Chapter 1596: 1596: A Father's Efforts

Chapter 1596: Chapter 1596: A Father’s Efforts

“You call me grandfather, yet speak to me with such a tone. Do you think that’s appropriate?” Ling Mingrui said in a sharp and aggressive manner. “Among the descendants of the Ling Family, who dares to speak to me in this way?”

After making this accusation, Ling Mingrui immediately recalled Luo Ziling causing a ruckus among the descendants of the Ling Family during Ling Jinhua’s ninetieth birthday celebration. He realized in his anger, he had spoken without restraint and shouldn’t have retaliated against Luo Ziling with such words.

Sure enough, Luo Ziling quickly retorted, “Grandfather, my surname is not Ling, it’s Luo. Furthermore, I’ve been bullied more than anyone else, without exception. Yet, I survived their attempts, and I won’t accept being bullied. Also, if any evidence from the recent incidents indeed points to me, and the police are convinced it’s my doing, then I won’t deny it. However, if the police can’t find evidence, I won’t admit to anything nor accept any unfounded accusations.”

“Scoundrel,” Ling Mingrui truly lost his temper. Luo Ziling, being thrown out by Yang Yuanshan, then shamelessly attempting to curry favor and offer help, had already infuriated him. Now, Luo Ziling dared to talk back, showing complete disregard. How could he tolerate this? With a sudden slap on the table, he cursed, “Do you understand the hierarchy of respect? Do you even consider me your grandfather?”

Before Luo Ziling could respond, the study door was pushed open, and Ling Ruonan poked her head inside.

“Dad, what’s going on?” Ling Ruonan was alarmed by Ling Mingrui’s furious table-slapping and scolding of Luo Ziling from outside.

Since Ling Mingrui returned and summoned Luo Ziling into the study, she had been paying close attention to the situation within.

Upon hearing the angry shouting and table slapping, she immediately rushed in.

Seeing Ling Mingrui glaring angrily at Luo Ziling, and Luo Ziling standing there looking rather aggrieved, Ling Ruonan felt a pang of unease, and a sense of impending trouble.

“Dad, Ziling, what happened?” Ling Ruonan asked softly, “Why are you two arguing?”

“You better discipline your son; he’s getting out of hand,” Ling Mingrui, who never showed much emotion outside, yelled furiously at Ling Ruonan and Luo Ziling, “Does he really think he’s so impressive, that he can control the world? When he truly gets the short end of the stick, it’ll be too late to cry.”

“Dad, don’t get angry. I’ll talk to him,” Ling Ruonan stepped forward, massaging Ling Mingrui’s back, and reproaching Luo Ziling, “Ling’er, how can you argue with your grandfather? Grandfather has been busy all day and is tired, how can you quarrel with him? Moreover, grandfather’s words are for your own good, how could you not appreciate them? Apologize to your grandfather.”

As she spoke, she kept giving Luo Ziling meaningful glances.

Luo Ziling stubbornly refused to apologize.

He’s not used to being criticized, especially from someone adopting such a high and mighty posture.

If Ling Mingrui hadn’t used such a commanding tone from the start, he wouldn’t have gotten angry.

“Alright, alright, you two stop pretending,” Ling Mingrui said impatiently, halting Ling Ruonan from saying more, “I don’t oppose you mother and son stirring things up, but hopefully you don’t end up in a complete mess. Haven’t you realized the situation’s already reaching a troublesome point?”

Ling Ruonan is, after all, his daughter, and the relationship between them has always been good. With Wu Yanning present outside, Ling Mingrui didn’t want to embarrass her further. After impatiently uttering these words, he instructed Luo Ziling to leave.

Ling Ruonan shot another look at Luo Ziling, who then left.

“Dad, Ling’er has been feeling troubled lately, he’s young and likes to throw fits, so don’t take him too seriously.” After Luo Ziling left, Ling Ruonan quickly spoke kindly to Ling Mingrui, “He has a stubborn temperament and loves to challenge; just see it as childish tantrums. I’ve arranged for him to stay abroad for a while, so the trouble may be lessened. When he returns, he should be calmer.”

“Alas,” Ling Mingrui sighed. Each time facing Ling Ruonan’s gentle and soft persuasion, his heart always softened.

The saying goes, daughters are fathers’ little lovers from past lives, and fathers’ intimate little jackets, and Ling Mingrui wholeheartedly agreed with this.

He had cherished Ling Ruonan from a young age.

Ling Ruonan was obedient and sensible since childhood, never disappointing him—except, of course, the later developments with Luo Xusheng.

Ling Ruonan was outstanding in her studies and very considerate, earning him great face and being a source of pride.

Families of equivalent status all wished their sons to marry Ling Ruonan, bringing immense honor to a daughter’s father. For parents, their children’s excellence is their greatest pride and Ling Mingrui was no exception.

Ling Ruonan chose not to have a boyfriend from those matching in status, ultimately opting for an outsider viewed as completely mismatched, Luo Xusheng. While this troubled Ling Mingrui, he still quite admired Luo Xusheng, for the young man had personality and was quite capable. However, at the time, Ling Jinhua was intent on allying with the Yang Family, and from the standpoint of family interests, he agreed with such arrangements.

Yet, no one expected things to turn out that way.

The alliance fell through, instead ruining his daughter’s life. Ling Mingrui felt remorseful and guilty, thus leading to Ling Ruonan’s current status and allowing her control over so much property.

Ling Mingrui held no suspicions against Ling Ruonan, intending what she possessed to be her dowry.

Which father doesn’t wish to give his daughter a rich dowry upon marriage, to shower her with blessings allowing her to carry parental pride to her marital home, ensuring adequate status, averting grievances, and granting lifelong happiness?

Ling Mingrui had planned, at an appropriate time, to personally oversee the wedding of Luo Xusheng and Ling Ruonan, letting Ling Ruonan be “married off” gloriously.

Ling Ruonan’s marriage was Ling Mingrui’s greatest regret and somewhat a heartache, hence, facing Ling Ruonan’s gentle conduct, even his toughest disposition would soften.

Were it not for this intent, Ling Ruonan couldn’t possibly enjoy such prominence, not even Ling Zhengping could do much to her.

“Nan, I’m worried that this might cause major trouble for both you and the Ling Family,” Ling Mingrui finally couldn’t hold back and expressed his inner thoughts, “If I’m not mistaken, you were kept in the dark about this matter. Did he orchestrate it himself?”

Ling Ruonan remained silent, neither nodding nor shaking her head.

Ling Mingrui didn’t actually expect a response from Ling Ruonan, merely asking reflexively, then continued, “The boy has good skills and is ruthless enough, but he acts too impulsively. He thinks if he executes things flawlessly, no one can touch him. But once everyone is bent on crushing him, who will save him? Previously, only peers dealt with him, now even some old folks have set their sights on him. Sending him abroad with the exchange group is merely a temporary measure, at least he won’t make trouble. The matter is vexing enough, alas!”

Ling Ruonan’s heart sank along with Ling Mingrui’s sigh.