The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 27: You Don't Need to Go to Work Today

Chapter 27: You Don’t Need to Go to Work Today

Ye Baoling put away her camera and was about to leave with her handbag when Yang Pinxian returned.

Seeing Ye Baoling heading out, Yang Pinxian asked, A-Ling, are you going out?

It’s still early. I’m going back to my grandmother’s house.

Yang Pinxian smiled. Your father and your second and fourth uncles have gone sea fishing. They said they’ll bring back seafood. You two remember to have dinner at home tonight. It’s rare for the whole family to gather.

Ye Baoling seldom ate at the third branch’s residence. She replied, Alright, I’ll be back in the evening.

Where’s Huaizhang?

He just went to the study.

Yang Pinxian then went to the study to remind her son again.

Meanwhile, Ye Baoling went downstairs, took a car, and returned to the Gu residence.

Of the newly purchased film roll, aside from the three shots of the keyhole and five or six random photos of Ye Huaizhang, more than half remained unused. Her main purpose was to take photos of her grandmother and cousin.

Why did you suddenly think of taking photos? Grandma Gu sat upright in her chair, maintaining a serious posture.

Ye Baoling teased her, Grandma, why don’t you smile?

Grandma Gu thought that perhaps these could serve as funeral portraits someday, so she tried hard to maintain a smile.

But soon her smile stiffened again. Even after two shots, Ye Baoling wasn’t satisfied.

It wasn’t until she captured a natural, spontaneous shot of her grandmother looking up with a smile that she was finally pleased.

After taking photos, Gu Man’er accompanied her to develop the film and go shopping.

With express service, the photos could be ready by tomorrow. Ye Baoling paid the express fee and arranged to pick them up after work the next day.

Gu Man’er was puzzled. Without express service, it would only take three days. Why are you in such a hurry, cousin?

Ye Baoling casually made an excuse. I want to see the results sooner.

This was the old commercial street near the Gu residence—narrow roads but bustling with activity.

The most common shops along the street were dental clinics and clothing stores. Passing by a watch shop, the two sisters went in.

Ye Baoling spotted a fashionable ladies’ watch and asked Man’er, How about this one?

Instead of answering, Gu Man’er asked, Are you paying with your card or your husband’s?

Of course, my card.

Gu Man’er immediately shook her head. It’s too expensive. The one next to it is more economical.

Ye Baoling said, I was asking about the style.

Need you ask? Of course, the expensive one is better.

Gu Man’er called to the shop assistant, Could you take this watch out for me to see?

There were no other customers in the shop today, just the two of them. Seeing their ordinary attire, the shop assistant smiled and recommended another cheaper model with higher profit margins. Would you like to try this one? It’s on special offer now.

Ye Baoling glanced at it—the style was too common. She insisted, Let me try this one.

The shop assistant had no choice but to take out the watch Ye Baoling had chosen. Let me help you put it on.

Ye Baoling pointed at Gu Man’er. Put it on my cousin.

Gu Man’er’s eyes widened instantly. She whispered to Ye Baoling, It’s over six thousand. I don’t have the money.

Didn’t I say I’m paying with my card?

Gu Man’er’s current watch was an old one her mother used to wear, and it never kept accurate time. She raised her eyebrows in delighted surprise and said, Is this really okay?

But she had already deftly taken off her old watch and extended her hand, waiting for the shop assistant to help her put on the new one. Gu Man’er looked at it over and over, utterly smitten.

How is it? Does it look good?

I think it’s fine. Ye Baoling turned to the shop assistant. Any discounts?

The shop assistant hadn’t expected them to be so decisive and immediately smiled, Let me go apply for a discount for you, please wait a moment.

She went to speak with someone inside who might have been the owner or manager, then quickly returned, Hello, I’ve managed to get you a 10% discount.

Ye Baoling pointed at the complimentary gifts nearby, Could you also throw in an alarm clock?

The assistant was equally straightforward, That’s no problem at all.

Ye Baoling handed her bank card to the assistant for payment.

Gu Man’er put on the new watch and refused to take it off, planting a firm kiss on Ye Baoling’s cheek, Dear cousin, I’m yours for life now. If you want me to be an ox, I’ll never be a horse.

Ye Baoling made a disgusted face, Don’t kiss my cheek from now on.

Gu Man’er quickly wiped her face, No kissing your cheek? Then where should I kiss? I can’t exactly kiss your ass, can I?

Ye Baoling laughed and pinched her.

After purchasing the watches, they went to the largest nearby shopping mall. Ye Baoling bought four or five new outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two new handbags, completely exhausting the shopping cards and living allowance from the Third Branch.

When Ye Baoling tried to buy new clothes for Man’er, the bag-carrying Man’er firmly refused, With this watch, I have everything I need.

Watching Ye Baoling spend money so freely, Gu Man’er expressed some concern, Cousin, aren’t you going to save any money?

This is just pocket money. While we’re alive, we should spend when needed. Spending money boosts economic development – Hong Kong needs people like us.

Gu Man’er flattered, Cousin, you’re so enlightened.

Did you buy the stocks I told you to?

Yes, but with my limited capital, I’ve only made about a hundred dollars. When should I sell?

Ye Baoling replied, I’ll let you know when the time comes.

Okay, Goddess of Wealth. Gu Man’er shook her sore arm, still aching from yesterday’s badminton game.

Ye Baoling said she didn’t exercise enough, Follow my example – I practice boxing with Yulan almost every day. Do you want to join us?

Gu Man’er shook her head, No thanks. I don’t want to suffer unnecessarily. By the way, that eldest young master from the Gong family yesterday – does he like you?

Gong Jiahua? Impossible!

How is it impossible? He was so attentive to you, definitely! I can’t be wrong about this. Trust me.

He’s attentive to everyone. Besides, he’s Ye Huaizhang’s childhood friend.

Gu Man’er said, But he doesn’t know you’re Ye Huaizhang’s wife.

Ye Baoling had been completely focused on playing at the time, I didn’t notice. I’ll pay more attention next time if there’s an opportunity.

Gu Man’er laughed, If there was no brother-in-law, this young master Gong would really be worth considering.

Don’t try to matchmake every man you see.

As you command, as you command. Gu Man’er supported Ye Baoling’s arm, imitating a eunuch’s voice, Your Imperial Highness, please walk slower.

Ye Baoling was amused by her again.

*

Returning punctually to the Third Branch, Ye Baoling carried her purchases upstairs with Chen Yulan’s help.

Cousin, why didn’t you call me when you went shopping? I could have helped carry your bags.

Ye Baoling had left in a hurry and forgotten about Yulan, Wasn’t today your day off?

My grandma said with the high salary you’re paying me, one day off is already generous. When I tried to take two days, she chased me back to work.

Is Grandma Lin doing better now health-wise?

She’s recovering very well – strong enough to kill two tigers now.

That’s good to hear.

Ye Baoling was very pleased to hear this—it could be considered a truly meritorious deed she had accomplished since arriving in this world.

After arranging all the newly purchased clothes, shoes, and bags in the walk-in closet, Ye Baoling placed the pig-shaped alarm clock she received as a gift by Ye Huaizhang’s bedside, replacing his old one.

Since it wasn’t yet time for dinner, Ye Baoling took a paper bag and walked to the other end, knocking on Ye Yongqi’s door.

She had bought Ye Yongqi a dress.

Ye Yongqi was so delighted that she immediately wanted to try it on.

It fit perfectly—stylish and beautiful.

Ye Yongqi loved it. Ling Jie, next time you go shopping, take me with you.

Of course. This time was a spur-of-the-moment decision; I hadn’t originally planned to go shopping.

Dinner was served promptly at seven. With everyone present today, the table was laden with seafood.

It was rare for Ye Baoling to dine at the Third Branch residence. Her Fourth Aunt’s personality was completely different from her husband’s—she was exceptionally warm and enthusiastic.

Ah Ling, you’re in for a treat today. All this was caught by them while out at sea—local seafood, not imported. It’s fresh and sweeter than the imported kind.

Second Uncle Ye Jinbai said, We stumbled upon a nest of blue swimmer crabs today—every cast was a success. I alone caught over a dozen, nearly twenty.

Thus, the table featured steamed blue swimmer crabs, typhoon shelter-style crabs, ginger-scallion stir-fried crabs…

And this giant grouper—your father and Fourth Uncle worked together to reel it in.

The grouper weighed an estimated ten-plus pounds and was prepared three ways: steamed grouper, fish head and tail soup, and sashimi.

Even Old Fourth Ye Jinfeng, who was usually aloof and rarely chatted with the women, unusually initiated conversation. It almost got away from us.

Ye Jinbai added, That’s why it’s essential to use a landing net.

Ye Baoling asked curiously, Were you fishing in coastal waters?

Ye Jinbai replied, You can’t catch fish in coastal waters. We sailed out over 40 nautical miles. First, we chummed the waters, then fished. Today was incredibly satisfying—we brought back more fish than we can eat and will have to give some away.

Aunt Ye Jinliu said, Next time, can you take us along? It’s not fair that only you men get to have all the fun.

Ye Jinfeng didn’t spare his sister any face. Too many women would be annoying. Right, Eldest Brother?

Ye Jinsong, who had been reading the newspaper, laughed. I’m not annoyed. Don’t drag me into this.

Just then, the Old Madam came downstairs. Ye Jinliu smiled and complained, Mom, look at Fourth Brother—he finds us annoying.

Guan Lao Taijun loved having a lively crowd. When he gets older, he’ll appreciate the bustle.

Ye Yongqi laughed. I’m young, and I love a lively atmosphere too.

With everyone chiming in one after another, it did become a bit overwhelming.

Only Second Aunt Han Yanmei remained silent, smiling faintly.

Ye Baoling was gradually figuring out the temperaments of everyone in the Third Branch.

Her father-in-law, Ye Jinsong, though sometimes stern, was good-natured, straightforward in his actions, and very even-tempered.

Her mother-in-law, Yang Pinxian, was the epitome of a virtuous wife and loving mother—kind to everyone but lacking strong opinions.

Second Uncle was an amiable gentleman; Second Aunt was quiet and artistic; Third Aunt was a busybody; Fourth Uncle was a pretentious show-off; and Fourth Aunt was a smooth social butterfly.

Then there was her husband, Ye Huaizhang—always busy and the last to come to the table—who had inherited none of his parents’ good qualities.

He combined the traits of a busybody, a pretentious show-off, and a smooth social butterfly.

Truly a talent.

As she was thinking this, the talent came downstairs and sat directly beside her.

Dinner began.

Guan Lao Taijun urged Ye Baoling, Ah Ling, help yourself to whatever you like. This is your home too—please don’t stand on ceremony.

Grandma, I won’t be shy.

Huaizhang, look after her a bit…

Before the old lady finished speaking, Ye Huaizhang had already placed a piece of fresh squid in his wife’s bowl.

Ye Baoling hated squid most of all, but she couldn’t make a scene in front of everyone. She forced a tight smile and said, Thank you.

Seeing her eat so readily, Ye Huaizhang remarked, I don’t like squid, but many girls do.

Like his sister, for example.

As he spoke, he served Ye Baoling another piece. If you like it, have more.

???!!!

Ye Baoling was so furious she nearly choked. How could someone serve others food they themselves disliked? What kind of person was he?

Even more annoying than his fourth uncle!

Beside her happened to be a plate of loofah with shrimp. Using a spoon, she scooped a section of loofah for him.

Try this, it’s very fresh and sweet.

Ye Huaizhang didn’t eat loofah—not that he couldn’t, but he detested its taste.

Everyone watched them with amusement.

Guan Lao Taijun, worried her eldest grandson might embarrass his wife, quickly urged, At least have a bite.

During their first formal dinner meeting, Ye Baoling had served Ye Huaizhang loofah, and Ye Yongqi had informed her then that he didn’t eat it.

What did she mean by serving him something he disliked in front of so many people today?

He glanced at her, picked up the loofah, and put it in his mouth.

Ye Baoling smiled and served him another piece, returning his earlier words: If you like it, have more.

Ye Huaizhang: …

The group burst into laughter.

His cousin Ye Huaili teased, Elder brother, if you like it, have more.

Ye Huaizhang was inwardly fuming. He wasn’t stupid—the moment she threw his words back at him, he’d guessed.

She disliked squid just as much as he did.

It seemed their tastes were quite aligned.

He liked fish, especially boneless ones. This time, he wised up and asked first, Would you like some fish? Steamed grouper.

Seeing he’d finally caught on, Ye Baoling readily replied, Yes.

Using a metal spoon, he scooped out the grouper meat, dipped it in fish sauce, and served her two heaping spoonfuls into her small bowl.

Fourth Aunt teased, I really envy you young people. No one serves me food anymore since I had children.

Her husband snorted with a laugh and continued eating by himself.

Ye Jinliu, ever the lively one, quickly served a chicken wing from her plate to Fourth Aunt. I’ll spoil you.

Thank you, Third Sister.

Ye Yongqi and Ye Huaili also jokingly served dishes from their plates to Fourth Aunt, making her grin from ear to ear.

Guan Lao Taijun laughed at her, Satisfied now?

How could I not be? I’m so touched I could almost cry.

Everyone laughed again.

As they were eating, a servant entered and announced that the young master of the Gong family had arrived.

Gong Jiahua?

Afraid he might see Ye Baoling if he came in, Ye Huaizhang quickly stood up and went out.

The Gong family lived next door. Gong Jiahua had walked over, holding several tickets.

His grandfather’s calligraphy and painting exhibition was opening this weekend, and he wanted to invite the third branch of the Ye family to visit if they had time.

The exhibition runs for a month. You can go anytime.

Ye Huaizhang accepted the tickets. Sure, I’ll let them know.

Gong Jiahua showed no intention of leaving immediately. Give me Ye Baoling’s maternal grandmother’s address.

What for?

To deliver tickets to her.

Ye Huaizhang refused. I don’t know the address.

Didn’t you take them home yesterday?

I only dropped them off at the street entrance…

Before he could finish, Gong Jiahua couldn’t resist complaining, Ye Huaizhang, you really… have no gentlemanly manners toward women at all. How could you not escort her all the way to the door?

Ye Huaizhang retorted, None of your damn business.

Forget it, I’ll just ask Le Qiong instead.

Before leaving, Gong Jiahua headed toward the dining room, I’m going to say goodbye to the old lady, uncle, and aunt.

Just as Ye Huaizhang was about to stop him, Guan Lao Taijun and Ye Jinsong happened to come out after finishing their meal.

Gong Jiahua inevitably chattered on for a while longer before Ye Huaizhang finally saw him out.

Returning to the dining room, Ye Baoling had already gone upstairs via another staircase. Ye Huaizhang discussed project matters with his father for a while, then made an overseas call, not returning to his room until nearly ten o’clock.

As soon as he entered the room, he spotted the pig-shaped alarm clock on the bedside table.

It actually matched quite well with the pig doll tied with a red string.

Did she specifically buy this for him?

He picked it up and examined it for a moment. Though it looked rather childish, he suppressed the urge to throw it away and placed it back where it was.

Remembering tomorrow’s nuptial wine and the helpless feeling of being driven by impulse after drinking, he felt too passive. He disliked that sensation.

Involuntarily, he pulled open the drawer…

When Ye Baoling came out after her shower, she saw Ye Huaizhang searching for something. She asked, Do you like the alarm clock?

He couldn’t really say he liked it.

I like it, Ye Huaizhang responded against his true feelings.

Glad you like it. I bought it specially for you, she lied without batting an eye.

Ye Huaizhang straightened up, wanting to say she should choose something less childish next time, but he restrained himself and didn’t speak.

Ye Baoling asked him, What are you looking for?

Condoms. Where did you put them?

Those red packaged condoms that were placed on the table on their first night together?

They were too frightening, so she had secretly thrown them away.

Why was he looking for condoms?

Ye Baoling pretended not to know, No idea. Maybe… the maid accidentally… threw them away while cleaning?

Impossible.

The household staff wouldn’t be so careless.

Ye Huaizhang didn’t say anything more and turned to leave the room.

Ye Baoling felt inexplicably nervous. Was he going out to buy some now?

Remembering that large toy she had held in her hand in the study on the second floor of the old main house…

Goosebumps rose on her skin.

The door suddenly opened.

Ye Baoling jumped, How come your footsteps make no sound?

Ye Huaizhang handed her a credit card: This is a supplementary card. From now on, when you buy things, you can directly use my card.

Oh. Ye Baoling didn’t stand on ceremony with him either. She took the credit card, her mind still occupied with thoughts of that large toy and her poor, injured popliteal fossa.

What are you spacing out about?

Ah? Ye Baoling responded casually, I ate too much.

Looking at the credit card in her hand, she finally realized, Why are you suddenly giving me a card? Because of the pig alarm clock I gave you?

It’s not sudden. This is a specially customized card. The numbers in the middle of the card number are your birthday.

Ye Baoling looked down and examined it closely—sure enough, it was the original host’s birthday.

Quite thoughtful.

Ye Huaizhang didn’t specifically go out to buy condoms, and the night passed without incident.

Ye Baoling woke up at dawn to use the bathroom.

Through the window, she saw a figure quickly entering the adjacent staircase from the garden below.

It was Third Aunt Ye Jinliu.

This was the second time she had seen her returning home from the main garden in the early morning.

Morning exercises? So early?

She didn’t think much of it and crawled back under the covers to continue sleeping.

She no longer got up to practice boxing in the mornings, only practicing in the evenings now.

Ye Huaizhang slept with extreme propriety—no snoring, no limbs splayed haphazardly, unlike her, who always settled into whatever position felt most comfortable. As she slept, she gradually shifted closer to his side.

On the dreaded Monday, she remained the first to arrive at the office. Uncle Yuan brought his radio to work every day, switching it to the finance channel as soon as he arrived to listen to stock market updates. Su Man Jewelry opened lower today. Wang Simin, who had recently reinvested, sighed anxiously, Oh no, am I getting trapped? Nan Ge, should I sell? Liu Haonan avoided direct advice: Frequent trading just pads the brokers’ pockets. Think it through yourself. Wang Simin then turned to Ye Baoling: Ah Lin, sell or not? Ye Baoling replied bluntly: Hold steady, don’t sell. After a moment’s thought, Wang Simin restrained herself: Alright, we’ll endure this together. Sister Mei, with an empty position, was the most at ease: Wait for it to rebound before selling. Shortly after, Su Man Jewelry rose. Once it recovered, Wang Simin grew reluctant to sell: Ah Lin, when will you sell? Remember to tell me when you do. Ye Baoling, busy transcribing documents, acknowledged with a sound.

Ye Baoling had organized the corporate structure of Ye Qingtang’s company. She now understood the basics: her grandfather served as chairman and general manager—advanced in years yet still firmly in control, handling everything personally. Her father and second uncle were company directors but uninvolved in daily operations. The two vice presidents were Lin Zhong, Ye Qizu’s confidant, overseeing finance, investments, and Ye Qingtang Herbal Tea; and Ye Kaisen, a cousin-uncle, responsible for HR, administration, and Su Man Jewelry. However, these roles weren’t strictly delineated—especially at headquarters. Mid-to-senior management had essentially split into two factions, each aligning with a camp, with mutual infiltration between them. Partisan competition and clique culture thrived abundantly.

The office, which had been filled with radio broadcasts and casual chatter, suddenly fell silent. Without looking up, Ye Baoling knew Qi Yuxiu had returned. She pulled documents over her notebook just as footsteps approached and halted at her desk. What are you working on? Qi Yuxiu asked. Ye Baoling glanced up with a slight smile: Familiarizing myself with company materials. Qi Yuxiu scanned the papers on her desk without comment, then handed her a notepad: Type up today’s meeting minutes and give them to me before lunch break. So Qi Yuxiu had attended the mid-to-senior management meeting for administration, HR, and logistics on the 26th floor that morning.

Staring at Qi Yuxiu’s messy, scrawled notes gave Ye Baoling a headache. After half an hour of meticulous sorting, she sought Wang Simin’s help for the indecipherable parts—fortunately, Wang Simin was an old hand. Wang Simin muttered under her breath: I’m familiar with her chicken-scratch writing. Once the minutes were organized, Ye Baoling concluded that Ye Qingtang’s weekly meetings—where departments blamed and passed buckets like vendors squabbling in a market—were spectacularly chaotic. That this giant tree hadn’t fallen and still turned a profit yearly was surely due to the exceptional feng shui of the Ye family ancestral graves.

After work, she collected photos from the studio, returned to the Gu residence to drop off a group photo with her grandmother and others, then headed to the Chen household to meet Wei Zaiqiang—they had arranged it the day before. True to his word, Wei Zaiqiang was home waiting. Ye Baoling handed him three photos of door locks: This is the lock type. Can you ask around to identify it and how to open it?

Chen Weiqiang examined it carefully: This is just an ordinary door lock, right? Any locksmith should be able to open it.

Of course a locksmith can. I want to find someone to teach me how to open this kind of lock.

You want to learn lockpicking?

Is that not allowed?

Chen Weiqiang smiled and said, Cousin, you should leave this kind of heavy work to laymen like us. There’s no need for you to learn it yourself.

Ye Baoling explained, That place isn’t suitable for others to enter. Only I can open it, which is why I said I need to learn lock-picking.

Chen Weiqiang was curious about what kind of place it was, but since Ye Baoling didn’t elaborate, he felt it inappropriate to press further.

Understood. I’ll make some inquiries first to see if I can find someone to teach you. Is it urgent?

Not particularly urgent.

Mainly, she was just eager to find out what was hidden behind the iron door of the underground vault.

Ye Baoling instructed, Let me know when you find a suitable locksmith. I’ll pay the tuition, and then I’ll arrange a time to learn.

Chen Weiqiang agreed, No problem. Or I could ask if there’s a master key available—the kind you can use directly without having to learn lock-picking.

Ye Baoling was interested in this idea: That works. A master key would be best. Spending some money is fine.

I’ll ask around more.

Don’t let these photos get out. After showing them to the locksmith, you must retrieve them immediately.

Chen Weiqiang didn’t know where Ye Baoling intended to pick the lock, but seeing how cautious she was, he assumed it must be an important lock and repeatedly assured her he would handle it carefully.

*

Ye Huaizhang returned from Guangzhou around midnight.

When he entered the room, he found Ye Baoling already asleep.

She was sleeping deeply and peacefully.

She had said she would wait for him, but in reality, she hadn’t.

On the bedside table were the photos she had taken of him. He picked them up and glanced at them, slightly displeased with his appearance in the pictures.

On the tea table beside the bedroom sofa were two cups of nuptial wine.

One cup had been emptied, while the other remained full.

Images of his grandmother and father getting injured when he had defied superstition flashed through his mind. Gritting his teeth, he drank the wine that was supposed to be consumed before midnight.

Only then did he go to take a shower.

Midway through his shower, the wine began to take effect. His entire body grew unbearably hot, and something began to stir.

He struggled in the bathroom for half an hour to no avail, eventually giving up and stepping out.

Ye Baoling, half-asleep, felt as though something was watching her. When she opened her eyes, she found Ye Huaizhang sitting by the bed, staring intently at her.

Why are you staring at me? Ye Baoling reached for the alarm clock—it wasn’t even six yet.

When he didn’t respond, she asked again, Did you just get back?

I’ve been back for a while.

Why didn’t you wake me?

Ye Baoling noticed the bloodshot veins in his eyes. Haven’t you slept?

Couldn’t sleep.

Why?

Tick, tick, tick… She couldn’t tell if it was the second hand of a clock in reality or the time in his heart slowly ticking away.

He took her hand and guided it downward to a certain position. Ye Baoling pulled back in shock.

He had been hard and erect the entire night.

Can’t you handle it yourself?

I tried. It didn’t work.

Ye Baoling remembered her injured popliteal fossa.

I bought condoms. They have lubricant, so it should be more comfortable, he said with a serious tone.

It seemed that if she agreed, he would be ready to proceed immediately.

Ye Baoling pressed her lips together. Sooner or later, she would have to take this step. Better to endure short-term pain than prolong the agony. Once the pain was over, perhaps she could even learn to enjoy it.

After all, his physique did stir a certain craving in her.

Moreover, in this scripted world, completing the act could also cure menstrual pain—a rather tempting reward.

He said, Don’t go to work today. I’ll have someone ask for leave on your behalf.

Ye Baoling: …

No work today? That can’t be right. It’s not even six o’clock yet.

We can still go to work after finishing up.

Author’s Note: Some readers complained in my last book that the main characters did it too often and it got repetitive. For this book, you all can decide – how often should the frequency be? I’m very democratic [wicked grin]

Ye Huaizhang: My happiness is in your hands [dog emoji holding rose]