The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 19: Chapter 019 Weren't We Unfamiliar?

Chapter 19: Chapter 019 Weren’t We Unfamiliar?

When Ye Huaizhang asked where the condoms were, Ye Baoling instinctively recoiled.

Weren’t we unfamiliar? Let’s get acquainted first. He pressed the power button on the TV remote to turn off the television.

While Ye Baoling was interested in his pectoral muscles, she currently lacked much motivation for intimate relations. She tactically yawned, I walked so much while shopping today, I’m exhausted. I’m going to sleep first.

After saying this, she pulled up the covers, turned her back to him, and lay down.

Ye Huaizhang suppressed the urge to smile. After being rebutted for several days in a row, he had finally won one round.

*

Since they were departing from different locations, Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er didn’t go to work together.

Jade Dragon Tower was very close to Qing Tang Street, just a five or six-minute walk away. However, to avoid running into people from the main branch of the family, Ye Baoling took the car arranged by Yang Pinxian, getting off on the opposite street first before walking over.

Timing it perfectly, she reported to the Human Resources department at 8:55.

In HR, she unsurprisingly encountered the red-clad woman from the interview, Gao Lizhen. What surprised her even more was that the poised beauty with bold lipstick and wavy hair was also there.

Had they actually hired three people?

So, were they originally planning to hire these two, making her the unexpected addition?

While filling out the onboarding forms, Ye Baoling noticed that the department listed on her form was the Logistics Department.

She quickly glanced at the form of the poised beauty beside her. This beauty was named Lin Zhizhi, and her onboarding department was the Secretary’s Office.

There was definitely something fishy going on.

Ye Baoling asked the female colleague handling her onboarding in HR, I interviewed for a clerical position in the Secretary’s Office. Why am I being assigned to Logistics?

The colleague smiled and explained, The employee who was originally going to leave the Secretary’s Office has temporarily decided to stay. We can only place you in Logistics for now. Next month, a colleague in the Secretary’s Office will be going on maternity leave. We’ll apply for your transfer to that department then.

Seeing Ye Baoling’s displeased expression, the colleague added, If you cannot accept the company’s arrangement, Miss Gu, you may reconsider whether you wish to proceed with onboarding.

Make a scene?

She couldn’t. If it caused a big stir and her family found out, it would be harder to handle.

Moreover, she hadn’t joined the company just to do simple clerical work in the Secretary’s Office. As long as she was employed at Ye Qingtang, she could find ways to obtain the information she wanted.

Starting from a deeper, more foundational level, operating from the shadows, might actually be a better strategy for the beginning.

She promptly completed the onboarding forms and headed to the 4th floor Logistics Department, which wasn’t even listed on the elevator buttons.

Because the number 4 sounds similar to death in Cantonese, Hong Kong people generally dislike the number. The 4th floor in the elevator was labeled as 3A.

When she reached the 4th floor, she learned that this floor was originally designed as a fire safety interlayer. Later, the fire safety floor was moved higher up, and this space was converted into offices.

The ceiling height was slightly lower than other floors, with no suspended ceilings and simple decor—an industrial retro style she liked.

As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw dozens of boxes of Ye Qingtang bottled herbal tea piled by the entrance. Workers were carrying them out, supervised by an older sister who impatiently urged, Hurry up, please. The small truck has been waiting downstairs for a long time.

The HR colleague who escorted Ye Baoling down greeted the older sister, Mei Jie, where are all these herbal tea boxes going?

The Public Relations Department is running a charity event in the public housing estates. They need us to send a batch of herbal tea to distribute to the residents. As she spoke, Mei Jie joked, So? Found time to descend from the heavens today to guide our work?

Mei Jie, you’re teasing me again. Let me introduce Gu Baolin, the new employee in your logistics department.

Mei Jie smiled and greeted Ye Baoling, then pulled aside the HR colleague to whisper: We specifically requested male staff. Why did you recruit another woman? The logistics department handles lots of physical work. With our current team being all elderly and frail, how are we supposed to manage?

I’m not sure about the details either. This was arranged by Manager Li. Maybe have Manager Qi discuss it with him.

Mei Jie didn’t press further and chuckled: Our boss doesn’t care anyway – she won’t be doing the manual labor.

After the HR staff left, Mei Jie continued directing workers moving herbal tea boxes.

Ye Baoling stood nearby and carefully examined the tea packaging. Produced early last year – already eighteen months old, with just two days left before expiration.

Is it appropriate to use near-expired products for charity events?

Mei Jie glanced at her, surprised the young woman noticed. She couldn’t help complaining: I said the same thing, but my opinion carries little weight. The bosses won’t listen, so we just follow orders.

Was this Public Relations’ idea or our Logistics Department’s?

PR wouldn’t bother with such minor matters. This was Supervisor Qian’s decision.

Ye Baoling understood now. The logistics department head was Manager Qi, who rarely involved himself in operations, while Supervisor Qian handled actual affairs.

As a new hire, she couldn’t overstep her boundaries, so she dropped the subject.

After the goods were moved, Mei Jie led Ye Baolin inside. To the left were offices and warehouses, to the right a rooftop garden. Beyond the garden were elevators accessing the union offices.

Mei Jie enthusiastically gave her a full tour before returning to the logistics department office.

The main office area contained over a dozen workstations, but only two were occupied: an old man drinking tea while listening to the radio, and a disheveled middle-aged man drinking tea while reading newspapers.

Clearly, the department didn’t lack men – it lacked responsible, capable men who actually worked.

Up two steps stood a row of smaller offices: Supervisor’s Office, Manager’s Office, Finance Office, and Storage Room.

Mei Jie announced loudly: Everyone, this is our new colleague… What was your name again?

Gu Baolin. Just call me A Lin.

Right, A Lin. This is Uncle Yuan, company veteran retiring soon. This is A Nan, in charge of the vehicle fleet. Just apply through him if you need transportation.

Uncle Yuan, Brother Nan.

Uncle Yuan set down his newspaper to greet Ye Baoling. A Nan merely glanced up with a nod before returning to his horse racing tips.

Mei Jie pointed to the empty desk facing A Nan. A Lin, you’ll sit here.

The desktop stood completely bare – no computer, no typewriter, utterly empty.

Mei Jie brought her a file folder. Our logistics work involves countless trivial tasks. We go wherever needed. Review these materials to familiarize yourself with operations.

Thank you, Mei Jie. Ye Baoling sat down and quickly scanned the documents.

When she reached the personnel section, she discovered A Nan’s full name was Liu Haonan. She recalled a Liu Haonan from the original plot – the male lead’s distant cousin, a stock market genius.

After the stock market crash, he helped the male lead earn substantial profits.

But this disheveled man studying racing forms didn’t resemble any stock trading expert.

Was this the same person?

The phone rang, and Mei Jie answered it. The men’s restroom on the 12th floor was clogged. She quickly checked the phone directory, contacted a plumbing specialist to come onsite, and simultaneously sent Ye Baoling to the 12th floor to supervise the cleaning uncle and coordinate the work.

Her first task on the first day of work: unclogging a toilet.

Fortunately, she wasn’t some spoiled young lady who had never done a day’s work in her life. She was someone who had shouldered responsibilities since childhood, and she could handle both the plumbing specialist and the cleaning uncle who wanted to slack off. The job was done swiftly and impeccably.

Half an hour later, Ye Baoling was quite satisfied as she looked at the spotless, gleaming toilet.

Too bad this era had no mobile phones or work group chats—otherwise, she would have posted about it in the group to let the leadership see her efficiency.

Not far south of Jade Dragon Tower stood another building, Hong Kong Peace Tower.

To secure investment for Great Roc Harbor, Ye Huaizhang had been in a two-hour meeting. Thanks to his persistence, his fourth uncle, representing the stubborn faction, had finally compromised, and his father had also been successfully persuaded. Now, everything hinged on his grandmother’s approval.

Xu Tailiang, the deputy head of the investment department following him, was his trusted aide. Although you successfully subdued your fourth uncle today, I suspect he’ll still cause trouble.

Ye Huaizhang pulled out a chair and sat down, mentally prepared. It mainly depends on my grandmother’s attitude. The tricky part is, she isn’t keen on investing, and my fourth uncle is just playing to her preferences.

Then it’s still up to you to convince Mrs. Ye. If it’s not settled within two months, it’s a lost cause.

Ye Huaizhang picked up the documents on the table. I’ll find a way.

Xu Tailiang discussed some other work with him and left when Dong Jian entered.

Dong Jian reported quietly, Young Master, the Gang’s people have their ways. The hit-and-run driver has confessed.

Ye Huaizhang set down the pen he was signing with, waiting for Dong Jian to continue.

Someone did indeed instruct him to intentionally crash into your car.

Who?

An Annamese named ‘Shui Gou.’ He met the guy at a Macau casino. The other party paid him 50,000 to hit your car. As for why Shui Gou wanted your car hit, he didn’t tell him. The Gang is trying to track down Shui Gou.

Annamese. Ye Huaizhang fell into deep thought.

After finishing her rounds and returning to the fourth floor, Ye Baoling noticed the office had filled with considerably more people.

Those who had been out working in the morning had gradually returned, including their direct supervisor, Qian Zhuguan.

Mei Jie reintroduced Ye Baoling to everyone, and they all greeted her warmly.

Qian Zhuguan announced a Happy Hour after work on Friday to welcome Ye Baoling to their team.

Ye Baoling, who had to attend her grandfather’s birthday party on Friday, quickly explained, It’s my grandmother’s birthday on Friday. Could we reschedule?

A sharp-looking woman with short hair said, We can’t change it. The reservation was made last week.

A reservation made last week?

Clearly, the Friday gathering wasn’t arranged for her sake.

Ye Baoling smiled. What can I do? My grandmother’s birthday was scheduled over seventy years ago—that can’t be rescheduled either.

Everyone laughed, amused. An interesting person is welcome anywhere.

A Nan, sitting behind her, finally put down his newspaper and said, Her grandmother only has one birthday a year, while department gatherings happen every month. If she can’t make this one, she can join the next…

So, it was a department gathering.

Mei Jie quickly smoothed things over. Yes, she can always join the next gathering.

Qian Zhuguan didn’t make an issue of it. Then it’s settled.

Everyone returned to their respective tasks. Ye Baoling turned to A Nan and said, Thank you, Nan Ge.

A Nan merely raised an eyebrow slightly without speaking, continuing to read his newspaper.

At noon during the lunch break, Gu Man’er couldn’t find her in the secretarial department and sent her a pager message asking where she was.

Ye Baoling called her back, and the two sisters went to a small restaurant outside for lunch. Gu Man’er couldn’t help feeling indignant on her behalf.

Those two must have connections. Our legal department is also full of people with connections, all positions filled, and they’re all quite idle. I visited several departments this morning, and honestly it looks quite chaotic. Your family’s company may have a long history and large scale, appearing strong and impressive on the surface, but it’s actually an outdated relic that’s weak inside, full of holes and leaks everywhere.

Ye Baoling summarized: Have you heard the saying? This world is just one big makeshift operation.

Gu Man’er certainly hadn’t heard it before. She took a big bite of curry chicken rice and said, Yes! You really know how to put things into words, cousin.

After lunch, the two agreed to go home together after work.

Around three in the afternoon, most people in the office had gone out, leaving only a few behind.

Ye Baoling was helping the efficient short-haired Wang Simin with document binding when hurried footsteps sounded at the door, followed by a woman in professional attire entering.

The woman appeared to be around forty years old. She scanned the room and loudly demanded, Who was responsible for the herbal tea delivered to the public welfare event in the housing estate this morning?

Mei Jie stood up and asked worriedly, Manager Qi, has something happened?

So this woman was Qi Yuxiu, the head of the logistics department.

Sending near-expiry herbal tea to a public welfare event to distribute to elderly people and children – do you have any brains? Do you know how many reporters were on site?! Not just reporters, but so-called friendly competitors too. Now it’s blown up – the noon radio news made a big story out of this, and I heard the evening paper is following up. The PR department is trying to intercept the news, and upper management is demanding answers. Who in our logistics department sent the near-expiry herbal tea?

This had become a major incident.

Manager Qian had already emerged from his office upon hearing the commotion.

Pretending not to know, he said, This needs investigation. Who was actually responsible? Mei Jie…

Mei Jie was speechless. Manager Qian was clearly shifting the blame onto her.

Qi Yuxiu looked at Mei Jie: Who was responsible?

Mei Jie had no choice but to answer: I was the one who checked it.

Didn’t you check the production date?

I did.

Then why did you still send it?

Mei Jie glanced at Manager Qian but remained silent.

Manager Qian looked grave. He suddenly said sternly, Mei Jie, since you knew it was near-expiry product, why didn’t you replace it with another batch? I understand you want to save costs for the company, but not like this.

Mei Jie licked her lips: I… I was wrong. I’m sorry.

Qi Yuxiu was furious: You were wrong! And that’s it? Can you bear the consequences now? The company’s reputation has been damaged – the losses are immeasurable. This can’t be solved with just an apology.

The office fell into complete silence.

Ye Baoling watched from the sidelines, unable to interject.

Mei Jie was wronged but didn’t dare speak up. This was the most basic case of office scapegoating.

Taking the blame for superiors – this kind of thing happens almost every day in different corners.

But today was different. This matter couldn’t be resolved just by taking blame and self-criticism.

Qi Yuxiu looked at Mei Jie, heaved a deep sigh, and said, I’ll notify HR to prepare your termination letter.

Mei Jie widened her eyes in disbelief, never expecting the situation to be so severe. Her voice immediately changed: Manager Qi, I can’t lose this job. Please, help me. I have a family to support. Supervisor Qian…

Supervisor Qian attempted to plead: Sister Xiu, maybe we could explain to the higher-ups again and see if there’s any other way to remedy this?

Qi Yuxiu: How can we remedy this? Should you resign or should I? I also have to answer to my superiors…

Supervisor Qian fell silent.

Clearly, being fired was not an outcome Mei Jie could accept. She shook her head: I can’t lose this job. I have three children to raise and a mortgage to pay. Supervisor Qian, say something!

She pinned her hopes on Supervisor Qian having a crisis of conscience and taking responsibility.

Supervisor Qian pulled Mei Jie aside and whispered something to her.

Ye Baoling guessed that Supervisor Qian was probably making empty promises, telling her to go home and wait for news, with plans to arrange her return later.

Mei Jie suddenly said loudly: No, I can’t accept this.

Supervisor Qian pulled at her again, this time possibly mentioning compensation.

I don’t accept it, Mei Jie said loudly again.

Clearly, the compensation Supervisor Qian could offer was very limited. And with a family to support, Mei Jie couldn’t afford to be fired as a scapegoat.

Something Supervisor Qian said must have provoked Mei Jie, as she turned and walked up to Qi Yuxiu: Manager Qi, when I discovered this batch of herbal tea was about to expire yesterday, I immediately reported it to Supervisor Qian. He told me to proceed with delivery anyway, otherwise I wouldn’t have dared to make that decision on my own.

Supervisor Qian rushed over: When did you tell me yesterday? Mei Jie, you can’t lie and slander me just to avoid being fired and protect yourself, can you? I’m trying to help you find a solution, and you turn around and shift the blame to me? Isn’t that biting the hand that feeds you?

Would I dare shift blame to you? I’m telling the truth.

If you had told me, why would I insist you deliver near-expiry herbal tea for a charity event when there’s plenty of recently produced herbal tea in the warehouse? The money saved doesn’t go into my personal pocket…

You can report the near-expiry herbal tea as damaged. The saved tea you take to your brother’s kiosk to sell – haven’t you done this kind of thing many times before?

That’s slander! Defamation!

Mei Jie looked at Ye Baoling, A-Lin can testify for me. She’s a new employee. She discovered the herbal tea was about to expire this morning and specifically reminded me that it wasn’t suitable for the charity event. I told her I had reported the situation to Supervisor Qian, and it was Supervisor Qian who insisted on delivering the near-expiry herbal tea. That’s why I had no choice but to send that batch to the housing estate.

Everyone looked at Ye Baoling. Normally, as a newcomer, if she wanted to protect herself, she should have said she didn’t remember.

But Ye Baoling had long passed the stage of being a workplace newcomer who needed to protect herself. So without hesitation, she nodded: Mei Jie did tell me she had reported the situation to Supervisor Qian…

Supervisor Qian immediately refuted: Did you personally hear her tell me? Did you? No! She’s slandering me.

As a newcomer who just arrived, why would Mei Jie need to slander our common supervisor in front of me right after we met?

Supervisor Qian: …

Qi Yuxiu pointed at Supervisor Qian and Mei Jie: You two, come to my office.

After they entered the manager’s office, Wang Simin quietly praised Ye Baoling: You’re very brave.

Ye Baoling: What price would I have to pay?

Wang Simin: Who the hell knows.

Uncle Yuan, who was also packaging materials, sighed: Being brave now is because you’re young. Newborn calves aren’t afraid of tigers. When you get older and have a family to support, you won’t be able to afford bravery anymore.

Ye Baoling didn’t argue but nodded with a smile: Uncle Yuan makes a good point.

Qi Yuxiu and the others talked in the office for a long time. Over an hour later, Qian Zhuguan and Mei Jie came out, and simultaneously, Ye Baoling was called in.

Sit. Qi Yuxiu had permed curly hair and a rather delicate demeanor. Gu Baolin, is it?

Yes.

First job?

First job.

Have you considered changing jobs?

???

Ye Baoling immediately understood what the other meant but pretended not to: Why would I want to change jobs?

Qi Yuxiu: This morning, when you reported to our logistics department, Mei Jie gave you a task to inventory a batch of herbal tea for delivery to the housing estate. She repeatedly reminded you that some were near-expiration products and told you not to mix them up. But in the end, you didn’t check carefully and still delivered the wrong ones. Understand?

Who would have thought this massive blame would ultimately fall on Ye Baoling’s shoulders.

Was this the result of their three-person discussion?

Ye Baoling: Everyone outside heard earlier that it was Qian Zhuguan’s responsibility.

Everyone? Who exactly? Qi Yuxiu said confidently. Our department staff probably didn’t hear.

True, the logistics department would rather help Mei Jie, an old colleague in trouble, while also not daring to offend Qian Zhuguan and Qi Jingli. So, the sacrificial lamb had to be her.

Seeing Ye Baoling thinking, Qi Yuxiu tried to persuade her: Old Qian and Mei Jie are both pillars of their families. They have elderly parents above and children below, plus mortgages to pay. Losing their jobs would crush their entire households. You’re still young, in your twenties, unmarried with no children and no financial burdens, right? And you just started today—this job holds no special meaning for you. I promise you, once this matter is resolved satisfactorily, I’ll help you find a comparable job with no less pay.

Such promises meant nothing to Ye Baoling; she couldn’t take this blame.

The responsibility for this incident lies with Qian Zhuguan. Manager Qi, you should be finding him a job instead.

Jobs at his level aren’t easy to come by.

So in Qi Yuxiu’s eyes, it was precisely because Ye Baoling’s level was too low that she could be sacrificed.

What if I refuse?

The outcome remains the same—you won’t be retained, and the job I could have referred to you will vanish too. Qi Yuxiu gave her a gentle smile. Think it over carefully.

Manager Qi wanted to protect her subordinate, Qian Zhuguan—her protege, or rather, her henchman.

This was a world where the strong prey on the weak, no different anywhere.

Ye Baoling asked: How can you guarantee you’ll keep your promise?

Qi Yuxiu took a business card from her desk and handed it over: Qi Yuxiu, that’s my name. I guarantee that if you cooperate, you can start at another company by next week at the latest, with no less pay.

Ye Baoling fell silent.

Qi Yuxiu thought she had agreed to shoulder the blame. Then it’s settled. You can wait outside first.

Ye Baoling stepped out and stood on the steps, looking at everyone in the office.

Mei Jie didn’t dare to look at her, and all the others kept their heads down working, no one daring to intervene.

Clearly, Qian Zhuguan had already spoken with them earlier.

Mei Jie…

Ye Baoling wanted to chat with her for a moment.

Mei Jie flustered and told Wang Simin: Simin, I have a stomachache, I need to use the restroom first.

She didn’t dare to face Ye Baoling.

For some reason, at this moment, Ye Baoling could actually understand Mei Jie’s panic and sorrow.

Chasing after Mei Jie to demand answers was pointless, and Ye Baoling didn’t want to waste time either. She went upstairs to find Gu Man’er.

After a brief discussion with Man’er, she returned to the logistics office.

By then, two more people had arrived and were standing on the steps, speaking with Qi Yuxiu and Qian Zhuguan.

They were likely from the administration or human resources department, there to investigate the incident.

You’re back! Qi Yuxiu, standing on the higher step, spotted Ye Baoling first. It’s her.

Someone handed Ye Baoling a document to sign.

She took it and skimmed through it quickly. I’m not signing.

Qi Yuxiu’s expression darkened instantly. Gu… uh…

She had forgotten her name.

Ye Baoling said, Manager Qi, I’d like to have a word with you.

Unsure what the young woman was up to, Qi Yuxiu turned to the person beside her and said, Alan, please give me a moment.

OK.

The two of them entered the manager’s office. As soon as the door closed, Qi Yuxiu said, Go on, what other conditions do you have?

Ye Baoling replied, No conditions. I won’t admit to something I didn’t do.

Didn’t you agree earlier?

I never agreed earlier. Think back carefully.

Qi Yuxiu realized she had been outmaneuvered. You just wanted me to call the administration staff over so you could confront me in front of them? Young lady, don’t be so naive. Public opinion can melt metal—how can one person refute so many? The offer I made earlier wasn’t unfair to you. It’s your first day—you haven’t received any wages, so the company can’t possibly pursue you for losses. My proposal is the optimal solution.

It’s optimal for you, not for me. Manager Qi, my request is simple… In her previous world, Ye Baoling would have escalated the situation and walked away without a second thought—she wasn’t worried about finding another job.

But if she wanted to establish herself firmly at Ye Qingtang, she needed a different strategy.

Qi Yuxiu asked, What is your request?

Whoever is responsible should take the blame. I just went to the 28th floor to see my cousin.

The 28th floor?

Most of the company headquarters’ key departments were located on that floor.

Qi Yuxiu immediately grew wary. Who is your cousin?

My cousin works in the legal department. He said no one can privately guarantee that the company won’t pursue me for losses. Ye Baoling deliberately referred to him as her cousin—after all, a younger female cousin wouldn’t carry much weight and wouldn’t intimidate this old fox.

The senior who had recruited Gu Man’er could, if necessary, serve as her cousin.

Although she was confident she wouldn’t need to resort to using Man’er’s connection.

As expected, Qi Yuxiu’s expression shifted.

It was one thing to pressure someone with no connections, but if the other party had ties upstairs—regardless of whether that person had real authority—they could escalate the matter further.

Moreover, people in the legal department were trained in law, many of them former elite lawyers. Such individuals were notoriously difficult to deal with.

This situation was becoming troublesome.

Ye Baoling continued, I asked my cousin to help retrieve the surveillance footage from the elevator entrance on the 4th floor and inside elevator shaft No. 3. This morning, when I rode the elevator down with colleagues from HR, Mei Jie was already directing workers to move that batch of near-expiry herbal tea. Timing-wise, I couldn’t possibly be responsible for this incident. If this escalates, I have the surveillance footage, HR colleagues, and the movers as witnesses.

Qi Yuxiu gritted her teeth and said nothing.

If Ye Baoling wanted to escalate the situation, she should have explained the whole story directly to the administrative department earlier.

But she didn’t.

That meant there was still room for negotiation.

I’m not escalating this because I don’t want to implicate Mei Jie. I think she’s quite pitiful. Ye Baoling was mainly worried that her identity would be exposed prematurely if things blew up. You, Mei Jie, and I—we should be on the same side. I know you’re a good person, Manager Qi. You care about your staff. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have done so much to protect them while also securing a way out for me. You’re a good person, but Supervisor Qian isn’t. For the sake of minor personal gain, he attempted to embezzle company assets and made such a foolish yet significant mistake. He should pay for his error. Keeping someone like him around is like having a ticking time bomb—sooner or later, he’ll blow everyone around him to pieces.

Her words were both soft and sharp.

The soft parts sank deep into the heart; the sharp ones struck the forehead, drawing blood.

For a long moment, Qi Yuxiu didn’t know how to respond. She studied the young woman before her carefully.

The girl had delicate features and looked completely inexperienced. How could she speak and act so meticulously?

Given the current situation, Qi Yuxiu clearly couldn’t refuse Ye Baoling. But agreeing outright would mean surrendering too quickly—not only would she lose face, but she also felt unwilling. Unable to help herself, she asked, Where have you worked before?

This is my first job. You asked me that earlier.

Yes, I did ask. Qi Yuxiu muttered something pointless.

Her mind was in disarray.

Knock, knock, knock! Knock, knock, knock!

Wang Simin opened the door and entered. Manager Qi, the legal department is on the phone, asking for Gu Baolin.

The legal department? So Gu Baolin really did have connections.

Ye Baoling said, I’ll go take the call.

Qi Yuxiu grunted in response, her head throbbing.

Ye Baoling wasn’t in a hurry to leave. Instead, she smiled and delivered her final ultimatum: My bottom line is that Supervisor Qian must take full responsibility for what he’s done, including his past mishandling of company resources. The only difference is whether this escalates into a company investigation that implicates other colleagues or whether he turns himself in voluntarily.

Qi Yuxiu: …

Wang Simin, the onlooker, widened her eyes: !

Ye Baoling gave a faint smile. Manager Qi, you’re a good supervisor who cares about your subordinates. I’ll work hard in the future and live up to your trust.

The good supervisor Qi Yuxiu felt as if she’d been manipulated. She forced an awkward smile, opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing.

Wang Simin, standing at the forefront of the drama, watched Ye Baoling walk out, then glanced at Qi Yuxiu’s defeated expression. She wanted to ask what happened but didn’t dare.

Qi Yuxiu shot an impatient look at Wang Simin. What are you standing around for? Call Qian Fuqiang in.

Okay.

Before the end of the workday, Supervisor Qian was summoned upstairs. The outcome wouldn’t be known until tomorrow.

Amid the hushed whispers of her colleagues, Ye Baoling picked up her bag and left.

Today marked the first seven days of cohabitation after marriage. While reading the news to Guan Old Lady that morning, the old woman had specifically reminded her to return home early.

But she still planned to have dinner at her grandmother’s house first.

She had her own rhythm—why should she care about others’ arrangements?

Author’s Note:

Ye Huaizhang: My wife is awesome and domineering [dog head holding a rose]

Ye Baoling: Small case!