The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 26: Meaningful

Chapter 26: Meaningful

Thump!

A dull sound came from inside the iron door.

Startled, Ye Baoling stumbled backward two steps, tripped over the stairs, and nearly fell to the ground.

She instinctively murmured, Guanyin Bodhisattva, protect me.

After that single sound, there was no further movement from inside.

What could have made that noise?

Had she pushed the door too hard and knocked something over inside?

That didn’t seem right either—the sound seemed to come from further away, not from something that could be reached just by pushing the door.

She couldn’t figure it out.

Clenching her flashlight tightly, she kept her other hand on a small knife, her eyes warily scanning the surroundings once more.

Silence. Darkness. Enclosure.

Although Ye Baoling had learned some martial arts, it couldn’t shield her from the fear of the unknown. After a moment’s thought, she decided it was best to leave.

This place was likely around three floors underground. Climbing from the third basement level up to the third floor above ground, perhaps driven by fear, she didn’t even feel tired.

Only after returning to the secret chamber and replacing the floorboard did Ye Baoling finally let out a sigh of relief.

Tilting her head slightly, she gazed at the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, feeling as comforted as if she were seeing an old friend.

Perhaps this was how faith came to be.

She returned to her bedroom. It was still raining outside—not heavily, but with no sign of stopping.

It was almost nine o’clock. She hadn’t eaten breakfast yet and didn’t feel like having it there. In the end, she called her driver and returned to the Gu residence by car.

When Sister Ping saw her return, she quickly made her favorite wonton noodles. After eating a full bowl, Ye Baoling finally felt settled in both body and mind.

Sitting by the restaurant window, watching the steady drip-drip of rain in the alley outside, she felt as if her entire being was immersed in dampness.

If she didn’t have to struggle for survival, such simple days would actually be quite nice.

She went to her grandmother’s room on the second floor to offer incense to her mother, chatted with the old lady for a while, and then returned to her own room.

For the rest of the morning, she didn’t go downstairs again.

She played cards with her cousins in the bedroom—a game of Big Farmer for ten cents a round. After lunch, she collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep.

In her dream, the large iron door opened by itself. Peering inside, she saw it filled with clutter, spiderwebs larger than mosquito nets. Step by step, she walked forward when suddenly something fell from a shelf. Staring closely, she realized it was a snake. She screamed, turned, and ran, but the snake chased after her. The more she ran, the more snakes appeared, until eventually, snakes were everywhere, dense and numerous.

Suddenly, she realized she was dreaming. She tried to wake up but couldn’t, no matter how hard she struggled.

Cousin! Cousin!

Ye Baoling’s eyes flew open to see Gu Man’er standing by the window, turning back to call her.

Fortunately, Gu Man’er had woken her up.

Why are your eyes so wide open? Did you have a nightmare?

Ye Baoling exhaled in relief. I dreamed snakes were chasing me—a whole swarm of them.

You dreamed about snakes?

Yes.

Gu Man’er grinned mischievously. I’ve heard that when women dream about snakes, it means they’re unsatisfied. Is your husband not performing well?

Before she could finish, Ye Baoling pounced on her, pinning her to the bed and tickling her mercilessly.

Since Ye Baoling had started practicing martial arts, her strength had increased. Gu Man’er struggled with all her might but couldn’t break free, eventually bursting into helpless laughter and begging for mercy.

I was wrong, cousin! Hahahaha, please let me go!

Ye Baoling tickled her a few more times. I had a nightmare, and instead of comforting me, you made fun of me.

I won’t dare do it again, cousin…

Seeing her cousin’s sincere apology, Ye Baoling finally released her.

What did you call me for?

The rain has stopped outside. I was wondering if you’d like to play badminton together?

No, I’m exhausted from dreaming.

Come on, one of the ladies from my office gave me a badminton court voucher. It’ll expire if we don’t use it this month.

Ye Baoling let out a long yawn: Where would we play?

At the South District Sports Center. We can take the subway.

After thinking it over, Ye Baoling decided some exercise would do her good. Alright then, I’ll risk life and limb to accompany you.

*

Ye Huaizhang was dressed in tennis attire. He had originally planned to play tennis at the golf club’s courts today, but just before leaving, Gong Jiahua called to inform him that the venue was undergoing emergency maintenance, so they had to switch to the South District Sports Center.

When they arrived at the sports center, Gong Jiahua came out to greet him.

The tennis courts here are under maintenance too. How about playing squash instead?

Ye Huaizhang couldn’t help but sarcastically remark: You’re truly a man who gets things done.

Gong Jiahua understood his meaning: You want to mock me for not even being able to successfully arrange a tennis game, don’t you? I knew you’d say that! Actually, I invited a girl I like today. Help me create some opportunities.

Who is it?

Your relative. As he spoke, Gong Jiahua glanced toward the entrance. They’re here, they’re here.

Ye Huaizhang looked toward the door and saw two girls entering. He recognized Ye Leqiong from the main family branch, but the other girl looked somewhat familiar though he couldn’t place her.

Gong Jiahua’s smile froze – Ye Baoling hadn’t come?

Cousin Huaizhang. Ye Leqiong politely greeted Ye Huaizhang before turning to hit Gong Jiahua lightly. Why are you staring at me like that? Don’t you recognize me?

Gong Jiahua wanted to ask why his crush hadn’t come, but couldn’t bring himself to ask in front of everyone.

Ye Leqiong certainly knew what he wanted to ask but deliberately ignored it. Instead, she smiled and introduced, This is Baoxin, Uncle Kaimin’s daughter. Haven’t you met before?

Ye Baoxin smiled and greeted them: Hello Cousin Huaizhang, hello Brother Jiahua.

Gong Jiahua said: We can’t play tennis today. Are you all okay with playing squash?

Sports queen Ye Leqiong shrugged: I’m fine with anything.

Ye Baoxin also smiled: No problem for me either.

The group headed toward the squash courts.

Noticing Gong Jiahua’s disappointed expression, Ye Huaizhang quietly asked: Isn’t she the girl you like? What’s wrong? She doesn’t return your feelings?

The one I like didn’t come.

Who exactly do you like?

The one I mentioned last time – also your distant cousin. Can you help me figure something out?

Ye Huaizhang seemed to realize who he meant.

Gong Jiahua! Ye Leqiong called back to him.

Gong Jiahua hurriedly said: Let’s talk about this later, before running ahead.

Inside the squash court, the four decided to play doubles. Gong Jiahau immediately chose to partner with Ye Leqiong.

Unlike tennis, all four squash players crowd together in one row facing the wall to play. Without experience, collisions are frequent.

Within just over ten minutes of starting, Gong Jiahua and Ye Baoxin had already collided twice.

The first time was manageable, but the second time Gong Jiahua directly knocked Ye Baoxin over, causing her to sprain her ankle.

Ye Leqiong scolded Gong Jiahua: If you don’t know how to play properly, you shouldn’t have brought us to play squash.

Gong Jiahua inwardly complained: She bumped into me!

But could only apologize verbally: Sorry! Sorry! It’s all my clumsiness.

Having someone get injured so soon after starting put a damper on the mood. Ye Huaizhang considered finding another sports venue to play by himself.

Ye Leqiong put away her towel: Shall we go for afternoon tea instead?

Gong Jiahua said generously, My treat.

Ye Huaizhang replied, I won’t be going.

Gong Jiahua quickly pulled him aside, Don’t be like that! If you abandon me, what should I do? I think your cousin seems to have some interest in me.

Ye Huaizhang couldn’t be bothered with such trivial matters.

Figure it out yourself. I haven’t had enough fun and plan to go somewhere else to continue playing.

Just as they stepped out of the squash court, they unexpectedly saw Ye Baoling and another girl walking toward them against the light.

Gong Jiahua noticed them too and excitedly tugged at Ye Leqiong, Hey, look ahead! Ye Baoling!

Ye Leqiong looked up and saw Ye Baoling, greeting her in surprise, Baoling! What are you doing here?

Ye Baoling was equally surprised to see the group, Sister Leqiong, what a coincidence. We originally planned to go hiking, but it rained so we didn’t go.

Then Gong Jiahua chimed in, Did you come here specifically to find us?

Ye Baoling felt awkward. Instead of directly denying it, she said, I came with my cousin to play badminton.

Perfect timing, Gong Jiahua blurted out, Let’s play badminton together.

Ah? Ye Baoling looked at their equipment, You play badminton too?

Ye Huaizhang had guessed correctly—this guy Gong Jiahua had feelings for his wife.

Ye Leqiong went along with the flow, So, shall we play badminton? Baoxin, are you up for it?

The moment Ye Baoxin saw Ye Baoling appear, her mood soured completely.

It felt worse than twisting her ankle.

To be blunt, her purpose for coming this time was to try and hook Gong Jiahua.

Ye Baoxin prided herself on being a member of the Ye family and would never make advances toward Ye Huaizhang.

That made Gong Jiahua the best potential husband she could get close to.

Who would have thought that Gong Jiahua would actually like Ye Baoling!

She forced a smile, My leg is injured, so I can’t play. I’ll watch from the sidelines.

That works too.

The badminton court was just ahead, and everyone walked forward together.

Gong Jiahua wanted to talk to Ye Baoling, but she was busy chatting animatedly with Leqiong, leaving him no opening. So he went over to Ye Huaizhang and said, The girl I like is her.

Ye Huaizhang coldly replied, She’s not suitable for you.

Why? Gong Jiahua recalled Ye Leqiong previously saying Baoling wasn’t right for him, and now Ye Huaizhang was saying the same thing. He grew a bit angry, You Ye family members are really something. Looking down on me, is that it?

Ye Huaizhang, used to their mutual teasing, simply responded with one word, Yes.

Gong Jiahua refused to believe it, Just wait—you’ll be my brother-in-law someday!

Once inside the badminton court, Gu Man’er went to the restroom first. Ye Baoxin stayed as a spectator, while the remaining four prepared for mixed doubles.

Gong Jiahua seized the opportunity, No need to draw lots, right? I’ll team up with Baoling.

Why skip the draw? Ye Huaizhang took playing cards from Gong Jiahua’s bag, Those who pick red cards will be in one group, black cards in the other.

Saying this, he took four cards and walked up to Gong Jiahua, You pick first.

Gong Jiahua hesitated, switching cards back and forth several times before finally settling on one.

Then, following the order, Ye Huaizhand handed the cards to Leqiong, who promptly drew one.

Next was Ye Baoling.

Ye Huaizhang turned his back to the other two and didn’t even pretend—he directly handed Ye Baoling the two black cards he had prepared in advance.

He used the same trick she had pulled on him before.

Initially, all four cards were red. No matter how the first two people chose, they would inevitably end up in the same group.

Gong Jiahua said, I have a red card.

Le Qiong smiled, I’m also on the red team. Let’s go, little brother. You’re with me—don’t hold me back.

Gong Jiahua glanced unwillingly at the ace of spades in Ye Huaizhang’s hand. Brother-in-law, give me a chance? Let’s swap?

Get lost!

Once the game officially started, Le Qiong was as strong as ever, while Gong Jiahua had no heart for the match.

Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling either lacked coordination or were too synchronized—they kept bumping into each other, often moving left or right simultaneously.

Ye Huaizhang assigned roles: I’ll attack, you defend.

Ye Baoxin, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t resist chiming in: Baoling, you defend. Otherwise, you’ll keep colliding.

Ye Baoling was slightly annoyed: I’m short—I’m better at attacking!

Ye Huaizhang had no choice but to concede since he couldn’t lose his temper. Fine, I’ll defend.

As they played, their coordination gradually improved, and they began dominating Gong Jiahua.

Chased back and forth across the court, Gong Jiahua wore himself out but still played poorly.

Ye Leqiong grew irritated. Just as Man’er returned from the restroom, she called out: Cousin Baoling, come take his place.

Gong Jiahua was benched.

He sat beside Ye Baoxin and became Ye Baoling’s most enthusiastic cheerleader.

Seizing the opportunity, Ye Baoxin struck up a conversation with him.

Gong Jiahua got along with everyone, and Ye Baoxin was skilled at winning people over—soon they were chatting happily.

On the badminton court, Le Qiong and Man’er played excellently, evenly matched in an intense and enjoyable rally.

They played until nearly 5:30 before wrapping up.

As they dispersed, Gong Jiahua suggested: It’s almost dinnertime. Should we find somewhere to eat?

Ye Huaizhang: I have a business dinner tonight.

Ye Leqiong also mentioned another engagement.

Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er excused themselves, insisting they had to return home for dinner—leaving only Gong Jiahua and Ye Baoxin…

Gong Jiahua lost interest in dining out. He turned to Ye Baoling, Then let me drive you home.

Ye Leqiong: That works. Take Baoling and the others first, then Baoxin.

Surprisingly, Ye Huaizhang volunteered: I’m heading that way—I’ll drive Baoling and them back.

The previously cheerful Gong Jiahua pulled Ye Huaizhang aside: Why are you being so tactless?

You two aren’t compatible. Give it up.

Ye Huaizhang! Gong Jiahua wanted to curse at him but held back—after all, he still hoped to become his distant brother-in-law.

It was finally settled: Ye Huaizhang would take Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er, leaving Gong Jiahua to drive only Ye Baoxin.

Everyone was satisfied with this arrangement—except Gong Jiahua.

On the third floor of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony, Ye Kaimin knocked and entered Ye Qizu’s study.

You wanted to see me, Dad?

Ye Qizu was practicing calligraphy. I heard you bought quite a few shares of Su Man Jewelry?

Just a few. Ye Kaimin was more cautious with his father than his younger brother was.

As the first son born after two older sisters, Ye Kaimin was originally the most favored.

Unfortunately, his younger brother arrived just one year later.

Since childhood, his brother had been smarter, more eloquent, and better at pleasing the adults—so Ye Kaimin’s eldest son halo lasted only a year.

Especially after he married but had no son for over a decade, went through an unpleasant divorce, and finally had a son who turned out intellectually disabled—no matter what he did, his father always found reasons to suppress him.

Like today: hearing his father inquire about Su Man Jewelry, he already guessed his father’s intentions.

Sure enough, Ye Qizu continued, Ye Qingtang Herbal Tea is set to launch as early as September. Right now, Su Man Jewelry’s stock price has finally risen after much effort. Even if there’s profit-taking later causing a partial decline, we can’t let it drop too low. Therefore, the scattered shares you hold are crucial. There’s a press conference next Wednesday, and Su Man Jewelry’s stock will definitely surge then. As the eldest son of our Ye family’s senior branch, you shouldn’t consider selling off at the peak to cash out. Earning a few million in small profits would mean losing out on a vision worth at least hundreds of millions.

Ye Kaimin said reluctantly, That money isn’t entirely mine—I only own a portion. If the company wants to stabilize the stock price, I’d suggest Ye Qingtang, as Su Man Jewelry’s parent company, could allocate some funds for a stock buyback…

That’s a separate matter, Ye Qizu interrupted before Ye Kaimin could finish.

Ye Qizu set down his calligraphy brush. The company can buy back shares, but you must not sell at the peak. That’s the bare minimum awareness!

I’ll try to persuade them, but I don’t have the final say.

Left with no choice, Ye Qizu played his trump card: Lü Dexiang hired someone to manipulate the trades, right? Tell him that since Ye Qingtang is going public, we still have time to change the underwriting securities firm. Remind him not to lose big for small gains.

The stock underwriting business for Ye Qingtang’s IPO involved massive capital and substantial profits. The old man was threatening the other party to comply with his demands.

I’ll try, Ye Kaimin repeated.

Ye Qizu shot him a disapproving look. Do your best.

Knock knock knock!

Someone was at the door.

Come in.

Ye Kais opened the door and entered. Dad, Elder Brother.

Where’s Baoshun? Ye Qizu was most concerned about his eldest grandson.

Ye Kais replied, I dragged him for a medical check-up this morning, but he slipped out to play right after.

Was the check-up alright?

Nothing major.

The previous anal fissure inflammation hadn’t fully healed yet, but Ye Kais didn’t elaborate on such an embarrassing matter.

Ye Kais changed the subject. Didn’t you ask me to inquire about Gong Jiahua through Le Qiong? Le Qiong wasn’t there, but her younger sister Le Yan told me that Gong Jiahua specifically asked Le Qiong to help invite Bao Ling out for tennis. They’re all playing tennis this afternoon.

Hearing his daughter’s name, Ye Kaimin looked up, utterly confused.

Ye Qizu didn’t grasp it immediately. Gong Jiahua asked Le Qiong to invite Bao Ling to play tennis?

It seems Gong Jiahua has some interest in Bao Ling.

Ye Qizu actually brightened up. What a coincidence!

He turned to his eldest son. This son-in-law is better than that Lü fellow, isn’t he?

Ye Kaimin was skeptical. What does Jiahua see in Bao Ling?

How should I know? Ye Kais laughed awkwardly. Bao Ling is good-looking—she takes after Sister-in-Law, delicate and elegant.

The mood had been cheerful, but mentioning Gu Min instantly darkened Ye Kaimin’s expression. Ye Kais had done it intentionally, bringing up Gu Min to upset him.

Ye Qizu said, This is good news.

Ye Kais asked, Dad, how should we handle this now? Strike while the iron is hot and discuss with the Gong family, or let them develop naturally first?

The previous forceful interference that backfired made Ye Qizu cautious. He said, Let them develop naturally first. We should aim to marry off Ye Baoling this year—don’t give her a chance to cause trouble and embarrass our Ye family.

As long as Ye Baoling could marry successfully, the rumors about her being a lesbian would naturally be disproven.

Ye Kais: Shall we let them develop on their own first then?

Ye Qizu: We can’t completely leave it unattended either. We need to keep an eye on them. If they can’t work it out themselves, we elders will have to step in. The Gong family would certainly be happy to form a marriage alliance with us.

Ye Kais didn’t want to take on the responsibility, Did you hear that, eldest brother? Dad wants you to keep an eye on things.

Ye Kaimin suppressed the urge to glare at his younger brother, I’ll pay attention to it.

Ye Huaizhang didn’t have any other social engagements today – his main purpose was simply to avoid having dinner with that large group of people.

Since the chauffeur hadn’t come with them, he drove himself, first taking Gu Man’er back to Hyde Old Street before the couple returned together to the Third Branch residence.

When they arrived at the mansion at No. 3 Qingtang Street, the car entered the underground vault.

The underground parking was on the basement level. Ye Baoling asked: When was your family’s garage built?

A few years ago, about seven or eight years back.

Is there a wine cellar or anything beneath the garage?

No. Just this one level. Why do you ask?

Ye Baoling shook her head: No reason, just curious. Wanted to know if your family has a wine cellar.

Ye Huaizhang: We did consider building a wine cellar before, but my grandfather vetoed it.

Why?

When the underground garage was being constructed, it took my father and his brothers a long time to persuade my grandfather before he finally agreed. The old man designated the specific area – the garage could only be dug under the empty space between the front garden and the three buildings, to avoid damaging the foundations of the old houses and causing structural problems.

The two got out of the car and walked toward the stairway entrance nearby.

The old villa wasn’t equipped with an elevator, so they had to take the stairs upstairs.

My second uncle was in charge of building the garage. He discussed with my father about expanding the underground garage inward to build a private wine cellar. When my grandfather found out, he was furious and accused my second uncle of breaking the rules and not following his requirements. In the end, there was no choice but to abandon the wine cellar plan.

From this, it appeared that the existence of the underground vault beneath was unknown to Ye Huaizhang’s father and uncles at that time – only the old master knew about it.

Ye Baoling asked: Was your grandfather unwilling to expand the wine cellar because he was worried it might affect the villa’s foundation?

That’s what he said, but…

But what?

I’ve seen the blueprints my second uncle had drawn up. The wine cellar location wasn’t under the villa itself, but rather extending from the space between the three buildings inward toward the back garden. My grandfather’s position was that the back garden belonged collectively to all three branches of the Ye family – even the underground space beneath it couldn’t be monopolized by us.

Somewhat reasonable, but not entirely convincing.

Ye Baoling: Did your grandfather pass away suddenly?

No, he was ill for over a year.

Having been sick for more than a year before passing away, logically the old man would have had ample time to inform his descendants about the underground vault beneath.

Who would he have told?

Ye Huaizhang seemed unaware, so it was likely his father Ye Jinsong.

Currently, Ye Jinsong was the publicly acknowledged head of the Ye family.

The key to open the large iron door of the vault was most probably in Ye Jinsong’s possession.

Walking up to the third floor and returning to their bedroom, Ye Huaizhang went to take a shower first since he had worked up a sweat playing ball. Ye Baoling sat by the window, still pondering the matter of the underground secret chamber.

Uncertain whether the key was indeed with Ye Jinsong, she couldn’t inquire about it, nor could she attempt to steal it.

After much consideration, the simplest solution seemed to be finding a locksmith.

But this method wouldn’t work—how would the locksmith get in? Even if they managed to enter, could they keep it a secret? No.

Therefore, the only one she could rely on was herself.

She decided to first get a camera.

Unwilling to borrow from the third branch of the family, she simply decided to buy one herself.

Early Sunday morning, she went out and bought a camera with flash and a box of film.

After purchasing the camera, she returned to the bedroom on the third floor of the Residence of Inheritance and Harmony. Ye Huaizhang wasn’t home, so she locked the door, entered the secret chamber, went down the stairs, and once again stood before the underground vault door.

She snapped several photos of the keyhole on specific parts of the iron door.

Once the photos were developed, she would find someone to study what kind of lock it was and how to open it.

If necessary, she’d learn lock-picking herself!

No matter how clumsy her hands were, with enough effort, she refused to believe she couldn’t master it.

She was determined to get inside that vault and see what was there, even if it meant becoming a thief.

When she returned to the secret chamber and reached the square space, she suddenly heard voices outside.

She’s not here. She went back to the Gu family, Ye Huaizhang was saying to someone.

The driver said she returned, said Chen Yulan.

It seemed Chen Yulan had returned and was searching for her everywhere.

Ye Baoling stood pressed against the wall, waiting for a long while until all sounds outside completely ceased before stealthily emerging.

As soon as she came out, she heard Ye Huaizhang on the phone in the outer bedroom.

She quickly hid the flashlight inside the wardrobe and was about to conceal the camera in her handbag when she noticed Ye Huaizhang’s phone conversation growing closer.

He must have been carrying his mobile phone and walking toward the dressing room.

Ye Baoling swiftly hid behind the dressing room door.

You handle the negotiations, we want majority shares… Fine, call me again when you have news. Ye Huaizhang hung up and scanned the dressing room. He’d heard movement there earlier, but upon closer inspection, it was empty.

Spotting his favorite Sachima on a gift box, he walked over and took one. Turning around, he got a fright.

Surprise! Ye Baoling raised the camera and snapped several photos of him.

Strike a pose, she commanded.

Ye Huaizhang had no choice but to casually strike a pose.

If anyone else dared play such tricks on him, they’d be pushing up daisies by now.

But this was the Living Ancestor his grandmother had invited home, his wife and Master.

To avoid unflattering photos, he had to smile gracefully and cooperate with her.

With his height and features, he was quite suitable as a model.

Actually, you’re better looking than Actor Liang, and you have the height too.

The manipulated Ye Huaizhang became even more cooperative.

Before he could question her after she finished shooting, Ye Baoling explained first: I was hiding to scare you, but Yulan barged in and ruined my plan. Who knew you’d deliver yourself to me instead.

Ye Huaizhang glanced at her camera: New purchase?

Yes, just bought it.

From now on, make a list of anything you want to buy and give it to Dong Jian. He’ll arrange for someone to purchase it.

Can I buy anything?

Dong Jian has a spending limit.

Ye Baoling wasn’t impressed: I have my own money.

There was a knock at the door. Ye Huaizhang went to answer it, finding his mother Yang Pinxian at the doorway.

Yang Pinxian didn’t enter the room, telling her son: You’re going to Guangzhou tomorrow?

Yes, leaving early.

Then you need to return before 12 tomorrow night. Don’t forget to drink the fourth cup of nuptial wine tomorrow.

Remembering how uncomfortable he felt after drinking last time, eventually having to relieve himself in the bathroom, Ye Huaizhang couldn’t help asking: My schedule is uncertain. Can we skip it?

This isn’t up to me. Granny Tong repeatedly emphasized we must follow the rules exactly.

Ye Huaizhang paused briefly, I’ll be back before 12, though it might be quite late. Mom, you can just leave the wine aside.

Yang Pinxian clearly didn’t trust him much: Your grandmother insisted that someone must watch you drink it.

Ye Baoling poked her head through the doorway, Mom, just leave the wine in the room tomorrow night. I’ll make sure he drinks it when he gets back.

Ye Huaizhang glanced down at her, his eyes full of meaning: Trying to be a spy?

Fine then. Yang Pinxian conceded.

Her daughter-in-law was more reliable than her son—she still trusted Bao Ling.

After the door closed, Ye Huaizhang turned and stared at her, the slight frown on his brow relaxing a little.

You don’t have to wait up for me. If you’re tired, go to bed first. I’ll drink it myself when I get back.

Click. Ye Baoling took another photo of him, seemingly ignoring his words completely.

If you insist on waiting for me… he said meaningfully.

She wasn’t stupid—she caught his drift instantly.

Author’s Note:

Ye Baoling: I want to, but the big toy is a bit intimidating.

Ye Huaizhang: You won’t know until you try…

Small Quadrilateral: Don’t be scared, I’m here, very smooth [dog head holding a rose]