Chapter 509: Life is Full of Endless Regrets for There are Too Few Moments of Joy

Ouyang Feifei knew that if she, acting as Luo Ziling’s agent, successfully negotiated a partnership with Dragon Rise, it would not only bring her substantial economic benefits but also immense political gains.

She was acutely aware of what an entity Dragon Rise was; establishing ties with them was akin to having an ace up one’s sleeve.

The Ouyang Family was not short on money at present. Ouyang Feifei didn’t even know how much the total assets of all the conglomerates under her control amounted to, but she was aware that describing her assets as being “rich enough to rival nations” was by no means an overstatement.

Yet, she also deeply understood that simply having a lot of money was not sufficient. It could not ensure the Ouyang Family’s invincibility. There had to be strength in other aspects to support the family’s continued prosperity.

Economics and politics have always been intertwined. During classes, wasn’t there a “Political Economy” course?

The economic base determines the superstructure, which in turn influences the economic base. Ouyang Feifei had forgotten how the textbooks described it, but she roughly remembered the mutual influence between the two.

Ouyang Feifei knew that gathering more political capital was necessary to make the Ouyang Family even stronger. Her grandfather, Ouyang Lingyun, was even more cognizant of this fact.

Otherwise, Ouyang Lingyun would not have arranged a marriage between Ouyang Feifei and Luo Ziling after getting drunk at an event before Ouyang Feifei was of age. His intention was to latch onto the immense Ling Family tree to bolster the Ouyang Family’s stature.

Consequently, Ouyang Feifei was rather sensitive to these matters.

Luo Ziling, taken aback by Ouyang Feifei’s words, didn’t know how to respond and stared at her in astonishment.

Ouyang Feifei didn’t say much more, but simply smiled and said, “You can seriously consider it.”

“Alright,” Luo Ziling agreed.

Soon, Wang Qing printed out several copies of the partnership agreement drafted by Ouyang Feifei and handed them over to her for review. Ouyang Feifei took them and, after a careful examination, did not voice any objections but handed them to Luo Ziling. “Take a look and if you have any objections, let us know. We can amend it right now.”

Luo Ziling took them but did not immediately read through them. Instead, he looked up seriously and asked, “So, anything I say goes?”

“Yes,” Ouyang Feifei replied without hesitation.

Wang Qing, standing behind her, couldn’t help frowning again, worried for Ouyang Feifei.

The new Sect Leader of the Ouyang Family seemed to be losing her principles.

What if Luo Ziling demanded more, stricter conditions?

But to Wang Qing’s surprise, Luo Ziling did not propose any conditions nor did he read through any content of the partnership agreement. He simply took a pen and swiftly signed his name where required.

After signing, Luo Ziling handed the document back to Ouyang Feifei and, quite proudly pointing to his signature, said, “How handsome is my signature? I’ve practiced it for many years, designed it myself.”

“It really is nice,” Ouyang Feifei looked earnestly at the place where Luo Ziling had signed and sincerely complimented, “The signature has an artistic quality.”

Wang Qing peeked over with some disdain, but upon seeing Luo Ziling’s signature, she was convinced by Ouyang Feifei’s words.

Ouyang Feifei then signed her name on the document, stamped the official seal, and handed one of the agreements to Luo Ziling, “With this, our partnership is officially signed. Keep this copy for your records. From now on, we will commence cooperation as written. Thank you for your trust!”

Luo Ziling did not make any additional conditions, nor did he read the contents of the document, and signed directly. This conveyed immense trust to Ouyang Feifei, instantly lifting her spirits.

“No need to be so polite,” Luo Ziling smiled, “Now I can start making a lot of money.”

Seeing Luo Ziling like this, Wang Qing, who stood behind Ouyang Feifei, sneered disdainfully.

At that moment, Ouyang Feifei stood up, walked over to a bookcase, took out a scroll of paper, and smiled at Luo Ziling, “Last time you were here, I wanted you to gift me with some calligraphy, but you had to rush off. You should have time today, but I don’t know if Mr. Luo is willing to gift me a piece of calligraphy?”

“You want me to write something?” Luo Ziling was quite surprised.

“Would you?” Ouyang Feifei tilted her head, looking earnestly at Luo Ziling, “I just happen to need a good piece of calligraphy for my office.”

“The calligraphy might be too ugly, I’m afraid it will make you laugh,” Luo Ziling spoke modestly, “Putting it at home is one thing, but hanging it in the office, I fear being laughed at.”

“Your calligraphy can compare to that of the great masters,” Ouyang Feifei said as she laid out a sheet of fine Xuan paper on the table, “The piece you wrote for me last time has been mounted and now hangs in my study.”

“Alright then,” Luo Ziling, his vanity satisfied, didn’t refuse further after Ouyang Feifei personally prepared the Xuan paper and ink, and he got ready to write.

“What should I write?” He suddenly felt at a loss for what to write as he was about to start.

Ouyang Feifei gently suggested, “Forget those overdone motivational phrases or any words that admonish people, just write a poem or verse. I like poetry and lyrics.”

After thinking for a moment, Luo Ziling immediately took up the brush to write, without any hesitation.

The eastern city grows lovelier with the breeze, the pleated waves greet the arriving oars;

The green willows light with morning chill, while the riotous spring mood adorns the almond tree branches;

Life is but full of endless regrets of too little joy, willing to love a thousand pieces of gold for a light laugh;

I offer wine to the setting sun for you, and linger in the flowers’ late reflection.

This famous verse from “Yulou Chun” by the Song Dynasty celebrated lyricist Song Qi, quickly appeared on the paper.

Luo Ziling wrote it in running script, almost completing the entire lyric in one breath. The flow of his lines, like clouds drifting and water flowing, was exceptionally pleasing to the eye, leaving Ouyang Feifei both amazed and delighted. Wang Qing, who watched from the side, also couldn’t hide her surprise. She fully agreed with Ouyang Feifei’s earlier remark that Luo Ziling’s calligraphy could rival that of the grandmasters.

“Life is but full of endless regrets of too little joy, willing to love a thousand pieces of gold for a light laugh,” after Luo Ziling finished writing and put down his brush, he pointed at the lyric he had written and said to Ouyang Feifei with a smile, “I love this verse from the Marquis of the Almond Tree the most, especially these two lines. They truly capture the essence of life.”

Song Qi was one of the authors of the “New Book of Tang” and had served as the Minister of Works. He became famous throughout the land for this lyric and especially for the line “the riotous spring mood adorns the almond tree branches,” earning him the title “Marquis of the Almond Tree.”

“I also like this verse very much,” Ouyang Feifei rarely showed a smile, looking at Luo Ziling with bright and splendid eyes, “Only, my life seems to echo the line ‘Life is but full of endless regrets of too little joy.'”

Luo Ziling couldn’t help but speak ironically, “Your life isn’t short on joy; it’s just that you’re unwilling to accept it. You think that maintaining a cold demeanor all day puts on airs, but actually, you’ve completely lost the joy in life, living even less happily than your sister!”

Ouyang Feifei didn’t reply, just looked seriously at Luo Ziling for a moment.

Luo Ziling didn’t expect that this lyric and his few words would bring about a significant change in Ouyang Feifei’s state of mind.