No one was surprised by Li Haiyang's suggestion; what surprised everyone was that he actually said it in front of so many people.

Could this be Li Haiyang's true purpose for openly visiting today?

"Thank you for the reminder, General Li," Ling Ruonan said politely and subtly added, "We also hope that your successor can be announced soon. We hope the person who takes over your position will be someone that satisfies everyone."

Seeing Ling Ruonan speak this way, Li Haiyang tactfully refrained from continuing the topic and instead raised his glass to toast Luo Liansheng and Luo Ziling, thanking them for their treatment.

Li Haiyang's straightforward personality was evident during the banquet; he frequently clinked glasses with Luo Liansheng and almost never stopped talking while eating.

He and Luo Liansheng were old acquaintances; they even brought up past events to discuss, and Luo Liansheng didn't put on airs in front of Li Haiyang, conversing with him kindly.

Phoenix and Lin Lan were still reserved, eating politely and not wolfing down their food as they usually did.

Seeing the two women eating so reservedly, Luo Ziling felt quite surprised and wanted to tease them a bit, but ultimately kept silent.

After dinner, Luo Liansheng invited Li Haiyang for a couple of games of chess, and Li Haiyang gladly accepted.

"You all chat," Ling Ruonan said as she prepared to clear the dishes, instructing Luo Ziling to chat with Phoenix and Lin Lan.

Phoenix and Lin Lan had definitely come to see Luo Ziling for something, this much Ling Ruonan understood.

"Let's talk in my room!" Luo Ziling smiled as he invited Lin Lan and Phoenix.

"She can talk to you first, I'll take a stroll in the garden," Phoenix said, not waiting for Luo Ziling's response, and left on her own.

"Let's go," Luo Ziling smiled at Lin Lan.

Lin Lan nodded and followed Luo Ziling upstairs.

"Can you tell me the specifics?" Luo Ziling asked after entering the room.

"I've been monitoring some individuals from the Chen Family and set up listening devices in some places, gathering some evidence," Lin Lan said calmly. "Analyzing the monitored conversations leads to the conclusion that they've plotted to assassinate Ling Haihang. As for how they've planned it, we haven't figured that out yet."

"Have Yang Xiaodong and Wang Zhenjun contacted you?"

"Yes!" Lin Lan nodded, "I will meet with them in person later and hand over the evidence I've collected."

"Thank you for your hard work," Luo Ziling patted Lin Lan's shoulder, then reached out to touch her cheek, "You also need to stay safe, don't let anyone catch you with leverage."

"Understood!" Lin Lan nodded, then quickly added, "But with just this evidence, it's still not enough to indict the Chen family father and son for plotting against Ling Haihang. More testimonies and evidence are needed. Perhaps they'll soon discover someone is investigating them, so we must act quickly."

"Are you suggesting we apprehend Chen Jiahu tonight?" Luo Ziling asked Lin Lan and immediately shared his opinion, "I've spoken with Wuyue; Chen Jiahu needs to be caught swiftly for questioning. As long as he's involved in this affair, we can make him talk once he's captured."

"I've seen your interrogation methods," Lin Lan looked at Luo Ziling with disdain, "Honestly, you're quite ruthless."

"Not ruthless, very humane, I just used some minor techniques, leveraging my professional knowledge," Luo Ziling chuckled and leaned closer to Lin Lan, "Do you want me to teach you these exclusive tricks?"

"Of course," Lin Lan accepted unreservedly, "I was going to mention this to you, find a chance to teach me. By the way, won't you review the evidence I collected?"

"No," Luo Ziling shook his head, "I trust you to handle it. If I can't trust you, then who can I trust?"

These words left Lin Lan feeling warm inside.

She stretched out her hand, clasped Luo Ziling's palm, and held it within her own.

"Anyway, if one day I have nowhere to go, you must take me in," Lin Lan said with a hint of charm on her face, "At least, I can help you with some things."

"Why say that?"

"If your father doesn't take control of Dragon Rise, then I definitely can't stay and will have to leave," Lin Lan sighed slightly, "The same goes for Phoenix. If your father fails to secure the Dragon Rise position, she also likely won't be able to stay in this position. The new leader will certainly replace her."

"Is that the reason she came to my house for dinner today?"

"You could say that," Lin Lan nodded, "The chief brought us here, acting prominently, essentially challenging some people and hoping to gain support from the Ling Family. You should chat with her later. I reckon she'll tell you most of her thoughts."

"I understand." Luo Ziling's doubts eased a little.

Lin Lan smiled but didn't explain further.

"Is there anything else you want to tell me?" Luo Ziling asked Lin Lan, "If not, why don't you keep my mom company, and I'll go find Phoenix."

"How's your recovery going?"

"Basically back to normal, but my grandfather still controls some of my acupuncture points, preventing me from channeling energy, so it's still not possible to treat anyone. Also," Luo Ziling initially wanted to add that he still couldn't engage in relations with women without experiencing intense pain. His grandfather's measures restricted his freedom in that regard.

But he felt too embarrassed to say it aloud.

Lin Lan understood his implication, blushed slightly, and nodded to show she understood.

"I'll go downstairs and get Phoenix," Lin Lan said, preparing to leave.

Yet Luo Ziling didn't release her immediately, and Lin Lan took the opportunity to snuggle into his embrace, wrapping her arms around him tightly.

After holding Luo Ziling tightly for a while, Lin Lan finally let go, but as she released him, she kissed Luo Ziling once, and after getting Luo Ziling's response, she kissed him a few more times before leaving.

Watching Lin Lan give him a backward glance and a smile as she left, Luo Ziling suddenly felt a pang of heartache.

Such an outstanding woman like Lin Lan shouldn't be interacting with him in such a manner.

Soon, Phoenix appeared at the door of Luo Ziling's room.

"Come in and talk; it's more convenient here," Luo Ziling gestured to Phoenix.

Phoenix nodded and entered Luo Ziling's room.

"The weather's been warming up these past two days, and several joint areas are aching a bit; could you check what's going on," Phoenix pointed to her knee and elbow joints.

Luo Ziling had Phoenix sit down and checked the condition of these joints for her.

After examining, Luo Ziling informed her that the pain was due to old injuries.

"Can it be cured?"

"With active treatment, it can definitely be cured, back to the way it was, but it will take a year or two," Luo Ziling replied honestly.

"Then please treat me, and I'll owe you another favor," Phoenix demanded bluntly and further said, "I can repay a favor shortly."

"What favor?"

"We can help your father take control of Dragon Rise. Even if someone else is appointed, we can ensure they can't stay and replace them with your father."

"Abusing power for personal gain, is that right?"

"It's not abuse of power," Phoenix glanced at Luo Ziling, "We believe that after the chief retires, your father is the only one competent enough for this position. If your father takes over, Dragon Rise has a promising future; if someone else takes over, Dragon Rise will surely decline."

"Alright, deal!" Luo Ziling agreed after some thought.

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