The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 24: The Happiest Thing

Chapter 24: The Happiest Thing

On her day off work over the weekend, Ye Baoling stayed at the Gu residence for dinner and even had a late-night snack before reluctantly returning to No. 3 Qingtang Street.

Her first priority upon returning was to replenish the offerings to Guanyin Bodhisattva.

I specially bought you butterfly pastries from Shanghai Restaurant. They’re delicious, Bodhisattva, please try them.

Just as she finished arranging the offerings, Ye Baoling heard movement and turned to find Ye Huaizhang, who had just finished showering, glancing at the back of her knee.

The area behind her knee still ached slightly.

Ye Baoling couldn’t resist complaining: Does this count as an work-related injury?

Ye Huaizhang: …

He turned to leave but paused, wanting to save face, It was you who made me drink that alcohol.

True, she had practically patted her chest guaranteeing he could drink without worries.

Knowing she was in the wrong, Ye Baoling unusually refrained from retorting.

Before bed, she turned on the television. After adjusting to the current resolution, TV wasn’t so bad to watch anymore. Most importantly, she could see superstars from their younger days.

Like the currently popular police drama starring Actor Liang.

She was thoroughly enjoying it.

Ye Huaizhang didn’t care for TV dramas. At this hour, he would normally watch the evening news.

But with the remote control monopolized by her, he had no choice but to browse through financial magazines.

He asked: What were you recording with the camcorder today?

Ye Baoling had already returned the camcorder to Ye Huaizhang and replaced the tape with a brand new one.

She lied: I originally wanted to film my cousins, but not everyone was available so I didn’t.

If you didn’t film, why did you replace it with a new tape? Ye Huaizhang didn’t look up, continuing to read his magazine.

His eyes were sharp.

Ye Baoling had to tell him the truth: I secretly recorded the wonderful scene when Ye Baoshun and Lu Tianyou were discovered. Do you want to see it?The wonderful story of two bare-bottomed men.

He wasn’t interested, merely glancing sideways at her: That’s typical criminal psychology.

Who committed a crime?

Usually after murdering someone, criminals return to the crime scene to observe, satisfying their various criminal psychologies. You even recorded video evidence. Who are you planning to blackmail?

Ye Baoling grinned slyly: Know too much, and you might get silenced by the criminal.

Ye Huaizhang was amused, By you?

Who are you looking down on?

Closing the magazine, he stared at her intently, Has your period ended?

Ye Baoling froze, remembering that large thing that had stabbed the back of her knee, unconsciously leaning back, It’s… not completely gone yet.

Seeing her nervous reaction, he actually smiled triumphantly again.

Then he picked up another magazine and continued reading.

Why had she lost her nerve just now?

Ye Baoling wanted to regain ground. She said: I’m so thirsty.

Then drink water.

My leg suffered an work-related injury last night. It hurts when I move.

Ye Huaizhang: …

I want something cold to drink. She made her request.

Aren’t you still on your period? Can you drink cold things?

He knew quite a bit.

She said: Drinking cold things sends Aunt Flo off.

Though he didn’t understand why it involved an aunt, Ye Huaizhang still stood up to get her water.

When he handed over the ice water, Ye Baoling softened her voice and smiled: Thank you, husband.

His aging heart nearly couldn’t take it, almost raising a flag.

But just as she took a sip of ice water, she sighed: Actor Liang is so handsome.

He glanced at the TV and remarked: With this height, he’s not even as tall as Dong Jian.

He’s handsome even though he’s not tall.

Ye Huaizhang glanced again, A pretty boy.

He might as well have said the guy looked effeminate.

Ye Baoling wore a lovesick expression: Pretty boys are so good-looking. Look at that face—you could pinch it and water would drip out.

Hmph.

This time, he didn’t respond.

After a while, she heard him close the magazine, adjust the alarm clock, pull up the covers, and turn to face outward as he slept.

As long as he wasn’t working overtime, his daily routine was always punctual.

Ye Baoling knew better than to disturb him. She quickly turned down the TV volume. With the sound lowered, it became somewhat hypnotic, and drowsiness washed over her instantly. She didn’t continue watching, turned off the TV, and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Ye Huaizhang lay awake for quite some time. When he turned over, he found her already deep in sleep.

Such enviable sleep quality.

He recalled last night’s scene and quickly shook his head, trying to rid his mind of those indecent thoughts.

Early the next morning, Ye Baoling got up to practice Chen Family Fist with Chen Yulan, then went to Guan Lao Taijun’s room to read the newspaper to her.

After hearing one of the news articles, Guan Lao Taijun sighed, Things have changed so fast in recent years. In the blink of an eye, you can’t keep up with the times and become an old relic.

The main point of the news was about the convenience brought by the popularity of mobile phones and pagers, as well as the inconveniences in social interactions.

Compared to the future, this was nothing.

But Ye Baoling couldn’t explain to the old lady that in the future, information would change even more rapidly—a single phone would suffice for everything, everyone would be expected to respond instantly, wallets would become decorative items, and virtual currency would be more valuable than real gold and silver…

She said, Computers are gradually becoming popular now. The changes will be even greater in the future.

Guan Lao Taijun nodded, Fortunately, Hong Kong is still an international metropolis that can keep up with global trends. The mainland lags far behind.

Seizing the opportunity, Ye Baoling said, The mainland started later, but we Chinese have a large population and a vast market. Once we catch up, our momentum will be unmatched by other countries.

I’ve noticed you seem increasingly optimistic about the mainland’s development. Though Guan Lao Taijun was old, her mind remained sharp.

She could quickly sense any shifts in Ye Baoling’s thinking.

Ye Baoling no longer held back, Lately, I’ve been reading more newspapers and news with you, and my perspective has changed somewhat. Think about it—in East Asia’s Confucian cultural circle, education is highly valued, and people are hardworking and diligent. No country or region in this circle has developed poorly. The mainland won’t be an exception.

Guan Lao Taijun seemed moved, That’s true. But, how should I put it? When politics are involved, things become complicated.

At this level, Ye Baoling understood—caution was only natural.

She smiled, It is complicated, but we must look at both sides of things. Excessive caution can also lead to stagnation, causing us to miss opportunities to climb higher.

I never realized you were so perceptive. Guan Lao Taijun sighed, What you say makes sense. It’s just that at my age, I prefer things that are more certain. So, I should let go more—the future belongs to you young people.

Not at all. You have rich experience. Without you at the helm, it’s easy to lose our way.

Older people enjoy hearing pleasant words. Sometimes, praise is another form of persuasion. Guan Lao Taijun laughed, You’re better with words than Huaizhang. He should learn from you.

He would never learn from me.

It was already good enough if they didn’t argue whenever they met.

The servant knocked and entered. Madam, the Second Elder from the Eldest Branch has arrived.

Ye Baoling instinctively tucked away the newspaper. Her grandfather was here?

She recalled her grandfather mentioning during his birthday that he intended to persuade the Third Branch to abandon their investment in Dapeng Port. She leaned closer to Guan Lao Taijun and whispered, My grandfather is stubbornly conservative. Just look at how stagnant our Eldest Branch enterprises have been all these years. He’s nowhere near as capable as you. Take whatever he says with a grain of salt.

Guan Lao Taijun had always disliked Ye Qizu’s self-righteous, domineering attitude and his constant attempts to overshadow the Third Branch. Hearing his own granddaughter declare him inferior to herself instantly lifted her spirits.

The old lady nodded repeatedly. Understood. Quick, hide yourself so he doesn’t see you.

Ye Baoling slipped out through the side door and stealthily returned to her room, where she happened to run into Ye Huaizhang retrieving something.

Ye Huaizhang asked her, Is your grandfather here?

How did you know?

I actually need to discuss something with the elder.

What is it about?

The contract for the South African diamond mine has been signed. We can now supply Su Man Jewelry, and the prices will be significantly lower than those of foreign diamond suppliers. Your grandfather should be very pleased.

This was the good news Ye Baoling had been waiting for. She straightened her handbag and asked casually, When will it be announced publicly?

After coordinating with your grandfather, we can strategically release the information in the coming days. The official announcement will happen by next week at the earliest.

Ye Baoling slung her handbag over her shoulder. My grandfather is probably here to convince Grandma not to invest in Dapeng Port. Hurry and go disrupt him.

Ye Huaizhang sighed in mild exasperation. That sounds exactly like your grandfather’s style.

With that, he headed out first.

Ye Baoling was almost always the first to arrive at the office on weekdays, followed gradually by Wang Simin, Sister Mei, and others.

Wang Simin had been at an off-site meeting early that morning. She returned with a document and handed it to Ye Baoling. Baby, could you make ten copies of this for me? Thanks.

Sure. Ye Baoling took the document to the copier.

While copying, she couldn’t help glancing at the content. It was a feasibility analysis report on the group’s plan to build a factory in mainland China. The final conclusion was that while it could reduce costs, the investment risks were substantial, recommending a delay of five years before proceeding.

Ye Baoling inwardly shook her head. Missing this era’s development opportunities would mark the beginning of Ye Qingtang’s decline and being overtaken by competitors.

But why was such a document in the hands of the logistics department?

After finishing the copies, she handed them to Wang Simin. Where was your meeting this morning?

Normally, we wouldn’t have been involved, but this consulting firm was introduced to the planning department by Manager Qi. I just attended as an observer to make up numbers and relay updates to the Boss promptly.

Ye Baoling nodded in understanding.

Around ten o’clock, Liu Haonan finally arrived for work.

Ye Baoling directly handed him a field work form. In their department, regardless of whether lateness was due to official business or personal reasons, filling out this form exempted them from salary deductions.

Liu Haonan passed her a document folder. Fully invested in Su Man Jewelry. All orders are placed. We’ll buy any shares being sold. The stocks will be available tomorrow.

She was relieved to hear they were all in.

With a soft smile, she whispered, Thank you.

Liu Haonan filled out the field service form while asking, Ye Qingtang is estimated to take at least two or three more months to go public. Entering the market this early to lay low seems like a waste of time.

It wouldn’t be a waste of time.

Ye Baoling didn’t explain, only smiled and asked, During this period, if we’re not buying Su Man Jewelry, what do you think would be more suitable to invest in?

Liu Haonan tore off a sticky note and wrote down a string of stock codes. Any of these would work.

Taking the note, Ye Baoling frowned slightly. Why give me codes? Write the stock names.

Faced with the big investor, Liu Haonan—who usually couldn’t be bothered with anyone—had no choice but to quickly jot down the stock names.

Only then did Ye Baoling smile. I’ll study them carefully.

She tucked the document folder into her bag and began earnestly researching the stocks Liu Haonan had recommended.

The only meaningful work she did for the company all morning was making ten copies of a document.

During the lunch break, Gu Man’er came to fetch her right on time to go out for a meal.

Most of the Ye family worked on the top floor, which had a dedicated elevator, so Ye Baoling rarely crossed paths with them.

But there were exceptions, like today. Just as Ye Baoling and Man’er were heading toward the elevator, she spotted a familiar figure.

Ye Baoxin had somehow ended up on the fourth floor and was now waiting at the elevator.

Ye Baoling quickly ducked out of sight.

Gu Man’er also recognized Ye Baoxin and whispered, Doesn’t she work at Su Man Jewelry? What’s she doing here?

Su Man Jewelry’s offices were on the middle floors, with elevators on the other side of the building, so they normally wouldn’t run into each other.

Gu Man’er muttered under her breath, That impostor Ye family heiress!

Let’s take the stairs.

The two sisters headed for the fire escape, where they ran into Wang Simin, who usually took the stairs to lose weight.

Wang Simin said, You’re both so slim, and you’re still taking the stairs to stay in shape?

Playing along, Ye Baoling came up with a perfect excuse: So we can eat more at lunch.

Same here.

The three of them walked together, but as they reached the stairwell, Wang Simin, who was in the lead, suddenly turned around and signaled for quiet with a shh.

Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er immediately softened their footsteps.

Leaning over the stair railing, the three peered down and saw Manager Qian speaking agitatedly.

Standing opposite him was Manager Qi, Qi Yuxiu.

Qi Yuxiu spoke too softly to be heard clearly, but Ye Baoling caught Manager Qian demanding that Qi Yuxiu help him get his position back.

Clearly, they were at an impasse. In the end, Manager Qian snapped, Even a rabbit will bite when cornered.

Harming me won’t do you any good. If you want mutual destruction, go ahead. Qi Yuxiu grew agitated, her voice rising enough to be heard.

After a few more heated exchanges, Manager Qian’s tone softened. I know you’re doing this for my own good.

Qi Yuxiu patted his shoulder and said something inaudible before the two headed downstairs together.

Only after they were far enough away did the three breathe a sigh of relief and continue downstairs.

Ye Baoling asked Wang Simin, What are you having for lunch?

Haven’t decided. I’ve tried all the nearby restaurants, and nothing appeals to me today. My throat’s a bit sore—I just feel like having something soupy.

Why not join us for Tan’s Noodle Soup? It’s just a five-minute cab ride away.

Taking a cab? Wang Simin hesitated.

Ye Baoling: The taxi fare is the same for two or three people. My cousin is treating us.

Though her cousin was paying, Gu Man’er—the broke one—had to pretend to be wealthy. She wanted to roll her eyes but didn’t dare, forcing a smile instead: No big deal, it’s just pocket change.

Wang Simin could tell Ye Baoling’s cousin had some money to spare.

What’s your cousin’s name?

Gu Man’er.

Pleased to meet you. I’m Wang Simin.

The three took a taxi downstairs to Tan’s Restaurant for roast goose and rice noodles.

The eatery was packed at noon. Gu Man’er secured seats while Ye Baoling and Wang Simin placed their orders.

After ordering, each got a soda.

Ye Baoling then whispered: Manager Qian is really bold, showing up to blackmail Manager Qi.

Wang Simin assumed Ye Baoling had also overheard the blackmail content. She said: Qian Fuqiang is brainless. Without any backing, blackmailing is useless.

From Wang Simin’s tone, did Qi Yuxiu have powerful connections?

Gu Man’er asked curiously: I was standing at the back and couldn’t hear clearly. What was that man blackmailing her about?

Wang Simin sipped her soda: He has evidence of Manager Qi’s ambiguous relationship with the Executive Director. He thought she got her position through the Director’s favor. But that’s not true at all.

Then how?

Manager Qi and Vice President Ye are old classmates.

Which Vice President Ye?

Vice General Manager Ye Kaisen.

So Qi Yuxiu was Ye Kaisen’s protege.

Ye Baoling had recently deciphered the factional culture at Ye Qingtang’s headquarters.

Two major factions: one led by Vice General Manager Lin Zhong, the other by Director Vice General Manager Ye Kaisen.

Essentially, department heads across the company were subordinates of these two.

Wang Simin: I heard Vice President Ye and Vice President Lin are fighting fiercely both openly and covertly. Know why Manager Qi was so afraid you’d escalate things last time? She feared giving Vice President Lin’s faction leverage—then even Vice President Ye couldn’t protect her.

Gu Man’er puzzled: But her unclear relationship with the Executive Director—isn’t that leverage?

That’s private conduct unrelated to work. You’re too young to understand. Wang Simin spoke with slight smugness.

Ye Baoling played dumb with a smile: We really don’t get it.

The server brought their roast goose and rice noodles.

Wang Simin took a bite of goose and exclaimed: This place’s roast goose is top-tier! Crispy skin, tender meat—absolutely delicious.

Ye Baoling: Next time you crave it, we’ll come together.

Great!

Wang Simin found she clicked well with Ye Baoling and liked her personality.

After dinner, back at the third branch house, Ye Baoling was dragged by Chen Yulan for exercise.

Lately, these two had been tormenting each other.

Ye Baoling enrolled Chen Yulan in a finance training course, forcing her to attend three weekly classes.

In retaliation, Chen Yulan made her exercise rigorously, practicing Chen Family Fist.

After showering, Ye Baoling stood before the walk-in closet mirror, gazing toward the secret chamber. She decided to explore it on a weekend when Ye Huaizhang was out—to discover where it led on the second floor.

If it descended directly without detours, the corresponding second-floor location would be the study.

Both Guan Lao Taijun and Ye Jinsong used the second-floor study.

Considering the first branch house’s second-floor study also had a secret chamber, and both villas were built over half a century ago—could their structures be similar?

Ye Huaizhang had also returned from his workout. He glanced at her freshly showered, rosy complexion, then his eyes unconsciously drifted to the back of her knees.

He made small talk: Your grandfather advised my grandmother this morning not to invest in Dapeng Port—too risky. Didn’t you want to get that million? When are you making your move?

Ye Baoling gathered her hair back: What’s the rush? Haste makes waste. Just wait.

Ye Huaizhang went into the bathroom to shower.

Knock knock! Knock knock!

Someone was knocking at the bedroom door.

Ye Baoling quickly went to open it—it was Yang Pinxian, with an elderly servant behind her holding two cups of nuptial wine.

She had almost forgotten—today was the second seventh day, the third cup of wine.

Where’s Huaizhang? Still running?

He’s showering.

Yang Pinxian dismissed the servant first, staying behind to chat with Ye Baoling.

You’ve been working weekdays, and on weekends when you finally get to rest, you return to the Gu family at daybreak. That’s so exhausting. The servants from the main and second branches aren’t allowed to visit us casually. Don’t worry, you won’t run into anyone familiar.

Ye Baoling mainly felt more free and at ease staying with the Gu family.

She smiled: Better safe than sorry. Like this morning—my grandfather showed up unexpectedly, bringing two or three attendants. Impossible to guard against.

True. How about renovating Cuizhu Pavilion? You two could move there, less disturbances.

Cuizhu Pavilion was right next door—a two-story villa.

Ye Baoling didn’t want to leave her beloved Guanyin Bodhisattva. She waved her hand: No need for the trouble, I’ll just be more careful.

The two sat chatting for a while until Ye Huaizhang emerged wrapped in a bathrobe.

Hurry up and drink the nuptial wine, then get some rest early.

The couple drank the third cup of nuptial wine, but Ye Huaizhang choked, coughing several times.

Yang Pinxian asked: Is it very spicy?

Ye Baoling: A bit spicier than last time.

Ye Huaizhang clearly thought it was more than just a bit. He questioned: Was the wine changed?

Not changed. Still from the same jar. Yang Pinxian smiled: I asked Granny Tong. She said the deeper the affection, the spicier the wine becomes.

Ye Huaizhang: …

He immediately backtracked: The spiciness is about the same as last time. I just drank too quickly and choked.

Ye Baoling didn’t notice Ye Huaizhang’s guilty conscience. She wondered inwardly—it did feel spicier than last time. Not much spicier, but still spicier.

Had he poked the back of her knees so much that she’d developed feelings for him?

Help! Did she secretly have masochistic tendencies?

Amitabha.

No way.

Absolutely impossible.

Ye Baoling followed Yang Pinxian out, then returned with a cup of ice water.

Coming back in, she found Ye Huaizhang sitting on the bed reading magazines as usual.

She half-lay on the bed watching TV dramas. A small bump on her forehead that she’d scratched had bled a little. Having run out of tissues on her side, she turned to ask him for one.

Ye Huaizhang placed the whole pack of tissues beside her.

Simultaneously, they both recalled the awkward scene of using tissues to clean up after their encounter in the secret chamber.

Noticing his slightly flushed face, she was startled: What’s wrong with your face?

Ye Huaizhang normally didn’t flush when drinking, but today after the nuptial wine, he could clearly feel heat rising to his face.

I haven’t been resting well—alcohol makes me flush. He came up with an excuse quickly: I want to sleep early tonight.

After all, the madness from last time when his face was flushed and his whole body burned with fever still left her with lingering fear.

Ye Baoling reluctantly took one last look at the fair and tender-faced actor Liang on the television, then obediently turned it off: Then I won’t disturb you, rest early.

Lights out, time to sleep.

Ye Baoling wasn’t tired today. Lying in bed, she couldn’t fall asleep.

The person who claimed to need rest and wanted to sleep early seemed to have dozed off immediately after lying down, remaining completely still.

But for some reason, the air conditioning felt unusually warm tonight.

She picked up the remote and checked—the temperature setting was the same as usual. She could only kick off the thin blanket, feeling much better without it.

After a long while, she heard him get up to use the bathroom.

While he was in the bathroom, she noticed the surroundings were no longer as hot.

Was he the one radiating heat?

Ye Huaizhang stayed in the bathroom for at least half an hour before coming out.

When he emerged, she asked him, Do you have a fever?

No, go to sleep.

Ye Baoling was skeptical but, seeing his complexion had returned to normal, didn’t press further.

It took her at least another hour to drift into a hazy sleep.

Two days later, after lunch, Ye Baoling helped Sister Mei with some paperwork.

Uncle Yuan was listening to the radio news.

The broadcast was reporting on Ye Huaizhang’s investment in South African diamond mines.

Regarding these rumors, reporters contacted Ms. Yan, Secretary of the Board of Hongtong Industrial, who stated that there is currently no information to disclose. According to financial experts, besides Hongtong Industrial, Su Man Jewelry is the biggest beneficiary of this investment. Analysis suggests Su Man Jewelry’s diamond costs will decrease by at least 10%. This is reporter Ye Qianni reporting.]

The news caught not only Ye Baoling’s attention but also Liu Haonan’s.

Liu Haonan had been yawning, sipping tea, and lethargically flipping through the newspaper, but he immediately sat up straight upon hearing the report.

He promptly called his securities firm to inquire about Su Man Jewelry’s stock price.

When he bought on Monday, the share price was 2.31 yuan—now it had surged to 2.68, a 16% increase!

The upward trend showed no signs of stopping.

Uncle Yuan turned and asked him, Are you buying Su Man Jewelry? Get me 100 shares!

Liu Haonan replied, Call your stockbroker. There’s still time to buy now.

Uncle Yuan quickly made the call and, gritting his teeth, splurged on 1,000 shares.

Others followed suit—some bought 500 shares, others 1,000, and some even 2,000.

Sister Mei asked Ye Baoling, A-Ling, joining in? How many are you buying?

Ye Baoling smiled, I’m short on funds, so just 500 shares.

Wang Simin chimed in, Hurry and tell your cousin to buy. Let’s all profit together. Isn’t she wealthy?

Ye Baoling laughed, She’s extravagant with money, not necessarily rich.

For the rest of the afternoon, the office was filled with the sounds of financial broadcasts reporting stock prices.

By market close, Su Man Jewelry had risen to 2.85 yuan.

We’ve struck gold! exclaimed Sister Mei, who had bought and sold 2,000 shares within the day. I’ve earned a whole week’s grocery money in one day.

Ye Baoling also profited handsomely. She held 3.5 million shares of Su Man Jewelry at Baihui Securities and 5 million at Lihua Securities, totaling 8.5 million shares, along with 1 million shares of Hongtong Industrial.

Hongtong had also risen today, but being a larger stock, its gains weren’t as dramatic as Su Man Jewelry’s.

Of course, Ye Baoling’s ambitions didn’t end there.

She would wait for the market to heat up further before gradually selling off her holdings.

Making money and getting rich—it’s the happiest thing in the world.

Happier than anything else.

Author’s Note: Ye Huaizhang: Isn’t poking the back of the knee fun? dog emoji holding a rose]

Ye Baoling: That’s fun for you. I got a work-related injury.

Small Quadrilateral: Trust me, you can both have fun together.