everywhere, and willows planted along the waterfront.
"Actually, it would be best to come in Spring," Yang Qingyin commented softly as they walked slowly along the riverside, "The beauty of the South should be appreciated and enjoyed in Spring; it’s the most beautiful season in the South!"
"In fact, the real joy of traveling comes from the company; the beauty comes mainly from them!"
"There’s some truth to that," Yang Qingyin didn’t deny what Luo Ziling said but argued enthusiastically for two sentences, "But scenery is also really important!"
"Absolutely!" Luo Ziling nodded, "Beautiful scenery combined with beautiful companions—everything is perfect!"
Yang Qingyin laughed sweetly, then reached out to hold onto Luo Ziling’s arm, "Then let’s set a date for next Spring to travel across the South!"
"Traveling the South is a must," Luo Ziling replied with a smile, "We should do it like this: start chasing Spring after the New Year. Wherever flowers bloom, we chase them. In July, when the South gets really hot, by the Northwest, it’s still Spring. I think I remember the rapeseed flowers by Qinghai Lake bloom around that time."
"If you’re keen on going out and have the time, I’ll accompany you!" Yang Qingyin immediately grinned brightly.
Laughing and chatting all the way, they arrived at Wuting Bridge.
Wuting Bridge is considered "China’s most beautiful bridge." Before coming, Yang Qingyin created a strategy and roughly understood the history of this bridge.
Seeing the bridge appear in front of them, Yang Qingyin quickly sprinted forward to the riverside and asked Luo Ziling to take some photos of her.
After Luo Ziling took several photos of Yang Qingyin, he asked a passerby to take pictures of them together.
"Are you Luo Ziling?" A fairly pretty young girl, walking with her boyfriend, was stopped by Luo Ziling. After looking closely at him, she couldn’t help but ask excitedly, "Did I recognize you correctly?"
Luo Ziling was a bit embarrassed at being recognized even here, "If I say you got the wrong person, I wouldn’t be honest; but if I admit it, I might encounter trouble. So, I won’t confirm or deny, how about that?"
The young girl was thrilled to hear this and quickly agreed, promising to take several beautiful photos for Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin and begged for a picture with Luo Ziling.
Luo Ziling reluctantly agreed.
If he had known it would be troublesome, he wouldn’t have asked someone to help take photos.
After the girl took the pictures of Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin, she took a photo with them.
During the photo-taking, she kept assuring them that she definitely wouldn’t post the photos on her Moments or Weibo today.
As the girl and her boyfriend cheerfully left, Luo Ziling turned to Yang Qingyin with a helpless expression, "I never thought my fame had gotten so big that I’d be recognized even here!"
Yang Qingyin pulled out sunglasses from her backpack, wore them on her nose, and asked Luo Ziling to put on his hat and glasses.
"Indeed, you now have close to a billion followers; one in fifteen Huaxia people knows you. Based on that ratio, there are probably hundreds of people in this park today who recognize you. To avoid unnecessary trouble, let’s be a bit more low-key and avoid causing issues," Yang Qingyin said, smiling at Luo Ziling. "Luckily, that girl isn’t lovestruck; otherwise, today wouldn’t be as fun."
"I kind of experienced the woes of being a celebrity!" Luo Ziling sighed.
"Still, having so many followers and being recognized everywhere—it’s frustrating but also quite positive," Yang Qingyin continued smiling, "Your renown has surpassed many big names; your influence is even greater than your mom’s. Don’t you think if you ever want to accomplish something, it will be much easier for you?"
Upon hearing this, Luo Ziling’s smile faded.
He nodded lightly, agreeing with Yang Qingyin’s statement, "It truly is. The patriotic enthusiasm of the Huaxia populace seems to have been ignited all at once. I checked the replies; many people who originally didn’t care or even know December 13th marks the massacre memorial day, our national tribute day, found out through my Weibo. Regardless, this counts as an achievement. Seeing that so many people gained a sense of national pride from my Weibo post was very encouraging to me. I feel if this reputation continues, I can accomplish many things. It’s useful for both public and private agendas, for the nation and for individuals."
"Therefore, you must manage your Weibo well and avoid any trouble," Yang Qingyin advised. "I think it’s best if you manage the account personally; knowing the password isn’t safe if shared with us. Or designate one person to manage Weibo, rather than have multiple people involved."
Luo Ziling knew Yang Qingyin’s words carried a hint, so he simply nodded lightly without saying much.