Actually, she had considered giving this gift to Ling Chi Yuan, but not at this time.
However, since Ling Chi Yuan had presented her with a bracelet, he would surely expect a reciprocal gift.
As Feng Ran pondered how to present her gift to Ling Chi Yuan, a servant-like figure appeared before him. The servant eyed her with evident wariness. Ling Chi Yuan moved aside, and the servant naturally followed him.
What the servant whispered to Ling Chi Yuan caused his expression to darken.
Ling Chi Yuan glanced back at Feng Ran, appearing somewhat troubled.
As he hesitated, Feng Ran met his evasive gaze.
Ling Chi Yuan's brow furrowed deeply, while his grandfather's impatience grew.
The servant spoke from beside a nearby carriage, his eyes never leaving Ling Chi Yuan.
Ling Chi Yuan sighed in resignation. How should he address this with Feng Ran?
"Young Master Ling, it seems you have urgent matters. If so, please attend to your business first."
Ling Chi Yuan sighed and said, "It's just that I promised to spend the entire day with you today. It would be quite awkward to leave now."
Feng Ran shook her head. "Young Master Ling, there's no need to feel awkward."
Ling Chi Yuan looked at Feng Ran, as if remembering something important, and immediately said, "Right, you mentioned earlier that you had a gift for me. May I have it now?"
Feng Ran's hands clenched tightly, and she hesitated, saying, "Young Master Ling, this... perhaps another time."
"You don't want to give it anymore?"
Feng Ran shook her head. "It's not that. It's just that I suddenly remembered my gift is still missing a few things, so..."
"Another time," Feng Ran said softly.
At this point, Ling Chi Yuan no longer insisted. He took a step back and said softly, "Then, tomorrow. I'll come find you tomorrow, and you can give it to me then, alright?"
"Mm."
...
The Ling Manor.
Old Master Ling, with a darkened face, regarded Ling Chi Yuan, finding fault with everything.
"Grandfather." Ling Chi Yuan shed his usual nonchalant demeanor and stood respectfully by, a stark contrast to his everyday self.
Old Master Ling looked at Ling Chi Yuan, his gaze filled with disappointment.
Old Master Ling looked at Ling Chi Yuan and said coldly, "Ling Chi Yuan, I wouldn't interfere with your wild behavior outside. But the Ling family's businesses have been hit because of you. Have you considered how to resolve this?"
"Ling Chi Yuan, your affair with that woman from Chunman Yuan is now known throughout the city."
"In truth, this matter itself is trivial. However, can you perhaps settle down? And manage the Ling family's enterprises?"
"If that woman is so important to you, you can bring her back to the Ling family."
Ling Chi Yuan looked calmly at his grandfather. He had clearly anticipated such words, and was not particularly surprised.
He casually found a chair and sat down, saying calmly, "Grandfather, I wish I could bring her back to the manor, but she's unwilling. There's nothing I can do."
"Grandfather, this matter ultimately isn't up to me," Ling Chi Yuan said, spreading his hands in helplessness.
He spoke with a sense of futility. If Feng Ran were willing, he would have brought her back already.
However, since Feng Ran was unwilling, he couldn't force her.
Old Master Ling said to Ling Chi Yuan, "The Regent came to the manor today."
Ling Chi Yuan glanced at his grandfather. "That scoundrel, did he cause you any trouble?"
Old Master Ling scoffed. "Am I not sitting here well? Do you think that scoundrel could do anything to me?"
"After all, I saved his life once. No matter how ruthless he is, he wouldn't dare lay a hand on me."
Old Master Ling looked at Ling Chi Yuan and said, "As for you, I know that woman was originally the consort of Prince Xuanyuan, the one he divorced."
"That woman is a pitiable soul."
"You must put in more effort."
"Xuanyuan Heng came to the manor to have me advise you not to pursue that woman. But he doesn't consider whether I'm someone who listens. Hmph, the more he tries to stop me, the more I'll support it."
Ling Chi Yuan instantly understood why his grandfather was so anxious.
Hmph, Xuanyuan Heng couldn't deal with him, so he'd gone to Grandfather.
But did he think that approaching Grandfather would work?
Perhaps, even he hadn't considered that Grandfather was this kind of person.
"Xuanyuan Heng, hmph, you've probably miscalculated this time," Ling Chi Yuan said with a laugh.
"Grandfather..." Ling Chi Yuan began to speak, but was directly interrupted by Old Master Ling, "If you can't succeed, then don't bother entering the Ling family gates again."
"I, an old man, cannot afford to lose face."
Hearing his grandfather's words, Ling Chi Yuan's face held a slight smile as he solemnly promised, "Grandfather, rest assured, I will handle this matter well."
Old Master Ling snorted. "Hmph, after all this time, you'll handle it well?"
"If you could truly handle it, would Xuanyuan Heng have appeared here?"
"You brat, don't just talk a good game."
"Grandfather, rest assured. I will not disappoint you."
"Everyone fears Xuanyuan Heng, but I do not."
After Ling Chi Yuan spoke, Old Master Ling's face filled with smiles. "Good, hearing this, I am relieved." The old master finally felt a little at ease.
Although Ling Chi Yuan appeared nonchalant, Old Master Ling knew he possessed strength, which he merely kept hidden.
Even though Xuanyuan Heng was a difficult opponent, he believed his grandson could handle him.
Ling Chi Yuan's father, listening from the side, turned ashen and said softly to Old Master Ling, "Father, this absolutely cannot be done. The Regent's methods are extremely ruthless. If we offend him, the Ling family might become a thorn in the Regent's side."
"Father, you must think carefully."
Old Master Ling struck him with his cane, snorting, "You exalt others and debase yourself."
"If I hear such words again, you can get out of the Ling family."
Ling Chi Yuan watched but said nothing.
Instead, seeing his grandfather, who seemed to have been angered, Ling Chi Yuan said calmly, "Grandfather, there's no need to be angry. After all, I was raised by you since childhood, and naturally, I will obey your commands."
"Mm, that's good." Old Master Ling nodded with satisfaction.
"Grandfather, rest assured, I will not give up on her."
"Grandfather, I will certainly bring honor to you."
Ling Chi Yuan's solemn promises made Old Master Ling extremely happy.