The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 28 Nails Nearly Scratched His Firm Arm...

Chapter 28 Nails Nearly Scratched His Firm Arm…

The lights were off.

The television was playing last year’s blockbuster action movie.

She had insisted on turning it on, wanting to distract herself.

Having waited all evening, she expected him to charge ahead quickly, but seeing him hovering at the entrance without moving, Ye Baoling softly suggested, Should we read something first?

The Pillow Book her grandmother gave her could be lent to him for study.

She felt the breath on her thighs pause slightly, goosebumps swaying gently in the cool breeze.

A warm, sticky sensation suddenly pushed inward sharply. She instinctively recoiled, but he held her tightly, leaving her unable to move.

She recalled the explicit phrases she had seen online.

The Battle of Red Cliffs.

She was guilty—why would she think of that now?

There was no time for further imagination. The next moment, she nearly jolted upright like a carp leaping, instantly becoming still.

The TV’s flickering glow, alternating between dim and bright, cast over them like medieval Western sculptures—smooth, pale, with distinct joints, exuding extreme beauty.

The red tongue was agile and knew when to advance or retreat. Soon, the stream murmured and stirred.

Unable to control herself, she could only clench her fists.

After a long while, he straightened up and picked up the prepared Small Quadrilateral from the table.

Tearing it open, he quickly put it on by the TV’s light.

From her angle, his muscle lines were just right—any more would make him the muscular type she disliked, any less would seem frail. Combined with his extremely restrained movements while putting on the Small Quadrilateral, slightly awkward, it made her heart race wildly.

The movie’s sound suddenly quieted, and the light dimmed accordingly.

She glanced up: plainclothes officers crawling in the dark with guns raised, the robber holding his breath, pressed against the wall.

While her attention was diverted, he drove straight in, reaching the depths in one thrust.

Before she could process what was happening, she gasped in shock, her toes curling tightly in pain, her nails nearly scratching his firm arm.

A gunshot rang out—the robber fired the first shot.

Then gunfire erupted intermittently, but what reached her ears, besides the shots, was the strongly rhythmic sound of water.

On one side, gunfire; on the other, cannon fire, as if chasing each other, vying to overpower the other.

Either the gunfire drowned out the cannon fire, or the cannon fire overwhelmed the gunfire.

In the end, the cannon fire slightly prevailed—the young couple won.

Ye Baoling was drenched in sweat, thinking the battle was over, but it had only just begun.

Afterward, she was jostled along, engaged from six to nine.

Then slept from nine to twelve.

He had indeed made her leave of absence worthwhile.

Waking up, the TV was off, no one was by the pillow, and she was alone in the room.

Ye Huaizhang, the workaholic, had probably gone to work.

Ye Baoling lay quietly, staring blankly at the two doll figurines on the table.

It dawned on her: she had gotten the short end of the stick today.

In the chaos, she hadn’t managed to touch the well-defined chest muscles she had long coveted.

A huge loss.

After lying a while longer, she got up and out of bed.

Every step was searingly painful—that unique soreness.

Ye Huaizhang had helped her wash in the morning, but she still felt sticky all over, so she took another shower, feeling much better afterward.

Knock, knock, knock!

Cousin! Cousin!

It was Chen Yulan’s voice.

Ye Baoling, drying her hair, went to open the door. Chen Yulan stood outside, holding a plate of food.

Are you feeling better?

Ye Baoling: ?

Chen Yulan: Young Master Huaizhang mentioned before leaving for work that you weren’t feeling well and asked us not to disturb you before noon. What seems to be the trouble?

Ye Baoling reacted quickly, saying, I had a slight headache this morning, but I’m feeling much better after some rest.

Probably caught a chill. You shouldn’t set the air conditioner too low at night. I’ll adjust the temperature for you in advance this evening.

Chen Yulan’s care for her had become increasingly meticulous. She brought in the food and placed it on the table, explaining, The Old Madam specifically instructed the kitchen to prepare congee for you.

It was scallop and chicken congee. Ye Baoling drank two large bowls.

There was also a plate of greens, a serving of crystal tofu, and a small portion of celery with shrimp—all of which she finished entirely.

After eating, she remembered tomorrow’s diamond mine press conference and the need to coordinate with Cindy and Liu Haonan about gradually selling off the Su Man Jewelry stocks.

Since Ye Huaizhang had arranged for her to take the day off, she could still make it to the office for half a day if she hurried.

Chen Yulan advised her, You’ve been given the day off. Why not rest at home and take it easy? There’s no need to go.

I need to discuss the stock matters with Brother Nan. Please have the driver wait for me downstairs. I’ll head down as soon as I change.

Ye Baoling first went to United Capital Bank to coordinate with Cindy about selling the Su Man Jewelry stocks the next day.

Cindy was puzzled: Su Man Jewelry has been performing quite well. Should we hold onto half the position?

No, sell it all.

What about Hongtong Industrial?

Cindy had previously helped her purchase 3.5 million in Su Man Jewelry and 1 million in Hongtong Industrial.

Ye Baoling calculated that if she could successfully persuade Guan Lao Taijun, Hongtong Industrial would still have the positive impact of the Dapeng Port project ahead.

She said, Keep Hongtong Industrial.

Cindy quickly noted down the selling plan for the next day and smiled, Miss Ye, did you know early on that Hongtong Industrial had acquired a diamond mine in South Africa?

Ye Baoling denied it: No, I’m not familiar with the Third Branch. I bought Su Man Jewelry purely to support our family business.

This was a polite deflection, and Cindy didn’t press further. If we sell at market open tomorrow, conservatively, we could net over 7 million—that’s doubling our investment!

Compared to the sizzling witch stock that would come later, this was just small change.

But accumulating capital in the early stages was crucial, so Ye Baoling was visibly pleased.

Cindy asked again, Miss Ye, are you planning to buy other stocks next?

Having already given Cindy the chance to earn substantial commissions, Ye Baoling didn’t want to keep the funds at United Capital Bank.

She intended to transfer the money to her China Trust Bank account for Liu Haonan to manage uniformly.

Not for now. I’ll be transferring the funds on Friday. Please make the necessary preparations in advance.

Cindy had anticipated that Miss Ye would eventually move the money—it was only natural to keep it in a bank her father knew nothing about.

Still, she tried to persuade her to stay: Miss Ye, rest assured, we would never disclose your bank account information to anyone else.

The implication was that they wouldn’t share her banking details with her father.

Thank you. With you here, I feel much more at ease. Ye Baoling smiled evasively, but she was determined to move the money.

Without any hesitation.

Seeing that Miss Ye had made up her mind, Cindy didn’t insist further.

Ye Baoling didn’t stay long. She rushed back to her office on the fourth floor of Yulong Building before work started.

As soon as she returned, she ran into Sister Mei and other female colleagues heading out to handle some business.

Ah Ling, didn’t you take a day off because you weren’t feeling well? Are you better now?

Ye Baoling smiled and explained, I took some medicine and feel much better now.

Uncle Yuan, who had just entered from the other side carrying a thermos, teased, Coming to work in the afternoon only deducts half a day’s pay—what a bargain.

Ye Baoling laughed, Uncle Yuan really gets me.

Heh, of course.

Wang Simin immediately noticed the new bag in Ye Baoling’s hand. Wow, Bao Ling, your paycheck hasn’t even arrived yet, and you’re already buying a new bag?

Of course, Ye Baoling replied, mimicking Uncle Yuan’s tone.

She had bought a trendy, niche brand—not luxury, but stylish and affordable.

Wang Simin held it up, admiring the craftsmanship and fashionable design, asking where she bought it and saying she wanted to get one too after making some money from stocks.

The two women chatted about the bag for a while before Ye Baoling sat down to tidy her desk. After some time, she turned to Liu Haonan and spoke quietly.

Sell everything tomorrow.

Liu Haonan, who read the newspaper daily, put it down.

Are you sure?

Sure.

Liu Haonan didn’t ask for details. Through their recent interactions, he had come to realize that Ye Baoling was a seasoned stock market expert—not the financial novice she claimed to be.

He asked, What’s the plan?

Ye Baoling didn’t hold back. There will be a press conference tomorrow. After that, the stock price will definitely surge. Sell gradually during the rise and finish before the market closes.

Okay. Liu Haonan reopened his newspaper.

*

Around three o’clock, after helping a colleague photocopy some documents, Ye Baoling noticed a message on her pager.

It was from her second cousin.

[Cousin, your dad called urgently!

She quickly called the Gu residence. Her younger cousin answered and then called Gu Zhen’er to the phone.

Ye Baoling asked, When did my dad call looking for me?

Gu Zhen’er yawned on the other end of the line. Once in the morning and again just now. He called twice in a row, asking you to call him back immediately. Probably something urgent.

Ye Baoling: What did you tell him?

Gu Zhen’er: I just said you weren’t here. He asked where you were, and I said I didn’t know.

Ye Baoling acknowledged this.

Gu Zhen’er added, This morning, a guy named Gong Jiahua came looking for you. He was quite handsome, drove a luxury car, and dropped off some tickets.

Gong Jiahua?

Ye Baoling couldn’t help asking, What tickets?

Something about his grandfather’s calligraphy and painting exhibition, Gu Zhen’er remarked sarcastically. The kind of artistic events you rich people enjoy.

Ye Baoling recalled what Man’er had said—was Gong Jiahua really interested in her?

What did he see in her?

After hanging up, Ye Baoling went downstairs and found a public phone booth behind the square to call her father.

But Ye Kaimin wasn’t home, so she had to call his mobile phone.

Hearing his daughter’s voice, Ye Kaimin immediately asked, Every time I call, you’re never home. What have you been up to lately?

Before calling, Ye Baoling had already prepared an excuse: I’m learning to drive.

Why suddenly learn to drive now?

Everyone else knows how to drive except me. Shouldn’t I learn? Ye Baoling changed the subject. Dad, if I learn to drive, will you buy me a car? It’ll be more convenient when I come home.

Ye Kaimin clicked his tongue. Can’t you drive your uncle’s car? Your mom paid for that one too.

It’s too shabby. I’d be embarrassed to drive it out and disgrace the Ye family.

Ask your grandfather to buy you one. He spent millions buying luxury cars and racehorses for Ye Baoshun—it’s not unreasonable for him to get you a car worth a few hundred thousand.

Ye Baoling: Fine, then I’ll tell Grandpa it was your idea.

Ye Kaimin knew his daughter wouldn’t dare say such things to her grandfather. It’s not impossible for me to buy you a car. Settle your marriage this year—stop being the leftover daughter no one wants at home.

Ye Baoling retorted bluntly: How am I supposed to settle it? That Lu guy has already slept with Baoshun…

Keep your voice down! Ye Kaimin feared family scandals would spread. Where are you calling from?

No one’s around me.

Isn’t Gong Jiahua asking you out?

Huh? So Gong Jiahua was pursuing her?

Did that badminton game count as a date?

The Gong family’s status matches ours. He’s decent-looking too, and it’s rare for someone to like you. Try to get along with him properly and aim to marry this year. A Ye-Gong alliance would shake the entire city. If you miss Gong Jiahua, finding another suitable marriage partner will be difficult. Feeling insufficient, Ye Kaimin added, There literally couldn’t be anyone better than Gong Jiahua.

When Ye Kaimin called her, it was never for anything other than pressuring her about marriage.

Ye Baoling began deflecting wildly: After seeing Lu Tianyou and Ye Baoshun like that, I’ve developed psychological trauma about men.

Ye Baoling!! Ye Kaimin erupted. Baoshun isn’t claiming trauma—why are you being so delicate?

Who told them to be naked and disgusting like that!

Do you just like women then? Ye Kaimin swore bluntly. Even animals know females should mate with males—don’t you understand? Ye Baoling, I’m warning you: don’t disgrace the Ye family. Otherwise, don’t blame me for disowning you.

Ye Baoling: Oh.

Ye Kaimin: ?!

What kind of attitude was that?

Furious, Ye Kaimin snapped, Ye Baoling, have you lost your mind? What woman have you met that’s bewitched you like this? Keep this up, and I’ll cut off your allowance.

With all the money in her hands, she wasn’t worried.

But she didn’t want to sever ties with Ye Kaimin—she still needed to complete her mission and obtain the third Ugly King Jade Pendant. Seeing she’d angered her old father enough, she promptly softened. I don’t like women. Don’t listen to rumors. Was it A Feng who told you? I bet she’s trying to get back at me.

It indeed was A Feng, making Ye Kaimin hesitate.

Gong Jiahua doesn’t like me either. I’ll maintain a friendly relationship with him—don’t worry.

Ye Kaimin: How can I not worry? With your attitude, I’ll directly propose your marriage to the Gong elders!

Ye Baoling was exasperated: Why the rush? Let me talk with Gong Jiahua first, alright?

Hearing his daughter agree to discuss things, Ye Kaimin’s tone eased.

If you’d had this attitude from the start, I wouldn’t have been so urgent.

You’re the one who’s too rushed. There’s nothing between Gong Jiahua and me, yet you demand I marry this year. Marriage is a serious matter—it shouldn’t be rushed. And don’t be so impatient when talking to your daughter either. When you rush me, I instinctively rebel. So, don’t be in such a hurry, dear father.

Thinking back carefully, Ye Kaimin realized he truly had been too impatient.

Alright, you talk with him first.

Having successfully manipulated the situation, Ye Baoling added a few more soothing words before reminding him: I must find an opportunity to explain to Grandfather about A Feng slandering me.

If the old man found out that it was all a misunderstanding, and that Ye Kaimin had originally had the chance to clarify the truth but instead vaguely implied her admission during questioning, ultimately causing Baoshun to be violated by Lu Tianyou—that was a blame he couldn’t bear.

Ye Kaimin quickly stopped her: Don’t bring up unpleasant topics. Don’t mention this to your grandfather again. Every time he remembers Baoshun and Lu Tianyou, it upsets him. I’ll handle this matter, you don’t need to worry about it anymore.

How will you handle it?

I guarantee you’ll be satisfied, alright?

After hanging up, Ye Kaimin grew increasingly uneasy.

When he returned home, he immediately told his wife Zheng Junni: Find an excuse to fire that A Feng.

Zheng Junni was very surprised: What’s wrong? Why suddenly dismiss A Feng?

Ye Kaimin took off his suit jacket and threw it on the sofa back: What’s wrong? She gossiped, fabricated facts, and slandered Bao Ling. Last time she deliberately didn’t open the door for Bao Ling, we didn’t punish her. Then she brought a cup of scalding tea as an apology, but Bao Ling didn’t hold it steady and accidentally spilled it on her foot. She’s held a grudge ever since, and during grandfather’s birthday of all times, she deliberately told Baoshun that Bao Ling is gay. Now look what happened—she created a huge mess!

Since deliberately letting Baoshun know about Ye Baoling being gay was Zheng Junni’s idea, she felt somewhat guilty.

Zheng Junni avoided the main issue: The teacup incident happened so long ago. Even if A Feng felt somewhat resentful, she wouldn’t dare to falsely accuse Bao Ling of liking women. Didn’t you personally question Bao Ling that day?

Ye Kaimin had been afraid Ye Baoling would be on guard, so he hadn’t asked directly. Now it was too late for regrets.

He said: Regardless of whether A Feng slandered Bao Ling or not, even if she didn’t, for such an important matter she should have waited until after grandfather’s birthday and secretly told you. But she didn’t—with so many guests at the birthday banquet, she urgently blurted it out right in front of Baoshun. Don’t you think she was deliberately retaliating against Bao Ling? Keeping such a troublemaker in the house will eventually cause problems. Fire her immediately.

Zheng Junni stroked her belly. She was also afraid things might escalate and A Feng would be forced to reveal her involvement, so she finally relented.

I’ll send her home first. Directly firing her wouldn’t be good—she’s still a distant relative of mine after all. She probably just acted too hastily without thinking it through. I’m also responsible for not stopping her in time.

Ye Kaimin didn’t forget to comfort his wife, I’m not blaming you. These days, you should focus on resting well during your pregnancy.

Zheng Junni quietly inquired: Hey, does Gong Jiahua really like Bao Ling?

Who knows? Young people’s affairs are hard to say.

Zheng Junni felt conflicted. She didn’t want Ye Baoling to marry well, yet she hoped this match would succeed so the Gong family could help them secure family assets in the future.

Weigh the pros and cons, she ultimately chose the latter, The Gong family would indeed make good in-laws, better than the Lu family, and they could also speak up for you.

This was what Ye Kaimin wanted too.

Ye Huaizhang returned home early after his meeting and found Ye Baoling absent when he opened the door.

After asking the servants, he learned she had gone to work.

He couldn’t tell that his wife was so diligent about going to work.

He changed clothes and caught up on sleep, napping through the afternoon. When he woke, he found himself lying on her pillow and instinctively took a gentle sniff. For some reason, it made him feel much more at ease.

After dozing a little longer, he got up and went downstairs, heading first to his grandmother’s room.

Guan Lao Taijun was inside reviewing the company’s financial reports, while Yang Pinxian supervised the maids organizing the clutter in the old lady’s walk-in closet.

Seeing her grandson enter, Guan Lao Taijun removed her reading glasses and asked with a smile, Awake now? Why were you so tired? Didn’t sleep well last night?

Ye Huaizhang sat down on the sofa and made up an excuse, I was reviewing documents from the Guangzhou trip until dawn.

His main purpose for going to Guangzhou was to discuss the Dapeng Port project. The provincial government had offered many favorable policies, which he reported to his grandmother one by one.

This is indeed worth investing in. But with so many things happening recently, I don’t feel entirely at ease. The other day I dreamed that your grandfather held my hand and urged me not to invest recklessly, to proceed with caution. What I fear most is that the situation might change. If I invest billions in a port and policies shift, leading to nationalization? That’s what worries me.

Ye Huaizhang roughly understood what his grandmother was truly concerned about—using his grandfather was just her pretext.

Grandma, are you sure Grandpa really came to you in a dream? The dream he gave me was completely different. He told me to invest boldly and confidently, to trust the country and its future.

Guan Lao Taijun was taken aback. Your grandfather really appeared in your dream?

Not really.

Grandpa was just his pretext too.

Ye Huaizhang smiled and changed the subject: Has Fourth Uncle been scaring you again?

Indeed, he had.

Guan Lao Taijun closed the account book. Your fourth uncle’s words aren’t the most important. I don’t fully believe him either. It’s mainly that I’m old and don’t dare take risks. I’m afraid of uncertainties, like with the South African diamond mine investment. Originally, like your father, I didn’t support investing there, but to back you up, I didn’t stop it. If I had, you wouldn’t have been put in such danger with that kidnapping.

Ye Huaizhang patiently explained: The two situations are different. The competitors for the South African diamond mine weren’t playing by the rules, which is why they resorted to such underhanded methods. Dapeng Port is different. With a multi-billion investment, the only ones who can compete with us are the Li Family. Both we and the Li Family are legitimate businessmen; we wouldn’t do anything illegal. As for the domestic future, if the Li Family dare to gamble, why shouldn’t we? Even if the investment fails, it’s just one investment. We can earn it back elsewhere. If it succeeds, we won’t just own an excellent deep-water port—what will open up to us is the world’s largest consumer market and decades of unshakable commercial standing.

Hearing this, Guan Lao Taijun couldn’t say she wasn’t tempted at all. She frowned slightly and said, Let me think it over a bit more, alright?

Ye Huaizhang smiled and nodded. Grandma, we need to give the provincial government an answer by next month at the latest. We can’t delay too long.

I understand. I’ll think it through carefully and give you a reply as soon as possible.

Yang Pinxian listened to the conversation between grandmother and grandson but couldn’t interject. She could only bring her son a cup of herbal tea. Have some Ye Qingtang lemon water—it clears the lungs and reduces internal heat.

Ye Huaizhang drank the herbal tea and leaned back slightly.

Guan Lao Taijun asked, Who will be attending tomorrow’s press conference?

Besides me, on our side, Gezhi Jewelry will be represented by Fourth Uncle, and Su Man Jewelry will likely have Ye Kaisen attending the press conference.

Old Madame Guan put her reading glasses back on: Among the elder branch, only this Ye Kais shows some intelligence. Ye Kaimin and Ye Kais are both too…

She refrained from saying anything harsh, merely stating: Both are quite ordinary.

After venting, the old lady suddenly glanced sideways at her grandson, Don’t go telling Bao Ling this kind of talk. Lest she think I look down on her father and uncle.

Ye Huaizhang replied bluntly: Grandma, aren’t you exactly looking down on her father and uncle?

Tsk tsk! The old lady pretended to be angry.

Yang Pinxian explained for her son: Mom, don’t you understand Huaizhang’s temperament? Forget about gossiping, even getting him to pass on a message is difficult.

Old Madame Guan didn’t agree: Towards us, towards others, he can’t be bothered with half a word of nonsense. But who knows with his wife? Sharing the same quilt, what words can’t be said?

Ye Huaizhang: …

Yang Pinxian couldn’t help but laugh.

After Yang Pinxian left, Old Madame Guan asked her grandson again: When is Xiao Dahai returning from South Africa?

Ye Huaizhang casually flipped through a magazine, Soon, next week at the latest.

Any results from the investigation? Were the people who kidnapped you instigated by the Lai family?

Most likely. Xiao Dahai didn’t say much on the phone, he’ll bring back the evidence.

Old Madame Guan continued reading the financial report, whispering fiercely: We can’t just let the Lai family father and son off. They used killing with a borrowed knife, we can use killing with a borrowed knife too.

Money absolutely can make the devil turn the millstone.

Ye Huaizhang thought the same.

After dinner, having played cards with her cousin for a while, Ye Baoling returned to the third branch mansion.

Yulan thought she might be unwell, so she didn’t drag her out to practice boxing.

Ye Baoling took a bath first. After bathing, she replaced the offerings to the Bodhisattva. Too lazy to peel the removed apple, she bit into it whole.

Rarely relaxed, she curled up on the sofa in the walk-in closet, eating the apple while reading a casual book.

The sound of the bedroom door opening came from outside. She looked up just in time to see Ye Huaizhang entering the walk-in closet.

Their first awake encounter after the three hundred rounds of battle left both somewhat awkward.

But neither was willing to show their awkwardness, so their faces remained extremely calm.

Didn’t I have someone ask for leave for you? Why did you still go to work?

The company can’t do without me. She deliberately gave an evasive answer.

Ye Huaizhang: …

He suppressed a laugh.

Her sense of humor could be quite amusing at times.

Does it still hurt? he asked.

Ah? Ye Baoling immediately realized what he was asking about. She hesitated, nearly choking on her apple.

Still hurts? he asked again.

Ye Baoling stubbornly replied: It doesn’t hurt.

Actually, it still hurt a little.

Especially when using the bathroom, there was a dull pain.

He held a dark brown glass bottle of light-protected medication, Let me apply some medicine for you, to prevent infection.

He would apply medicine to that place?

That’s not necessary, she said, her mind uncontrollably recalling scenes from the Battle of Red Cliffs.

He walked over and handed her the medicine bottle: Then do it yourself.

Holding the apple in her left hand and the book in her right, she was contemplating which to put down when he took the medicine bottle back.

You can’t see, how would you apply the medicine?

Could she not see?

She actually imagined the scene – it was quite ridiculous.

Ye Baoling suppressed her laughter.

And he had already unscrewed the medicine bottle cap and knelt down.

Author’s Note: After reading yesterday’s comments, it’s true that it’s hard to please everyone. So I’ll just follow my heart. [dog emoji holding rose

Ye Huaizhang: I want to follow my heart too.

Ye Baoling: Let me touch your chest [rolling eyes

Little Brain Axe: Hurry up with the plot, no naughty business.

Little Piggy: Only want to see naughty business, don’t care about the plot.

Little Angel: I want both!