The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 12 Old Woman Tong's Prophecy Comes True

Chapter 12 Old Woman Tong’s Prophecy Comes True

At the entrance of Edward Restaurant, facing Ye Huaizhang’s gaze, Ye Baoling understood perfectly well that during his two days back, he must have gained some basic understanding of her.

The corners of her lips curved upward as she greeted him with a smile: Brother Huaizhang, having dinner so late?

Her response was quite appropriate.

Ye Huaizhang wore a politely distant smile: I went somewhere else first.

To outsiders listening in, they would assume the two were relatives on reasonably good terms.

With people coming and going at the entrance, they didn’t chat much longer and soon bid each other farewell.

When Ye Baoling returned to the Gu residence, it was already past nine. Gu Man’er, who had been waiting in the downstairs living room, greeted her with a beaming smile.

Cousin, how was it? Did Yulan and I act convincingly enough?

Ye Baoling didn’t hold back her praise: Absolutely! Even award-winning actresses couldn’t have done better.

Really? Hahahaha, when I held Yulan’s hand, she got goosebumps all over.

Ye Baoling gave a thumbs up. He bought it.

Excellent. Gu Man’er quickly followed Ye Baoling upstairs. So you successfully strung him along?

Pretty much. He even said he’d help keep my secret.

Wow cousin, you’re ruthless without leaving a trace.

Piece of cake.

Next time Lu Tianyou sees Yulan by your side, he’ll definitely think you’ve rekindled your old flame… Wow, just imagining that scene is hilarious.

The two cousins laughed and joked all the way back to their room.

As soon as they entered, Gu Man’er handed over the order slip from the table. Reimbursement, please.

Ye Baoling cheerfully handed over two hundred-dollar Hong Kong notes. Keep the change.

Thanks boss. Let me give you a massage, boss. Gu Man’er rubbed her cousin’s shoulders until she got tired, then collapsed onto the bed. Staring at the dim yellow ceiling, she sighed: Cousin, I don’t think today’s interview went well.

Don’t worry, you’ll find a job. Trust me.

Why hasn’t there been any news about the resume we sent to Ye Qingtang? Could it have sunk without a trace?

Probably not. Ye Baoling had specifically mentioned the job application to Lin Zhong, and she believed someone as perceptive as him would surely leave a backdoor open for her. They’re just slow. Let’s wait a bit longer.

Ye Baoling tied up her hair and went downstairs to report her achievements to her grandmother.

Of course, she wouldn’t tell the complete truth, only saying she had become friends with Lu Tianyou.

The Old Madam Gu was half-convinced and half-doubtful, worried she might be taken advantage of, and advised her to have less contact with such people in the future.

Early the next morning, before dawn broke, Ye Baoling was dragged out of bed by Chen Yulan to practice basic skills on the rooftop terrace.

Ye Baoling was desperately sleepy and threatened to quit. I don’t want to practice anymore, don’t wake me up tomorrow morning. I’m begging you, Lanlan.

We can’t give up halfway, cousin. You need to persist a bit longer. Chen Yulan was somewhat stubborn.

Having you to protect me is enough.

Wasn’t the point to strengthen your body?

Waking up this early every day, I’ll die from exhaustion sooner or later. Ye Baoling yawned. Though her words complained, her movements remained perfectly precise.

Chen Yulan: Practicing basics in the morning yields twice the results with half the effort. Chen Family Fist emphasizes ‘stable lower stance, fierce strikes.’ Cousin, I took your money, so I’ll definitely be responsible for seeing this through.

Just cut me some slack, please?

Is that really okay?

… Ye Baoling could only change the subject. About what we discussed yesterday, is your brother ready?

Chen Yulan lowered her voice. With no one else on the rooftop, she was afraid of being overheard, her demeanor particularly furtive.

Everything’s ready. He borrowed a car from a friend.

I’ll come to your place later, and we’ll briefly go through it again.

Understood.

After finishing her boxing practice, Ye Baoling went to the Chen residence to discuss her plan in detail with the siblings before returning home for breakfast and a nap.

At exactly twelve o’clock, she arrived punctually at Yulinmen Restaurant, the dining spot for Port City’s wealthy. Ye Huaizhang’s sister, Ye Yongqi—the one who had participated in the wedding ceremony with her—was waiting at the entrance.

During those three days spent in the third branch’s residence, Ye Yongqi had frequently visited the bridal chamber to chat with her.

The girl was innocent and lively, with a cute appearance, and Ye Baoling got along very well with her.

Ling Sister, that dress of yours is so pretty.

Do you like this style?

Ye Yongqi nodded earnestly.

Next time, I’ll take you shopping.

Ye Baoling had spent the past couple of days frequently visiting shopping malls, splurging several thousand more to buy quite a few clothes that caught her eye.

Like the washed-white linen dress she wore today, tied at the waist with an orange belt—neither too formal nor lacking in elegance.

Entering the private room inside, to Ye Baoling’s surprise, there was no one there.

Just as she was about to ask when Guan Old Lady and the others would arrive, footsteps sounded behind her. Turning around, she saw two or three people escorting Ye Huaizhang in.

There were bodyguards and an assistant.

Ye Huaizhang was dressed in formal attire, apparently having rushed over from the office. Having returned only two or three days ago, instead of seeing a psychologist or resting to recuperate, he was already busy with work—a true workaholic.

Workaholics were endearing.

She used to be one too.

Noticing the place settings on the dining table—three sets of bowls and chopsticks—she wondered if only the three of them would be having lunch together.

Ye Huaizhang noticed the confusion in her eyes. Today, I’m treating you to a meal alone. I asked Grandmother and the others to host you another day.

If it was just for her, why was Ye Yongqi here too?

Probably to ease the atmosphere.

If other elders were present, Ye Huaizhang wouldn’t be able to freely express his own opinions.

This was Ye Baoling’s own speculation.

Shortly after they sat down, dishes began to be served. Ye Baoling chatted with Ye Yongqi while Ye Huaizhang spoke quietly with his assistant. Once the assistant left, Ye Huaizhang raised his teacup.

I have work this afternoon, so no alcohol. Let me toast you with tea instead—thank you for cooperating with my grandmother and putting on such an elaborate act for the sake of my personal safety.

Ye Baoling also raised her tea. No need to thank me. Fifth Aunt gave me the compensation I wanted. Cooperating with the act was what I should do.

She specifically mentioned the compensation to remind him that the reward was the Ugly King Jade Pendant.

Ye Huaizhang was clever; he certainly understood her implication.

However, the granddaughter of the eldest branch was quite different from what he had imagined and from the description in the documents.

She didn’t seem like a timid and inexperienced girl.

The naive Ye Yongqi had no idea about the undercurrents in that earlier teacup toast. She picked up her chopsticks to serve food. Ling Sister, the sweet and sour papaya appetizer here is the best. You should try it.

Ye Baoling took a bite and praised, Crisp, sour, and sweet—I’ve never tasted such delicious sour papaya before.

Right? I always order this dish when I come here. And this abalone sauce sponge gourd is delicious too.

Ye Baoling didn’t particularly like sponge gourd, but since Ye Yongqi had served it into her bowl, she reluctantly tried it—and surprisingly, there was no earthy taste.

It was fresh, sweet, and delightful!

This is truly delicious. Seeing that Ye Huaizhang had only been drinking soup without eating anything, Ye Baoling used the serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of loofah for him. Try it, it’s really good.

… Ye Huaizhang had never encountered someone so casually familiar.

Ye Yongqi watched with amusement, grinning at her brother. Will you eat it? Bitter melon!

Ye Baoling stared at him. Though Ye Huaizhang’s face showed no expression, a flicker of distaste quickly passed through his eyes.

It seemed he shared her dislike for loofah.

This was one of Ye Baoling’s strengths—she didn’t assume his reaction was due to disliking her. She quickly concluded it was the loofah causing the issue.

Clearly, Ye Huaizhang wasn’t one to suffer in silence. He picked up the small piece of loofah and placed it in his sister’s bowl. Since you enjoy it so much, it’s yours.

Ye Yongqi explained to Baoling with a smile, My brother doesn’t like bitter melon.

Ye Baoling replied, I didn’t like it either before trying this piece. But the one you gave me is genuinely tasty.

Really? Brother, Lingjie has the same taste as you.

Ye Huaizhang forced a polite smile. Let’s eat. The sweet and sour pork here is also delicious.

Ye Baoling noticed a small, concealed scar on his left forehead. He also appeared much thinner than in photographs. Being kidnapped in a foreign country must have been quite an ordeal.

Though curious, even with her easygoing nature, she knew better than to pry.

Thankfully, Ye Yongqi’s cheerful presence made the meal enjoyable. Otherwise, given their hidden agendas, it would have been difficult to share a table.

Unlike that scumbag Lü, Ye Huaizhang didn’t prioritize others’ feelings. From his perspective, he didn’t believe his safe return was due to Ye Baoling’s ritual marriage to ward off bad luck.

He didn’t believe in gods, ghosts, or fortune-telling—he trusted only himself.

As the meal neared its end, someone entered and called Ye Yongqi outside, leaving a middle-aged man in a suit in the private room.

Ye Huaizhang set aside his white napkin. Do you have any issues with a divorce by agreement?

None.

Hearing Ye Baoling’s immediate agreement, Ye Huaizhang seemed relieved. Then tomorrow. They’ll contact you with the specific time.

Fine. She continued eating heartily—the Cantonese cuisine at this restaurant was truly delectable.

No wonder it was a favorite among the wealthy.

I’ve had the lawyer draft the ‘Divorce Agreement.’ See if there’s anything you’d like to modify.

The man who appeared to be a lawyer quickly retrieved a document from his briefcase and handed it to Ye Baoling.

Ye Huaizhang added, If you have any requests, feel free to state them.

Without glancing at the agreement, she countered, What do you think I should ask for?

Preferring directness, he stated, Name a reasonable alimony amount, and it’s fine. However, the Ugly King Jade Pendant is an important heirloom from my grandfather. Could we exchange it for something of higher market value? I’ll give you anything within my means.

No. Ye Baoling refused without hesitation.

The polite smile instantly vanished from Ye Huaizhang’s face.

She smiled faintly. Agreed terms shouldn’t be easily altered. If you can’t part with your grandfather’s heirloom, then sacrifice the financial benefits and leave the Second Branch’s Ugly King Jade Pendant with me.

As compensation, the annual dividend from 1% of Minhua Bank shares for the Second Branch—even if high—should be within his acceptable range.

Can you tell me why you’re so determined to obtain the Ugly King Jade Pendant?

Because my mother likes it. Though the jade pendant really is quite ugly.

Ye Huaizhang stared at her, his eyes deep and unfathomable like a dark pool. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking or how much he believed her words.

Ye Baoling didn’t want to speculate about his thoughts anymore—it was unnecessary, and she didn’t need to care. What mattered most to her now was that the delicious food in front of her would go to waste if not finished. She happily ate the sweet and sour pork and drank the richly flavored conch soup, completely at ease.

Ye Huaizhang suddenly realized that the information from his assistant had only led to his underestimation and misjudgment, serving no real purpose. Continuing the conversation would just be a waste of time.

He said, Then let’s settle it this way for now. Keep the orange Ugly King Jade Pendant from the Second Branch safe.

Ye Baoling nodded slightly and wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin, looking quite satisfied.

We’re not truly married—I went through the ceremony with your sister and a rooster. There’s no need for alimony. Ye Baoling took the pen and quickly signed her name.

The lawyer collected the documents and routinely reminded, Mrs. Ye, the application—

Call me Miss Ye.

The lawyer promptly corrected himself, Miss Ye, I’ll submit the application materials as soon as possible. The court will notify you before the hearing.

Thank you, I understand.

Ye Huaizhang stood up, If you ever come to your senses, come find me with your conditions.

In a year, if she successfully completed her task and no longer needed the Ugly King Jade Pendant, she could indeed consider returning that ugly jade to him—with conditions.

For a good price.

Ye Baoling smiled and nodded, Alright, I’ll come find you then.

Take your time eating with Qiqi. I have matters to attend to and must take my leave.

Ye Baoling smiled as she watched him leave, simultaneously spinning the glass turntable on the table to serve herself another bowl of soup.

Not long after, Ye Yongqi returned from outside. Seeing the empty seat at the head of the table, she asked in surprise, Where’s my brother?

He had something to attend to and left first.

Ye Yongqi apologized, He’s always so busy.

It’s fine, let’s take our time and enjoy the meal.

Okay, after we finish eating, let’s go shopping and then have afternoon tea, alright?

Sure. Your treat.

Ye Yongqi, who had never been troubled by money, laughed heartily, No problem, put it on my card.

As they spoke, a loud bang echoed from the street outside. Ye Baoling looked up toward the window.

Ye Yongqi, who was seated near the window, curiously leaned over to see what had happened.

It’s a car accident.

It appeared to be a traffic accident.

It looks like big brother’s car!! Ye Yongqi exclaimed nervously.

The timing was just perfect.

Wai Tsai Keung had done well.

Her demand was simple: she wanted the Third Branch to believe that Tong Po’s prophecy had come true, and then come begging her in tears.

She didn’t just want one Ugly King Jade Pendant—she wanted two.

To obtain the Ugly King Jade Pendant, she had to employ just a little more strategy.

Amitabha, may the Buddha have mercy.

Ye Baoling also went to the window. When she saw the crushed car, her face turned pale with fright.

The street was crowded with people. Chinese people, who love to gather around spectacles, no matter how busy, would stop to watch a street accident.

The ambulance took away two people. Ye Baoling got into the Ye family car and spent the journey comforting the distraught and tearful Ye Yongqi.

At the hospital, they encountered members of the Third Branch outside the emergency room. Fortunately, Ye Huaizhang had only suffered minor injuries.

While Ye Yongqi was speaking with them, Ye Baoling seized the excuse of going to the restroom to find Chen Yulan, who had followed them by taxi.

What happened? Wasn’t it just supposed to be a close call to scare him? Your brother went way too far! Ye Baoling couldn’t help but whisper her complaint.

Chen Yulan lowered her voice and explained, It wasn’t my brother. His car is still waiting at the intersection as you instructed. This was a real accident. A genuine mishap.

What? So coincidental? A real accident occurred?

Without her having to lift a finger, Old Woman Tong’s Prophecy had come true?!

Author’s Note:

Ye Huaizhang: Attempting to murder your own husband? I’ll kneel and apologize, alright?

Ye Baoling: It wasn’t me. It has nothing to do with me. I’m a good person.

Old Woman Tong: Let me recap my prophecy for everyone [The Ritual marriage to ward off bad luck is not an act—it’s a real marriage. If you cannot commit to it sincerely, all these efforts will be futile in the eyes of Heaven. After the formal marriage, if the ritual succeeds and Young Master Ye returns safely, the couple must share a room for forty-nine days and maintain the marital relationship unchanged for one year to prolong Young Master Ye’s lifespan. Otherwise, disasters will follow incessantly, even affecting family members, ultimately leading to eternal separation between the living and the dead.]

Last night, I changed the book title, but I didn’t like it either. Since it hasn’t entered the VIP program yet, I want to try out a few more options. After the story is fully completed, I might revert to the original title, The Female Heir.

As the author, I struggle with crafting compelling blurbs and titles—I really can’t come up with good ones.

I’m now seeking title suggestions from all readers. As a token of gratitude, all participants will receive a small red envelope. If a title is selected, an additional thank-you fee of 1000 Jinjiang Coins will be paid.

Some titles I’ve thought of include: The Young Miss Is a Bit Unhinged (similar to The Young Miss Is Very Fierce), After Transmigrating as the Fifth-Generation Heir in a Short Drama…

I’m begging for title suggestions, begging! Once the story enters VIP, I’ll write like crazy to thank everyone all. [dog head holding a rose][dog head holding a rose][dog head holding a rose]