The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 15 The Bizarre Contraceptive on the Wedding Night

Chapter 15 The Bizarre Contraceptive on the Wedding Night

The fragrance of oriental lilies on the table was intensely sweet.

After prolonged exposure, the scent gradually faded.

Ye Baoling was adept at reading people’s intentions, and she immediately understood what Ye Huaizhang meant.

He must have thought she wouldn’t be willing to truly marry him, so he wanted to use this to pressure her, force her to concede, and make her give up the Ugly King Jade Pendant?

Sure enough, his next words were: If you can’t accept this condition, why not give up the Ugly King Jade Pendant and choose something truly valuable instead? A residential unit, commercial shop, gold, diamonds, or cash – take your pick. Someone as beautiful and kind as you deserves finer things.

He carefully observed her expression: You just need to give up our Ugly King Jade Pendant…

Ye Baoling didn’t want him to see how much she cared about that jade piece. Not wanting to be manipulated, she merely smiled faintly and said: Today, it was you who begged me, your family who begged me. Your grandmother said if I didn’t save you, you would die. I’m not here bargaining with you because I desperately want some Ugly King Jade Pendant. I only asked for it out of pity for your grandmother – a worthless trinket chosen casually out of softheartedness. Since you’re ungrateful, forget it then. I don’t need a grand wedding, but if you want a grand funeral… feel free to arrange one yourself.

What a sharp tongue that showed no mercy.

Ye Huaizhang wasn’t angered either, staring at her unblinkingly: You’re lying.

Ye Baoling shot him a disdainful look.

Just now when I suggested you give up the Ugly King Jade Pendant, you pressed your lips together and your pupils slightly dilated, indicating you care deeply about it and really want to obtain this Ugly King Jade Pendant from me.

Caught off guard, Ye Baoling’s expression froze momentarily. She tried to appear calm, struggling to control her features.

Regardless of whether his speculation had basis, she couldn’t admit it.

Once he knew how desperately she wanted the Ugly King Jade Pendant, the power dynamic would reverse.

Ye Baoling curved her lips slightly: Is it because you care that you think I care? I was only slightly tempted by my shallow mortal heart when you mentioned gold, diamonds, and cash. But I’m easy to deal with – the more unwilling you are to give me something, the more I want it. Without the Ugly King Jade Pendant, there’s no need to discuss our cooperation. Let me emphasize again – you’re the one begging me, not me begging you.

It was very clear – she wanted the Ugly King Jade Pendant.

Ye Huaizhang didn’t refute, smiling as he nodded: Understood.

He suddenly changed the subject: Do you like Lu Tianyou?

How did this shift to Lu Tianyou?

His train of thought was really quite jumpy.

No. Ye Baoling answered bluntly.

The corners of Ye Huaizhang’s mouth lifted almost imperceptibly as he asked again: So you can’t marry someone you don’t like?

Of course. But you’re the exception – marrying you is an act of charity on my part. Her words were dripping with sarcasm.

Remembering his earlier statement about becoming real husband and wife, Ye Baoling retorted: Can you marry someone you don’t like either?

Ye Huaizhang fell silent, as if this question had stumped him.

Do you like me? she suddenly asked.

Ye Huaizhang almost said, why would I like you?

But obviously, he couldn’t afford to offend her now. After brief consideration, he only said: Somewhat interesting.

Do you find me somewhat interesting as a person, or are you somewhat interested in me?

She studied him and instantly understood. You find me somewhat interesting. I am indeed quite interesting. Being able to register a marriage with me is your good fortune.

Ye Huaizhang explained, I don’t like engaging in romantic relationships.

Neither do I.

So they were quite well-matched after all.

Ye Huaizhang said, Being husband and wife doesn’t necessarily require romance.

Then how?

Hormones would suffice.

She agreed.

Moreover, he was wealthy, had a great physique, and a handsome face…

Legally sleeping together after marriage wouldn’t be a loss for her.

But she couldn’t simply comply with his wishes so readily.

Ye Baoling asked, What if we’re emotionally incompatible after a year?

It won’t prevent you from filing for divorce. However…

However what?

If we divorce, the Ugly King Jade Pendant needs to be returned to me. I can compensate you financially. You can set the terms. We can discuss this in advance.

This was exactly what Ye Baoling wanted—she only needed to keep the Ugly King Jade Pendant in her possession for one year, until her task was completed.

What if I don’t agree?

Ye Huaizhang smiled confidently. If you weren’t interested, you wouldn’t have wasted time discussing this with me until now.

Wasting time chatting with you is quite interesting in itself. Her words both refuted him and saved face for him.

Then, like lofty mountains and flowing waters coming to an abrupt halt, the conversation stopped.

Just after giving him a sweet date, she followed with a heavy stick.

Without my help in the ritual marriage to ward off bad luck, can you get through this crisis? She met his gaze. You can’t? If you want my help, just having the Ugly King Jade Pendant isn’t enough now. Unless… you beg me.

Beg her? How?

Ye Huaizhang fell silent.

He disliked begging others.

When he was kidnapped in South Africa, he hadn’t begged the kidnappers.

Relying on his wits, he negotiated and even became friends with them temporarily, ultimately seizing an opportunity to escape successfully.

Not willing to speak those precious words? Then forget it. Let’s just get divorced!

Ye Huaizhang stared at her, seemingly disbelieving that she would give up so easily.

He firmly trusted his own judgment.

If we divorce, you won’t get our third branch’s Ugly King Jade Pendant.

I’ve said it before—it’s you who cares about the jade pendant, not me.

Are you sure you want a divorce?

Absolutely.

Once the words were spoken, action had to follow. If he wouldn’t beg her, Guan Old Lady would surely come with tearful pleas—she wasn’t worried.

Each harboring their own thoughts, they exchanged a silent battle of glances. Finally, Ye Baoling picked up her handbag. What a waste of half my day. Remember to have your lawyer submit the divorce papers I signed to the court.

With that, she turned to leave. After taking just a few steps, the ringing of a big brother mobile phone erupted from the outer suite.

Then they heard Dong Jian answer the call.

Ye Huaizhang’s heart tightened.

That big brother phone in Dong Jian’s hand was his—he had changed his number after returning.

Aside from family, outsiders didn’t know his new number yet.

Why would his family call him at this moment?

Could it be that as soon as divorce was mentioned, trouble struck at home? Was it really that uncanny?

Wait a moment. Ye Huaizhang stopped her, emphasizing again, I don’t want a divorce.

Knock knock knock!

Dong Jian entered after knocking, quickly approaching Ye Huaizhang and whispering that just moments ago, his father had accidentally fallen down the stairs.

!!!

Fortunately, it wasn’t serious.

Guan Old Lady had called urging him to reach an agreement with Ye Baoling as soon as possible.

Seeing them whispering and Ye Huaizhang frowning deeply, Ye Baoling sensed that something had happened.

After Dong Jian left, Ye Huaizhang’s attitude indeed softened by a hundred and eighty degrees.

Gently stroking the remote control with his fingers, he set it aside and said, Don’t speak of divorce so lightly in the future… I agree to all your conditions.

Ye Baoling raised her eyebrows slightly. And then?

I beg you. He finally uttered the words.

At that moment, fireworks of triumph exploded in Ye Baoling’s heart.

She had won the gamble.

But the terms were certainly no longer the same as before.

She wanted to raise the stakes.

Just as Ye Baoling was contemplating how to bring it up, Ye Huaizhang, as if reading her mind, said, To show my sincerity, during our marriage, I will unconditionally help you with three tasks. As long as you ask, and as long as it’s not irrational or illegal, I will do whatever I can.

If only he had been this sensible earlier.

Alright, hubby, she agreed readily, a smug smile spreading across her face after her little scheme succeeded.

That sweet, coquettish hubby sent shivers down Ye Huaizhang’s spine.

Women really could change their expressions in an instant.

Ye Huaizhang discussed with her, Our marriage is a genuine union, not a fake one. We are husband and wife, a family. You are not an outsider to our family—that is my bottom line for being willing to give you the Ugly King Jade Pendant. The marriage must last at least a year, and everything else will follow its natural course. The Ugly King Jade Pendants from the Second and Third Branches will be entrusted to you for safekeeping. If we ever truly fall out of love and need to divorce, I will buy back the two Ugly King Jade Pendants at a negotiated price.

Perfect. A year later, she would have completed her mission and no longer need the Ugly King Jade Pendants, so she could just sell them back to him.

It was a win-win situation.

She waited for him to name his price.

Ten million. What do you think?

Ten million for two worthless pieces of jade—what a deal!

Combined with the five million and the villa from Guan Old Lady, she could truly afford to break a leg and enjoy the world.

It was impossible not to be excited!

But Ye Baoling had to maintain an indifferent, money-is-no-concern expression.

Whatever, she said.

Seeing her agree, Ye Huaizhang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Let’s sign an agreement.

He threw off the covers, got out of bed, and walked toward the outer suite.

The outer suite of the hospital room was a rest area that could double as an office. Ye Huaizhang took out a pre-prepared agreement from the drawer.

He didn’t ask Dong Jian for help but handled it himself, unscrewing a pen to add the additional conditions they had just discussed.

After writing it, he handed it to her to review.

Ye Baoling checked it point by point.

The first clause stipulated that in the event of a divorce, Ye Huaizhang would exchange twenty million for the two Ugly King Jade Pendants from the Second and Third Branches currently in Ye Baoling’s possession.

Twenty million?

So he meant ten million per Ugly King Jade Pendant!

Oh, heavens!

Suppressing the smile that threatened to burst onto her face, Ye Baoling glanced discreetly at the foolish son of a wealthy family and deliberately changed the subject. Your handwriting is quite good.

His penmanship was indeed excellent—bold, powerful, and fluid.

Praise made Ye Huaizhang suppress his slightly raised eyebrows, pretending nonchalance as he looked away.

The second additional clause stated that during the marriage, Ye Huaizhang would do three things for Ye Baoling, with the specifics to be determined by her.

If you have no other objections, sign your name.

Ye Baoling asked, What about the Ugly King Jade Pendants?

She wanted to sign only upon delivery.

They’re at home. I’ll give them to you tonight.

Then I’ll sign tonight.

It was clear that both were cautious and did not fully trust each other.

Ye Huaizhang: Should I go explain the situation to your grandfather and father in a few days? Our marriage won’t remain secret for long.

After all, all three branches of the family lived on the same street, and servants frequently visited each other’s homes. Any news would spread quickly.

Ye Baoling wasn’t worried about her grandfather and father objecting to the marriage—they had no say in her decisions.

Her main concern was that this might hinder her from obtaining the Old Eldest Branch’s Ugly King Jade Pendant.

In traditional families like the Old Eldest Branch, once a daughter married, she was considered an outsider. Add to that marrying a clansman brother without family permission, and her grandfather might even sever ties with her.

Then it would be absolutely impossible for her to get the Old Eldest Branch’s Ugly King Jade Pendant.

Better to delay as long as possible.

Ye Baoling countered: Do you think my grandfather would accept our marriage?

We’re fifth-generation paternal cousins. We share the same great-great-grandfather but different great-great-grandmothers. Biologically speaking, our genetic overlap is only 0.39%—hardly different from random strangers. There are plenty of cousin marriages in Port City, and cousins typically share about 12.5% genetic similarity. We’re far from that.

Clearly, he had researched this specifically.

Knowing she hadn’t received much formal education, Ye Huaizhang patiently explained before asking: Do you understand?

Ye Baoling suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at him. No. I’m mentally challenged.

After shutting him down, she added: But my grandfather wouldn’t see it that way. He’d definitely consider us family since we share the same paternal great-great-grandfather.

True, traditional views are hard to change quickly. But if we don’t proactively explain and they find out later, we’ll be in a more passive position. Don’t worry, I’ll handle communicating with them. Clearly he disliked being in a prolonged passive state.

He was confident, but she wasn’t.

From Ye Huaizhang’s perspective, presenting a fait accompli to force the Old Eldest Branch’s concession didn’t seem particularly difficult—it would just require conceding some benefits.

But for Ye Baoling, this would seriously hinder her mission completion.

Therefore, she firmly objected: This matter follows my decision.

Ye Huaizhang, accustomed to being dominant, gave her an unaccustomed sidelong glance.

He thought he was dealing with a lamb, but it turned out to be wolf meeting wolf.

Ye Baoling’s mind raced: This doesn’t count as one of the three things you’re doing for me. I’m telling you not to do something, not asking you to do something.

Ye Huaizhang paused slightly before nodding resignedly: Fine, as you wish. What about your grandmother then?

No need for you to visit. I’ll explain to her myself.

Tap tap tap—Dong Jian knocked and entered again.

It was time for the CT scan.

Wait a moment.

He turned back to ask her: What are your plans for the rest of the day?

Ye Baoling had many things to attend to—interviews, bank deposits, and explaining recent events to her grandmother.

I have things to do this afternoon. I’ll go to No. 3 Qing Tang Street myself tonight, no need to send a car. Your grandmother already told me the ceremony time. From now on, I’ll only stay at your place in the evenings—the rest of my time is mine to arrange.

Though legally married, they were still strangers, so he had no objections.

Ye Baoling returned to the Gu family just in time for lunch.

Her family members were curious about her whereabouts.

Whose car came to pick you up?

She only offered evasively: The Ye family’s.

The third cousin sighed, Cousin, why didn’t you stay for a meal when you went back to the Ye family? The food there must be lavish. If it were me, I’d stick around for a hearty meal before leaving.

Baoling isn’t as thick-skinned as you, Aunt Shen Yue’e, familiar with the original host’s temperament, remarked. There are too many people, too many schemes, and too many rules over there. It’s nowhere near as comfortable as eating at home.

Ye Baoling washed her hands and sat down to eat. I have to go for an interview with Man’er this afternoon, so of course I had to rush back.

Shen Yue’e asked quietly, Baoling, does your father know you’re interviewing at Ye Qingtang?

The implication was whether they could pull some strings.

Gu Man’er had been struggling to find a job, and Shen Yue’e was growing anxious.

My father doesn’t know. Don’t worry, Aunt. Man’er is so capable; she’ll definitely land a job.

Gu Man’er was also anxious, but she maintained a positive attitude: Several of my close classmates have already found jobs. If all else fails, I can start by doing odd jobs at their law firm.

How much could odd jobs pay?

Probably over two thousand. If I can become a legal assistant, it’d be at least three thousand.

Actually, earning over two thousand would already cover the expenses for the two domestic helpers at home, which would be a decent start.

But for a university graduate, such a low salary was still dissatisfying. Shen Yue’e said, Aim for Ye Qingtang. The starting salary is forty-five hundred. It’s a big company—a sturdy tree to rest under.

Gu Man’er muttered, Mom, stop it. The more you say, the more pressure I feel.

Alright, alright, I won’t say anymore. No matter what I say, you all think I’m nagging.

The second cousin tilted her head and made a funny face at Ye Baoling, mimicking her mother’s words silently. The last phrase, No matter what I say, you all think I’m nagging, was almost word for word.

Ye Baoling held back her laughter and didn’t respond, focusing on her meal instead.

On the table were her favorites: stir-fried sausage with snow peas and tomato egg soup. Simple yet satisfying, she happily finished two bowls of rice.

After the meal, it was still early, so Ye Baoling decided to go deposit the money first.

She retrieved the five-million-dollar check from under the mattress and went to China Bank to transfer the funds into her personal account.

Afterward, she hurried to Ye Qingtang’s headquarters at Jade Dragon Tower to meet up with Gu Man’er.

Floors 5-10 of Jade Dragon Tower housed the offices of Ye Qingtang Herbal Tea Beverage Company, floors 11-20 were for Su Man Jewelry, floors 21-25 accommodated Ye Qingtang’s investment division and other subsidiaries, and floors 26-30 were dedicated to the headquarters offices.

Their interview was on the 28th floor in the Human Resources department.

Gu Man’er was applying for the position of trainee legal counsel and had to go to another office for a written test.

They were separated upon arrival.

Ye Baoling and five other young women waited on the corridor benches. From 2:30 to 3:00, no one was called in for an interview, and no one came to attend to them.

The girls began chatting softly.

They soon realized they were all applying for the same clerical position in the secretariat.

An awkward silence fell instantly.

They were all competitors.

Ye Baoling glanced around. The young woman to her left had red lips and wavy hair. She wasn’t a stunning beauty, but her demeanor stood out.

The girl in the red dress, two seats to her right, appeared around her age. From her conversation, she didn’t seem to have much work experience. This girl had arrived last; when she entered, the receptionist gave her a look, and she headed straight over. It seemed like she might have connections.

For now, these two were the strongest competitors among the applicants, aside from their individual capabilities.

Finally, there was movement at 3:00.

A young woman approached and affixed name tags written with colored markers onto their chests, then led them to a large conference room.

Three people were seated in the conference room, with the bald man in the center being today’s main interviewer, Manager Li.

After brief introductions, he adjusted his glasses and said to them, Two people will be hired for this position. Time is tight, so we won’t conduct individual interviews. Let’s begin.

Manager Li scanned the group. Those with work experience, please raise your hands.

Ye Baoling wanted to raise her hand, but unfortunately, the original host’s work history was a blank slate—completely empty.

She was surprised to discover that, aside from her, all five others raised their hands, including the girl in red.

Manager Li glanced at Ye Baoling. Miss Gu, is it? You may leave now.

Just like that, she was being dismissed?

Confidently prepared, Ye Baoling hadn’t expected to suffer such a crushing defeat right at the start.

Ye Baoling stood up, suppressing her frustration, and spoke as calmly as possible, If work experience is a mandatory requirement for this position, your company should have screened me out from the beginning instead of having me come all this way for nothing, only to dismiss me after going through the motions.

So what?

Manager Li smiled rather arrogantly, unwilling to explain further, and simply repeated, You may leave.

I can leave. But before I do, your company needs to give me a reasonable explanation.

Manager Li, who had been smiling just moments before, now darkened his expression.

Ye Baoling took her resume out of her bag. She had attached a clipping of the newspaper job advertisement behind it.

This is the recruitment advertisement your company published in the newspaper. The requirements are: height 5’3, age under 30, education at least Form 4 graduate. As for the work experience section, it specifically states ‘no special requirements’.

Manager Li hadn’t expected the woman before him to have brought the job advertisement with her.

She was quite good-looking, with decent adaptability and eloquence, but unfortunately, he had no position to offer her.

Faced with the challenge and in front of so many people, Manager Li had no choice but to explain patiently, We truly have no special requirements regarding work experience, because not hiring someone with absolutely no work experience isn’t considered a special requirement. The position we’re recruiting for is a clerical role in the secretariat, requiring basic skills like typing, photocopying, and sending faxes. You have no work experience and likely lack these fundamental skills. May I ask what we would hire you for?

Ye Baoling replied, I can type, photocopy, and send faxes.

She can do all that?

Manager Li was taken aback.

At the same time, Ye Baoling turned to the girl in red. Can you do them?

The girl in red, who had been watching the drama unfold, was startled by Ye Baoling’s sudden question and trembled slightly.

She glanced at Manager Li before stammering, I… I can.

Ye Baoling said, So you can do all that, can you? In that case, why don’t we all demonstrate our skills right here and now? That way, no one can suspect any behind-the-scenes manipulation or…

Who’s manipulating behind the scenes? Manager Li became agitated.

I didn’t say anyone was. But what if someone reports it?

Report? Manager Li detected the threat in her words.

Having spoken firmly, Ye Baoling smiled slightly and immediately offered him a way out. Manager Li, why not give me a chance?

Manager Li was worried that Ye Baoling might know something and that if the situation escalated, it could affect him.

He glanced at the crowd and could only force an awkward smile, taking the offered way out. Alright then, I’ll give you a chance. Let’s have a competition.

Thank you, Manager Li.

The first test was practical typing. In the main office, staff brought out three typewriters for two rounds of competition.

Ye Baoling excelled at Cangjie input method. Having traveled from a world with highly developed internet, her keyboard skills made her seem like an octopus compared to others.

While others had just finished typing one line of a document under three hundred characters, Ye Baoling had already completed the entire text with swift, rustling movements.

When Ye Baoling announced she had finished typing, everyone on site looked over in astonishment.

Damn it! Not a single typo.

Manager Li couldn’t find any fault and only subconsciously tapped the keyboard Ye Baoling had just used—an ordinary keyboard, nothing special about it.

The practical typing test concluded, with Ye Baoling being the fastest and the woman in red, as expected, the slowest.

Ye Baoling now knew her name—Gao Lizhen.

With no other choice, Manager Li waved his hand and moved on to the English document translation test.

For Ye Baoling, who had a high level of education and years of experience in overseas investments, this was a piece of cake, no challenge at all.

She translated two English passages not only quickly but also with precise wording.

After reviewing her work, Manager Li asked with a puzzled expression, You only graduated from Form Four?

Yes, Ye Baoling replied without further explanation.

Where did you learn to type like that?

Ye Baoling made up an excuse, I worked part-time as a typist at a printing shop.

A Form Four graduate with such strong English skills, yet she hadn’t pursued further studies and had taken on part-time work early—it must be due to difficult family circumstances.

She’s quite clever, though.

Lowering her voice, Ye Baoling said, Manager Li, I was too anxious earlier and spoke a bit loudly. Please don’t take it personally. I wasn’t targeting you—I just wanted a chance to interview.

Not only clever but also knows how to read the situation.

Faced with Ye Baoling’s apology, Manager Li felt somewhat appeased. He raised an eyebrow slightly and said, I wasn’t targeting you either. I treat all inexperienced applicants the same way. But your part-time experience does make a difference. Next time, make sure to explain your situation clearly in advance.

I understand. Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Manager Li. Ye Baoling offered a smile that was polite enough without crossing into sycophancy.

This kind of person is suited to being slowly worn down—she’s in no hurry.

Let her in first, then deal with her later.

The entire interview lasted about an hour. When Ye Baoling left, the young woman who had brought them in told her to wait for further notice.

Downstairs, Ye Baoling found Man’er waiting for her.

They had previously agreed to meet at the entrance of the square’s coffee shop.

Gu Man’er glanced at her watch. It was inaccurate and ran slow, but it was already four o’clock.

Cousin, I thought you’d left me behind and gone home first. Why did it take so long?

Ran into some trouble. The interview nearly finished me off.

Huh?

After hearing Ye Baoling’s account, Gu Man’er couldn’t help but remark, That woman in red must have connections. Aren’t you going to complain to your grandfather?

No. If I complain now, I’ll never get into Ye Qingtang.

She didn’t know if her grandfather would investigate the matter for her, but if she expressed her desire to become a clerk, it would definitely be hopeless.

Her grandfather wouldn’t allow her, a Form Four graduate, to have the chance to embarrass the Ye family.

You’re right. Causing a scene today was actually good—you performed so well that Manager Li wouldn’t dare to openly eliminate you. Changing the subject, Gu Man’er asked, Are you really that fast at typing? Didn’t you just learn it a few days ago at the printing shop?

Ye Baoling made up another story, I found that after learning Chen Family Fist from Yulan, my mind has become sharper and my hands more agile. When I type, I can’t help but go incredibly fast.

Gu Man’er was half-convinced, half-doubtful. That miraculous?

Maybe I’m just naturally suited for typing. Ye Baoling quickly brushed past the topic and asked instead, How did your interview go?

I think… it went quite well. The interviewer was my senior from the same department. He knows my university professor, and we had a great conversation. As she spoke, Gu Man’er beamed.

Was it a one-on-one interview?

Yes.

It seemed the legal department’s interview process was quite normal.

After returning home, her second cousin told Ye Baoling that her father had called and wanted her to call back immediately upon her return.

Ye Baoling merely acknowledged it but didn’t make the call.

She went to see Gu Old Madam first.

Regardless of what Ye Huaizhang had discussed with her that morning, deep down Ye Baoling was prepared to divorce after one year—at the very least, she needed to give her grandmother this psychological preparation.

Gu Old Madam was furious: You agreed without consulting me?

Aren’t I discussing it with you now?

You already agreed before telling me. What kind of discussion is that?

I only gave verbal consent. I haven’t signed any agreement yet.

Putting on an act for a whole year—that’s no longer just acting. Tell me, will this be a real marriage or a fake one? How will you explain it when you remarry later?

Just consider it as if I’m really married. Didn’t you say before that rather than getting entangled with scum like Lu Tianyou, it’s better to let the mistake stand and marry Ye Huaizhang instead? I’m just following your supreme guiding principle. Ye Baoling spoke with absolute confidence.

Gu Old Madam was speechless. What principle?

The old lady, having never received proletarian revolutionary education, didn’t understand what a supreme guiding principle meant.

Reflect on it carefully. Ye Baoling picked up an apple that the third branch of the family had sent over a few days ago. She looked around but couldn’t find a fruit knife.

Gu Old Lady stood up and took a Swiss army knife from the drawer, handing it to her.

Ye Baoling took the knife, hooked the trash bin with her foot, and began skillfully peeling the apple.

Gu Old Lady was perfectly clear-headed and didn’t need further reflection. She said, If you don’t get divorced later, I have no objection. But agreeing to divorce just one year after getting married—I can’t accept that.

Ye Baoling: Grandmother, you can’t go back on your word. Just a few days ago you said that slapping divorce papers in Lu Tianyou’s face would surely scare him. I thought you could accept me getting divorced, but now you say you can’t accept it. If you keep breaking your promises like this, I won’t know which of your words reflect your true intentions, nor will I know whether I should listen to you anymore.

Don’t twist my words on this matter! It makes me uncomfortable. Your mother got divorced, and now you’re getting divorced too. If word gets out, people will say there’s something wrong with our family upbringing.

Who cares what others say? A high divorce rate is a sign of a highly civilized society. We civilized people shouldn’t bother with those who are unenlightened.

Gu Old Lady was momentarily silenced. After a moment, she muttered, When did you learn to be so sharp-tongued!

Life forced me to be.

Then your agreement with Ye Huaizhang to divorce later—was that also forced by life? What are you after?

Money.

That her own child would say such words without hesitation made Gu Old Madam’s heart ache, but she couldn’t help asking: How much are they giving you?

They gave me a villa on the hillside. Ye Baoling didn’t mention the five million, then held up two fingers. And this amount when we divorce.

Have you gone mad from poverty?!

Haven’t you?

I… Gu Old Madam faltered, then said, Even if I were desperate with poverty, I wouldn’t sell my granddaughter. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have supported your mother back then when she chose to accept less alimony just to fight for your custody.

Grandmother, this isn’t selling, it’s reasonably pursuing my personal interests. Moreover, they need my help first. I’m spending a year assisting him—during this year I’ll be working for their family. If I only take a little advantage from them, I’m practically a merciful living bodhisattva.

Ye Baoling finished peeling the apple in one continuous spiral with a single knife stroke.

She proudly showed it to her grandmother. Impressive, right?

Gu Old Lady rolled her eyes. Impressive indeed, living bodhisattva.

Ye Baoling placed the apple on a plate, cut it into four segments, and started munching loudly on the remaining fleshy core.

Gu Old Lady asked again, How will you explain this to the senior branch of the Ye family?

I won’t tell them.

We live on the same street and share a large garden. How could we possibly keep it hidden?

How would we know without trying? What if we succeed?

And what if we don’t?

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Besides, the third branch will be shielding us upfront. When the time comes, Grandmother, you just play dumb and act like you know nothing. As she spoke, Ye Baoling picked up a slice of apple and brought it to her grandmother’s lips. It’s really sweet, have a taste.

Gu Old Madam turned away. I have no appetite.

Come on, just one bite. It’s truly sweet.

Gu Old Lady had no choice but to open her mouth and eat it.

Is it sweet?

Sweet.

The grandmother and granddaughter couldn’t help but laugh.

As for Uncle and Aunt, just tell them I received a villa. Don’t mention anything about the money.

Gu Old Lady nodded. I won’t say a word. I’m not foolish. Besides, money that hasn’t actually been received doesn’t count, so there’s no need to bring it up.

Ye Baoling tossed the finished apple core into the trash bin and stood up. I need to leave after dinner. Tong Po is holding some ceremony at nine, so I’ll go pack first.

Wait, don’t go yet.

What’s wrong?

Gu Old Lady took a key and unlocked an inner drawer. Didn’t you open a safe deposit box?

The old woman took out a small cloth pouch. This is the deed for this building. Although it’s registered under my name, your mother paid for it, so naturally it should be passed down to you. This is the bank card your mother left behind, with your name on it. I haven’t touched the money—there’s 250,000 in it. You’re married now, all grown up. These should rightfully be handed over to you for safekeeping. Take them and store them in your safe.

Ye Baoling took them and glanced at them. The property deed bore her grandmother’s name, Gu Zheng Lanxiang, while the bank card had her own name stuck on the back.

Wasn’t Mother’s inheritance supposed to cover household expenses?

These past two years, I’ve been using my own private savings for household expenses. If I hadn’t said that, your Uncle and Aunt would spend without restraint. You must never reveal this—don’t let your Uncle find out I still have money.

What a cunning old lady.

Ye Baoling nodded to show she understood. Grandmother, you can keep these safe for now. If I need them, I’ll ask you for them.

Take them. I’ll only feel at ease if you have them. The old woman was firm.

Ye Baoling had just been to the bank today. I don’t have time to store them in the safe today. Keep them here, and I’ll collect them in a couple of days.

She had already decided: since she had the villa, this property could be left to Man’er in the future.

Of course, not right now.

She would wait until she had saved enough money.

Gu Old Lady glanced at the grandfather clock. It was indeed getting late. We’ll deposit it tomorrow then. Now that it’s given to you, you’re a Master.

Let’s talk tomorrow. Ye Baoling went out first.

Take the apples away. I can’t eat them. Gu Old Lady had poor teeth. Even if apples were left in her room, she could only smell their fragrance while the children would secretly take them to eat one by one.

I’ll give them to Man’er. Ye Baoling carried the apples out.

Gu Old Lady called after her: Wash the knife.

Just then, the Filipina maid came in with folded laundry. Ye Baoling instructed: Mary, please wash the knife for me, thank you.

The maid understood Cantonese but couldn’t speak it well, so she just smiled, nodded, and replied in English.

At half past eight, Ye Baoling arrived at No. 3 Ye Qingtang with Chen Yulan – the third branch’s ancestral mansion.

Yang Pinxian, who had made several calls urging them to come and had unsuccessfully tried to send a car for them, was already waiting anxiously. Hearing the doorbell, she came out to greet them.

After dismissing the servants, she asked: Have you had dinner?

We’ve eaten. As requested, Ye Baoling had worn a red dress.

Both the courtyard and interior were unusually quiet. Ye Baoling couldn’t help asking: Where is everyone else?

Yang Pinxian explained with a smile: They’ve gone to the seaside villa for vacation. After the ceremony, we’ll go there too. You and Huaizhang will be home alone these few nights.

It seemed they had deliberately sent everyone away to facilitate Tong Po’s feudal superstitious activities.

Sure enough, upon entering Inheritance Harmony Residence, they were met with glaring red lighting throughout the room that made one’s hair stand on end – the scene was rather eerie.

Following the red lighting up to the third floor, they found the corridor lights were also red. Ye Baoling and Chen Yulan exchanged glances but didn’t dare speak.

Entering the new bedroom revealed another sea of red.

The room had been redecorated: bright red pillowcases on the bed, a red mandarin duck quilt cover, and even the sofa opposite the bed had been fitted with red slipcovers.

Red silk and decorative balls hung on the walls, and new double happiness characters replaced the original ones where they were posted.

Even the curtains were red…

How suffocating.

Yang Pinxian said apologetically: This was all arranged by Tong Po. Please bear with it for the first three nights. We’ll replace everything with new ones after three days, alright?

Not like she had any other choice. Ye Baoling smiled awkwardly, I understand. I understand.

Rest first. I’ll go invite Tong Po. We’ll come at nine o’clock.

Where’s Ye Huaizhang? After asking, Ye Baoling immediately realized she had been too familiar by calling him directly by name and quickly corrected herself: I need to speak with Brother Huaizhang.

Yang Pinxian pointed toward the study: He’s in the study. He wanted to come downstairs to greet you, but Tong Po said it would be better if you don’t meet before the ceremony.

Ye Baoling smiled faintly, Understood.

After Yang Pinxian left, Chen Yulan, familiar with the place, carried the luggage into the walk-in closet.

Ye Baoling followed. Fortunately, the closet decorations were normal. Putting down her handbag, she instructed: Go knock on the study next door and have Ye Huaizhang call me.

Chen Yulan didn’t understand: How should he call?

Have him call the extension in our room. Ye Baoling would have preferred to call Ye Huaizhang directly, but she didn’t know the extension numbers for each room and couldn’t make the call.

Chen Yulan acknowledged and went.

Ye Baoling began organizing her clothes. In the corner closet, all her clothes were still there.

She couldn’t help but clasp her hands together toward the secret room’s direction. Guanyin Bodhisattva, I’ve returned. Please bless me to successfully obtain the second Ugly King Jade Pendant. From now on, I’ll bring you delicious offerings every day, alright?

Alright.

Who spoke?!

Ye Baoling nearly jumped in fright. Today she definitely hadn’t been imitating the Bodhisattva by talking to herself.

When she finally processed what happened, she realized it was Chen Yulan speaking to someone outside the bedroom door.

Soon, Chen Yulan entered, holding a document and a jewelry box.

Cousin, this was sent over by the Ye family’s eldest young master.

It turned out Chen Yulan had just opened the bedroom door when she discovered Ye Huaizhang had sent someone to deliver these items.

Ye Baoling took the jewelry box and opened it – sure enough, it was the pale yellow Ugly King Jade Pendant she had been longing for.

The document was the agreement she hadn’t signed that morning.

Since he was being considerate, she would be straightforward too. Without another word, she signed the agreement and had Chen Yulan deliver the Party A’s copy of the duplicate agreement to the other party.

Being new here, Ye Baoling didn’t have her own desk drawers. She wouldn’t feel secure leaving the Ugly King Jade Pendant elsewhere either. After careful consideration, she crouched down by the clothing wardrobe, pulled open a hidden slot, and temporarily stored both the agreement and jewelry box inside the square compartment.

Bodhisattva bless.

A few minutes before nine o’clock, Guan Old Lady knocked and entered first.

Ye Baoling was quite surprised to see the bandage wrapped around the old lady’s neck. She asked with concern, Grandma, what happened to you?

Guan Old Lady waved her hand with a smile, not daring to tell the truth: Just a minor thing, I accidentally bumped myself.

The old lady took Ye Baoling’s hand and asked softly, Did Huaizhang give you the Ugly King Jade Pendant?

Ye Baoling nodded: He just gave it to me.

I told him several times today to deliver it personally to the Gu family. But he wouldn’t listen to me, saying he had agreed to give it to you tonight. As she spoke, Guan Old Lady added: A-Ling, you’re our family’s lucky star. If Huaizhang ever shows ingratitude and dares to raise his voice at you, tell me and I’ll deal with him.

Knowing these were just polite words, Ye Baoling didn’t take them seriously. She responded with a smile: Alright then.

Guan Old Lady chatted with her for a few more moments before knocking sounds came at the door.

Yang Pinxian and Tong Po arrived together.

Tong Po was still wearing her signature black robe today. Amid the sea of red decorations, her black attire actually carried a certain sophisticated elegance.

Ye Huaizhang also arrived punctually, dressed as required in a dark gray Zhongshan suit.

He looked quite handsome in the Zhongshan suit – his sharply defined features now carried an additional air of refined delinquency.

One might have expected him to resist or feel awkward in such a scenario, but instead he blended in naturally with an expressionless face.

Extremely composed, extremely adaptable.

The Ritual marriage to ward off bad luck ceremony officially began.

They stood on either side of Tong Po, man on left and woman on right, while Tong Po held a red thread in her hand, chanting incantations under her breath.

On this auspicious day, we perform the ritual marriage to ward off misfortune. Patriarch Pu’an, we follow your divine decree. Heaven’s male and earth’s female, yin and yang unite. Immortal Masters of Union, descend to this chamber. Union Children, cast your blessing net. Red thread tightly bound, hearts and souls sway together. Misfortune retreats far away, joyful energy fills these beams.

Tong Po tied both ends of the red thread around their wrists.

May this blessed union be like pine and cypress. Through endless years, may blessings flow continuously. From this time forth, all calamities shall be eliminated.

Next came the husband and wife bowing to each other, followed by sharing the Nuptial Wine.

This wine must be consumed once every seven days, totaling eight times over forty-nine days to complete the Rituaal marriage to ward off bad luck ceremony. After speaking, Tong Po handed the wine flask to Yang Pinxian for safekeeping.

Ye Baoling contemplated that drinking a cup of wine every seven days wasn’t particularly difficult.

Moreover, the wine wasn’t unpleasant—it went down smoothly. With her high alcohol tolerance, she didn’t even flush after drinking.

Once everyone had left the bridal chamber, only Ye Baoling and Ye Huaizhang remained seated at the foot of the bed.

Ye Baoling glanced at the red cord on her wrist and suddenly realized Tong Po hadn’t mentioned when it could be removed.

Would they have to stay together even when using the bathroom?

Just as she was about to speak, she heard Ye Huaizhang ask her, Have you bathed yet?

She shot him a sidelong glance, her internal alarms suddenly ringing. What are you trying to do?

Was he thinking of consummating their marriage in this overwhelmingly red room?

No way—the atmosphere here was too eerie, and she feared it would leave psychological scars.

Then I’ll go first. Ye Huaizhang stood up and walked toward the bathroom.

Only then did Ye Baoling notice that he had already removed his end of the red cord at some point.

Ye Huaizhang had tied his end of the cord to a cloth tiger doll the size of a computer mouse.

He sure knew how to cut corners.

Ye Baoling scanned her surroundings and spotted a palm-sized red pig plush toy on her side of the bed—a matching pair with the tiger. She tied the red cord from her wrist to the pig.

After arranging both dolls neatly on the table, the pig and tiger looked quite harmonious, almost like a newlywed couple.

But then it struck her—why should she be the pig?

Thinking this, she untied both ends of the cord and swapped them.

He’s the pig!

The sound of shower water splashing came from the bathroom, and Ye Baoling relaxed entirely, deciding to remove her makeup first.

As she stood up, she suddenly noticed several red square packets prominently placed on the table.

Moving closer for a better look, she realized they were condoms, prepared by either Tong Po or Yang Pinxian.

Even the condom wrappers were red.

Damn ancestors, this is too outrageous!

Author’s Note:

Ye Huaizhang: I’m ready, shall we begin?

Ye Baoling: You take off your clothes first and let me feel.

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