If he married a girl from such a family, a lifetime of glory and wealth would surely be his for the taking. Moreover, the girl he was betrothed to, Ouyang Feifei, was bound to be beautiful, which was evident from the encounter with that feisty girl who claimed to be her younger sister.
Although he did not care for the young girl's temperament, Luo Ziling had to admit she was quite pretty.
"Grandfather, why do you want me to personally do such a cruel thing to myself?" He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"What if I had come today not to dissolve the engagement, but to propose marriage instead?" This thought made Luo Ziling's heart suddenly pound.
In the midst of Luo Ziling's wild thoughts, the man in black who had gone to announce his arrival came out, followed by a dignified-looking middle-aged man, in his fifties at a glance. Upon seeing Luo Ziling, the middle-aged man quickened his steps and gave a respectful greeting: "Mr. Luo, please come in!"
This middle-aged man was Jin Guoqiang, the steward of the Ouyang Family, who was personally sent by Sir Ouyang to welcome Luo Ziling.
After thanking him, Luo Ziling walked with composed steps, following Jin Guoqiang into the courtyard.
The villa was a complete imitation of a garden in the South.
Upon entering, there was a rockery, and behind it lay a large garden with a pond in the center, teeming with lotus roots and water lilies, as schools of koi swam about. In the middle of the pond were winding bridges with more rockeries and pavilions en route, and along the pond's edge were several uniquely shaped rockeries. On either side of the garden were cloistered walkways, with various precious trees and flowers planted in the open spaces next to the garden and the walkways.
Even though it was already autumn, there were still many flowers blooming in the garden.
Whoever built such a garden as their dwelling must have been a person of taste, and one to live inside it could hardly be ordinary.
At that thought, Luo Ziling's heart tightened again, and he felt even more depressed about the purpose of his visit today.
To make matters worse, just as Luo Ziling was feeling downcast, the leading Jin Guoqiang smiled and spoke a few words that made him even more frantic: "For the past few years, the old master has been thinking about Old Mr. Luo and Mr. Luo, eagerly awaiting your proposal. Now that you have finally come, he no longer has to worry. The old master has already called the young mistress, and she will be back soon. He said you met when you were children?"
"Yes, I met Ouyang Feifei when we were children," Luo Ziling could only ignore the preceding part of Jin Guoqiang's speech, answering only the latter question, "But that was very long ago, when I was only five."
"That means you and our young mistress are childhood sweethearts," Jin Guoqiang grinned broadly, looking very cheerful, and then turned to glance at Luo Ziling, "Mr. Luo, you're so handsome, and you'd truly be a great match with our young mistress."
Luo Ziling grew even more disheartened and simply chose not to respond.
As they entered the main building's hall, Luo Ziling saw an elderly man with slightly graying hair and a healthy complexion sitting and drinking tea. At his entrance, the man's spirited eyes immediately fixed on him.
"Sir Ouyang," Jin Guoqiang bowed deeply and said, indicating Luo Ziling standing behind him, "Mr. Luo has arrived."
"Sir Ouyang, Luo Ziling pays his respects. I've come uninvited today and apologize for the disturbance," Luo Ziling quickly stepped forward to give his greetings and then presented the gift he brought, "This is a gift from my grandfather, a health tonic he personally concocted."
"Good, I'll accept it, thanks to Old Mr. Luo," Ouyang Lingyun stood up and personally received the box offered by Luo Ziling, sizing him up while bursting into hearty laughter, "It's been many years, and Ziling has grown into a stout young man. How is your grandfather doing?"
"My grandfather has always been in good health," Luo Ziling said slightly awkwardly, "He's still frequently traveling to treat people. He also instructed me to offer you a medical examination on his behalf, should I see you, Sir Ouyang."
"Haha, Luo always thinks ahead, no need for thanks," Ouyang Lingyun looked at Luo Ziling with affection, his eyes carrying a hint of nostalgia, "Feifei will be back in a bit, you two should meet."
Upon hearing Ouyang Lingyun mention that Ouyang Feifei would soon return, Luo Ziling felt his heart race, he opened his mouth, wanting to say something but found himself unable to speak.
Ouyang Lingyun personally took the gift Luo Ziling had brought, choosing not to hand it to Jin Guoqiang, and after placing it away, he returned to his original seat and sat down.
Luo Ziling also took a seat, sitting across the table from Ouyang Lingyun.
The villa was structured in the traditional Huaxia style with antique furnishings, a style that Luo Ziling was quite fond of.
The problem was, Ouyang Lingyun continued to look at him with such tender eyes, much like how Old Mr. Luo looked at him.
This only tangled his feelings further, making him feel as if his courage to break off the engagement was slipping away.
Jin Guoqiang personally presented Luo Ziling with tea, then stepped to the side.
"Ziling, have you come to Yanjing specifically for Feifei's matter?" Seeing Luo Ziling a bit constrained, Ouyang Lingyun took the initiative to start the conversation.
"Grandfather sent me to Yanjing to study," Luo Ziling replied honestly.
"To study?"
"Yes," Luo Ziling nodded, "He wants me to study medicine, at Yanjing University School of Clinical Medicine."
"Clinical medicine? Isn't that Western medicine?" Ouyang Lingyun showed a look of disbelief upon hearing Luo Ziling's words, "With your grandfather's outstanding medical skills, a Contemporary Divine Doctor, he's still having you learn medicine?"
"Grandfather says that both traditional Chinese and Western medicine have their shortcomings, and achieving a fusion of both would be the culmination of medical practice," Luo Ziling explained blushing, then muttered, "Grandfather also said it's for me to see the world in Yanjing, so as not to stay cooped up in that small village forever."
"Oh, I understand now!" exclaimed Ouyang Lingyun as enlightenment dawned on him, followed by joy.
Old Mr. Luo didn't want Luo Ziling to study Western medicine per se, but rather used it as a way to send his grandson to Yanjing.
"Sir Ouyang, I have come today for a very important matter," seeing Ouyang Lingyun in a jovial mood, Luo Ziling finally mustered the courage, preparing to discuss the serious issue at hand.
"Whatever it is, just say it," Ouyang Lingyun still wore a kind expression and looked at Luo Ziling encouragingly, "Any request you have, I will surely agree to."
He must be here at the behest of Luo Liansheng to formally ask for a bride.
"Sir Ouyang, I... I'm not here to ask for marriage," Luo Ziling said bravely, then struggled to continue: "I'm here to call off the engagement, grandfather has ordered me to break off the arranged marriage!"
After expressing his true purpose, Luo Ziling felt as if all his strength had been drained.