The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 18 A faint scent of apples lingered in the air...

Chapter 18 A faint scent of apples lingered in the air…

A faint scent of apples lingered in the air, the surroundings as silent as night.

After calling her name twice from outside, Ye Huaizhang fell quiet.

Ye Baoling wasn’t sure if he was still in the walk-in closet or had already left.

She brought the apple to her nose, sniffing it gently, not daring to make any sudden movements.

She remained seated on the floor against the wainscoting, quietly listening for any sounds from outside.

After about ten minutes, faint footsteps could be heard from outside, followed by the sound of a door closing.

The closing sound was heavy and muffled, coming from a distance—it must have been the bedroom door.

Had Ye Huaizhang left?

After waiting another three minutes with no further movement, Ye Baoling didn’t dare to wait any longer, fearing Ye Huaizhang might return. She slowly and carefully slid open the wardrobe track.

When she opened the wardrobe door and cautiously peered out, confirming the walk-in closet was empty, she nimbly slipped out.

She let out a heavy sigh of relief, stuffed the chocolate and apple into her handbag on the cabinet, then straightened her clothes and hair in front of the mirror before leaving the walk-in closet.

But the moment she stepped out, she saw Ye Huaizhang sitting on the bedroom sofa reviewing documents.

Their eyes met, startling Ye Baoling so much she choked.

Damn it!

Ye Huaizhang looked at her calmly, as if asking, where did you just come from?

Ye Baoling spoke first: Why are you sitting here so quietly without making a sound? You scared me to death.

I didn’t see you in the walk-in closet just now.

I was in the bathroom.

The bathroom was empty too.

Maybe you’re blind.

He was blind?

Then are you deaf? Why didn’t you answer when I called you?

She played dumb: I didn’t hear you.

Then she must truly be deaf.

Regarding this bizarre temporary disappearance incident, Ye Huaizhang didn’t press further, simply saying: Grandma and the others are back. They want you to come down for breakfast.

Ye Baoling gave a casual response and, upon leaving, happened to meet Chen Yulan who had come looking for her. The two went downstairs together.

It was much livelier downstairs.

Old Lady Guan had four children—three sons and one daughter.

Her only daughter, Ye Jinliu, was the third child. She had married an American years ago and returned to Hong Kong to stay with her mother after her husband passed away a few years back.

Ye Jinliu spotted her first: A Ling, you’re up.

Good morning, Aunt.

Good morning. Noticing Ye Baoling limping slightly, Ye Jinliu quickly asked: What happened to your foot?

After Ye Baoling explained how she had bumped it, Ye Jinliu immediately called out toward the living room: Second Brother, your classmate’s renovation company really isn’t up to standard. We can understand old pipes making strange noises, but why are the new pipes doing it too? And the electrical wiring keeps short-circuiting—it’s happened several times now.

The second son Ye Jinbai, who was reading newspapers in the living room, replied: Have A Guang get someone to check it. If it’s no good, just replace all the pipes and wiring. Don’t bother with my classmate’s company anymore.

Ye Jinliu: I told you before—we shouldn’t do favors for acquaintances in these matters.

The complained-about Ye Jinbai wasn’t angry. He smiled and said: You’re right. Helping out acquaintances just wastes money and causes nothing but trouble.

Yang Pinxian, who was overseeing the servants preparing breakfast, called out to Ye Baoling: A Ling, come sit here. Is your foot feeling better?

Much better.

The rest of the family members also turned to look at her.

This time, Guan Old Lady had laid all her cards on the table with her children. They now knew that Baoling’s actual surname was Ye, not Gu, and that she was the granddaughter taken away by the divorced daughter-in-law of the eldest branch.

Since the truth was out, they were all in the same boat and had to keep the secret. To the outside world, they would say she was a young lady from the Gu family.

The butler had also replaced all the servants familiar with the eldest branch and publicly announced that the old lady had lost something, strictly forbidding the servants from visiting each other privately. This was to prevent servants from the eldest branch from accidentally seeing Ye Baoling.

Yang Pinxian introduced them to Ye Baoling one by one: This is your Second Uncle, and this is your Second Aunt.

Hello, Second Uncle and Second Aunt.

No need to be so formal among family.

Ye Jinbai and his wife seemed like easygoing people just from their appearance.

Ye Baoling had recently gained a basic understanding of the members of the third branch. Second Aunt Han Yanmei came from a humble background but was well-educated and refined. She usually avoided socializing and preferred tending to flowers and plants. She merely smiled and nodded at Ye Baoling.

Ye Jinbai pointed to his son and said, Huaili, come and greet your elder sister-in-law.

Ye Huaili looked a year or two younger than Ye Baoling and appeared very well-behaved. He smiled and greeted, Elder sister-in-law.

Yang Pinxian continued the introductions: This is your Fourth Uncle. Your Fourth Aunt took the two children for a check-up.

Hello, Fourth Uncle.

Only then did Old Fourth Ye Jinfeng put down his newspaper and give a slight nod. His attitude was not exactly arrogant, but neither was it warm. He only asked, Where’s Huaizhang?

He’s upstairs.

Ye Jinfeng was dressed in golf sportswear, exuding the aura of an elite noble. He was the most business-savvy and formidable figure among the fourth generation of the third branch.

Clearly, in his eyes, Ye Baoling was an insignificant figure—merely a Ritual marriage to ward off bad luck woman who couldn’t be exposed to the light, nothing more.

Thus, he paid her no further attention.

Not seeing Ye Yongqi, Ye Baoling couldn’t help but ask, Why isn’t Yongqi at home?

That child has no sense of propriety. She didn’t rest well at the seaside villa and went to catch up on sleep as soon as she returned. Don’t mind her.

That was just fine. A young lady of privilege should be like that—eating when she wants, sleeping when she pleases.

Breakfast was ready, and Guan Old Lady came downstairs. Her face lit up with a smile when she saw Ye Baoling. I heard you hurt your foot too. Does it still hurt?

It doesn’t hurt anymore.

That’s good. Don’t go back to your Grandmother’s place these next couple of days. Traveling back and forth will make the wound on your foot harder to heal.

Ye Baoling smiled without agreeing or refusing.

Not seeing her eldest grandson, Guan Old Lady asked again, Why hasn’t Huaizhang come down yet? A Qun, go call the young master down for breakfast.

Ye Huaizhang, who was the last to take his seat, inevitably received another round of nagging.

During breakfast, Fourth Uncle Ye Jinfeng brought up business matters. Huaizhang, I heard your investment department plans to invest heavily in Great Roc Harbor in Port City?

That’s the plan.

I’m not too optimistic about it. Port City already has plenty of deep-water harbors. Port City and Shenzhen are right next to each other—the scale over there doesn’t require developing such a large harbor. Plus, there are policy risks involved. What if things change midway? The first phase alone requires billions in investment; it’s too risky. Better to let the Li Family test the waters first.

Ye Huaizhang was unpersuaded. He was the type to boldly take the first step.

I’m optimistic about the mainland market. It’s been nearly eight years since the reform and opening up, with remarkable achievements and even greater development potential ahead. Great Roc Harbor can serve the entire Pearl River Delta region. Whoever seizes this opportunity first will reap the benefits. If we hesitate and don’t dare to invest, the Li Family will step in, and we’ll miss this chance entirely.

But is it worth risking billions? It’s not easy for the company to earn billions.

These billions were earned by our investment department overseas.

Ye Jinfeng fell silent.

Ye Baoling listened quietly, noticing the growing tension between uncle and nephew.

Ye Jinfeng turned to his elder brother for support: Brother, what do you think?

Though conservative by nature, Ye Jinsong didn’t want to publicly oppose his son’s decision. Let’s discuss it with Mother after completing the research, then decide.

As Ye Jinfeng prepared to continue the discussion, Guan Old Lady cut them off: No business talk during meals. Discuss such matters privately or during company meetings.

The conversation ceased.

Yang Pinxian smiled, lightening the mood: The crab roe shaomai is delicious. Yanmei and I made them ourselves last night and brought them back.

She served one to Ye Baoling. A-Ling, try one.

Ye Baoling smiled. Thank you, Mom.

She privately analyzed their discussion about investing in Great Roc Harbor. If Ye Huaizhang succeeded in developing this port, it would indeed bring long-term benefits.

Combined with the positive news about the diamond mine acquisition, this would significantly boost Hong Kong Tong Industry’s stock performance.

She could seize this opportunity for quick trades to earn fast money.

However, the actual historical outcome was: Shenzhen ultimately awarded this port to the Li Family.

She wondered why the third branch eventually gave up on it.

Did Ye Huaizhang fail to persuade his father and uncles?

Ye Baoling pondered this for a long while. Following Guan Old Lady’s wishes, she didn’t return to the Gu family.

With her room being redecorated, Ye Baoling used having nowhere to go as an excuse to chat and play mahjong with the old lady while gathering intelligence.

Currently, Guan Old Lady remained the largest shareholder and chairman of Hong Kong Tong Industry, though she rarely involved herself in daily operations, only steering at critical moments.

Therefore, the final decision on the billions-worth investment in Great Roc Harbor would ultimately rest with her.

That afternoon, Guan Old Lady put on her reading glasses to peruse the newspaper while Ye Baoling sat nearby reading entertainment magazines. Curious, Ye Baoling asked: Grandma, what do you usually read in the newspaper?

With my presbyopia worsening, I can only manage news and financial reports now. I’d like to read entertainment gossip, but it strains my eyes too much.

Reading too much newspaper does hurt the eyes, Ye Baoling offered. Grandma, let me read the newspaper to you.

Guan Old Lady set down the paper, somewhat embarrassed. Wouldn’t that trouble you?

Not at all. Better than me wasting time on entertainment news every day. After you listen to the radio in the morning and have breakfast, I’ll read you the newspaper before going to work.

Work? Where are you working?

Ye Baoling smiled mysteriously. Ye Qingtang headquarters. I secretly interviewed for a clerical position and unexpectedly got it.

Guan Old Lady exclaimed with exaggerated praise: Really? How are you so capable?! The children in our family may have impressive academic qualifications on paper, but if they had to rely solely on themselves without connections to interview independently, they might not necessarily succeed. A-Ling, you’re truly remarkable. Does your grandfather and the others know about this?

Not yet for now. I used the name Gu Baoling for the interview.

Why did you want to go out and work?

I just wanted to give it a try, learn something, and broaden my horizons.

That’s very good of you. For a young woman to be independent is extremely valuable. No matter how much money you earn, as long as you take action and can be self-reliant, your perspective on things will become completely different. Guan Old Lady was quite different from typical wealthy matriarchs—she was open-minded and encouraged women to maintain careers even after marriage.

Ye Baoling took the newspaper and began reading the news to the old lady.

After each interesting report, she would ask for Guan Old Lady’s thoughts.

Like this final piece of news: last month, the number of Port City residents emigrating abroad had reached another record high.

Grandma, have you ever considered emigrating?

Guan Old Lady waved her hand dismissively: Our old Ye family are Chinese. Our roots are in Port City. Traveling abroad is fine, but long-term residence isn’t for us. Our lifestyle habits, dietary customs, and social circles are all here. I dare say those who want to emigrate will eventually return if they have the capability. Port City is wonderful—they won’t adapt well to living abroad.

It seemed the old lady had some insight.

Following development trends, many early emigrants indeed either couldn’t find suitable jobs or couldn’t adjust to life abroad, ultimately choosing to return to Port City.

Ye Baoling smiled slightly: Grandma, you make a good point. Those who want to emigrate are probably afraid that life will change significantly after the handover, which is why they’re leaving.

Life won’t get worse—it will only improve. The country needs to establish model examples too.

It seems you have quite some confidence in our country.

Guan Old Lady frowned slightly, Not entirely. At my age, it’s hard to see clearly.

Understood.

The old lady had confidence in Port City’s future but couldn’t discern the direction of the mainland’s development.

We have investments on the mainland, but they’re not substantial. We don’t dare invest recklessly.

Being cautious is wise. Ye Baoling didn’t reveal her own views, not wanting the old lady to become wary of her.

Gu Man’er sent Ye Baoling a pager message, relaying that Cindy from Hundred Associates Bank had called looking for her.

It turned out her previous complaint had been resolved.

Manager Li had been transferred to another department, and from now on, Ye Baoling’s account information couldn’t be accessed without her personal authorization.

The next day was Friday. Ye Baoling went to Hundred Associates Bank early to see Cindy.

Cindy checked her account for her—the S101 Fund’s 4.453 million redemption had arrived.

Finally!

So thrilled.

First goal achieved.

She no longer needed to pretend with that scumbag Lu Tianyou.

Cindy was quite surprised, Miss Ye, how did you redeem this closed-end fund? And with only a two-point handling fee deducted?

Ye Baoling smiled without explaining further, saying only: This is what they call a blessing in disguise. When I previously asked for your help withdrawing the closed-end fund, I promised you 50,000 if successful…

Cindy hurriedly waved her hands: I didn’t accomplish it and even caused you trouble. I’m truly sorry, Miss Ye.

But I also thank you for not betraying me. I now have over 4.6 million in my account. From now on, you’ll handle my investments – here’s your chance to earn commissions.

Really? Cindy hadn’t expected Ye Baoling would still give her opportunities. She quickly expressed gratitude: Thank you for your trust, Miss Ye. I’ll serve you with all my heart. By the way, how do you plan to invest? Or should I prepare a proposal first?

Hui Hui Bank had its own securities department. Ye Baoling asked her: Can you handle securities trading?

I’m licensed, I can do it.

Then open two securities accounts here – one for me and one for my cousin. My cousin will mainly manage the stock trading as my proxy holder going forward.

That requires personal application. Has your cousin arrived?

Ye Baoling called Chen Yulan in. This is my cousin Chen Yulan.

Cindy immediately opened a bank account for Chen Yulan first, then finally opened one securities account each for both of them. Starting today, Cindy would execute trades to buy Su Man Jewelry and Hong Kong Tong Industry.

How much for each?

Su Man Jewelry had smaller market capitalization, making its stock price easier to boost, while Hong Kong Tong Industry would be difficult to surge dramatically unless it received support from investments in mainland ports.

But that was uncertain. They could always adjust positions later when things became clearer.

3.5 million for Su Man Jewelry, 1 million for Hong Kong Tong Industry. Buy on dips throughout this coming week.

Go all in within one week?

Full position.

Understood.

After completing the procedures, Ye Baoling and Chen Yulan signed the Stock Proxy Holding Agreement.

She believed Chen Yulan wouldn’t betray her, but no matter how much you trust someone, it’s always better to establish clear terms upfront.

Black and white agreements are the best tool to protect both parties’ interests and friendship, so the contract had to be signed.

After leaving Hui Hui Bank, Ye Baoling returned to the Gu residence first.

Dinner at the Gu household was served with a full table of people, yet again featuring only two vegetable dishes plus a plate of bitter melon stir-fried with salted duck eggs.

Unable to bear it any longer, Gu Zhen’er called an early family meeting to discuss household management reforms. The meeting was grandly held in Gu Old Madam’s room on the second floor.

Some sat, some stood, some picked their teeth.

Gu Zhen’er presented her reform plan.

Let me calculate how much money we have available to spend each month. Dad’s salary is 6,000 – he keeps 500 for personal expenses and contributes 5,500 for household expenses. Big sister has started working, so from next month she’ll contribute 2,000. Cousin has always paid 2,000 for living expenses, but since cousin has been eating at home less frequently recently, her living expenses should definitely be reduced…

Millionaire Ye Baoling didn’t care about such small living expenses. She said: I’ll still contribute 2,000 for household expenses. The family should prepare meals for me every day, so I can come back anytime.

Gu Zhen’er smiled: Thank you for your generous contribution, cousin.

Cousin is our family’s money god. Gu Man’er laughed and rested her chin on Ye Baoling’s shoulder.

Ye Baoling reached back and playfully tickled her chin.

Gu Zhen’er: So without touching Grandma’s private savings, we have 9,500 yuan available.

Now for expenses: electricity, water, gas, and phone bills total 1,000 monthly, two Filipino helpers cost 2,200, the driver costs 3,000.

Besides cousin and eldest sister, the other five children each require an extra 500 yuan per month; textbook and miscellaneous school fees average 500 yuan monthly; four sets of clothes per person per year isn’t excessive, right? That averages 200 yuan monthly at minimum; two pairs of shoes per person annually averages 100 yuan monthly; entertainment like theater and karaoke is reduced to 100 yuan monthly…

Food expenses for 14 people including servants must include meat, eggs, and dairy daily – that’s 3,600 yuan monthly; plus miscellaneous living expenses estimated at 300 yuan; gasoline 300 yuan; and Mom, your mahjong allowance is 200 yuan monthly… The total comes to 12,000 yuan. This doesn’t even include car insurance and maintenance.

Our income of 9,500 yuan completely fails to cover these expenses.

Shen Yue’e objected: We’re living perfectly fine now without your sister’s 2,000 yuan household contribution!

Gu Zhen’er retorted: We’re not living fine at all! We’re eating the worst food and wearing the poorest clothes! There’s serious waste of water and electricity, random purchases of shampoo that get replaced when they don’t work well – no planning whatsoever! And every month Grandma has to contribute who knows how much to cover household expenses. Last month she gave 4,500 yuan.

Shen Yue’e asked: What’s your solution then?

First, cost reduction. We must choose between keeping the Filipina maid or the driver – one has to go. With many children in our family and numerous tasks, two maids are essential. Otherwise, Mom, forget mahjong – you’d have endless work at home. So I suggest cutting the driver who has higher pay but lower utilization. Eliminating the 3,000 yuan driver cost, with gasoline covering transportation expenses, would just bring our spending under 9,000 yuan.

Shen Yue’e worried: Your father’s commute is manageable, but without a driver, who will take your younger siblings to school?

Two solutions: first, they can take the school bus; second, one of you parents learns to drive – cousin, eldest sister and I will learn too.

Does learning to drive cost nothing?

The prepared Gu Man’er interjected: I’ve checked with driving schools – about 1,500 yuan per person. It’s a one-time expense – one month of the driver’s salary would cover two people’s driving lessons.

Shen Yue’e, who disliked change, shook her head: I can’t do it. I’m not cut out for driving.

Ye Baoling looked at Uncle Gu Xianyong, Uncle…

Gu Xianyong threw his toothpick into the trash. The poor food and clothing, the chaotic household – things truly needed to change.

Gritting his teeth slightly, he decided: I’ll learn to drive. I’ll wake up earlier to take them to school.

Shen Yue’e remained displeased: Without a driver, it’ll be very inconvenient when I need the car.

Gu Zhen’er rolled her eyes, knowing her mother didn’t want to lose face in front of her mahjong friends.

Can’t you take the bus, Mom? Look at the meals we eat daily, look at the worn clothes your children wear – is your pride more important than our quality of life?

Shen Yue’e denied it, stubbornly arguing: What does pride have to do with it? Our standard of living keeps declining – people will laugh at us!

Gu Old Lady, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up. Is our current mess not laughable enough? Even if Man’er starts working and earning money, if we don’t dismiss the driver and still want better meals at home, I’ll still need to contribute at least 3,000 monthly to cover household expenses. The money I have was left by your sister—it’s an inheritance. If we keep spending without replenishing, this mountain will eventually be depleted!

Shen Yue’e fell silent.

Gu Zhen’er declared decisively, Come on, we’re a democratic family, right? Let’s vote by a show of hands—those in favor of dismissing the driver, raise your hands.

The underage children weren’t part of the meeting. Everyone except Shen Yue’e voted in favor.

Five to one, motion passed. The driver is dismissed.

Gu Man’er clapped her hands. Settled! It’s decided!

The meeting wasn’t over yet.

Gu Zhen’er continued: Cutting expenses is just one side of the equation. If we want to have some surplus and save money, we need to increase our income. In the coming years, if any of our younger siblings get into university, tuition will be a major expense, so we must start saving in advance. I’ve thought it over—our house is spacious enough. After letting the driver go, we’ll have an extra room on the first floor that we can rent out. There are two storage rooms in the attic that can also be cleared and rented. If we charge 800 per room, that’s 2,400 per month, which adds up to 28,800 per year. Since Auntie bought this house and our family paid for the renovations, we’ll manage the rentals and split the earnings equally with Cousin. If we save a bit more elsewhere, we could aim to save 20,000 a year. That way, when the younger siblings attend pre-university or university, Grandma won’t need to dip into her savings again.

This suggestion for additional income was quite promising.

Gu Xianyong, who bore the heavy burden of supporting the family, was the first to agree: Renting out the rooms is a good idea!

Shen Yue’e, clearly feeling her authority over the household slipping away, objected: Having outsiders in the house will make everyone uncomfortable.

Gu Man’er supported her sister: Our family is already large—what’s the harm in a few more? Losing a driver who costs us money and gaining tenants who pay rent seems perfectly fine to me.

Shen Yue’e tried to win over Ye Baoling: Baoling, don’t you think having strangers around, especially men, is unsafe?

Now that Ye Baoling had money, supporting her uncle’s family wouldn’t be difficult, but she valued self-reliance. She said, We can screen the tenants and try to rent only to women.

Where would we find them?

Gu Zhen’er confidently patted her chest: If I’m in charge, I’ll handle it.

Shen Yue’e retorted, Who said you’re in charge? You’re too young to run the household.

Madam, don’t be unreasonable. We agreed earlier that if I came up with a plan to ensure everyone has enough to eat and the family has a surplus, I would take over managing the household, didn’t we? Cousin, Dad, Grandma—you have to back me up. Mom is trying to go back on her word! Gu Zhen’er was not one to be bullied, not even by her own mother.

Gu Xianyong didn’t want to take sides. I’ll just hand over the money. I’ll keep 500 for myself each month and give the rest to whoever is in charge.

Gu Man’er said, I want to eat better, so I support Second Sister.

Shen Yue’e pinched Man’er lightly. Are you made of stone? Have I ever starved you? Baoling, haven’t I treated you well?

Ye Baoling chuckled. Auntie, you’ve been very good to me, but eating enough and eating well are two different things. Besides, we should keep our promises. How about this: the money stays with Grandma, Zhen’er manages the accounts, Auntie runs the household, and Grandma oversees everything.

Before Shen Yue’e could respond, Gu Old Lady nodded. That works.

Left with no choice, Shen Yue’e complained, If I’m only managing the household without control over the money, and have to ask my daughter for every expense, how am I supposed to live? My allowance isn’t even half of your dad’s.

Gu Xianyong shot back, I need to eat lunch! If you’re unhappy, why don’t you go out and earn money? I’ll manage the household and cooperate with our daughter.

Shen Yue’e, who had never worked outside the home, fell silent.

Gu Zhen’er immediately gave her mother an oxygen boost: If we manage to save money each month, we’ll give Mom 30% of the savings as pocket money.

This was a clever strategy Ye Baoling had suggested to her earlier.

Shen Yue’e’s eyes darted thoughtfully. While skilled at mahjong, she had never excelled at household budgeting—largely due to lack of motivation.

Gu Zhen’er quickly added a condition: But this can’t come from cutting food expenses. We must buy groceries according to standard. We can save on other things, but meat, vegetables, and milk must remain sufficient.

Ye Baoling whispered to her aunt: Zhen’er’s budget still has significant room for savings.

Shen Yue’e pulled Ye Baoling aside, lowering her voice: She’s as stingy as an iron rooster—she’ll definitely pinch every penny.

Even an iron rooster is still your daughter. Can’t you handle her? She’s just the accountant on the surface—you’re the real boss behind the scenes.

The boss behind the scenes?

Of course.

Ultimately, Shen Yue’e was successfully persuaded by Ye Baoling and agreed to the arrangement.

After the meeting, Ye Baoling offered incense to her grandfather and mother, returning to the Third Branch residence around nine o’clock.

She found Ye Huaizhang—who had been returning very late recently—already bathed and curled up in the walk-in closet’s beanbag chair reading a book.

He was holding a half-eaten coconut flavored sachima.

This was the offering Ye Baoling had placed on the bookshelf for Guan Yin Bodhisattva.

Seeing his wife staring fixedly at him, Ye Huaizhang asked: Did I startle you again?

Ye Baoling couldn’t very well question why he was eating the offerings, so she simply said: Why are you back so early today?

It’s already half past nine.

Conversations with this man tended to hit dead ends. Ye Baoling ignored him and went to practice boxing with Chen Yulan.

When she returned to their room after practicing and finishing her shower, he was lying in bed watching the evening news.

The room decorations had all been replaced. The only remaining red elements were the red double happiness character on the wall and the two cloth dolls connected by red thread at the head of the bed.

With the previous eerie atmosphere gone, Ye Baoling felt much more at ease.

She lifted the quilt and lay down, watching the high-end color television of this era. She found the picture quality rather disappointing.

Initiating conversation, she said: Second Uncle said this house was renovated just two years ago, but these wall panels look similar to those in our Old Main Residence—they must be several decades old at least?

The renovation mainly updated the plumbing and electrical systems. The layout and decorations remained largely unchanged. He then asked her: Grandmother says you’re going to work at Ye Qingtang?

Yes, starting next Monday.

He showed no reaction to her self-reliant attitude, making it impossible to tell whether he supported or opposed the idea.

He turned down the television volume slightly: Next Friday is your grandfather’s birthday. All of us from the Third Branch will be attending. How do you want to handle our relationship? I’ll follow your lead.

Let’s just act like we don’t know each other, like we’re not familiar.

Not familiar?

He turned to look at her: Where did you put the condoms?

The eerie decorations were gone. Tonight with the full moon and gentle breeze was perfect for consummation.

Author’s Note: This novel will be featured on the 14th, so tomorrow’s update (14th) will be at 23:00. After the feature, daily updates will be fixed at 21:00.

This chapter’s comments will receive small red envelopes, valid until the next update.

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