The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 20: Can't Bow to Others, But to the Wife...

Chapter 20: Can’t Bow to Others, But to the Wife…

Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er took the metro home. After exiting the station, they bought two ice creams from a roadside stall and ate them while walking.

This area was Hyde Old Street, flanked by rows of aging buildings. Strolling under the slanting sunset felt like returning to their student days.

She cherished such moments.

A semi-new white sedan pulled over by the curb. Chen Weiqiang leaned out: Cousin, Man’er, hop in.

Man’er ran over in surprise: Wai Tsai Keung! Where did you get this car?!

My Boss lent it to me.

Though home was just a few hundred meters away, the two lazy sisters gladly accepted the ride.

Before even sitting down, Ye Baoling praised: Not bad, you’ve got your own car now. Got a promotion?

Chen Weiqiang didn’t feign modesty: I’m reliable at my job, and our Boss is generous. Since he trusts me, I’ll naturally work harder.

Man’er laughed: Wow. Don’t forget us when you strike it rich.

Chen Weiqiang was smooth with words: If anyone gets rich first, it’ll be cousin. I’ll need you to watch over me later. By the way, cousin, I have something to report.

What is it?

I’ll tell you later.

Gu Man’er poked Chen Weiqiang’s back: Hey, what can’t I know?

Chen Weiqiang chuckled: Last time I took cousin’s money to handle something for her. This is work confidentiality.

Tsk tsk, work confidentiality my foot. So secretive, I don’t even want to hear it.

Amid their banter, the car soon arrived at the Gu residence.

After Gu Man’er got out, Chen Weiqiang told Ye Baoling: Our Boss recently took on a task – investigating the van driver who hit Ye Huaizhang that day.

Who assigned your Boss this task?

Not sure. Came from above. Probably someone from your Ye family wanting to uncover the truth.

And then?

After tracking him for days, the driver tried to flee. We caught him yesterday, worked on him all night, and this morning he finally confessed. A Vietnamese named Shui Gou paid him 50,000 to stage a traffic accident and crash into Ye Huaizhang’s car.

So the previous incident wasn’t an accident? Someone wanted Ye Huaizhang dead?

Ye Baoling was surprised. Why would anyone want Ye Huaizhang dead? Still related to the South African diamond mine? Those investigating were most likely from the Third Branch.

She instructed: If you find out who Shui Gou is, or get any other information, let me know.

Okay, I’ll update you when I have news.

Chen Weiqiang was pleased – he hadn’t taken Ye Baoling’s money for nothing.

*

Ye Baoling returned to No. 3 Qing Tang Street after 8 PM. She thought Tong Po would come for the first seventh-day ritual of sharing the room, but learned upon returning that there would be no bothersome ceremony.

She breathed a sigh of relief.

Back in her room, she placed two large oranges and a plate of candies inside a gift box she’d specially arranged on the bookshelf in her walk-in closet – a secret altar for Guan Yin Bodhisattva.

Since discovering the secret passage from the hidden room to the second floor last time, she hadn’t dared to explore it alone.

For now, she could only worship the Bodhisattva from afar.

Ye Baoling clasped her hands together in devout prayer: Guanyin Bodhisattva, since you must be tired of apples, I’ve brought you some fresh Sunkist oranges – guaranteed sweet. With your boundless power, please help me obtain the third piece of the Ugly King Jade Pendant soon. When I gain the ability, I’ll surely restore you to the light of day.

Just after finishing her prayer, she suddenly noticed a shadow at the doorway.

Ye Huaizhang was standing at the entrance of the walk-in closet, though she hadn’t heard him approach.

She complained softly: Walking without making a sound – are you trying to scare me to death?

What are you doing?

Did you eat the candy I left here? Ye Baoling was most skilled at deflecting questions and turning defense into offense.

Ye Huaizhang glanced at the gift box on the bookshelf. He didn’t think there was any food in this room he couldn’t eat, and simply said: I’ll have A Qun put some better treats here another day. Your toffees are almost melted.

Eating offerings without permission – he really thinks he’s the Bodhisattva himself.

Ye Baoling muttered under her breath: If they’re almost melted, why did you eat them?

Don’t worry, they won’t make me sick. Ye Huaizhang thought she was concerned about him.

As he removed his tie, he asked out of courtesy: How was your first day at work?

He had asked casually, but to his surprise, Ye Baoling began genuinely complaining: Not very smooth.

What happened? Do you need my help?

Thinking he wanted to use up one of his promises to assist her, Ye Baoling quickly raised her hand to stop him: No need. At Ye Qingtang, if this young lady needs help, one phone call is all it takes.

Who didn’t know how to put on airs?

She briefly described her workplace troubles to Ye Huaizhang. Do you think my supervisor will make trouble for me in the coming days?

Ye Huaizhang hadn’t expected his wife to handle the situation so rationally and skillfully.

Since you told her you have relatives working in other departments, she’ll likely be cautious. Before figuring out exactly who your relatives are, I don’t think she’ll retaliate easily. But she definitely won’t trust you with important work either.

That’s what I figured too.

Ye Huaizhang removed his shirt in front of her, his impossible-to-ignore muscle definition swaying before her eyes.

Suppressing the urge to steal another glance, Ye Baoling turned to fetch a book from the shelf.

Can you tell me why you went to work as an ordinary clerk at Ye Qingtang? he asked.

She had long prepared her excuse: To prove I’m not worthless.

Who said you’re worthless?

My father.

Ye Huaizhang had nothing to say to that.

Then she heard the sound of a belt being unbuckled. Without turning around, Ye Baoling seized the opportunity to ask: What about you? Is your work going well?

Smoothly.

Clearly, he didn’t want to share much about his own work.

Ye Baoling randomly opened a book: This attitude of yours won’t do. Next time you ask about my affairs, I won’t share details with you either.

Ye Huaizhang explained: The matters I’m handling are too messy and complicated – I don’t know where to begin.

Then just say anything, like… like… Ye Baoling pretended to struggle for an example, Ah, what was it… oh, like that time Fourth Uncle discussed investing in Great Roc Harbor in Shenzhen with you. Was that deal completed?

Ye Huaizhang, ever vigilant, suddenly turned cold: Who told you to ask me about this?

She was indeed probing, but she would never admit it.

What do you mean? Ye Baoling’s tone turned equally serious as she turned back and found he had already changed into his workout clothes.

Ye Huaizhang said, You should inquire less about such business secrets in the future.

Ye Baoling raised her voice, Who’s inquiring?! What kind of business secret is this? Your fourth uncle brought it up himself at the dinner table, and you answered him openly. Why didn’t you object then, saying it shouldn’t be discussed in public? It’s fine to talk about it at your family’s dinner table, but I can’t mention it? Are you implying I shouldn’t even have the right to overhear, but you just didn’t expect me to be there, is that it?

She spoke rapidly, her logic seamless, leaving Ye Huaizhang tongue-tied.

Ye Baoling grew angrier as she went on, I know nothing about what you do. I just overheard a snippet at the dinner table and asked casually, and you put on airs! Acting all high and mighty, telling me to inquire less. Fine, I’ll leave! I’m going back to my grandmother’s house. Who wants to share a room with someone like you?

Today, she wouldn’t rest until she wrung the secret out of him.

Seeing her about to leave, Ye Huaizhang—who had just faced rejection from his grandmother—dared not offend his wife now. Knowing when to yield is the mark of wisdom; he couldn’t bow to others, but to his wife, he could barely manage. He surrendered immediately, I was wrong.

Ye Baoling halted, turned back, and stopped right in front of him.

Wrong about what?

I shouldn’t have questioned you so casually.

From now on, you’re not allowed to speak to me in that condescending tone. Ye Baoling was training him like a dog, but her tone didn’t sound like it at all—it was a mix of discussion and a hint of coquettishness, yet utterly non-negotiable.

But in his eyes, she was being coy with him.

Ye Huaizhang, who had failed to manipulate her and instead been manipulated, wisely said, I’ll change.

And then? This so-called business secret of yours—can I hear it?

Of course. Ye Huaizhang replied earnestly, as it wasn’t that big a secret. I’ve already convinced my dad, fourth uncle, and the other shareholders to invest in Great Roc Harbor, but now we’re stuck at my grandmother. She doesn’t agree.

She hadn’t expected him to be so efficient, having won over the company folks so quickly.

She asked, Do you need my help?

Without hesitation, he said, No need.

Ye Baoling: I can help persuade your grandmother, but in your eyes, I’m just an outsider who shouldn’t even overhear. I won’t work for free—I want a reward.

Ye Huaizhang looked at his wife; for some reason, he suddenly felt she might actually convince his grandmother.

What reward do you want?

Ye Baoling thought briefly, Money. Give me money.

After it’s done, I’ll give you 100,000.

100,000 was a lot.

But Ye Baoling, who had just received 5 million from Guan Old Lady last week, had developed a bigger appetite.

She looked down on this 100,000 Hong Kong dollars.

You’re treating me like a beggar! She hadn’t expected the eldest son of the richest family, the general manager of the investment department at a major company, to be so stingy.

100,000 wasn’t enough?

Ye Huaizhang stared at the girl who had seemed indifferent to money during their last negotiation, baffled by how quickly women could change.

He asked, What do you need so much money for?

What do I need money for? Young master, could you not ask such philosophical questions? She didn’t call him childish or accuse him of being out of touch—instead, she mocked him for being philosophical, achieving the effect without making him angry.

Ye Baoling continued, Then should I ask why you need to breathe? Why you need to eat? Why drive when going out? Why take a plane when you could walk to Rome?

Her logic was impeccable, laced with a touch of sarcasm that left no room for rebuttal.

Ye Huaizhang was indeed thoroughly pacified. Legally speaking, all the money I earn from now on is marital property—you have a share in it.

Stop. Don’t feed me empty promises; I want something concrete.

How much do you want?

One million.

That’s quite an appetite.

Just say yes or no.

For a multi-billion investment, a million in PR fees was truly nothing excessive.

Ye Huaizhang reluctantly nodded, Fine. If you successfully persuade my grandmother, I’ll give you a million-yuan check. But I have a time limit—you have one month to get it done.

One month? That meant it wasn’t urgent yet.

Ye Baoling agreed with a full smile, Deal.

Money-grubber, Ye Huaizhang grumbled before heading out for his workout.

Ye Baoling skipped her usual boxing practice that night and went to chat with Guan Old Lady instead.

At this hour, the old lady was listening to Cantonese opera on the radio. Most young people nowadays didn’t care for it, but Ye Baoling was an exception—she even promised to accompany Guan Old Lady to the theater someday to see her idol perform.

Cheering people up was Ye Baoling’s specialty; if she put her mind to it, success was almost guaranteed.

Guan Old Lady was delighted to see her. They listened to opera, chatted, and snacked on treats, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

When the wall clock struck ten, the sharp-minded old lady promptly urged Ye Baoling to return to her room and rest, firmly remembering that this was the first seventh day after the wedding night.

Late returns were usually acceptable, but on this day, she couldn’t be back later than midnight.

Back in the bedroom, Yang Pinxian was already waiting for them.

Yang Pinxian brought them their second cup of Nuptial Wine and watched as they drank it.

After finishing the wine, Ye Baoling asked curiously, Is this wine the same as last time?

It’s the same. Poured from the same bottle—why do you ask?

It seems spicier on the throat this time. Don’t you think? Ye Baoling asked Ye Huaizhang.

His reply was perfunctory: More or less.

Ye Baoling was exasperated, What do you mean, ‘more or less’? Are you Mr. Approximate? Is it a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’?

Yang Pinxian, afraid Ye Baoling would provoke her short-tempered son, was about to defuse the tension when her son surprisingly answered obediently, It’s spicier than last time.

Was this really her son?

Indeed, every man needs a woman who can keep him in check.

Suppressing a laugh, Yang Pinxian said, I’ll call Tong Po to ask what’s going on. You both have work tomorrow, so get some rest early.

Ye Baoling waved obediently, Goodnight, Mom.

Goodnight, Yang Pinxian replied, unable to suppress a smile.

Ye Baoling closed the door and went to take a shower. It was only after undressing that she realized her period had started.

This was her first period since transmigrating into the story.

Unaware of the original host’s menstrual cycle, she had prepared a pack of sanitary pads in her bag in advance.

After showering, she quickly put one on. Not knowing how heavy the original host’s flow was, she wore two pairs of underwear and laid a small blanket on the bed to prevent staining the mattress.

As it turned out, the flow wasn’t heavy, but the cramps were intense.

She woke up in the middle of the night from the pain, curling up in agony, nearly convulsing.

Ye Huaizhang heard the movement and turned on the light. Seeing her pale face contorted in pain, he couldn’t help but ask, What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?

My stomach hurts.

Appendicitis?

Menstrual cramps. Go to the pharmacy and buy me some painkillers.

Ye Huaizhang finally understood. We should have painkillers at home.

He quickly slipped on his slippers and went to get someone to fetch the medicine.

Soon after, he returned with a bottle of medicine and a cup of warm water.

Take one pill. He poured a tablet into her hand.

Ye Baoling swallowed it in one gulp, then curled up under the blankets. The medicine wouldn’t take effect that quickly, and the pain persisted.

Watching her tremble, Ye Huaizhang gently patted her back. Only then did he realize how terrible menstrual cramps could be for women.

Should we go to the hospital?

No. Just… pass me a tissue.

He pulled out a tissue and wiped the fine sweat from her forehead. He noticed how she curled up, looking like a docile little kitten.

Of course, he knew a cat’s docility was always temporary.

When the time came, their bared teeth could be sharper than anyone’s.

Still, he couldn’t help stealing a few more glances. His hand, wanting to smooth her hair, paused mid-air before ultimately withdrawing.

Gradually, she seemed to relax more.

Still hurting?

Mmm. Much better now. After a while, the painkillers began to work.

She realized how fortunate she was to usually be free from illness and pain.

Ye Baoling shifted positions, turning to face away from Ye Huaizhang as she lay curled toward the wall.

In her previous life, she had never suffered from menstrual cramps—this was her first time experiencing them.

She resolved to exercise regularly with Chen Yulan from now on; she didn’t want to endure this torment every month.

When she woke in the morning, her abdomen still ached occasionally, but it was much better than the night before. Ye Huaizhang asked if she wanted to take a sick day.

Taking leave on her second day of work wouldn’t look good. Ye Baoling shook her head. I’ll bring painkillers with me. If it gets really bad, I’ll take one.

She arrived at the office exactly at nine o’clock and found herself the first one there.

By around nine-thirty, colleagues had trickled in.

Mei Jie seemed somewhat embarrassed when she saw Ye Baoling. She brought a bag of jelly cups to share with everyone and specially picked two large ones to place on Ye Baoling’s desk. A-Lin, have some jelly.

Ye Baoling offered a polite smile. Thank you, Mei Jie.

This opening was slightly better than Ye Baoling had expected—at least Mei Jie still acted like a normal person.

But since Mei Jie had betrayed her for personal gain yesterday, Ye Baoling considered her restraint from harsh retaliation already an act of mercy toward an ant.

Such people could only be plastic colleagues.

Are you unwell? You look a bit pale.

Ye Baoling said softly, I’m on my period.

Ah, drink more warm water.

Wang Simin, who had gone upstairs to retrieve documents, quietly gossiped with everyone: I heard Qian Zhuguan got laid off and might even have to pay compensation. Qi Jingli didn’t protect him.

Everyone tacitly avoided looking at Ye Baoling. Someone sighed, After that incident with donating near-expired goods to the orphanage last time, I knew something would eventually happen.

Walk the night path too often, and you’ll meet ghosts.

Serves him right.

In the morning, Ye Baoling helped organize documents. Because she could type, and the office clerk responsible for typing and photocopying preferred running up and down delivering items and files, the typing work fell to her.

Their department didn’t handle any confidential documents, but it allowed them to learn about all sorts of major and minor company affairs at the fastest pace.

They often interacted with various departments, and any movement upstairs would quickly be reported back in the office through gossip.

Like this morning, when colleague A Guang returned from fixing computers upstairs with the technicians, he immediately shared with everyone: The company’s IPO seems to be confirmed. When it happens, we can all apply to buy shares through the lottery.

Some colleagues grew excited: How much per share? Is it a guaranteed profit if we buy?

Not sure about the price per share. But new stocks usually perform well? I heard it’s definitely profitable.

Mei Jie turned to ask Liu Haonan: A Nan, didn’t you used to work at a securities firm? You must know best. Tell us about it.

Ye Baoling immediately turned to look at Liu Haonan.

Sure enough, he was the male lead’s distant cousin from the book, a stock trading expert.

Liu Haonan was cutting materials and didn’t even look up as he said: New stocks typically rise over 20%. If they perform well, you could double your money.

Wow! Double?!

Then we must apply for the lottery no matter what. I wonder if employees get any discounts?

A Guang urged Wang Simin: Find a chance to sound out Manager Qi. Do we internal employees get any preferential treatment for buying Ye Qingtang’s shares? Or maybe we can buy directly without the lottery?

Liu Haonan showed rare enthusiasm: No need to ask. Even if there are original shares, they wouldn’t go to small fries like us. If you want to make money, remember to get the forms and apply when the time comes. Those without accounts can come to me. I have connections to help you open accounts with discounted fees. If you want to subscribe to new shares, you must open an account in advance and accumulate some trading history to qualify.

Since the company’s stock wouldn’t be listed for a few days yet, everyone just acknowledged this without urgency.

Only Ye Baoling, who wanted to get closer to Liu Haonan, showed interest. She asked: Nan Ge, which securities company is it? I’d like to open a securities account.

Lihua Securities. You want to open an account?

Ye Baoling didn’t hesitate: Yes. But help me negotiate a lower commission rate.

Opening another securities account wouldn’t hurt her.

Plus, she could use this opportunity to win Liu Haonan over to her side.

Liu Haonan put down the clippings: For others negotiating, the minimum for small clients is 0.5%. But I can get it down to 0.3% for small clients.

0.3% meant paying 3 yuan commission for every 1000 yuan traded.

This commission was much higher than in later years!

Ye Baoling had only learned how high commissions were now when she opened an account at Baihui Bank’s securities department last week.

What about for large clients?

For large clients, it can be negotiated down to 0.1%.

What counts as a large client?

Bank deposits over one million.

Ye Baoling lowered her voice: Then help me negotiate for 0.1%.

Liu Haonan was taken aback. Had he encountered a big client today?

The girl was quite good-looking, but if she were truly wealthy, she wouldn’t be working as a junior employee in this department, nor would she have almost been forced out by Manager Qi when she first arrived.

But then he reconsidered – the final outcome was that Manager Qi had given up Supervisor Qian for her.

This girl might really have some background.

Liu Haonan confirmed with her: You’re not joking with me, are you?

Not joking.

Liu Haonan was cautious and meticulous: When opening the account, you’ll need to bring documents proving you have sufficient funds in your bank account.

No problem.

Ye Baoling still had the five million from Guan Old Lady that she hadn’t touched yet.

She needed to earn enough money during the frenzied period before the stock market crash to buy at the bottom.

She couldn’t do it alone, and Liu Haonan was definitely a great helper.

Seeing how serious she was, Liu Haonan asked, When do you have time to open an account?

Ye Baoling wasn’t feeling well today and really didn’t want to move around. Besides, she didn’t have her deposit certificate with her. She said, Tomorrow at noon. I’ll bring my friend along.

Liu Haonan gave her an OK gesture.

Ye Baoling reminded him, Don’t tell anyone.

I won’t, Liu Haonan replied. He wasn’t usually a talkative person anyway.

The rest of the office was still loudly debating whether to buy Ye Qingtang’s new shares and how many, completely unaware of their conversation.

When lunch break arrived, Mei Jie asked if she wanted to have lunch together.

Ye Baoling politely declined, I’m having lunch with my cousins today. Let’s make plans another time.

Your cousins?

They both work in the legal department.

So Ye Baoling really did have connections.

Just then, Gu Man’er appeared at the door, calling out with a smile, Cousin, let’s go.

Gu Man’er approached and immediately noticed her pale complexion. She asked quietly, Is it your period?

Yeah. It was killing me last night.

Gu Man’er understood completely—her cousin always suffered terribly on the first day of her period. Should I cancel with my senior and reschedule our dinner?

Since Gu Man’er’s senior was serving as Ye Baoling’s nominal protector, canceling the thank-you dinner wouldn’t be appropriate.

I took painkillers. I’m feeling much better now.

Ye Baoling stood up and walked out with Gu Man’er.

Gu Man’er whispered in her ear, Why don’t you just have the consummation soon? They say the pain stops after consummation, don’t they?

Ye Baoling was skeptical, As a college student, do you really think that’s scientifically sound?

Who needs science? Grandma said she was the same—it got better after marriage. So was Auntie. If you don’t believe me, ask Grandma yourself. It’s a hereditary thing passed down through the women in your family. Besides, your husband is so handsome—it’s not like you’d be losing out.

Ye Baoling retorted, What good is being handsome when he’s so stingy? The man’s tighter than a drum.

Ha! What did he do to you?

He begged me to do him a favor and only offered 100,000 as compensation.

What did he want you to do?

Put in a good word for him with his grandmother… Ye Baoling didn’t elaborate.

And you call that stingy? Ye Baoling, don’t be so greedy. Gu Man’er poked her cousin’s arm. 100,000! For saying one nice thing—that’s more than two years of my salary! And you have the nerve to call him stingy! Be careful or your husband might see your true colors and divorce you later.

He practically begged me to take the money—was almost on his knees about it.

Ye Baoling, you’re getting better and better at annoying me.

Ye Baoling patted Man’er’s head, Be good and I’ll give you spending money.

Woof! Awoo…

The surrender came so quickly that Ye Baoling nearly burst out laughing.

But she couldn’t laugh—if she did, there’d be a flash flood down below.

The next afternoon, Ye Baoling brought Chen Yulan along with Liu Haonan to open a new account at Lihua Securities.

When Liu Haonan saw the five million deposit on her bank statement, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.

Then he saw the name on her ID—Ye Baoling…

After completing the procedures, Liu Haonan quietly asked, Ah Ling, if I may ask—what does your family do?

That was rather difficult to explain.

Ye Baoling turned to Chen Yulan instead, What does your family do?

Chen Yulan raised an eyebrow slightly, My brother works for a Gang.

Oh! Underground business.

Though still curious, Liu Haonan just smiled and didn’t press further.

Ye Baoling said, But I don’t know the first thing about stock trading. Even with an account, I wouldn’t know how to operate it.

Liu Haonan stopped walking and turned back to look at Ye Baoling, It’s quite simple. I can teach you.

I’m rather slow—I’m afraid I won’t be able to learn. Brother Nan, could you handle the operations for me?

That’s not entirely out of the question. Liu Haonan explained the rules in detail, I have a securities brokerage license, so I’m qualified to manage trades. If I handle your investments and we incur losses, I’m not liable. But if we make a profit, I’ll charge a fee. Are you okay with that?

How much is the fee?

3% of the profits. For every 100 yuan earned, I get 3.

Calculated based on profits, it wasn’t high.

Ye Baoling agreed without hesitation, No problem, you handle the trades for us.

Liu Haonan asked, Aren’t you going to discuss it with your family?

The two of us are family. Ye Baoling took Chen Yulan’s hand.

Chen Yulan chimed in, My cousin calls the shots in our family.

Liu Haonan studied them as if they were a windfall from heaven.

Alright, it’s too late today. Let’s find time to sign an agreement.

Ye Baoling and Liu Haonan rushed back to the company but were still late. Unfortunately, they ran into manager Qi Yuxiu in the elevator.

Qi Yuxiu glanced at them, then checked her watch. 1:20, twenty minutes late.

Luckily, they were prepared.

Liu Haonan lifted the notebook in his hand, We were just verifying last month’s overtime and fuel expenses with the transport team.

Qi Yuxiu took the notebook from Liu Haonan, flipping through it carefully. The accounts were meticulously kept, with no flaws to pick on.

She didn’t say anything more, not wanting to be accused of targeting Ye Baoling.

Handing the notebook back to Liu Haonan, the elevator reached the fourth floor, and Qi Yuxiu stepped out first.

Two days later, Ye Baoling and Liu Haonan signed the authorization agreement, and Liu Haonan officially began managing her investments.

That same day, under Liu Haonan’s direction, they placed an order to buy 1 million Hong Kong dollars’ worth of Hongdian Shineng shares.

Ye Baoling didn’t have him buy the guaranteed-profit Su Man Gold right away; she wanted to test Liu Haonan’s skills first.

Friday was her grandfather’s birthday. There would be an evening reception at home, but at noon, only the immediate family of the eldest branch gathered for a meal.

Ye Baoling took the whole day off for this.

In the morning, she changed into a fresh sprout-green dress, wore no jewelry, and carried the same old handbag from the original owner.

Before Ye Huaizhang left for work, she told him, I’ve discussed it with Grandma and the others. Tonight, try to stay in the back garden as much as possible. I’ll minimize my time there to reduce the chance of running into anyone. Fourth Uncle’s two kids will stop by after school to wish Grandpa a happy birthday, but they won’t attend the evening banquet.

Ye Huaizhang turned back to ask, Is Lu Tianyou coming too?

Of course. Grandpa’s handpicked future grandson-in-law—how could he not come? Ye Baoling applied her lipstick and glanced back at him. Why do you ask?

Nothing.

Author’s Note:

Lu Tianyou: Don’t be jealous of me, your rival is right beside you.

Chen Yulan: I’m really not.

Little Brain Axe: Actually, it’s me [dog head holding a rose]

Little Piggy: How shameless of you upstairs!

Ye Baoling: Everyone, quiet. The main event is about to begin.

Ye Huaizhang: What tools should I bring?

Little Square: Listen to me, bring me along [let me see]