The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 22: Getting Intimate Here Is No Different from an Affair...

Chapter 22: Getting Intimate Here Is No Different from an Affair…

At seven in the evening, the summer sky hadn’t completely darkened yet.

Many guests who had come to offer birthday wishes to the Ye family had already arrived.

Zheng Junni avoided the crowded areas and returned to Abundant Moon Tower, slowly making her way up the stairs to the third floor.

Her pregnancy was advanced, so she moved slowly.

Just as she reached the third floor, she happened to encounter Ye Baoshun and Ye Baoxin heading to the Hall of Flourishing Harmony to play billiards.

Ye Baoxin asked, Mommy, who are you looking for in such a hurry?

Zheng Junni complained softly, I was looking for you two. What have you been doing up here all this time? Go downstairs and entertain the guests.

You could have just sent someone to call us. Why bother coming up yourself? Ye Baoxin came over to take her mother’s arm.

It’s fine. The doctor advised me to climb more stairs.

As they spoke, the three of them began descending the stairs.

They had only taken a few steps when they heard hurried footsteps. A Feng came running up, Madam…

What is it?

A Feng hesitated to speak. Zheng Junni showed slight impatience, If you have something to say, say it quickly. Why are you stammering? The young master isn’t an outsider.

Ye Baoshun, who had initially been completely uninterested in their conversation, couldn’t help but pause his steps.

Well… I just saw the young lady and that young master from the Lu family… A Feng lowered her voice considerably.

Hearing that it was news related to Ye Baoling, Ye Baoshun immediately turned to look over.

Zheng Junni asked with concern, What about the young lady and young master Lu?

A Feng said urgently, They’re pretending to be in a relationship. Young master Lu even said the young lady has a girlfriend, that she’s a lesbian, and he’s covering for her, he…

Zheng Junni quickly interrupted her, You mustn’t say such things carelessly.

I’m not saying it carelessly. I heard them with my own ears in the small side hall on the second floor of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony.

Did anyone else hear it?

No, only I heard it.

Ye Baoxin wasn’t quite convinced, Baoling doesn’t seem like a lesbian to me. The lesbians I saw at American universities presented themselves completely differently from her.

Zheng Junni wanted to hint to her daughter to speak less, but with Ye Baoshun present, she couldn’t show it.

Ye Baoshun dismissed this, still angry about how Ye Baoling had publicly humiliated him that morning.

Ye Baoshun said, Do lesbians write ‘I’m a lesbian’ on their foreheads? I think she’s changed recently, definitely influenced by being a lesbian.

Zheng Junni waved her hand, deliberately saying, Alright, alright, let’s drop this matter. No one is to speak of it.

How could that be?

Ye Baoshun didn’t agree and went clattering down the stairs.

He returned to the Hall of Flourishing Harmony and went upstairs. Just as he reached the second-floor stairway, he encountered Ye Baoling. He gave her an icy glance, his eyes looking at her as if she were a monster, full of disdain.

Without greeting her, he went straight upstairs.

Grandfather was in the third-floor living room, where birthday well-wishers kept coming in a steady stream. Lu Tianyou and his father were also there, discussing Ye Qingtang’s company listing.

He could only stand by his grandfather’s side, waiting for an opportunity to speak.

Ye Kais saw his son walking straight in, seeming to have urgent business, and quickly came over to ask him quietly, What is it?

I need to speak with Grandfather.

Tell me what it is first.

Afraid that his father would help Ye Baoling smooth things over, Ye Baoshun refused, I need to tell Grandfather first.

Ye Kais glared at him, gritting his teeth as he whispered, Are you rebelling against me?

No. What Grandfather cares about, you don’t. The implication was: it’s none of your business.

Just then, Lu Tianyou and his father went downstairs first, so Ye Baoshun quickly squeezed next to his grandfather and whispered in his ear, Grandfather, I have something important to report, related to Ye Baoling.

Ye Qizu looked at his grandson, puzzled, and asked, What is it?

Let’s talk in the study.

Seeing how serious Baoshun looked, Ye Qizu couldn’t help but feel uneasy. He stood up and headed to the study first.

Ye Baoshun followed his grandfather into the study, and Ye Kais came in as well.

After closing the door, Ye Qizu spoke first, Baoshun, you need to remember from now on that Baoling is your elder cousin sister. No matter what, you mustn’t call her directly by her name. You have to understand propriety, got it?

Understood. I was just too anxious earlier, worried that you wouldn’t understand, so I called her by her name.

What’s the matter? Go on.

Ye Baoshun exaggeratedly recounted what A Feng had said to Ye Qizu.

The old man was shocked upon hearing it. This is no joking matter. Is there any evidence?

Just call A Feng over and ask her, and you’ll know.

What kind of evidence is that?

Ye Qizu looked at Ye Kais, who said, I’m just as surprised as you—I only found out about this now. The brat didn’t want to tell me first. Dad, don’t rush. It’s your birthday today; let’s handle this after the guests leave. We’ll keep Baoling here tonight and question her thoroughly. It’s not a big deal if a girl likes a girl; we can just cut off the relationship directly.

Knock, knock, knock!

Someone was at the door.

Ye Kais, who was standing nearest, went to open it. Outside was his elder brother, Ye Kaimin.

His wife had already informed him about the situation.

Knowing that Ye Baoshun would come to report to the old man, he hurried over.

Dad.

Ye Qizu snorted coldly, That fine daughter you’ve raised! Tell me, how do you plan to handle this?

Ye Kaimin shot a glare at his younger brother, Ye Kais.

Ye Kais knew his elder brother must have thought he deliberately stirred up trouble and quickly clarified, It’s just a child’s matter; no need to panic. It’s best to handle it discreetly. Let’s first ask her tonight to understand the situation.

Ye Kaimin said, Baoling is my daughter; I know her well. It’s impossible for her to like women. She’s probably just trying to provoke me on purpose…

The old man had no patience for his rambling. I’m asking you, how do you plan to handle it?

Ye Kaimin had already thought it through on his way over. He replied, I’ll talk to her right away and announce her relationship with Lu Tianyou publicly tonight.

Another knock came at the door, and the old man’s attendant, A Xing, entered and said, Sir, the eldest young master from the third branch has arrived.

Hearing that Ye Huaizhang had come, Ye Qizu quickly said, Invite him in.

Then, turning back to his eldest son, he said, You talk to her first, but don’t communicate with the Lu family. If that doesn’t work, we might as well make sure the rice is cooked tonight.

What do you mean, ‘make sure the rice is cooked’?

Such a foolish question annoyed Ye Qizu greatly. Use your brain!

Ye Baoshun, however, caught on quickly and interjected, There’s no need to even talk to her—that might just alert her. It’s better to directly make sure the rice is cooked. And don’t let the Lu family know in advance.

Ye Kais scolded his son, Get out of here! You have no say in this. What nonsense are you thinking?

Ignoring his father, Ye Baoshun said to Ye Kaimin, Uncle, I can help you. My friend has the medicine.

Ye Baoshun! Shut your mouth! Ye Kais dragged Ye Baoshun out of the room.

As soon as he stepped out, he encountered Ye Huaizhang and his assistant, and couldn’t help but greet them warmly. Huaizhang! Long time no see.

Ye Huaizhang had never liked the members of the Eldest Branch, but he still maintained appearances.

Uncle Kaisi, long time no see. Looking up and seeing his father-in-law, Ye Huaizhang gave a slight nod. Uncle Kaimin.

Both brothers were very enthusiastic toward Ye Huaizhang. After all, the Eldest Branch was clearly declining, while the Third Branch had been growing stronger in recent years, rivaling the Li Family and taking turns as the wealthiest in Hong Kong.

People are drawn to money—it’s a practical reality.

After leaving the study, Ye Kaimin was furious. If he could, he would have liked to give his daughter a good beating right then, straighten her out, and marry her off to the Lu Family.

*

Inside and outside the house, upstairs and downstairs, the place was crowded with people.

Guests and their attendants were packed together, chatting in small groups of two or three.

Ye Baoling went up to the third floor and walked along the corridor to the small sitting room. Her father stood by the window, a cigarette in hand.

Dad, you wanted to see me.

Ye Kaimin turned around, suppressing the anger in his heart and speaking as calmly as possible. I just saw Lu Tianyou. He went to see your grandfather alone. Why didn’t you go with him?

Ye Baoling replied, He went to see Grandfather first. I only saw him afterward.

You’re lying! Lu Tianyou went straight to the second floor to see you as soon as he arrived. Do you think with so many people and so many eyes around, no one would notice? Ye Kaimin stared at his daughter, flicking ash into the ashtray.

Ye Baoling lowered her head and fell silent.

What did you two talk about?

Just casual chit-chat.

Only casual chit-chat? Then why didn’t you say so directly? Why lie to me?

I was afraid you’d scold me.

Scold you for what?

Nothing. Ye Baoling bit her lip slightly, her voice barely audible.

Guilty conscience!

Ye Kaimin seemed to see guilt in his daughter’s eyes.

A Feng’s words were all true.

It was truly hopeless!

No need to ask further.

Pressing the matter would only make it harder to handle.

He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. Alright, alright, no need to explain. A grown daughter can’t be kept at home forever—you have your own world and your own ideas. I won’t interfere. Just make sure to entertain Lu Tianyou well tonight, behave properly, and don’t upset your grandfather on his birthday.

Oh. Ye Baoling responded softly. If there’s nothing else, I’ll go now.

Ye Kaimin waved his hand dismissively, too irritated to speak.

Once outside, Ye Baoling’s expression shifted slightly. She glanced at her watch—it was almost eight o’clock.

Heading downstairs to the living room, she happened to run into Guan Lao Taijun and Yang Pinxian, accompanied by the sisters-in-law Zheng Junni and Liang Meiyun.

In previous years, Ye Baoling would have left right after paying her respects and having lunch at her grandfather’s birthday celebration, never having the chance to encounter them.

Ye Baoling turned to leave in another direction.

But Liang Meiyun spotted her and called out loudly, Bao Ling! Bao Ling!

Reluctantly, Ye Baoling stopped and turned around with a smile. Auntie.

Come here quickly. This is Fifth Aunt, and this is Auntie Yang.

Hello, Fifth Aunt. Hello, Auntie Yang.

Liang Meiyun pulled Ye Baoling over. This is my eldest brother’s daughter, Bao Ling. You haven’t met before, have you?

Guan Lao Taijun smiled and sincerely praised her granddaughter-in-law. This child is so lovely.

Zheng Junni modestly replied, Bao Ling has been shy since she was little. Please don’t mind her, Fifth Aunt.

Guan Lao Taijun didn’t see it that way. What poise and grace! There isn’t a single girl in our Ye Family who isn’t exceptional.

After exchanging a few words while standing, Ye Baoling seized the opportunity to slip away as other guests approached to greet them.

She found Lu Tianyou in the garden outside. My father asked me to make sure you’re well taken care of.

They enjoyed the buffet together, watched performances, and discussed recent stock market trends.

At exactly eight o’clock, Ye Kaimin, representing the eldest branch of the Ye family, delivered a speech on stage thanking the guests for attending the birthday celebration.

The cake was cut at eight-thirty, followed by a dance party.

Around nine, just as Lu Tianyou was preparing to leave, Ye Baoshun appeared.

Big sister, aren’t you going to introduce your boyfriend?

Ye Baoling rarely showed him a pleasant expression. He’s a friend, not a boyfriend. Lu Tianyou, fund manager at Yingbao Securities. This is my cousin Ye Baoshun, who studied in the U.S. before transferring to Hong Kong University this year. He’ll graduate next year.

Lu Tianyou extended his hand. Pleasure to meet you!

Ye Baoshun uncharacteristically adopted a serious tone. Can I follow your investment funds?

Of course. I can not only help you invest in funds but also manage your finances. Feel free to contact me anytime about funds, stocks, or other financial matters.

Lu Tianyou began boasting about how much money he’d recently made for various clients.

Ye Baoshun seemed genuinely interested. I’ll introduce you to my mother another day. She has connections with wealthy socialite circles. If you guide them through Hong Kong’s stock market, you’ll be unstoppable.

Top-tier wealthy socialite circles?

Lu Tianyou’s entire demeanor brightened. It’s settled then. A deal’s a deal.

Absolutely. My mother is busy today, but we’ll discuss details another time.

Ye Baoling noticed Ye Huaizhang chatting and drinking with a group of people in another corner of the garden.

He glanced in her direction, but the couple pretended not to know each other and didn’t exchange greetings.

After some conversation, Ye Baoshun suggested, It’s too crowded here. Let’s have a drink inside.

Ye Baoshun pulled Ye Baoling along. Come on, join us.

Normally, Ye Baoling would never have agreed.

But today was different—she intended to play along with their games until the end.

They chatted in a corner of the first-floor hall. A server brought each of them a drink, but Ye Baoling didn’t touch hers, leaving only the two men to drink.

Noticing Ye Baoling’s refusal to drink and her cautious demeanor, Ye Baoshun didn’t press the issue.

Later, several other young socialites joined them, and Ye Baoshun proposed, How about we play pool?

Ye Baoling said, I don’t know how.

Ye Baoshun replied, No need to be skilled—it’s simple. You’ll pick it up quickly.

Quickly lose, you mean?

No betting involved. Come on, don’t spoil the fun.

They went to the billiards room on the second floor and formed two teams of three.

Ye Baoling, Ye Baoshun, and Lu Tianyou formed one team, while Ye Leqiong and two other girls formed the other.

Ye Baoshun declared generously, No money bets—losers drink.

Everyone agreed.

Ye Leqiong wasn’t just skilled at bridge; she was also excellent at pool. She and her friends were unbeatable.

Meanwhile, Ye Baoling’s team was significantly weaker.

Lu Tianyou was average, Ye Baoling was completely inexperienced and just filling a spot, and Ye Baoshun appeared clever but was actually quite inept. They fell far behind.

After losing the first round, three glasses were brought out—one whiskey per person.

Ye Baoling surprisingly downed half her glass in one go.

The crowd applauded, and Ye Leqiong laughed. I didn’t realize Baoling could hold her liquor.

Lu Tianyou and Ye Baoshun clinked glasses lightly, accepting their loss, and each drank their share.

They lost the second round as well, and each drank another glass.

After finishing her drink, Ye Baoling said, This is the final round. If we lose again, we’re done playing.

Just then, Ye Huaizhang entered.

Accompanying him was his childhood friend, the eldest young master of the Gong family, Gong Jiahua.

The girls in Ye Leqiong’s group brightened up when they saw Ye Huaizhang enter.

It’s Ye Huaizhang! someone whispered softly.

Ye Baoling was also surprised—what a coincidence?

Ye Huaizhang acted as if he didn’t know her, entering without any eye contact.

Gong Jiahua and Ye Leqiong were middle school classmates. As soon as he came in, he said, You’re hiding here playing pool without inviting me?

Ye Leqiong laughed, You important people are all discussing big matters. How could I dare to corrupt you?

Gong Jiahua’s hands itched to play. I want in on a game too.

Just you alone won’t do—we’re short one person.

Gong Jiahua looked at Ye Huaizhang. Care for a round?

Let’s do it. Ye Huaizhang was surprisingly straightforward.

Everyone was thrilled.

Hearing that Ye Leqiong’s team had already won two rounds, Gong Jiahua said he wanted to join their side.

Ye Leqiong’s group wanted Ye Huaizhang instead and complained, You don’t look like you’ll win today. Brother Huaizhang, want to join our team?

Jiahua lost money playing cards today, so I’ll give him a break. Ye Huaizhang had already taken off his outerwear, wearing only a shirt and jacket.

Learning that Ye Huaizhang would team up with them, Lu Tianyou was so excited his hands trembled. This birthday party was definitely worth attending.

Only Ye Baoshun was unhappy, vaguely sensing that Ye Huaizhang was here to ruin his plans.

Sure enough, Lu Tianyou reversed his losing streak, taking the lead right from the start and winning the first round.

Next, as a beginner, Ye Baoling suddenly had a stroke of luck, completely overpowering Gong Jiahua in the first half. Unfortunately, she underperformed later and still lost the second round.

After playing a round with her, Gong Jiahua couldn’t take his eyes off Ye Baoling.

This girl was not only pretty but also quite interesting.

He stood aside and quietly said to Ye Huaizhang, Your cousin is quite something.

Ye Huaizhang shot him a disdainful look and ignored him.

The third round ended with Ye Baoshun, as usual, losing to the girl on the opposing team.

Fortunately, Ye Huaizhang swept through like a storm, overpowering Ye Leqiong to win the fourth round.

The final fifth round would decide the outcome. The opposing side sent Gong Jiahua to play, while the badly losing Ye Baoshun volunteered to face him, hoping to salvage his pride.

Ye Huaizhang glanced at him and disagreed. I’ll do it.

Lu Tianyou also said, Let Huaizhang handle it!

Ye Baoshun had no choice but to back down.

As the match began, Lu Tianyou, already somewhat drunk from earlier drinking, stood watching with unprecedented tension.

Ye Baoshun also stood by, staring nervously.

But their mindsets were completely opposite—one wanted to win, the other wanted to lose.

Yes, Ye Baoshun wanted to lose.

Because he had already arranged for something to be added to the drinks of Lu Tianyou and Ye Baoling in the third round.

If their team won, they wouldn’t have to drink, and all his efforts tonight would be wasted. He couldn’t accept that.

Only Ye Baoling had the best mindset. She sat back, eating melon seeds and watching the drama unfold, observing the tigers fight—she didn’t care who won or lost.

Because the script’s ending was already written.

The fifth round wasn’t as fiercely contested as expected. Ye Huaizhang quickly ended the battle, defeating Gong Jiahua.

When the eight-ball sank into the pocket, Lu Tianyou literally jumped for joy.

Quick, serve them the drinks.

Ye Leqiong laughed heartily. Drinking it is—I was getting thirsty anyway.

The servant brought four glasses of wine, and they clinked glasses together, the losing team drinking with the triumphant energy of winners.

Ye Baoshun said unwillingly, Another round?

No more. It’s almost eleven.

I’ve got plans to go sing karaoke.

Gong Jiahua also said, I need to head home too. My dad wants to talk to me tonight.

Seeing no one respond, Ye Baoshun added, Then let’s have one last toast before we call it a night and meet up next time.

Ye Huaizhang refused, We won, so we’re not drinking.

But Ye Baoling, as if deliberately opposing him, supported Ye Baoshun, One drink before we part has nothing to do with winning or losing.

Sure, sure! Let’s have one drink.

Everyone agreed.

Ye Huaizhang squeezed next to Ye Baoling, and the two stood on the periphery. He whispered a reminder, Don’t drink.

Drink without worry, Ye Baoling replied softly.

Lowering his voice further, Ye Huaizhang felt compelled to tell her, They might have drugged your drink.

Earlier, when he went to Ye Qizu’s study, he happened to overhear Ye Baoshun discussing plans to drug Ye Baoling.

Expecting her to be terrified, Ye Huaizhang didn’t see the reaction he imagined.

She merely covered her lips with her hand under her nose, her voice dropping to a near-whisper, My people already switched the drug. It’s safe to drink.

Ye Huaizhang looked at Ye Baoling in surprise—his wife… had her methods. It seemed she didn’t need his help at all.

Earlier, when Ye Baoling saw Zheng Junni hurrying back to Abundant Moon Tower, she had sought out Sister Qin.

She directly gave Sister Qin 2000 yuan, asking her son Aqing to keep an eye on Zheng Junni’s every move.

Aqing, who already did odd jobs around Ye Baoshun, secretly overheard their discussion about drugging the drinks.

Knowing the pool game was set for three rounds, Ye Baoshun intentionally lost the first two to make Ye Baoling and Lu Tianyou drink more and get a bit tipsy, planning to drug them in the third round.

Two servants came in with trays, each carrying four glasses of wine.

Ye Baoshun first handed one glass to Ye Baoling, Ladies first.

Then he served glasses to Ye Huaizhang and Lu Tianyou.

Ye Baoshun raised his glass, Come on, bottoms up! To my grandfather’s long life! And to our everlasting happiness!

Everyone raised their glasses and drank the final toast.

Lu Tianyou, already a bit drunk, only took a small sip.

Ye Baoshun, who had been watching him closely, turned his own emptied glass upside down, Brother Tianyou, look at my glass—I finished it all. You can’t cheat. Look at Brother Huaizhang, look at my sister—they both drank theirs. You have to finish yours.

Left with no choice, Lu Tianyou downed his drink in one go.

After the drinks, those with prior commitments left first.

Ye Baoling, Lu Tianyou, and Ye Baoshun sat on the sofa chatting; they had drunk the most that night and were all quite tipsy.

Ye Huaizhang stood to the side, rolling up his shirt sleeves, while four or five servants in the room kept an eye on them.

Young Master Huaizhang, if you have matters to attend to, you can leave first. We’ll take care of things here.

Ye Huaizhang picked up his jacket and left.

After Ye Huaizhang was gone, Ye Baoshun drowsily opened his eyes. His throat felt burning hot, and his whole body began to feel uncomfortable.

A Fu, A Gui, take Young Master Lu to the guest room next door to rest, and the young mistress too. After you’ve taken them, come back and help me to my room. I’m too drunk and feeling awful.

A Fu and A Gui escorted Lu Tianyou and Ye Baoling to the adjacent room.

When they returned, they found Ye Baoshun was gone.

They didn’t think much of it, assuming he had gone back to his room on his own.

In the next room, Ye Huaizhang carried Ye Baoshun over and threw him onto the bed, while Lu Tianyou was already so uncomfortable that he started taking off his clothes.

Ye Baoling came out of the bathroom after washing her face and saw Ye Huaizhang. She asked in a low, surprised voice, Where is Aqing?

That boy is called Aqing? He helped Ye Baoshun out, but ran off as soon as he saw me.

How did you know to carry Ye Baoshun here?

I guessed.

Use their methods against them was Ye Baoling’s principle when dealing with matters.

At this moment, Ye Baoshun was also taking off his clothes. So hot! Damn! I feel awful.

Would Master Ye spit blood tomorrow when he discovered Lu Tianyou had slept with Ye Baoshun?

Just imagining that scene was thrilling.

This was no place to linger. Ye Baoling turned around and noticed Ye Huaizhang was sweating profusely.

What’s wrong with you?

Ye Huaizhang didn’t speak. He turned and walked out.

Damn, Ye Huaizhang’s symptoms were similar to Ye Baoshun and the others.

Four glasses of wine… Could it be that Aqing, to be safe, only left her glass untainted?

She quickly chased after him.

After leaving the room and heading out, they heard voices around the corner of the corridor. Ye Baoling pulled Ye Huaizhang into a nearby room to hide.

By the light from outside, they could see the room’s interior—it was a study.

But as soon as they entered, the voices reached the doorway.

Someone was about to come in.

There was nowhere to hide in this study.

Ye Huaizhang, still relatively conscious, pulled her directly behind the curtains in the corner.

The study door opened, someone entered, and the lights turned on.

Lu Tianyou and Bao Ling are in the guest room next to the billiard room… The speaker was Ye Kais.

The other person was his wife, Liang Meiyun.

Liang Meiyun said, I never expected Bao Ling to like women. Honestly, Lu Tianyou got the short end of the stick. Bao Ling… well, her face is passable, but her brains are seriously lacking.

Ye Kais retorted, What short end? For the Lu family to marry into ours, their ancestors must be smiling from their graves! You need to post guards to make sure Lu Tianyou doesn’t run off first thing tomorrow. If he sleeps with Bao Ling and then bolts, we won’t be able to explain it to Master Ye.

Got it. So annoying. Your older brother had to drag us into handling this. Bao Ling will definitely hate us from now on.

Wasn’t it your precious son who insisted on helping? Where’s Ye Baoshun?

A Fu said he got drunk and went back to his room.

That brat.

Liang Meiyun left first, and shortly after, Ye Kais also closed the door and exited.

Ye Baoling didn’t dare move a muscle because the person beside her had become as hot as a furnace, ready to melt her at any moment.

Just as she was wondering what to do, Ye Baoling suddenly heard a muffled groan.

Oh no, was he about to lose control?

If they consummated here, wouldn’t it be almost like having an affair?

Author’s note: Ye Huaizhang: Hmph, drink without worry [furious]

Ye Baoling: [rolls eyes]

Little Square: I told you to bring me along. Regret it now, don’t you?