Chapter 1764: Chapter 1764: Do Not Disappoint My Expectations
(Chapter 2)
Luo Ziling was very surprised to find Phoenix and Lin Lan coming together.
“I asked them to come over for a meal,” Li Haiyang spoke up, “There are some things we should sit down and talk about together.”
Luo Ziling awkwardly moved aside to let Lin Lan and Phoenix in.
Phoenix completely ignored Luo Ziling when she entered, walking straight up to Li Haiyang to greet him.
Lin Lan smiled at Luo Ziling and whispered, “The chief told me to come.” Then she went over to greet Li Haiyang.
“Don’t be so serious today; it’s just us having dinner, no superiors or subordinates,” Li Haiyang waved his hand, “I’ve always considered you like daughters, and today, it’s like being at home. Ziling and I are like father and son, so don’t be formal.”
Hearing Li Haiyang say this, both Phoenix and Lin Lan were quite surprised.
Lin Lan couldn’t help but smile, happy to see Luo Ziling and Li Haiyang getting along like this. But Phoenix looked at Luo Ziling with disdain, after several encounters, she was well aware of his nature.
He wouldn’t make such moves without a motive. Surely he’s trying to get closer to Li Haiyang for some purpose. It’s possible he even wants to recognize Li Haiyang as his godfather in order to use such a relationship to gain more, or perhaps to do worse things using Dragon Rise.
For these Dragon Rise warriors, Li Haiyang is like a god, a figure to look up to. They always admired him, even though Li Haiyang treated them well, like daughters, they wouldn’t dare think of him as someone very close. After all, Li Haiyang’s authority is something not just anyone could withstand.
But now, Li Haiyang said that he and Luo Ziling are like father and son, which made Phoenix feel a little uncomfortable.
She’s always worked alongside Li Haiyang, subconsciously viewing him as a father figure. Now that Luo Ziling has become a sort of “adopted son” to Li Haiyang, Phoenix surely felt a bit uneasy. However, in front of Li Haiyang and Luo Ziling, she couldn’t express her displeasure, only casting a disdainful look at Luo Ziling.
But Luo Ziling completely ignored Phoenix’s gaze, fully aware of what Li Haiyang’s intentions were.
Li Haiyang just wanted the three of them to also have a good personal relationship. Today, he invited the three of them for dinner for this reason.
Perhaps, this pertains to Dragon Rise’s future.
After a while, the staff brought the meal, and Phoenix and Lin Lan hurriedly went to assist.
Today, it was considered Li Haiyang inviting Luo Ziling, Lin Lan, and Phoenix for dinner. However, the dishes were not abundant, with just five dishes and a soup, along with a large pot of rice. The only luxurious item was a bottle of Wuliangye, a ten-year aged liquor at fifty-three degrees.
“I haven’t had a drink in a long while, let’s enjoy a little; not much, just three glasses,” Li Haiyang explained as he picked up the bottle, noticing Phoenix and Lin Lan’s eyes on him, “I just told Ziling that I would drink a few glasses with him, can’t break my promise.”
“A little won’t hurt,” Luo Ziling said, knowing Lin Lan and Phoenix didn’t want to see Li Haiyang drinking, and he explained, “A small amount of alcohol can promote blood circulation and has some benefits for the body. In the future, you can drink small amounts daily, but never too much. Of course, try to avoid high-proof liquors, drink a bit of red wine or yellow wine instead.”
“Alright, I’ll listen to you. After this bottle of white liquor today, no more strong liquor,” Li Haiyang agreed readily.
Seeing Li Haiyang’s change in behavior shocked both Phoenix and Lin Lan.
In the past, if Li Haiyang wanted to do something, nobody dared to stop or advise him. If something was decided by him, he wouldn’t heed any advice, even getting angry if someone tried to dissuade him. Has he really changed? Because of Luo Ziling?
Amidst Phoenix and Lin Lan’s confusion, Li Haiyang poured himself a small glass of liquor, set the bottle back in front of Luo Ziling, and said, “Help yourselves, I’ll drink a little less.”
Luo Ziling picked up the bottle, poured himself a full glass, and also filled one for Lin Lan and Phoenix.
“Just one glass,” Phoenix didn’t refuse to drink but wasn’t willing to drink much, then pointed to Lin Lan, “Can she drink?”
“A little should be fine.” Luo Ziling smiled.
“I’ll toast to you, Ziling,” Li Haiyang raised his glass towards Luo Ziling, “Thank you for letting me regain my ability to move. Although I’m still a wreck, unable to take care of myself, it’s like a second life to me.”
With that, he downed his drink in one go.
Luo Ziling had no choice but to raise his glass, drink it, and after drinking, he smiled and said, “You’re too kind, helping the sick and injured is my duty. No matter who needs it or is injured, if I encounter them, I will help.”
“You’d help your enemies too?” Phoenix interjected discontentedly.
“Unless they threaten my life.”
Phoenix gave Luo Ziling another sidelong glance but said nothing more.
Watching Phoenix and Luo Ziling banter, Li Haiyang only smiled. After they stopped speaking, he raised his glass again: “To all of you, hoping you three can work together as one to lead Dragon Rise well. I do have personal motives, so I hope you three can be united.”
Luo Ziling, Phoenix, and Lin Lan quickly raised their glasses, toasted with Li Haiyang, and drank.
Li Haiyang spoke so frankly that all three of them were quite surprised.
After drinking, Li Haiyang sincerely added, “Dragon Rise is a weapon of the nation, and I wouldn’t hand it over to those with unscrupulous intentions. If Ziling’s father were to take over from me, that would be ideal. No matter what, you three must work closely together.”
“Understood,” Phoenix and Lin Lan stood and responded loudly.
“Thank you for your trust,” Luo Ziling also promised, “I will do everything I can to help Dragon Rise.”
“Your matters are your responsibility. As for other issues, I’ll handle them,” Li Haiyang once again instructed the three, “Even if I’m no longer with Dragon Rise, I’ll keep an eye on its situation. If one day Dragon Rise falls or deteriorates, I’ll hold you accountable. I won’t forgive you for betraying my trust!”
“We won’t disappoint the chief,” Phoenix and Lin Lan responded loudly again.
After dinner, Luo Ziling left together with Phoenix and Lin Lan.
As they left Li Haiyang’s residence, Luo Ziling quietly said to Phoenix and Lin Lan, “From what the chief said today, the issue of controlling Dragon Rise will definitely lead to fierce fighting. In the coming period, you might be forced to get involved.”
“I know what you mean,” Phoenix interrupted Luo Ziling, “But don’t worry about us; it’s your father who needs worrying.”
Luo Ziling made a suggestion, “If my dad comes over, why don’t you meet him? There are some matters you could discuss face to face.”
Phoenix thought it over and agreed.