Chapter 1441: 1441: Intimidation

Chapter 1441: Chapter 1441: Intimidation

Luo Yuqing was fuming with anger upon hearing that, but after glancing at Ling Ruonan a few times, she merely said calmly, “So, it turns out you wanted to use me to stir up conflict between Mrs. Ling and my dad. You’ve really been unfair to Mrs. Ling.”

Seeing Luo Yuqing remain composed, Ling Ruonan couldn’t help but cast a look of appreciation toward her.

She didn’t respond verbally and simply stood there quietly.

“I just don’t get it. We’re all family with blood ties—why would you go to such extremes to tear each other apart?” Luo Ziling softened his tone slightly. “If I were like you, and I’d learned the truth about what happened last night, I would’ve already chopped Ling Haijun to pieces.”

Luo Ziling’s words frightened Ling Haijun so much that he jumped straight off the sofa.

“Cousin, what’s with the dramatic reaction? Practicing for the high jump, are we?” Luo Ziling reached out and patted Ling Haijun’s face, which had turned pale with fright. “Last night, I didn’t hit or insult you. I even treated you to drinks and supper. By the way, Erguotou tastes quite decent.”

Ling Haijun sat back down awkwardly, looking at Luo Ziling, then at Ling Zhenghui, who wore a dark expression while sitting on the sofa, and finally at Ling Ruonan, whose demeanor remained impassive. He ultimately slumped down dejectedly.

The muscles on Ling Zhenghui’s face twitched twice as he looked at Luo Ziling, then at Luo Yuqing and Ling Ruonan, who were both seated with stoic expressions. After a moment of hesitation, he finally opened his mouth with difficulty and said, “Ruonan, what are your terms? Just say them!”

“What can you offer me?” Ling Ruonan retorted with a cold sneer. “You know very well your status and position within the Ling Family. And you’re fully aware of your fate if I tell my father and grandfather about this matter.”

Ling Zhenghui’s face turned ashen instantly, and he pleaded desperately, “Ruonan, please don’t tell your dad and grandfather about this. Let’s discuss a solution today. Whatever conditions you have, just name them—I’ll agree to anything within my power.”

“If my mom demanded you jump out of the window, would you dare?” Luo Ziling interjected sarcastically.

“Ziling, don’t mock me like that,” Ling Zhenghui wiped the sweat off his brow nervously. He had heard about how Luo Ziling had once scared Ling Haining, and he certainly didn’t want to experience anything similar himself. Therefore, he kept his tone as humble as possible and pleaded earnestly for forgiveness from Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan, while apologizing profusely to Luo Yuqing.

“Alright, you should head back first. Think about how you want to resolve this matter yourselves. I’ll also consider the best way to address it, and once we’ve both thought things through, we’ll talk again.” Ling Ruonan said, then instructed Luo Ziling, “In a bit, let’s go visit Grandpa. We haven’t been there in a while.”

Upon hearing Ling Ruonan’s intention to take Luo Ziling to see Ling Jinhua, Ling Zhenghui was startled once more. He quickly stood up and begged her again, “Ruonan, please don’t tell Grandpa about this matter.”

“What’s the problem? I’m taking Ziling to help treat Grandpa’s health. Is that not allowed?” Ling Ruonan showed no leniency in dismissing him.

“That’s not what I meant,” Ling Zhenghui hurried to explain. “I mean our issues should be resolved among ourselves.”

Ling Zhenghui was well aware that if Ling Ruonan reported this issue to Ling Jinhua, the consequences for him would be far from trivial.

If Ling Jinhua got angry or lost his temper, Ling Zhenghui’s career prospects would be doomed.

Though he wasn’t a direct grandson of Ling Jinhua, the privileges Ling Zhenghui currently enjoyed were all thanks to his status as one of the Ling Family’s descendants. Someone like him, at his age with his current position, didn’t owe much of his achievements to talent.

Wearing the halo of being a Ling Family descendant was far more valuable than any personal merit or effort.

If that halo were removed, he’d have nothing left.

Should Ling Ruonan disclose this matter to Ling Jinhua and provoke his anger, both Ling Zhenghui and Ling Haijun’s futures would be completely destroyed.

Ling Ruonan was, of course, fully aware of this, but she didn’t spell out the threat explicitly. Even with just one subtle move, she had Ling Zhenghui thoroughly defeated.

Ling Ruonan ignored Ling Zhenghui’s pleas and instead issued an ultimatum. “I have other things to attend to. You should leave now!”

“Let’s go, let’s go. Don’t bother Mrs. Ling with your nonsense anymore,” Luo Yuqing finally spoke. Every word she uttered seemed sharp enough to cut. “The two of you—such ordinary looks and such vile character—don’t embarrass yourselves further in front of Mrs. Ling.”

Ling Zhenghui could only stand up awkwardly and bow toward Ling Ruonan. “Ruonan, I truly apologize. Please be magnanimous and don’t stoop to our level. We’ll leave now. I’ll carefully think things over tonight and come back to see you tomorrow.”

Watching Ling Zhenghui lead a thoroughly embarrassed Ling Haijun out of the office, Luo Yuqing scoffed disdainfully. “Triumphant heroes yesterday, pitiful stray dogs today.”

“What brings you here?” Ling Ruonan, having composed herself, asked. She was actually quite pleased with the way Ling Zhenghui and Ling Haijun had come to the Northern Group today. As a result, there was a faint smile on her face as she spoke.

“We had lunch earlier with Fang Dongxun while discussing the Qingniao Media matter. During the meal, he signed contracts on the spot with several celebrities.” After Luo Ziling shared the details, he wrapped an arm around Ling Ruonan’s shoulder playfully and said in a slightly coquettish tone, “I figured such matters should be reported to my honorable mother, so we rushed straight over after lunch.”

“Honorable mother?” Ling Ruonan lightly slapped Luo Ziling, her tone exasperated. “Cut out the nonsense and talk properly!”

“Looks like I—the son—don’t have much in my dear mother’s favor,” Luo Ziling said with exaggerated distress. “I’ll let Yuqing report it instead, while I go hit the restroom.”

By the time Luo Ziling returned from the restroom, Luo Yuqing had already finished recounting the matter.

“It seems Fang Dongxun is eager to showcase his sincerity in collaboration and show off his capabilities. That’s fine—let him perform to his heart’s content,” Ling Ruonan said with a chuckle. “He’ll pour his efforts into this matter. You both just need to accompany him occasionally. As long as he’s smart enough, he won’t dare hide things from you.”

“Understood, Mrs. Ling,” Luo Yuqing nodded in agreement. “I’ll be fully involved in this matter.”

She also hoped to display her competence to Ling Ruonan to avoid being underestimated.

Right now, Luo Yuqing fervently wished for Ling Ruonan’s approval.

Ling Ruonan smiled at Luo Yuqing and spoke softly, “Ling’er, go with Yuqing to pick up some gifts. We’ll visit the old estate in a bit. This will be Yuqing’s first visit to see Grandpa, so she shouldn’t go empty-handed.”

“Ah?!” Luo Yuqing was stunned, completely caught off guard by Ling Ruonan’s words.

The delightful surprise had come too suddenly.