Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin knew well that the struggles among the major families in Yanjing had become an open secret.
Therefore, many people felt anxious, especially those connected to the Chen Family.
People like Zhao Songliang and Guo Chao were surely quick to react and well-informed of the situation.
They were not content with the status quo and did not want to just wait for "death," nor did they wish to be implicated because of this struggle, hence they went to take action.
Even Zhou Rongsheng acted this way, let alone those with lower status.
Those with lower status were like small boats easier to dock, and they had fewer scruples.
Luo Ziling did not give Guo Chao a direct response.
However, he still disclosed some matters concerning the fight with the Chen Family.
The situation of him clashing with the Chen Family had long been shared with the world via his microblog, so it was impossible for Guo Chao not to know.
As the vanguard in the fight against the Chen Family, Luo Ziling had always been very high-profile.
Thus, what he said did not surprise Guo Chao.
This is also the reason why these people were willing to seek him out.
So high-profile yet still thriving, and his influence growing; any keen-eyed person could tell what was going on.
Perhaps all of this was even instructed by Ling Jinhua or Ling Mingrui.
Guo Chao originally thought that Luo Ziling, who was only in his early twenties, would be impulsive and easily provoked.
He believed that the fact Luo Ziling was willing to serve as the vanguard in the decisive battle with the Chen Family summarized it all.
But after engaging with Luo Ziling, he was shocked to find that he was completely wrong.
Luo Ziling was like a little fox, far more cunning and slippery than he imagined.
Guo Chao felt as if he was facing someone who had been part of the system for many years, adept at navigating human relationships.
"I really underestimated these rich brats!" he sighed internally, feeling somewhat powerless.
He then understood why such a young Luo Ziling received such importance from Ling Ruonan, even to the extent of handing over the Northern Group to him.
He also realized why Ling Jinhua and Ling Mingrui viewed him in a different light.
Of course, he also believed in the rumor that this young man could speak on behalf of the heavyweights.
"Such a promising future, truly enviable!" he couldn’t help but express.
Luo Ziling did not give Guo Chao a direct reply, and after finishing dinner, he got up to leave.
Upon leaving, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin expressed thanks to Guo Chao for the arrangement and hospitality, and said something similar to what he told Zhao Songliang. He informed Guo Chao that if he ever visited Yanjing, to remember to contact him, so he could also fulfill his duty as a host.
Guo Chao, of course, agreed.
These words gave him a bit of comfort.
Even if Luo Ziling was just being polite, it at least signaled some recognition.
Around eight o’clock, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin returned to the hotel.
After returning to the hotel, Yang Qingyin took a shower.
After Luo Ziling showered, he massaged her for a while.
Naturally, while massaging, he teased her.
Yang Qingyin did not resist Luo Ziling’s teasing, showing a somewhat willing but hesitant demeanor.
Very quickly, the conversation turned to Guo Chao’s matters.
Yang Qingyin reflected with a hint of contemplation, "It seems that those below are more anxious than those above. They deeply fear being sidelined carelessly. I think you and your mother can take this opportunity to recruit a large group of useful people. However, these people can only be used and shouldn’t be overly trusted. They already show signs of being opportunists; in the future, they will still act this way when you encounter trouble. Truly trustworthy people need to be cultivated by oneself, and you must hold some leverage over them, so they dare not resist."
"I didn’t expect you to be so insightful into these matters!" Luo Ziling looked at Yang Qingyin, expressing with admiration, "Born into an official family, the scenarios you’ve witnessed differ from others, and naturally your mindset is higher! Hey, why are you pinching me? I’m praising you, not belittling you. Hey, you’re still pinching; pinch me more, and I won’t be polite."
While Luo Ziling expressed his thoughts, Yang Qingyin seized the chance to pinch him a few times, causing him to cry out in pain.
Luo Ziling was always a man of his word.
Yang Qingyin resorted to violence, and he retaliated in the same manner; within half an hour, he had subdued her thoroughly.
After Yang Qingyin leaned against him, dozing off, Luo Ziling made a call to Ling Ruonan, reporting the happenings of the past couple of days.
"Since they are taking the initiative to show goodwill, you may bring them in a bit; you can give them some clear signs. If possible, I will meet them in person, or they can seek me when I’m on a business trip, they can all come to find me." Ling Ruonan instructed Luo Ziling, saying she had already thoroughly investigated the backgrounds of Wang Jianmin, Zhao Songliang, Guo Chao, and others.
Upon hearing Ling Ruonan say she had carefully investigated the details of these individuals, Luo Ziling felt a bit relieved.
Ling Ruonan told Luo Ziling that Gusu’s main person in charge, Fu Zhongyi, was promoted by Fang Xiang. If he did not take the initiative to arrange a meeting, then it would be best not to meet to avoid awkwardness.
Luo Ziling agreed.
Ling Ruonan did not say much more to Luo Ziling, giving a few instructions to be careful and not to cause trouble there before hanging up the phone. Before ending the call, Luo Ziling informed Ling Ruonan he would leave Gusu by noon the next day.
Yang Qingyin had a flight the day after tomorrow afternoon, and he also planned to leave Yanjing the day after tomorrow afternoon, heading to Paris.
The itinerary for Yang Qingyin had not been finalized; through her connections, the delegation had altered its schedule several times.
Of course, the purpose of such arrangements was to ensure the safety of herself and Luo Ziling.
The tickets, visas, and such were unchanged; only the flight departure time had been altered.
Everything was done to confuse people and ensure safety.
Ling Ruonan asked Luo Ziling to return home once before leaving, which he agreed to.
After finishing the call, Luo Ziling felt a bit hungry, so he woke Yang Qingyin and asked if she wanted to go out for some food.
Yang Qingyin wasn’t hungry, but upon hearing Luo Ziling say he wanted to take a walk in the old districts, she did not refuse, washed her face, and changed her clothes before heading out.
The night was still young, only half past ten, and the old districts were still bustling.
There were a lot of tourists in Gusu, with many choosing to stroll through the old districts at night.
Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin originally planned to visit this area tomorrow, but realized the scenery might be nicer at night, so they headed out when inspiration struck.
In reality, Humble Administrator’s Garden, Liuyuan Garden, and such renowned spots were part of the old districts, though some specific areas were especially lively.
The two chose Guanqian Street, not far from where they were staying, as it boasted a wide array of local snacks.
However, neither of them expected that just as they entered Guanqian Street, an incident would occur.
A group of unruly individuals, seeing them stroll with interest, unexpectedly approached to harass Yang Qingyin.
These individuals had been eyeing Yang Qingyin for quite a while before coming forward!