Chapter 1775: Chapter 1775: A Contest Between Two Women
“The mistake you all made was treating Ziling as just an ordinary student, with Mrs. Ling hoping he’d listen to her, not really considering him as an adult,” Luo Yuqing seriously pointed out, ignoring Ouyang Feifei’s earlier words. “You’ve seen what he’s been doing recently, right? Which of those things have been simple? When you’re discussing cooperation and using his reputation to make money, why not consider his opinion first?”
Ouyang Feifei opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing.
“The things he’s done recently, I bet none of you could manage,” Luo Yuqing gazed at Ouyang Feifei with a slight sneer. “How did Chen Jiahai and Yang Yunzhong die? No one has figured it out, and there isn’t a single sign pointing to him. He’s won over several big names in the traditional Chinese medicine field, making them willingly become his disciples and even assign their grandchildren to work for him. Let’s not even mention the visit that everyone witnessed. You should also know that during this event, he skillfully maneuvered the subtle relationships between several heavyweight figures to maximize his benefits. Maybe not even Mrs. Ling could achieve that, and certainly not you, Ouyang Feifei, despite your prowess in the business world. You can’t manipulate those influential people so effortlessly, but he has.”
After taking a sip of tea, Luo Yuqing continued, “I thought you all would plan around him in the future, not use him, treating him merely as a compliant child who follows your instructions. I fully recognize his capabilities, thinking that with what he’s accumulated, he can achieve marvels. Therefore, I try to help him instead of using him. I’m sure you’ve noticed; he has a bit of aversion to your actions, a bit resistant to cooperating with you. He’s a proud person and has never liked your forcefulness and aggression, as it doesn’t allow him to feel the dignity of a man.”
Ouyang Feifei opened her mouth, but in the end, said nothing.
“Your overbearing and arrogant demeanor while interacting with him should be the reason he ultimately chose Yang Qingyin, right? I think if Mrs. Ling remained this tough, conflict between mother and son would be inevitable. However, Mrs. Ling seems to have realized this; she’s compromising, unwilling to clash with Ziling, so she’s willing to change her principles.” Luo Yuqing paused at this point.
She had spoken clearly enough, and with Ouyang Feifei’s intelligence, she could understand everything.
She didn’t need to elaborate for Ouyang Feifei to get the point.
“All right, I understand what you mean,” Ouyang Feifei’s face showed a hint of desolation. “I will talk to Ziling again.”
“Should we let Ziling know that you had coffee with me today?”
“If you don’t tell him, he will still know.”
“If I weren’t his sister, I would certainly pursue him actively. I believe if we didn’t have this sibling bond and I pursued him, neither you nor Yang Qingyin would stand a chance against me. I know what kind of woman he likes better. He is a traditional man, deep down, preferring girls who are classically refined yet lively and bright, which Yang Qingyin likely realized and therefore showed Ziling those traits he likes best.” At this, Luo Yuqing gave a mysterious smile. “You and he shared childhood sweetness, even had an engagement, and yet you lost to Yang Qingyin, whom he met later. You must feel defeated, right? I think you haven’t given up on Ziling because you’re unwilling to accept defeat. You can’t bear to acknowledge your failure, and that’s why you’re in such an awkward position now.”
Ouyang Feifei showed a hint of anger, but it vanished quickly.
No one feels comfortable having their scars exposed to their face.
Luo Yuqing saw the flash of displeasure in Ouyang Feifei’s eyes but ignored it, continuing, “From a rational standpoint, marrying Ziling and becoming my sister-in-law would benefit the Luo Family more. Of course, no matter who becomes my sister-in-law, I accept them. I just hope he marries someone he likes, not passively accepts someone. Well, it’s getting late, time for me to return to school. I have morning exercises tomorrow!”
“Thank you for your guidance,” Ouyang Feifei also stood, offering a small smile to Luo Yuqing, “I’ll be heading off too. How about I give you a ride back to school?”
She now looked at Ziling’s sister with newfound appreciation.
“Thanks,” Luo Yuqing didn’t refuse.
While Luo Yuqing and Ouyang Feifei had their conversation, Luo Ziling was also discussing similar matters with Ling Ruonan.
Ling Ruonan wanted to know what plans Luo Ziling had going forward.
Asking this, with Luo Liansheng and Luo Xusheng present, made the question appear quite formal.
“My idea is to further establish my public image so everyone knows I’m a patriotic, passionate, and knowledgeable student about traditional medicine who has achieved some success and wants to carry forward this practice and is enthusiastic about public welfare. Now is not the time to make money, nor is there a need to make deliberate efforts to earn from my reputation.”
At this point, Luo Ziling paused, thinking, then continued, “For example, if I were to act in a movie playing a very positive role—not necessarily the lead—the announcement would garner attention, people would passionately follow, and it would achieve a good reputation and earnings. My reputation would further grow, and I’d earn money. Similarly, if there were a public health crisis and I stepped in to turn the tide, ultimately using Lingyun Pharmaceutical or Northern Pharmaceuticals’ authorized drugs to save many patients, my reputation would also improve, benefiting the pharmaceutical companies as well.”
Seeing Ling Ruonan listening intently, Luo Ziling further said, “I wouldn’t go for commercials or endorsements, as although rewarding, they would damage my reputation. Even if I were to do endorsements, they would only be for public service ads, like encouraging people to donate blood voluntarily, help those in need, or be an ambassador for a charitable fund.”
“This is a good idea,” Luo Liansheng nodded approvingly, “We are not short on money. What Ziling needs most isn’t money but reputation and status.”
Ling Ruonan thought for a moment and finally nodded.
She glanced at Luo Ziling and then at Luo Xusheng, revealing a well-thought plan: “The last time, Ziling suggested we establish a fund to help disabled veterans and their families. The registration for this fund is almost prepared, and we’ve received the permits. If we officially operate it, let’s have Ziling endorse it. As the son of a soldier, this endorsement should benefit Xusheng and Ziling’s image building.”
Luo Xusheng pondered before saying, “If permitted by discipline, I’d also appear in the public service ads. After all, it’s a cause that aids many soldiers and their families.”
Seeing Luo Xusheng willing to participate in such matters brought a smile to Ling Ruonan’s face.