The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 21 The Show Begins

Chapter 21 The Show Begins

The distance between No. 3 and No. 1 Qingtang Street was only about a hundred meters. If Ye Baoling walked there directly, she could easily be spotted.

So she took a car back to the Gu residence first.

Most of the Gu family members were either at work or school, leaving only Grandma Gu and the servants at home.

Since Second Cousin had started implementing reforms, the Gu family’s meals had improved significantly compared to before. Today’s breakfast consisted of French toast with milk and fried eggs.

After breakfast, Ye Baoling went upstairs to the second floor and lay on the sofa chatting with her grandmother.

Grandma Gu, wearing reading glasses, was sewing buttons. Man’er told me you almost went to the hospital for dysmenorrhea the other day?

Yeah. It was killing me.

Haven’t you consummated the marriage with Ye Huaizhang?

No.

But last time you told me you two were getting along harmoniously.

Who said I was lying? Can’t we be harmonious without consummating? Grandma, your thinking is outdated. Ye Baoling turned over and looked at her grandmother. Remembering what Man’er had said, she couldn’t help asking: Would my dysmenorrhea stop if I consummated with him?

When I was a maiden, I also suffered from dysmenorrhea – so painful it felt like labor contractions. Your mother was the same. After we got married, the pain disappeared. Haven’t I told you this before?

This isn’t scientific.

She had heard that pregnancy and childbirth could alleviate dysmenorrhea, but never heard that consummation could do the same.

But then she remembered this was a scripted world, where anything was possible.

She yawned and laughed: Then I should have gotten married earlier.

Grandma Gu put down her needlework: It’s not too late now. Man’er found several interviews with Ye Huaizhang for me to read. He’s different from your father – visionary, with his own ideas, decisive in action, not that playboy type. The magazine introduced his overseas investment projects, which earn more money annually than what they make in Hong Kong! You should have a child with him soon, firmly hold onto your man, and live comfortably as a wealthy wife. Nothing could be better.

Ye Baoling couldn’t help retorting: Grandma, didn’t you used to teach me to be self-reliant? How come your tune changed so quickly? Can’t your guiding principles be more consistent?

I don’t have guiding principles. Seeing you all live well is my only principle. Since you and Ye Huaizhang are already legally married, the rice is cooked – no need to uncook it and start over.

Ye Baoling: Using children to tie down a man is the most unreliable method. Did my mother succeed in tying down my father? Whether man or woman, to live well, the key is to rely on yourself, on your own brains.

Making yourself your own support – that’s the best strategy.

Grandma Gu precisely lacked confidence in her granddaughter’s brains. She stood up and walked to the bedside, rummaging through the cabinets.

What are you looking for? Ye Baoling approached to see if she needed help.

Help me get that box down from the cabinet.

Ye Baoling brought down the box. Grandma Gu opened the cabinet door, took out a small square box from inside, opened it to reveal some documents and talismans, and pulled out an old book from the very bottom.

Grandma Gu handed the old book to Ye Baoling. Whether your brains are reliable or not, I don’t want to discourage you. But you’re beautiful, which already puts you ahead of many women. You need to know how to seize opportunities.

What’s this? Ye Baoling opened the small shabby book. After just one page, she couldn’t wait to see the second page. Suddenly realizing her grandmother was standing right in front of her, she quickly closed it.

Grandma Gu lowered her voice: This is the ‘Pillow Book’ that used to be placed at the bottom of bridal trousseaus in the old days.

I don’t need it. You should keep it for Man’er and the others.

Even if she hadn’t tasted pork, hadn’t she seen pigs run?

She’d watched plenty of adult videos.

You need it. Grandma Gu snatched the ‘Pillow Book’ and walked to the sofa, stuffing it into her handbag.

Ye Baoling: …

Put the trunk back.

Ye Baoling obediently stacked the trunk back in place. It wasn’t heavy—she could lift it with one hand.

Grandma Gu said: When you were little, your uncle caught mantises for you to play with, remember?

Hmm. Ye Baoling didn’t know if the original owner remembered, so she responded vaguely and asked: Why are we talking about mantises?

I heard on the radio the other day that when a female mantis is starving, she’ll eat the male during mating. Don’t look at me like that. Your mother-in-law is Buddhist—I’m not trying to persuade you to do anything bad. I just want to tell you that while women may appear to depend on men for survival, you should always keep something in reserve. When necessary, you must be ruthless. This doesn’t contradict what I told you before about relying on yourself. Whether you can control a man also depends on yourself. If you manage it well, he becomes your weapon; if not, then you’re not capable enough.

It seemed… somewhat reasonable.

It suited many traditional women, but not Ye Baoling.

Ye Baoling didn’t want to argue with her grandmother. She looked at the old lady with some confusion: Grandma, why didn’t you teach my mother this approach?

Because your grandmother didn’t understand it back then either. Grandma Gu sighed. I didn’t know how to raise children properly, didn’t know how to be good parents. I only knew how to spoil and indulge them, only taught them to be kind-hearted. I taught you all to be good people—to fight for what’s rightfully yours, but never covet what isn’t. But in this world, kindness alone isn’t enough. The kind get bullied, just as tame horses get ridden.

It was only after the Gu family went bankrupt, when she was older and had suffered enough hardships, that she grew wiser.

Although their perspectives weren’t entirely aligned, it didn’t prevent them from having a pleasant conversation.

*

Around half past ten, Ye Baoling took a taxi to No. 1 Qingtang Street.

Quite coincidentally, it was Sister Qin who opened the door for her again today.

Last time when Ye Baoling left the old mansion, she had secretly slipped some money to Sister Qin, asking her to call if anything major happened at home.

Sister Qin had called Ye Baoling twice, but nothing significant had occurred.

She felt embarrassed about taking the money and always wanted to be helpful.

Sister Qin was quite surprised to see Ye Baoling: Young Miss, I didn’t expect you back so early today.

Is it early?

Earlier than previous years. Young Miss, you’re just too unassertive… Sister Qin didn’t want to say too much explicitly, but being unassertive would ultimately lead to great disadvantages.

Faced with such praise, Ye Baoling didn’t argue but smiled and asked: So what can be done about it?

You should come back more often in the future. As she spoke, Sister Qin called out, Aqing!

A young man with a crew cut came over from the garden.

This is my son Aqing. Aqing, greet the Young Miss quickly.

Young Miss.

Ye Baoling smiled and nodded: Sister Qin, your son is already so grown up.

She’s almost twenty. Sister Qin instructed Aqing, The second madam’s maternal family sent gifts, they’re placed in the front living room. There’s one for the eldest young master, deliver it quickly.

After Aqing left, Sister Qin said, He started working as an errand boy for the eldest young master last year.

Ye Baoling smiled, That’s good.

Things were better when your mother was here. Your mother knew how to care for us servants. As for the eldest young master… well, having a stable job is good enough. Sister Qin didn’t want to complain to the young mistress, so she didn’t say more.

It was clear she wasn’t satisfied with her current employer.

Sister Qin accompanied Ye Baoling for a while but was called away before they reached the main entrance.

No. 1 Qingtang Street consisted of three villas. The main building was the Hall of Flourishing Harmony, where her grandfather and uncle’s family lived.

The Orchid Pavilion Residence on the west side housed her third granduncle’s family.

The smaller Abundant Moon Tower on the east was where her father, stepmother, and others resided.

The area was surrounded by green shade, with summer being the peak season for lush flowers and plants. The greenery extended from the large garden at the back all the way east to No. 3 Qingtang Street.

Further north stood a low hill covered with tall, verdant trees, creating a stark contrast with the bustling central streets surrounding Qingtang Street.

During her last visit, Ye Baoling had used borrowing books from her cousin as an excuse to secretly explore the Hall of Flourishing Harmony, familiarizing herself with its layout.

Her grandfather lived on the third floor of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony. Since today was the old master’s birthday, she needed to pay her respects immediately upon arrival.

So she entered the Hall of Flourishing Harmony and went straight upstairs, encountering her second uncle and aunt at the second-floor staircase.

Second Uncle, Second Aunt…

Ye Kais smiled when he saw her, Baoling, you’re quite punctual this year. Didn’t wait until the banquet started to arrive.

Ye Baoling smiled without admitting it, I’m always punctual every year, okay? Second Aunt, what moisturizer are you using? Your skin is glowing.

Second Aunt Liang Meiyun touched her chin with slight pride, about to speak, when Ye Kais directly exposed her, She’s wearing too much powder, it’s frightening.

What do you know? I only used a little foundation. Liang Meiyun took Ye Baoling’s hand, walking upstairs together, Baoling, your makeup looks quite good. Who did it for you?

I just did it casually myself.

Liang Meiyun didn’t believe her but couldn’t be bothered to probe further.

Previously, her relationship with her elder sister-in-law Gu Min had been mediocre. Since the elder sister-in-law had a daughter while she had a son, she always felt the elder sister-in-law was jealous of her, and they never saw eye to eye.

After the elder brother and his wife divorced, her elder brother quickly married Zheng Junni, who was already pregnant. She gave birth to a son within months. Although Zheng Junni had higher emotional intelligence and a better temperament than Gu Min, Liang Meiyun looked down on her low background and found her insincere, instead missing her former sister-in-law.

Liang Meiyun quietly inquired, I heard you’re dating the youngest son of the Lü family?

No. We’re still just ordinary friends at this stage.

Are you keeping secrets even from your second aunt?

Ye Baoling laughed, How would I dare? We’re really just ordinary friends.

Liang Meiyun glanced at Ye Baoling. It had been nearly half a year since she last saw her, and she noticed significant changes—she spoke more freely and confidently now.

This made her even more convinced she was in a relationship.

When they reached the third floor, both the living room and the small side hall were filled with people.

Ye Qizu sat in the living room chatting with guests. On his left sat her third granduncle Ye Qizong and his son, among others. On the right were several people she didn’t recognize.

When someone entered, the old master glanced up briefly. Seeing it was Ye Baoling, his gaze didn’t linger but instead tilted to listen to others speaking.

Ye Baoling stepped forward. She hadn’t prepared any particularly clever birthday wishes—after all, the old man didn’t deserve them—and simply said, Your granddaughter wishes you boundless happiness and longevity like the mountains.

Ye Qizu gave a slight nod, but it was directed at the person beside him as he remarked, These rumors, the more they spread, the more likely they become true.

Thus, Ye Baoling, who had come to offer birthday wishes, was left standing ignored.

No wonder the original host had been afraid to return to the main family house. Without strong mental fortitude, one could easily feel suffocated, drained, and even depressed.

Fortunately, Ye Baoling was a seasoned veteran; she didn’t care.

Spotting Lin Zhong sitting alone in a corner of the living room, she went over to greet him.

Uncle Zhong.

Lin Zhong was writing something in a small notebook with a fountain pen. Looking up and realizing it was Ye Baoling, he quickly smiled and asked, I’ve been busy all week and haven’t seen you. Have you started work yet?

Yes, they assigned me to the logistics department.

Why?

Ye Baoling didn’t complain, simply saying, I don’t know why either. Anyway, I’m here to learn, and starting in the logistics department to get familiar with the environment isn’t bad.

You’re quite composed. Lin Zhong closed his notebook and tucked the pen into his suit pocket. How is it? Getting used to it?

It’s alright, still in the adjustment period.

Do you need any help from me? Should I transfer you to a department you’d prefer?

Not for now. If I need anything, I’ll come find you, Uncle Zhong.

Lin Zhong nodded with a smile. Come to me anytime if something comes up. Don’t let yourself be wronged.

Someone came over to speak with Lin Zhong, so Ye Baoling headed toward the side hall, where the younger members of the family were gathered playing cards and chatting.

Only four were playing bridge, while others either watched or sat nearby chatting.

The players included Ye Baoxin, Ye Baoshun (the son of the second uncle), and two grandchildren from the third granduncle’s family.

As Ye Baoling approached, those chatting didn’t look up, only her cousin Huang Jinyun (from the eldest aunt’s family) waved to her, Baoling, sit here.

Hearing this, Ye Baoxin finally glanced over and proactively asked with a smile, Baoling, do you play bridge? If you do, I’ll let you take my place.

Just as Ye Baoling was about to decline, she heard Ye Baoshun say, She doesn’t know how to play. Don’t make me lose money.

This Ye Baoshun was the treasured male grandson of Old Master Ye, still in college and rather unfocused, not yet settled in life.

Ye Baoxin, of course, knew Ye Baoling couldn’t play bridge; she had only asked casually to appear generous.

Since childhood, her mother had taught her to yield to Ye Baoling in front of others, to put on a show for the Ye family, whether she wanted to or not.

Though she resisted and resented it, she had no choice but to comply.

Unaware of the inner turmoil in others’ minds, Ye Baoling sat beside Huang Jinyun, ostensibly watching the card game but actually eavesdropping on the adults’ conversation in the adjacent living room.

These people of status and position usually maintained stern expressions in public, handling affairs with formality and aloofness. But in private, chatting with relatives and friends, they were no different from ordinary folks in the market.

The mainland’s economy is rising, and Dapeng Port is bound to succeed. But investing there carries too much risk. No one has ever seen a successful socialist economy. Western Europe is wealthy, but Eastern European countries are each poorer than the last, and none have managed to rise.

Old Mr. Ye, will your third branch invest in Dapeng Port?

Ye Qizu: The initial investment is several billion, not a small amount. I’ll definitely advise them to be cautious.

Ye Baoling felt exasperated, hoping her grandfather would focus more on his own business and less on the affairs of the third branch.

Then she heard them chatting about the recent stock market frenzy. At first, nothing useful came up until someone shared an amusing story.

With the stock market performing so well lately, Jiaming Shares hit a new low. Bald Liu was running around like a headless fly, consulting fortune tellers. They said he lacks fire element in his destiny and needs to supplement it in his name. The fortune teller suggested he change his name. Not just his own name, but even the stock name needs changing. Do you know what Jiaming Industrial is planning to change to?

To what?

‘Spicy Hot’.

Everyone burst into laughter. Some older folks didn’t understand, so others quietly explained, All three characters in ‘Spicy Hot’ belong to the fire element in the five elements.

Are they really changing it to Spicy Hot?

Not sure. If they do change it, it probably won’t happen until August or September.

Ye Baoling was first surprised, then delighted. She had previously checked the financial evening paper’s daily closing price table multiple times looking for Spicy Hot’s stock code but never found it. She thought the company hadn’t gone public yet, but it turned out they had just changed their name.

The future Spicy Hot was currently called Jiaming Shares.

Spicy Hot was the hottest stock before the October crash, a demon stock that rose 22 times in just one month during September.

Lu Tianyou had chased this stock at its peak and suffered huge losses when he exited.

Therefore, to set up an ambush, she needed to enter before September.

This information, more precious than gold, made all the grievances she had endured today on behalf of the original host worthwhile.

She continued listening carefully. Spicy Hot was one of the three demon stocks during the 1987 crash.

While Spicy Hot soared in September, the other two demon stocks surged dramatically in October. She still hadn’t found the stock codes for the other two demon stocks.

However, they soon stopped discussing the stock market and moved on to other topics.

Ye Leyan, the granddaughter of Third Uncle, brought over a small plate of palmiers. Would anyone like some palmiers?

Huang Jinyun, watching her weight, waved her hand: I just had cake.

Ye Baoling didn’t stand on ceremony: I’ll have one.

After asking around with no other takers, a happy Leyan sat beside Ye Baoling: These are really delicious.

Ye Baoling praised: Crispy and flaky, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Seeing how much Ye Baoling enjoyed it, Huang Jinyun couldn’t resist: Then I’ll have one too.

Here. Leyan quickly handed her one.

Leyan wanted to ask Baoling what she had been up to lately, but held back at the last moment.

She knew Ye Baoling usually stayed at her maternal grandmother’s home, without work or social life, going nowhere. Asking would only embarrass Ye Baoling.

So the conversation could only revolve around the current cookies: I tried learning to make palmiers before, but mine never turned out as good as Shanghai Hotel’s.

Ye Baoling smiled: I’m clumsy with my hands, I couldn’t learn either.

Huang Jinyun: My friend knows the pastry chef at Shanghai Hotel. If you want to learn, I can help you get in touch.

Really? Would that be too troublesome? I’m so clumsy I’m afraid I might annoy the teacher. Despite having no real interest, Ye Baoling could make any topic engaging.

Leyan: I’m clumsy too. We could go learn together.

Three women gradually warmed up their conversation around topics like pastries and makeup.

Meanwhile, gossip was also circulating at the mahjong table.

Ye Leqiong, Leqiong’s sister, whispered while playing her tiles: Have any of you seen Ye Huaizhang? Leqiong ran into him a few days ago and said he’s lost a lot of weight, right Leqiong?

Leqiong responded: Not really, he’s just slimmed down nicely.

Huang Jinyun asked quietly: Was Ye Huaizhang really kidnapped?

Someone shushed her, Let’s just keep this among ourselves, don’t spread it around.

He was held for so long this time – might he have developed some psychological issues?

Hard to say. They say people who’ve been through kidnapping trauma often develop psychological problems and distrust everyone.

Leqiong passed another cookie to Ye Baoling: I thought he looked fine, good complexion too. Doesn’t seem like someone with psychological issues.

Ye Baoxin agreed: He’s the resilient type. I believe he wouldn’t be easily troubled by emotions.

Hearing Ye Baoxin praise Ye Huaizhang, Ye Baoshun couldn’t resist teasing: Aren’t you just university alumni? You talk as if you know him well.

Ye Baoxin retorted: What’s it to you how well I know him? Honestly.

Their ability to banter so casually made them seem like true siblings.

Ye Leqiong continued the gossip: Hey, have you heard about Fifth Aunt arranging a marriage for him to ward off bad luck?

Someone snorted: Who knows what kind of woman he married. Ye Huaizhang may appear successful, but he’s actually quite pitiful.

Pitiful how? He divorced her right after coming back. That woman’s dream of marrying into wealth shattered, but she didn’t lose out – she took a large sum of money.

Leqiong became interested and directly handed a plate of butterfly pastries to Ye Baoling, asking Ye Leqiong: Second sister, who told you that?

Ye Baoxin also looked up: They really divorced?

Who is Ye Huaizhang? Just any ordinary woman couldn’t keep him tied down. Definitely divorced.

True enough. Leqiong turned to ask, Sister Jinyun, Sister Baoling, have you met Ye Huaizhang?

Huang Jinyun: A few times. I know him, but he doesn’t know me.

Ye Baoling also smiled awkwardly: Not familiar.

Leqiong: We’re not familiar either. We only see him once a year during the ancestral worship on the second day of Lunar New Year. Occasionally we might greet each other if we meet outside.

The original host’s mother had her birthday on the second day of Lunar New Year, so Ye Baoling never participated in the ancestral worship.

Being a girl, whether she attended the ancestral ceremony or not didn’t matter to Ye Qizu.

Therefore, she had very few opportunities to see Ye Huaizhang in the past.

Ye Leqiong joked: During ancestral worship, he stands at the front, back straight – completely different from Baoshun. Handsome beyond words.

The teased Ye Baoshun said helplessly: Ye Leqiong, don’t forget you’re a Ye too. No matter how handsome he is, you don’t stand a chance.

Whatever. Can’t I just comment? Does commenting mean I’m interested? You’re really something. Ye Leqiong, being straightforward, retorted but immediately laughed, At this table, only Baoxin might have a chance.

Ye Baoxin frowned, somewhat displeased, What nonsense, I’m also a Ye.

Oh, just joking. Hey, today is Second Uncle’s big birthday – will Ye Huaizhang come to pay respects?

Who knows.

Ye Baoxin said: He comes every year to wish grandfather happy birthday, he just doesn’t stay for the meal. You just haven’t seen him.

Whoever spots him later, let us know. I want to see if he’s really lost weight.

Ye Baoling found it utterly ridiculous.

It’s just a man, is it really that serious?

A playing card fell in front of Ye Baoling. It belonged to Ye Baoshun, who glanced sideways at her without addressing her as sister, simply saying, Pick it up.

Ye Baoling pretended not to hear, couldn’t be bothered to respond.

Ye Baoshun raised his voice, Hey, pick it up, can’t you hear me?

Ye Baoling finally looked at him: Who are you talking to?

You.

And who am I? Am I ‘Hey’? Can’t you pick it up yourself?

Ye Baoshun’s face instantly flushed red—Ye Baoling had never dared speak to him like this before.

The card table area fell silent instantly.

To ease the tension, Le Yan quickly picked up the playing card and handed it to Ye Baoshun, but he refused to take it, just stiffening his neck while staring at Ye Baoling.

Ye Baoling kept crunching on her biscuits, completely ignoring him.

Ye Baoshun was so angry his neck thickened.

With so many people present, Ye Baoxin didn’t dare stir things up. Afraid the situation might escalate and she’d suffer the consequences, she reminded them: Grandpa has guests over there… let’s just play cards.

Le Yan directly placed the card face down on the table.

Le Qiong scolded him: Baoshun, are you looking down on my sister? She picked up the card for you and you’re still not satisfied?

With others around chiming in to mediate, Ye Baoshun eventually had to let the matter drop.

Just then, Ye Kaimin and his wife arrived, so Ye Baoling went over to greet them and left the small side room.

The first thing Ye Kaimin said upon seeing his daughter was: When Lu Tianyou arrives, accompany him to see Grandpa.

Okay. Ye Baoling had no intention of accompanying Lu Tianyou to see Grandpa, but she didn’t object directly to avoid provoking Ye Kaimin’s forceful interference.

Lunch was a Chinese banquet-style meal, with the best restaurant in Port City hired to prepare the birthday feast.

Three tables were set up in the first-floor living room, laden with abundant and exquisitely flavored dishes. Ye Baoling paid no attention to others’ affairs, focusing entirely on enjoying her meal.

After lunch, some people took naps, others played mahjong, and some chatted.

The Ye family mansion had three buildings with numerous rooms, yet not a single one belonged exclusively to Ye Baoling. She wanted to rest but had nowhere to go.

Fortunately, she was thick-skinned and skilled at social maneuvering. She struck up friendships with Le Yan and Huang Jinyun.

They admired Ye Baoling’s makeup skills, so she touched up their makeup for them. Then they played marbles together, passing the boring afternoon.

The evening featured a buffet cocktail party. The Hall of Flourishing Harmony’s first-floor hall had a dance floor, while the back garden hosted performances and the buffet.

Members of the third branch came to offer birthday wishes one after another, then gradually departed.

Ye Baoling remained seated by the window in the second-floor small living room. She spotted Lu Tianyou the moment he arrived.

Lu Tianyou! she called out, waving for him to come upstairs.

They met at the staircase and walked to the second-floor small side room to chat.

Go directly upstairs to offer birthday wishes to my grandpa. If he asks about me, just say you haven’t seen me and that you’re going downstairs to look for me. Anyway, let’s avoid appearing together as much as possible to prevent the elders from making something of it.

Lu Tianyou nodded in agreement. Don’t worry, I definitely won’t cause you any trouble.

I’m also afraid of causing you trouble.

Where would that be? Are you not giving me the chance?

If I gave you the chance, would you dare take it?

He wouldn’t dare.

Lu Tianyou smiled and changed the subject. How come your little girlfriend didn’t come with you?

Would I dare? If I brought a girlfriend home, my grandpa would definitely throw me out.

Meanwhile, at the corner of the small side room, A Feng with her upturned eyes had secretly followed when she saw the young lady and the Lu family young master heading toward the side room. She had expected to witness an intimate scene between them, but instead overheard even more explosive content.

She quickly turned and left.

Ye Baoling, being sharp-eared, heard deliberately softened footsteps and immediately turned around, just catching sight of A Feng’s retreating back.

A Feng went to the garden to find Zheng Junni, embellishing the story with added details.

Zheng Junni was astonished—she never expected Ye Baoling to prefer women?

This matter was tricky to handle.

If she directly informed Ye Kaimin, he might quietly suppress the affair to protect his daughter and the Ye family’s reputation.

Zheng Junni thought of Ye Baoshun, and a plan swiftly formed in her mind.

Where is Baoshun?

He was just accompanying the Old Master and guests in conversation. It seems he went to Abundant Moon Tower to find Miss Baoxin.

Zheng Junni whispered a few words into A Feng’s ear, then hurried toward Abundant Moon Tower.

Standing by the second-floor window, Ye Baoling watched Zheng Junni in the garden, holding her stomach as she rushed toward the back.

Meanwhile, near the main entrance, Ye Huaizhang’s car drove into the underground vault of the Oldest Branch Residence.

Author’s Note:
Ye Baoling: The show begins.
Ye Huaizhang: Feeling a bit excited [dog head holding rose]
Lu Tianyou: Feeling a bit nervous
Ye Baoshun: All of you can go to hell.
Ye Baoling: Heh… uh…

Dear readers, please bear with the temporary book title for now—it will be changed later [let me see].