The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 23 Profoundly Shocked

Chapter 23 Profoundly Shocked

Tick, tock, tick…

The wall clock ticked rhythmically, accentuating the surrounding silence.

Hot.

The air conditioner in the study wasn’t on, while the heat from the nearby furnace multiplied exponentially at an alarming rate.

Ye Baoling shifted slightly toward the corner to create more space, hoping it might help cool Ye Huaizhang down.

Of course, it wouldn’t make much difference.

If they went out now, the elders of the main branch would immediately discover that Ye Baoshun was the one with Lu Tianyou.

Then all the alcohol she’d consumed tonight would be for nothing, her efforts wasted.

Second Uncle and Second Aunt might even suspect that she and Ye Huaizhang had deliberately sent Ye Baoshun to Lu Tianyou’s room.

The main branch would erupt into world war!

Grandfather would probably despise her for causing his precious grandson to lose his innocence.

And her relationship with Ye Huaizhang would be exposed.

Obtaining the main branch’s Ugly King Jade Pendant would become exponentially more difficult.

Therefore, they absolutely could not go out.

She glanced sideways at him. By the faint light from outside the window, she could see his tightly closed eyes, his profile and even his ears flushed with scorching redness.

Large beads of sweat dripped from his forehead, veins throbbing prominently along his neck.

Ye Baoling thought about getting up to fetch the air conditioner remote by the door, but before she could rise, she heard voices outside.

The door opened again.

Instinctively, Ye Baoling covered Ye Huaizhang’s mouth with her hand, terrified he might make any inappropriate sound.

The lights switched on again.

Why are there so many people stationed downstairs today? asked a middle-aged male voice.

Family disgrace. I’ll explain in detail tomorrow, replied Ye Kais.

Through her hand covering his mouth, Ye Baoling could feel the scorching heat radiating from his breath.

He was staring at her now, bloodshot eyes resembling a starving wolf that hadn’t eaten for days eyeing a tender young lamb.

Ye Baoling formed a shh gesture with her lips.

When her gaze drifted downward, it landed on the prominent bulge tenting his trousers, conspicuously noticeable.

He was nearing his limit.

His tie was roughly tugged off, trembling hands fumbling to unbutton his shirt.

But the two who had just entered were still chatting casually, clearly with no immediate intention of leaving.

Ye Baoling heard Ye Kais open a drawer and say, We’re close cousins who grew up together since childhood. Regarding your conflict with Lin Zhong, I naturally support you. But the old master trusts outsiders more and has always had great faith in him. I need time to gradually dismantle that.

The person speaking with Ye Kais was probably Ye Kaisen, the youngest son of Third Granduncle.

Ye Kaisen currently served as Vice General Manager of Ye Qingtang. He and Lin Zhong were like two rival peaks within Ye Qingtang’s headquarters, constantly engaged in fierce internal power struggles.

Unable to hold on any longer, Ye Huaizhang slowly sank downward.

Retracting her hand, Ye Baoling quickly steadied the curtain to prevent any noticeable movement that might draw the attention of the two men in the room.

Finally seated on the carpet, Ye Huaizhang gritted his teeth, not uttering a sound, channeling all his strength into resisting the violent onslaught of certain urges.

As she crouched down, her handbag naturally settled on the floor.

Seeing sweat about to drip into his eyes, she wanted to fetch a tissue to wipe it away.

But given the circumstances, rummaging through her bag was ill-advised. Instead, she picked up the discarded tie from the floor and used it to gently dab away his sweat.

Two men were chatting and smoking in the study. Someone had turned on the radio, and the station was playing popular music of the era.

With the radio music as cover, Ye Baoling breathed a sigh of relief.

In her corner, there was a small recess in the wall, suitable for hiding. She tugged at Ye Huaizhang, trying to pull him further into the corner.

But she pulled too hard, and they both stumbled against the wainscoting. Ye Huaizhang, still somewhat alert, quickly grabbed her to steady them. Ye Baoling swiftly braced her hands against the wainscoting…

They had nearly made a noise.

It was their first time cooperating, yet they worked together seamlessly.

Still, Ye Baoling’s heart was pounding with fright.

Crammed in the corner, time seemed to crawl by.

Ye Baoling tilted her head slightly, studying the wainscoting. She noticed it was also made of Brazilian rosewood, very similar in structure to the wainscoting in their wardrobe’s square space.

On the east wall, two horizontal wooden blocks were slightly lighter in color…

And in the corresponding position on the adjacent south wall, there were two identical blocks.

She reached out, intending to press both blocks at once, but froze as soon as she touched them. What if there really was a switch?

With Ye Huaizhang right beside her, how could she explain it to him…

For now, hiding here seemed safe enough. She could come back later to check if there might be a secret chamber here as well.

The place seemed secure, but he was not.

If the heat had been 70 degrees before, it was at least 90 now, on the verge of boiling over.

Ye Baoling was also sweating from the heat. She wanted to tell him to endure it, to hold on.

But that would be a pointless, insensitive remark—better left unsaid.

He suddenly opened his eyes. His usually sharp brows and eyes were tinged with agitation, and the redness on his face didn’t spread gradually but flared up violently, as if he’d been choked, spreading from his cheeks down into his collar. His breathing came in rapid, heated gasps, as though he might explode at any moment.

He turned his head, bloodshot eyes fixed on her.

Ye Baoling instinctively tried to shrink back, but there was nowhere to go.

He grabbed her hand. Looking down, she saw he had scratched his own hand until it bled.

In the next moment, he guided her hand to the small tent.

Was he asking her to… work?

But she had never done this kind of work before, and her hand trembled slightly.

Considering she was partly responsible for his current state, she swallowed hard, gritted her teeth, and took hold.

The moment she did, Ye Huaizhang seemed to undergo torture, his back teeth clenched to the breaking point.

Sweat dripped heavily from him; he was probably cursing her vehemently in his mind.

Seeing his agony, Ye Baoling realized she had been too rough and quickly whispered, Sorry.

Then she lightened her touch, gently rubbing and toying with it.

Like a firm rubber toy.

The radio music stopped. Ye Kais was tuning the station. None of these songs are any good nowadays—can’t compare to what we had when we were young. The old songs were so much better.

Just leave already! Ye Baoling screamed inwardly, powerless to do anything.

Perhaps her touch was too light now—like scratching an itch through a boot, it couldn’t relieve his torment. His hand trembled slightly as he pulled the zipper down.

Fortunately, the sound was soft.

A strange thing sprang out.

Just moments ago, separated by clothing, the sensation hadn’t been particularly intense. But now, seeing the truth unveiled, Ye Baoling’s pupils widened in shock.

By the faint light from outside the window, she could clearly see the prominent, powerfully defined veins.

When she hadn’t seen it, it was manageable—but now that she had, she truly had no idea how to proceed.

Back in university, she and her roommates had studied various sizes from both domestic and international sources, and she prided herself on having at least theoretical knowledge even without practical experience.

Yet, the gap between theory and practice was vast.

The music started again, this time Cantonese opera.

Ye Kaisen remarked, Listening to traditional opera—Grandpa and Grandma loved it, but we never did. Looking back now, it really is quite beautiful.

Ye Kais sighed in agreement, Indeed.

Finally, she took hold of the big toy that would belong to her for the coming year—it was frighteningly hot, unnervingly firm, and surprisingly solid to the touch.

It felt like holding a beer bottle, shaking it up and down, anticipating the moment the cap would pop off and the bubbles would burst forth.

If it burst forth, would that mean he was released?

She thought it might, and she eagerly rolled up her sleeves, ready to put in the effort.

But this was far more challenging than shaking a beer bottle.

She hadn’t expected it to be such strenuous labor. No matter how vigorously she shook it, she couldn’t achieve the desired effect.

Even the background music felt wrong—the radio was playing the sorrowful strains of The Princess Blossom.

What she needed right now was fiery rock music.

Unfortunately, there was none.

Growing a bit weary, she accidentally brushed against the smooth tip. Ye Huaizhang couldn’t withstand it—he let out a muffled groan.

The sound wasn’t loud, but amid the opera, it stood out slightly.

Did you hear a strange noise? Ye Kaisen, with his sharp hearing, picked up on it.

Did you?

Yes.

Both Ye Baoling and Ye Huaizhang froze in fear.

Though Ye Huaizhang was thoroughly uncomfortable, he didn’t forget to whisper reassurance in her ear, Don’t be afraid. We’re legally married.

She knew they were legal, but she didn’t want to be discovered.

Ye Kaisen stood up and walked toward the window.

In her panic, Ye Baoling reached out both hands and pressed with all her strength on the two horizontal wooden panels on the southern wainscoting.

Click—a soft, dull sound.

Sure enough, the wall behind the panels slowly swung open.

By the dim light from outside, they could see a small secret chamber inside.

Ye Huaizhang was astonished but had no time to ponder it. He wrapped his arms around her, and they tumbled into the chamber. Ye Baoling remembered to grab her handbag before quickly closing the wainscoting behind them.

Did you hear that? Another ‘click’ just now. Ye Kaisen was certain he’d heard it. He went to the window, drew back the curtains, and carefully scanned the area but found nothing.

Opening the glass window, he looked outside. Not only were the streetlights on, but the venue lights were also lit, with four or five servants still cleaning up various items from today’s banquet.

Ye Kais came over as well. Could it have been a noise from outside?

Maybe. It’s really strange—I heard a man’s voice earlier, and it felt very close.

Probably just someone outside talking.

Inside the secret chamber, it was pitch black—so dark they couldn’t see their own hands.

They had rolled in sideways and now lay still, not daring to move.

They listened intently to the sounds outside.

After a while, the voices outside grew softer. Ye Kaisen and the others had likely returned to the desk by the door to continue chatting.

Only then did the young couple let out a sigh of relief.

Ye Huaizhang’s entire body was burning even hotter than before. Her earlier efforts had not only failed to provide relief but had instead added fuel to the fire, making the flames more intense.

He was drenched in sweat.

His body scorched like oil boiling over flames.

He whispered, Has your period ended?

Not yet… not completely gone.

What despairing news.

Ye Baoling fumbled on the floor for a while, found her handbag, and retrieved her pager from it.

When she turned on the pager, the faint light from the screen illuminated the surroundings more clearly. It was a long, narrow secret chamber, identical to the one in their room’s walk-in closet where the Guanyin statue was placed.

On both walls were wooden shelves embedded into the structure, devoid of books but adorned with various small trinkets.

Ye Baoling had no time to ponder further. She quickly took out tissues and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Seeing him in such unbearable agony, she felt utterly helpless. Could her useless hands try a little harder?

Suddenly, he turned over, pinning her beneath him, holding her tightly and kissing her fiercely, as if this could somehow ease his discomfort.

Of course, it was all in vain—he only grew more distressed.

Bend your knee.

Before she could ask why, Ye Huaizhang had already bent her right knee beneath her skirt without hesitation. The scorching heat pressed into the hollow behind her knee, followed by a vigorous, rhythmic pounding.

Was this even possible?

It seemed her knowledge was lacking.

But it was far better than using her hands. Soon, she heard him groan muffledly before collapsing limply.

The area behind her knee was damp and sticky. Ye Baoling was momentarily stunned.

She took out tissues to clean her knee. Just as she was about to ask how he was feeling, he sat up again. Clearly, the effects of the drug were not so easily dispelled. This time, it was the left knee’s turn.

Ye Baoling sat there pitifully, watching her suffering knee and the relentless toy, utterly shocked.

Back and forth, at least three or four times, the delicate skin behind her knees was chafed raw before he finally quieted down.

Ye Baoling leaned against the wall, unable to fight off sleepiness, and drifted off.

She had no idea how much time had passed when she sensed movement beside her and abruptly sat up. Turning on her pager screen, she saw that Ye Huaizhang had already dressed and resumed his usual composed and proper demeanor.

It was almost four o’clock.

There was no trace of emotion on his face regarding his earlier indiscretions. He merely said softly, It’s quiet outside now. I’ll go check.

He opened the secret chamber door and went out first.

Ye Baoling tidied herself up, gathering all the used tissues into a corner. Not wanting to soil her bag, she was about to go out and find a plastic bag when Ye Huaizhang returned.

The guards downstairs have fallen asleep. We need to leave quickly. He brought in a paper bag, collected all the tissues from the corner himself, then took her hand, and they left together.

The two descended via the back staircase, passed through the small garden gate, and entered the main garden.

Following the garden path, they hurried back to the Third House mansion as quickly as possible.

The servant who opened the door for them at the Third House was astonished—why were the young master and young mistress returning from the main garden in the middle of the night, and in such a disheveled state?

Ye Huaizhang instructed, You didn’t see us tonight. Understand?

The servant nodded vaguely and replied, Oh.

Only when they returned to their bedroom did Ye Baoling finally relax.

This experience today—even when she’s old and wants to share it with her children—she wouldn’t be able to tell them.

She quickly took a shower, scrubbing the sticky substance off her knees with shower gel for a long time before it was finally clean.

By the time she finished bathing, Ye Huaizhang was gone—probably washing up in another bathroom.

She set an alarm and slept until eight o’clock.

When she woke, Ye Huaizhang wasn’t beside her. She glanced at her pager—no one had tried to reach her.

Had the scandal next door not broken yet?

Unable to resist, she got up and went to the adjacent study. Sure enough, even though it was Saturday and he didn’t have to work, Ye Huaizhang was already up handling documents.

After the shameless things he’d done to her last night, he now looked completely unruffled—quite the actor.

What is it? he asked.

Can I borrow your video camera?

He didn’t ask what she needed it for, merely tilting his chin slightly toward the bookshelf opposite. Third shelf, second cabinet from the left.

Second cabinet from the left? There aren’t three shelves.

He wanted to say, Are you blind?

But he held back. The white compartment.

Where’s the white compartment?

Ye Huaizhang sighed and got up to fetch it for her.

While he was distracted, Ye Baoling stole a glance at the documents on his desk. She had already spotted the English word South Africa earlier and deliberately played dumb to get him away from the desk.

Although he casually closed the file as he stood up, she caught sight of the words Diamond Mine Contract on the cover.

So the South African diamond mine deal was already finalized.

Ye Huaizhang found the video camera and handed it to her. There’s an empty tape inside. Do you know how to use it?

Ye Baoling examined it carefully—it wasn’t much different from the ones she’d used as a child.

I do.

With that, she turned to leave. Before closing the door, she remembered to say, Thank you.

Ye Baoling took the video camera, picked up Chen Yulan, and after leaving the Third Branch residence, hailed a taxi to the main mansion at No. 1 Qingtang Street.

When they entered the Hall of Flourishing Harmony, all the Ye family members having breakfast in the living room turned to look.

Besides Master Ye, the dining table was occupied by Ye Kaimin and his wife, as well as Ye Kais and his wife.

Normally, the two brothers ate separately, but today everyone was present.

They stared at Ye Baoling as if they’d seen a ghost.

Grandfather, Father, Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Ye Baoling greeted them one by one.

Ye Kaimin asked in surprise, Where did you stay last night?

At my grandmother’s. I lost my bracelet, so I came back to see if I dropped it in the billiards room.

No one cared about her bracelet. Ye Kaimin pressed on, Who took you back?

I took a taxi.

But weren’t you drunk?

I only had three glasses—I wasn’t drunk.

Ye Qizu shot them a disdainful look. Apart from silently cursing his sons for their incompetence, he had nothing to say.

Ye Kais asked, Weren’t you with Lu Tianyou? Didn’t he take you home?

He drank too much, and Baoshun wouldn’t let him leave. How could he take me back?

So far, the two brothers only felt they’d wasted an opportunity, but nothing seemed amiss.

It was the old master who remained alert. Where is Baoshun?

Liang Meiyun said, He hasn’t gotten up yet.

Call him down.

Liang Meiyun sent a servant to fetch the young master. After a while, the servant returned and said, The young master isn’t in his room.

Meanwhile, Ye Baoling, who had been pretending to search for her bracelet in the billiards room, heard a flurry of footsteps heading toward the adjacent room, followed by a scream.

She and Chen Yulan hurried over.

Inside the room, two men were frantically pulling on their clothes, completely naked, while Ye Baoshun’s body was covered in bruises.

Master Ye was so furious his face turned ashen, his hands trembling slightly.

Ye Kaimin widened his eyes: How could it be you two?

Zheng Junni, who had been watching the commotion, instinctively stepped back, afraid any accident might bump into her pregnant belly.

This was an unexpected delight. Ruining Ye Baoling’s reputation was nothing, but damaging Ye Baoshun’s reputation – that was truly a heavenly blessing.

Ye Kais stamped his foot: Put your clothes on quickly!

Liang Meiyun cried as if the sky had fallen: What happened between you two? What’s going on here?

Ye Baoshun wasn’t fully awake yet and still somewhat dazed, but remnants of indescribable scenes lingered in his mind. He played dumb: I don’t know what happened.

Who beat you up like this? Liang Meiyun screamed, pulling at the wounds on her son’s legs and back. Then she spotted a large bite mark on his chest and completely broke down.

The butler quickly cleared the scene, shooing away the servants who were trying to peek from outside.

Chen Yulan was also driven away, forced to watch from a distance as Ye Baoling charged to the frontlines of the gossip.

There were suspicious stains of unknown fluids solidified on the bedsheet – something must have happened in the room last night.

And the one covered in injuries was Ye Baoshun…

Liang Meiyun rushed over to hit Lu Tianyou: Did you take advantage of my son?

Lu Tianyou, who had only managed to put on his underwear in the chaos, defended himself: Baoshun made me drink, I was drunk and have no idea what happened.

You have no idea?! You bit my son… Liang Meiyun lowered her voice, …bit my son like this?! Have you no shame!

Ye Kais pulled his wife away: Meiyun, calm down.

I can’t calm down! This is all your fault… Elder brother and sister-in-law, you need to give me an explanation! This was supposed to be your family’s matter! How did it end up like this?

Zheng Junni, who had been secretly laughing moments before, now wore an innocent expression.

Ye Kaimin, afraid the commotion might disturb his pregnant wife, quickly tried to intervene.

Enough! Ye Qizu shouted, struggling to keep himself from collapsing. Given the current situation, they could only downplay the matter.

Ye Qizu clenched his fists and said: Two boys got drunk, nothing serious happened. What are you making such a fuss about?

In this kind of situation, even if something had happened, they could only claim nothing did.

Ye Baoling understood – burying their heads in the sand was standard procedure.

Liang Meiyun couldn’t get past this hurdle in her heart. She looked back at her husband, hoping he would speak up, but Ye Kais desperately signaled with his eyes for her not to escalate the situation.

Making a big fuss would reflect poorly on their son.

She then looked toward Ye Kaimin and his wife.

Zheng Junni simply lowered her head, while Ye Kaimin awkwardly looked away.

It was all Zheng Junni’s maid’s fault for meddling and reporting nonsense! And Ye Kaimin’s fault for dragging her son into this!

But at this moment, she could only swallow her anger and bear the humiliation.

Looking back, she noticed Ye Baoling wasn’t in the room.

It had been too chaotic earlier – she didn’t even know if Ye Baoling had followed them in.

Meanwhile, Ye Baoling, having finished watching the spectacle and even recording videos, had wisely slipped away with Chen Yulan.

She had brought a handbag with mesh sides today, placing the video camera inside with the lens aimed through the mesh, capturing the entire process of Ye Baoshun and Lu Tianyou being caught in bed naked by their families.

The two bare-bottomed men, the furious family members, the secretly laughing Zheng Junni…

Brilliant!

Walking outside, they encountered Sister Qin. The two exchanged knowing smiles without saying a word.

Upon returning to the Gu residence, Ye Baoling received a call from Ye Kaimin.

Ye Kaimin immediately scolded her: Why didn’t you say anything before leaving?

Ye Baoling replied: What could I possibly say? It was so awkward. Should we girls really be witnessing such scenes? I had to keep my distance.

She always had her own excuses.

She hit him with a grand argument, the words practically slapping him in the face. Ye Kaimin was so choked with anger he could barely speak, finally managing to say, Don’t go spreading this around outside, including to the Gu family. This involves the Ye family’s reputation.

Understood, I won’t say a word.

And that Lu Tianyou—your grandfather currently despises everything about him. Stay away from him for now.

Okay.

The family will arrange another suitable match for you. Be sensible—you’re a woman, you can only marry a man. Don’t go fooling around recklessly outside.

Okay, Ye Baoling drawled, too lazy to even defend herself.

Ye Kaimin knew she was brushing him off but could do nothing about it, so he hastily ended the call.

Ye Baoling rubbed her slightly sore neck. She’d just promised her father not to spread the news, yet immediately turned around and shared the morning’s thrilling scene with Gu Man’er.

Gu Man’er widened her eyes in shock. They actually slept together?

Absolutely. There were stains on the bed, Ye Baoshun was covered in injuries—hickeys on the neck, even a large bite mark on the chest…

Ah!!!!! Gu Man’er sounded as if she’d witnessed the scandal firsthand. Did both of you see it?

Chen Yulan shook her head. I only glanced and didn’t see clearly before the housekeeper chased me out.

Disgusting. Not seeing it was a blessing. I wish I could wash my eyes after what I saw. Of course, Ye Baoling couldn’t reveal that this was the result of her countermeasure against them.

Some things must never be spoken to anyone.

This matter remained a secret between her and Ye Huaizhang.

After sleeping through the morning at the Gu residence, she met Liu Haonan for lunch at a small restaurant to discuss stock investments.

How’s Hong Kong Electric performing?

Not bad—fluctuated this week but gained about 2 points.

That’s decent.

Next Monday, sell all Hong Kong Electric shares and use the full five million to buy Su Man Jewelry.

Su Man Jewelry? Do you have insider information?

Ye Baoling smiled and shook her head. Isn’t Ye Qingtang about to go public? Could Su Man Jewelry ride that wave?

Possible, but no need to position so early.

Just trust me.

Since the investment direction seemed sound, Liu Haonan fully respected his client’s decision. Then I’ll execute next Monday. Should I build the position all at once or gradually?

Ye Baoling didn’t know when Ye Huaizhang would announce the news publicly, and she couldn’t afford to wait.

Go all in on Monday.

Understood.

Are you familiar with Jiaming Holdings?

Yes, but that stock has been performing mediocrely lately. Why?

Keep an eye on it for me. Ye Baoling intended to establish a position before Jiaming Holdings rebranded as Spicy Hot.

Liu Haonan nodded. I’ll monitor it closely and inform you of any unusual activity.

Ye Huaizhang stayed in all day. After an unusually long afternoon nap, he dreamed of being back in that sunless secret chamber, lingering obsessively over the back of a knee.

Waking up, he sighed and slapped his forehead, realizing he was sick—seriously sick—otherwise why would he be fantasizing about the back of a knee?

After dinner, he sat on the bedroom sofa reading, constantly imagining movement at the doorway, but each time he looked up, no one was there.

He must be ill.

After showering, he found his wife had finally returned. She stood before the gift boxes in the walk-in closet, swapping out snacks.

She wore denim shorts that revealed her knees and the backs of her knees.

His eyes involuntarily drifted toward the backs of her knees—both were flushed red…

Images once again flitted chaotically through his mind.

He quickly reined in his runaway imagination, inwardly cursing himself: Filthy.

Author’s note: Back of knee: Go away, find your partner.

Big toy: I want that too [shy]