The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 11 They Are Legally Married

Chapter 11 They Are Legally Married

Ye Huaizhang’s safe return home was good news.

Ye Baoling congratulated Yang Pinxian on their family reunion with a smile, then added, I happen to have plans tonight. Would another day work?

How about tomorrow noon?

Tomorrow noon works fine for me.

Good. Tomorrow at Yulinmen Restaurant. I’ll send a car to pick you up.

No need for pickup, I’ll go there myself.

That works too. See you tomorrow then.

Sure, see you tomorrow.

On the other end of the line, Yang Pinxian didn’t say goodbye but instead asked hesitantly, A-Ling, that… is the Ugly King Jade Pendant really that important to you?

Ye Baoling paused slightly. Had Ye Huaizhang lost the Ugly King Jade Pendant in his possession?

Or was he unwilling to give her the jade pendant?

Ye Baoling’s tone was very firm: Extremely important… Why do you ask?

Yang Pinxian laughed, It’s nothing, nothing. We’ll talk more when we meet tomorrow.

After hanging up, Ye Baoling stood at the staircase landing, lost in thought.

The Ugly King Jade Pendant in her possession belonged to the Second Branch. To borrow this jade initially, Guan Old Lady had pledged the dividend income from Minhua Bank shares to the Second Branch as collateral. Therefore, the Third Branch would definitely try to redeem this jade pendant from her.

What would they use for redemption?

They could only use the jade pendant in Ye Huaizhang’s possession.

This was her bottom line.

Of course, it would be best if she could find a way to keep both Ugly King Jade Pendants in her hands.

But now it seemed that might not be so easy.

Just as she was about to go upstairs, she heard Chen Yulan’s voice from downstairs. She turned and went down, indeed seeing Chen Yulan talking with Sister Ping at the kitchen door.

Ye Baoling called out softly, Yulan…

Chen Yulan came over cheerfully at the sound, Cousin.

How’s your grandmother doing?

She can be discharged this afternoon. I came back first to tidy up the house. My grandmother said that when she’s feeling better, she wants to cook a meal for you herself. To thank you.

Ye Baoling quietly made a shh gesture with her lips. She didn’t want others to know about her helping the Chen grandmother and granddaughter.

Later, bring your brother along. I have something to discuss with both of you.

What is it?

We’ll talk when we meet.

Alright. Chen Yulan quickly agreed.

Chen Yulan had a square face and wore a smile every day. She had exchanged a year’s salary for her grandmother’s health, feeling both content and happy, and was full of gratitude toward Ye Baoling.

Her brother was equally grateful, so no matter what Ye Baoling asked them to do, they would proceed without hesitation and give their all.

After lunch, Gu Old Lady called Ye Baoling into her room.

The old lady was folding gold ingots and said quietly, I made some inquiries. This young master from the Lü family has quite a good reputation outside – very refined and handsome. But he previously dated a girlfriend who was the niece of the Shen family. They broke up after six months, and Old Shen’s niece complained to others that this guy has vicious hands – he hits women, and specifically targets places others can’t see. This is a pit of fire – you mustn’t jump into it.

It was clear that Gu Old Madam genuinely loved her granddaughter. Unfortunately, in the original storyline, the original host still jumped into this fire pit.

After the original host’s suicide, Gu Old Madam couldn’t bear the blow and passed away within days.

Ye Baoling pretended not to know, This Lü guy is that terrible?

Some people may have fair faces but harbor ill intentions, appearing splendid outside yet rotten within. Your grandfather and your own father only look at family background and benefits—how would they ever scrutinize someone’s character? Although Gu Old Madam was usually dissatisfied with the Ye family, she rarely showed it. But when it came to the importance of marriage, the Ye family was so careless that she couldn’t help but complain.

Fortunately, I still have Grandmother who cares for me, Ye Baoling sat opposite her grandmother, helping fold gold ingots. So how do I turn down this marriage proposal?

Gu Old Lady had seriously considered this question, but as an elderly woman who couldn’t even control her own son, she truly had no brilliant strategies.

My mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be. If I were younger, I would definitely have found a way to deal with him. Gu Old Lady didn’t want to admit she was stubborn—in her youth, her mind had actually been even less sharp.

After thinking for a while, the old lady said: If all else fails, stand firm against your grandfather and refuse to marry. At worst, the Ye family might stop supporting you financially, and you’ll have to be self-reliant.

Ye Baoling deliberately provoked the old lady: I don’t have the capability to be self-reliant. I might as well just marry.

Why not make the best of a bad situation and marry Ye Huaizhang instead? After all, you’re already legally married… That’s right! Why didn’t I think of that? You’re already a married woman now—you can’t marry that Lu fellow! Didn’t Guan Old Lady say? If your grandfather comes to demand answers, she’ll take responsibility.

But Ye Huaizhang has returned, hasn’t he? He’s eager to have dinner with me, probably wanting to get divorced first.

It’s perfectly normal for him to invite you to dinner—it shows he understands propriety.

Gu Old Lady made a disapproving sound, Hey, what are you folding? How clumsy can you be? Is that how you fold gold ingots? You’re wasting my gold paper! Put it down, don’t fold anymore.

I just wanted to help you. And now you won’t even let me help?

If I had to depend on these hands of yours to make a living, I’d starve to death.

After saying this, grandmother and granddaughter both looked at the poorly folded gold ingots made by Ye Baoling and couldn’t help laughing.

Ye Baoling was indeed clumsy with her hands. After being criticized, she didn’t want to fold anymore.

Gu Old Lady brought the conversation back on track: Regardless of Ye Huaizhang’s attitude, the fact that you have a marriage certificate with him is undeniable. Even if you divorce, would the Lu family be willing to marry a divorced woman? Thinking about it now, getting divorced might actually protect you. This marriage of yours turned out to be quite cost-effective.

Then should I still go on the blind date tonight? Ye Baoling got up to close the window.

Gu Old Lady thought seriously for a moment: Go enjoy a good meal at his expense. When you meet him, don’t be too cold in your demeanor, but don’t be too warm either. Stall for time first and see what attitude Ye Huaizhang takes. If Ye Huaizhang wants to divorce you, then after you’re divorced, show the divorce papers to that Lu fellow and see if he’s willing to accept you.

What if he is willing to accept me?

Gu Old Madam was taken aback: He definitely wouldn’t accept that. Why are you closing the window?

To turn on the air conditioning. It’s so hot.

Don’t turn it on. Once the air conditioning is on, all your younger sisters will crowd into my room. It would be utterly annoying. If you’re hot, you should leave quickly.

Seeing that Ye Baoling was about to leave, Gu Old Madam added, Tonight, just have a proper meal with that Lu fellow. Treat it as making a friend. This kind of person who’s tough at home but weak outside is suitable as a friend, not as a spouse.

Understood, Ye Baoling replied perfunctorily.

That night, Ye Baoling arrived punctually at Edward Restaurant. Through Lin Zhong’s introduction, she met Lu Tianyou—the scoundrel who had caused the original host’s death.

Just as the rumors said, Lu Tianyou was handsome and refined in appearance, giving no indication of the beastly nature hidden beneath the surface.

After Lin Zhong, the intermediary, introduced them, he only stayed for a short while before leaving, leaving the two young people alone at the dining table.

The waiter recommended dishes to them. Lu Tianyou ordered a medium-well steak, while Ye Baoling asked for well-done.

During their first meeting, Lu Tianyou was exceptionally gentlemanly and talkative: Let me tell you a cheesy joke.

Sure.

One day, a medium-well steak and a medium-rare steak met. Though both were steaks, they turned away from each other and didn’t speak. Can you guess why?

The joke was too corny, so Ye Baoling pretended not to guess. She shook her head, feigning curiosity: Because they couldn’t speak?

No, it’s because they weren’t well-done.

Hahaha, really! Ye Baoling had always been a good actress. She covered her mouth and laughed enthusiastically: That’s hilarious.

Seeing the girl before him laughing radiantly, Lu Tianyou’s vanity was greatly satisfied.

Ye Baoling added: Good thing I’m naturally sociable.

That’s a great follow-up. Lu Tianyou had told this lame joke to many girls, but few had genuinely entertained it, let alone topped it off so perfectly.

It was a good start, and the two chatted happily.

He shared various amusing anecdotes from his work after returning to Port City. Coming from a marketing background, Ye Baoling could engage with any topic. Even though what he said was dull and uninteresting, she made it seem as if sparks were flying.

Clearly, Lu Tianyou was pleased with Ye Baoling. Though he’d heard she hadn’t attended university, her conversation revealed broad knowledge and cultured insights. Moreover, she carried herself with grace, elegance, and propriety. Most importantly, she possessed a sense of humor rarely found among well-bred young ladies.

However, during the meal, he noticed she kept glancing toward the 11 o’clock direction, where two women were sitting, their behavior somewhat ambiguous.

What’s wrong? Do you know them? Lu Tianyou asked.

Ye Baoling shrugged slightly: My ex-girlfriend.

Ex… ex-girlfriend?

He felt utterly unsettled.

After a long pause, Lu Tianyou couldn’t resist turning to look and saw the two beauties at that table getting up to pay the bill.

Ye Baoling continued eating her steak nonchalantly, You’re a really good person—knowledgeable, humorous, and it’s rare that we get along so well. You won’t ignore me in the future, will you?

Having just been friend-zoned, Lu Tianyou smiled awkwardly: Of course not. There are plenty of… such cases in the UK. I’m very open-minded.

If my grandfather and father find out, they might disown me. Could I ask you to keep this a secret for me?

I won’t tell anyone.

You’re so kind. So… are we considered good friends?

Of course. Lu Tianyou replied hastily, afraid Ye Baoling might misunderstand any delay.

Ye Baoling smiled and raised her wine glass, gently clinking it with his. To friendship.

To friendship. He downed the rest of his red wine in one gulp.

The Ye family was one of Port City’s most deeply rooted old-money dynasties, while the Lu family were merely nouveau riche. Even in the original storyline, Lu Tianyou had initially sought to flatter and curry favor with Ye Baoling.

This led the insecure and affection-starved original host to mistakenly believe she had met the right person.

Little did she know that after marriage, he would completely change his tune.

The waiter came over and refilled their glasses.

A few days ago, I saw your interview in the newspaper.

Lu Tianyou was surprised that Ye Baoling read financial newspapers. He smiled and said, My friend is an editor at The Economic Times. He insisted on interviewing me.

Are the two closed-end funds you manage, S101 and S102, planning to list and trade on the stock exchange?

One of these funds might go public first as a trial.

Which one will it be?

Lu Tianyou: It hasn’t been decided yet. It might be S102—it’s smaller in scale, has more room for growth, and won’t mature as quickly. S101 is more stable, with strong growth and considerable returns. Many of my clients want to buy S101, but it’s no longer accepting new investors. Your father has good foresight—he bought a significant amount of S101 through several accounts earlier. With the recent stock market rally, it could potentially double by maturity.

Ye Baoling nodded: I know. My father bought some for me too. A while ago, I wanted to sell it at a discount, but my father scolded me harshly.

Lu Tianyou asked curiously, Why did you want to sell at a discount?

I needed money. To win back… Ye Baoling caught herself. You wouldn’t understand.

Lu Tianyou assumed she needed cash to win back an old flame. He nodded to show he understood but refrained from commenting on others’ relationships, saying only, Selling at a discount would have been a loss. Now, if someone urgently needs to transfer their shares, as long as there’s a buyer and they pay a handling fee, they can still receive the previous returns—earning a bit less, but not losing money.

Really? Just by paying a handling fee? Ye Baoling was genuinely surprised. It seemed she had to thank Ye Kaimin for preventing her financial loss.

Lu Tianyou observed her expression. Do you still want to transfer the fund?

Ye Baoling glanced at him and teased, The bank manager betrayed me. You won’t do the same and report to my father, will you? I’m not falling for that.

Lu Tianyou laughed too. As I said earlier, we’re friends. If you really need help, you’re welcome to come to me.

Alright. Ye Baoling smiled and lightly clinked glasses with him again. Then I’ll thank you in advance.

After chatting a bit more, Lu Tianyou asked, What should we tell our families when we go back tonight?

Let’s say we’re getting to know each other and need some time. What do you think?

Sounds good!

As they walked out after the meal, they encountered a group entering through the main door.

Ye Baoling noticed a tall, composed, and upright man at the center of the crowd, with a sharp jawline—quite handsome.

She couldn’t help but take a few more glances.

He looked familiar, and she soon realized it was Ye Huaizhang.

She had seen many photos of him in the bridal chamber at Inheritance Harmony Residence.

Lu Tianyou also noticed the people at the entrance. He hurried over to greet someone in Ye Huaizhang’s group. He had met Ye Huaizhang before, but the other party probably didn’t remember him.

Huaizhang, this is Lu Tianyou from Eagle Guaranty Securities.

Lu Tianyou eagerly stepped forward to shake hands but was blocked by Ye Huaizhang’s bodyguard.

The person introducing him added, He’s the son of Chairman Lu from the stock exchange.

Ye Huaizhang glanced at Lu Tianyou, then smiled and extended his hand.

As they shook hands, Lu Tianyou excitedly introduced Ye Baoling: This is Baoling. You’re relatives, right?

More than relatives—they were legally husband and wife.

Ye Huaizhang looked at Ye Baoling. He had noticed her earlier—they had probably met as children, but he had no memory of it.

In person, she was more attractive than in photos and seemed more like a living, breathing human being.

Everything he knew about her came from the dossier his assistant had provided.

The information was comprehensive: timid, cowardly, indecisive, and that she was on a blind date today with this guy surnamed Lü.

From the looks of it, they were having a pleasant conversation.

Author’s Note

Ye Huaizhang: Seems her taste isn’t great.

Ye Baoling: No wonder I thought you were a bit handsome—turns out my judgment is just poor.

Ye Huaizhang: …