The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 36 You Didn't Close the Curtains

Chapter 36 You Didn’t Close the Curtains

The air conditioning vent hissed and vibrated as Ye Baoling quickly skimmed through the investigation report Qi Yuxiu had obtained from the administrative director.

This was a conclusion report regarding the cleaning staff strike in the janitorial department, essentially written according to the outcome they had previously agreed upon.

Qi Yuxiu said, See if there’s anything that needs to be added. If not, just sign your name.

I don’t have anything to add on my end.Ye Baoling took the pen and signed Gu Baolinin bold strokes.

With this crisis successfully resolved, Zhang Laichi had naturally become the sacrificial lamb.

The janitorial department underwent a complete overhaul. The two new team leaders were people Ye Baoling trusted, and the replacement employees were the part-time aunties who had been tremendously helpful during this incident.

As for Ye Baoling, she remained just a small probationary staff member in the logistics department.

To ensure her willing submission, Qi Yuxiu proactively offered her the benefits she deserved.

I’ve already submitted your early regularization application. I’ll personally follow up to ensure it gets approved quickly. The company’s employee ranking system has 16 levels total. After regularization, you’ll be a Level 4 employee, but I’ll apply for you to receive Level 5 compensation.

For an ordinary employee, this was definitely good news. Ye Baoling smiled gratefully and said, Thank you, Sister Xiu.

No need to thank me. You’ve earned this.Qi Yuxiu added, You contributed the most to successfully resolving this strike incident. There should be some commendation coming your way afterward.

Ye Baoling wasn’t particularly concerned about such commendations. She didn’t want to attract too much attention and risk being discovered prematurely by the Ye family. She smiled and said, There’s no need for special commendation. I was just dutifully fulfilling my responsibilities. If there must be recognition, it should go to our entire department—it was a collective effort by all our colleagues. Especially Wang Simin, who helped control the situation at the critical moment and provided me with significant assistance.

Since Ye Baoling spoke with genuine sincerity, Qi Yuxiu had no doubt these were her true feelings. She could tell this young woman had good character—some ambition, but not excessive.

She was usable talent.

Well-suited for a deputy role.

Qi Yuxiu said, The strike incident left upper management with a poor impression of our department, so departmental commendation is unlikely. I’ll still try to secure some individual rewards for you all. At the very least, there should be some bonus money.

Pure monetary rewards were certainly welcome.

Ye Baoling smiled and thanked her again. After finishing their discussion, she finally said, Sister Xiu, I’d like to request a day off tomorrow.

What for?

To take my driver’s license test.

You’ve been learning to drive?

Yes, I spent over a thousand yuan on lessons. I’m all thumbs—the instructor says he can’t tell whether I’m driving the car or the car is driving me. Every time we hit the road, it gives him heart palpitations.Ye Baoling was adept at choosing the right moments to chat casually with her supervisor.

Qi Yuxiu laughed, Everyone starts out like that. I was clumsy too at first. You’ll get better with more practice. Just work hard and aim to buy a car soon.

That would require opportunities from Sister Xiu too.

You’ve earned them yourself.Qi Yuxiu smiled and nodded, Go fill out the leave request form.

When Ye Baoling returned to her desk after leaving the office, Wang Simin leaned over and asked quietly, She didn’t give you a hard time, did she?

Ye Baoling shook her head, No, she said she’s applying for my early regularization.

Wang Simin was slightly surprised. It must be because your performance was too outstanding – General Cai’s pressure has made her cautious.

I’ve been working diligently, and she can see that.

Absolutely! If you had more experience, I think you could even replace Zhang Laichi.

Ye Baoling shook her head with a smile. How is that possible?

Everyone in the office is just coasting along. I’m one of the few who actually works seriously. If possible, I’d like to climb up the ladder.

Ye Baoling gave her a thumbs-up. You contributed greatly to this matter too. I’ve mentioned it to Manager Qi. If there are any rewards later, you’ll definitely get your share.

Really?

Really.

Wang Simin said joyfully, Let’s go for drinks after work today. My treat.

I have plans with someone. Another time.

Ye Baoling wanted to check out the new office after work.

Wang Simin asked curiously, Who did you make plans with? Are you dating someone?

I’m not dating anyone.

Hey, have you ever dated before?

Huh?Ye Baoling shook her head with a smile. Never.

But she was married.

Wang Simin seemed doubtful. You’re so beautiful and attractive. It’s impossible that no one pursued you during your school days.

Ye Baoling shrugged. Maybe all those male classmates were blind.

They both laughed, and Wang Simin said, Let’s go clubbing this weekend. I’ll call you. There are plenty of handsome guys at the bars.

This piqued Ye Baoling’s interest. Sure. Just call me in advance.

*

Leaving work on time, Ye Baoling took a taxi directly to Lihua Building and took the elevator to the 18th floor.

Arriving at room 1806, she saw a small sign hanging by the door that read Qiyuan Investment.

She had finally realized her entrepreneurial dream.

Previously, she thought she would need to work in a large corporation for at least eight to ten years before daring to start her own company.

Unexpectedly, a dreamlike transmigration had allowed her to fulfill her boss dream.

Although she currently had only two employees.

But that wouldn’t stop her from making good money! She was confident.

Feeling excited, Ye Baoling wanted to take photos with her phone to commemorate the moment, but when she reached for her handbag, she remembered that phones with cameras didn’t exist yet.

She would bring a camera another day.

Pushing the door open, she entered the small office of just over twenty square meters. A relatively large counter stood outside, filled with various office supplies.

Four desks were arranged against the wall in two rows.

The front desk had a telephone, fax machine, and typewriter.

The innermost desk on the right held a computer.

Cousin!Chen Yulan was folding cardboard boxes and cleaning.

Meanwhile, Liu Haonan was watching the technician install and debug the computer system. It was a secondhand computer, and not cheap at that.

Setting up the entire office, including rent, had cost fifty to sixty thousand.

Not a small amount.

In Port City during this era, prices were exceptionally high, making starting a company no easy feat.

After the computer installation was complete, Liu Haonan discussed work matters with Ye Baoling.

He would mainly handle investment-related affairs going forward, while office management would be Chen Yulan’s responsibility.

As an investment company currently not involved in physical investments but focusing on financial work, the two of them were sufficient for now.

As of today, we’ve purchased 15 million worth of Haihua Construction. The trend has been stable this week with slight profits. We still have 12 million in cash on the books. Should we wait for next week to buy more at the right opportunity? Should we go all in? Or keep some cash on hand?

Ye Baoling was very decisive. All in.

She still had over two hundred thousand in scattered funds, enough for the company’s use.

Liu Haonan said, Then let’s buy it all. I’ll submit my resignation letter at the company next week and start working here afterward. It’ll be convenient to place orders at Lihua Securities.

Chen Yulan said, Cousin asked me to work here from now on. If there’s anything, just tell me directly, Nan Ge. I can handle errands and all kinds of heavy work.

Chen Yulan, with her muscular build, was stronger and tougher than most men.

Liu Haonan laughed, Alright, then you protect me, warrior woman.

All three of them laughed.

The Qiyuan trio was initially formed.

Ye Baoling was bitten by a mosquito and scratched the red bump on her leg, saying, The mosquitoes here are vicious!

Chen Yulan agreed, Right! Mosquitoes even on the 18th floor! These mosquitoes can really fly.

As she spoke, she went to close the window.

Ye Baoling said, Use the air conditioning when you need to. Don’t skimp on small expenses that shouldn’t be saved.

They locked up and left. Chen Yulan bought a bottle of insecticide at the convenience store downstairs, planning to exterminate the mosquitoes in the office tomorrow.

When Ye Baoling returned home, her leg still felt itchy, so she decided to take a shower first.

After her shower, she sat on the sofa in her bedroom and applied Eau de Cologne Fructus to the mosquito bite.

Ye Huaizhang returned from his workout and saw her applying medicine to her thigh. He couldn’t help but ask, What happened?

Mosquito bite.

He sat down opposite her, looking at the red mosquito bite near the top of her thigh. He felt an impulse to lean down and lick it.

Forcing himself to look away, he changed the subject, Where did you go?

Nowhere, I got bitten at home.Ye Baoling hadn’t decided whether to tell him about starting her company yet.

I’ll remind Uncle Guang to exterminate the mosquitoes tomorrow.He took off his watch. Do you have any plans this Saturday?

Not really.

Then let’s go see Grandpa Gong’s calligraphy and painting exhibition together? Gong Jiahua gave us several tickets, but we haven’t had time to go.

Ye Baoling suddenly remembered, Oh, I made plans with Yongqi to go see Grandpa Gong’s calligraphy and painting exhibition together this Saturday morning.

…

Putting his watch on the table, Ye Huaizhang was somewhat annoyed. I just asked if you had plans on Saturday, and you said no! Do you not think before speaking to me?

It seemed so.

Ye Baoling tightened the cap of the medicine bottle and smiled coaxingly, If I had to think before speaking to you, what would that mean?

Ye Huaizhang looked at her, waiting to see what nonsense she would come up with.

It would mean I don’t treat you as one of my own, that I need to be constantly tense and alert, carefully considering my words before answering you. When you ask me questions, I answer without thinking precisely because I’m so relaxed with you, in the most comfortable state. I say whatever comes to mind.

She really had a silver tongue.

He stood up and retorted, Relaxation and thoughtless perfunctoriness are two different things.

You could come with us.

Ye Huaizhang wasn’t truly angry. He said, You go ahead. Having a representative from the third branch is enough.

He wasn’t particularly interested in calligraphy and painting himself.

Ye Baoling noticed that they were quite similar in some aspects—neither had much interest in things besides making money.

She was slightly better off than him, at least she still enjoyed pleasures, while he seemed to lack even interest in enjoyment.

On Friday morning, Ye Baoling took her driver’s license test. As an experienced driver, she passed with full marks.

After getting her driver’s license, she didn’t go to work but went shopping at a nearby mall instead.

She bought some decorations, a few potted green plants, and fresh flowers for her company. After delivering them to the office, she returned to the Gu Family early.

Gu Zhen’er had been working part-time at McDonald’s throughout the summer vacation, earning thirty to forty dollars a day—a decent income.

With no one to chat with, Ye Baoling slept the entire afternoon.

When Gu Man’er returned from work, she said as soon as she entered: Cousin, I forgot you took the day off today. I went looking for you after work and came back with Wang Simin. Oh, Wang Simin wants to invite us to go clubbing tomorrow night. Are you in?

Tomorrow night? Sure.Ye Baoling wanted to experience the nightlife of this era.

Then I’ll call her back later.

Ye Baoling, Gu Man’er, and Wang Simin were known as the eat-and-drink trio.

The tickets to the calligraphy and painting exhibition that Gong Jiahua had given Ye Baoling were still on the table. She asked Gu Man’er: I’m going to the exhibition tomorrow morning. Do you want to come along?

No. That kind of highbrow stuff isn’t for me.

Suit yourself. Let’s eat. We’re having chicken today.Ye Baoling went downstairs first for dinner.

Sister Ping had made white cut chicken, but it tasted average—perhaps the chicken wasn’t of the best quality.

*

On Saturday morning, Ye Baoling and Ye Yongqi went together to the calligraphy and painting exhibition hall at the Southern District Art Center, where Gong Fonain’s month-long exhibition was being held.

Ye Baoling had specifically brought a camera. Viewing the exhibition was secondary; taking beautiful photos of Ye Yongqi was the main agenda.

Holding the camera, she took various posed shots of Ye Yongqi outside the art center. The two worked quietly and harmoniously together.

Ye Baoling taught Yongqi how to strike the extremely difficult, trendy poses popular in the internet era.

One dared to teach, the other dared to learn—they had a great time.

Only after taking enough photos did they go to see the calligraphy and painting exhibition.

Ye Baoling knew nothing about calligraphy or traditional Chinese painting. After viewing the works, her only comment was: Not bad.

How were they not bad?

She couldn’t be bothered to elaborate.

Of course, if she needed to flatter someone, she could come up with a point or two.

Ye Yongqi didn’t understand either. Holding Ye Baoling’s arm, she whispered her evaluations:

The paintings are really good.

The calligraphy is excellent.

This one is truly wonderful.

Lingjie, what do you think?

Not bad.

After saying this, Ye Baoling laughed first.

Ye Yongqi joined in the laughter.

After completing their tour, they unexpectedly ran into Gong Jiahua and Ye Baoxin!

Gong Jiahua was pleasantly surprised to see Ye Baoling, his eyes lighting up.

What a coincidence! I haven’t been here for days, and the first day I come, I run into you…

The unspoken meaning: We’re truly fated.

Ye Baoling smiled politely: You gave us the tickets, remember? I came to admire and learn!

Ye Baoxin proactively greeted Bao Ling: Baoling, did you come with Yongqi?

Ye Baoling: No. We just happened to meet at the entrance.

Gong Jiahua finally noticed Ye Yongqi and asked her: Why did you come alone?

Though not skilled at lying, Ye Yongqi had rehearsed with Ye Baoling beforehand and answered smoothly: My brother was supposed to come with me, but he had last-minute business to attend to.

Gong Jiahua complained: He’s always so busy!

After this remark, he asked them: So, what did you think of my grandfather’s works…

Really good.

Not bad.

They stuck with the same two phrases.

Ye Baoxin suppressed a laugh and remained silent.

She understood they didn’t have much knowledge in this area and genuinely found it difficult to express more profound opinions.

Coincidentally, Gong Jiahua’s grandfather, Gong Fonian, was accompanying a friend viewing calligraphy and paintings just ahead.

Two groups from completely different age brackets with no common language whatsoever had unexpectedly crossed paths.

Among the three Ye family girls, Gong Fonian only recognized Ye Yongqi.

Gong Jiahua quickly made introductions: Grandpa, these are Uncle Kaimin’s two daughters, Bao Ling and Bao Xin.

Gong Fonian looked at Bao Ling and asked, This is Gu Min’s daughter, right?

Ye Baoling smiled and nodded: Yes, Gu Min is my mother.

You resemble your mother.After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gong Fonian turned to ask, So, what did you think of today’s calligraphy and painting exhibition?

How should she comment without sounding perfunctory?

While Ye Baoling was still considering her wording, Ye Baoxin had already cheerfully responded first: Grandpa Gong’s calligraphy carries great momentum, very much resembling the Expressionism school of the Song Dynasty.

Oh? How so?

Tang Dynasty calligraphy ’emphasized technique,’ while Song Dynasty calligraphy ‘valued expression,’ placing greater emphasis on individuality and emotion.

Gong Fonian laughed: It seems you’ve done some research…

Noticing Gong Fonian’s appreciative expression, Ye Baoxin relaxed completely: Song Dynasty expressive calligraphy can be further divided into four major schools. Grandpa Gong, your work is practically a replica of Huang Tingjian’s style.

How would you evaluate Huang Tingjian’s calligraphy?

Like long spears and great halberds, full of dramatic fluctuations, with bold and heroic momentum…These were all phrases Ye Baoxin had deliberately memorized after doing her homework before coming.

Gong Fonian nodded repeatedly, stroking his long beard as he praised: I wouldn’t have expected someone so young to know so much. Having your own insights, and such unique ones at that, is truly remarkable.

Thank you for the compliment, Grandpa Gong.Ye Baoxin beamed with delight.

Gong Fonian then turned to Ye Baoling: What about Bao Ling? What are your thoughts?

Since someone had already given a very thorough answer, Ye Baoling didn’t want to steal the spotlight and appear competitive.

Moreover, if Gong Fonian didn’t like her or looked down on her, it would just dash her grandfather and father’s hopes of matchmaking her with Gong Jiahua.

Ye Baoling smiled and said: Grandpa Gong, I only graduated from Form Four. I don’t really understand these things.

Knowing that Ye Kaimin’s affair and divorce had greatly impacted his children, Gong Fonian felt a pang of sympathy and waved his hand: It’s alright if you don’t understand. Girls have their own strengths.

Gong Jiahua tried to save face for Ye Baoling: Bao Ling is very good at badminton.

Recognizing his grandson’s intention, Gong Fonian said: You take care of entertaining the Ye family girls. There’s ice cream, pastries, and soda outside—you should all go enjoy them.

Ye Yongqi said happily: Great! I was just thirsty and wanted some soda.

Eating delicious food was much more interesting than making small talk with unfamiliar elderly people, so Ye Baoling also agreed.

Only Ye Baoxin, who had just shone in the conversation, displayed different interests from the other girls. She asked Gong Fonian: Could I ask Grandpa Gong for a calligraphy piece?

What characters would you like?

Any characters are fine, whatever is convenient for you.

Gong Fonian didn’t refuse. Since there were writing materials in the exhibition hall’s back lounge, he immediately went in and wrote a character for her.

When Ye Baoxin went outside looking for Gong Jiahua while holding the character Gong Fonian had given her, she discovered all three of them had disappeared.

She asked a staff member: Where is Young Master Gong?

After the two Miss Ye left, Young Master Gong left too.

So, Gong Jiahua had forgotten about her? He just left?!

Ye Baoxin’s face immediately darkened, but she couldn’t lash out, so she could only console herself that he must have left due to an urgent matter.

Returning home, Ye Baoxin stared at the character 平(píng) gifted by Gong Fonian, unable to decipher its meaning.

Zheng Junni explained: It means ‘safe travels’! Quite straightforward, isn’t it?

But it could also signify ordinary, mediocre, unremarkable…

A discomfort stirred within her, as the character felt too bland and insipid!

Today’s outcome was far from perfect.

After leaving the exhibition hall, the driver first dropped Ye Yongqi home before taking Ye Baoling to the Gu residence.

Around four in the afternoon, Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er took the subway downtown to meet up with Wang Simin. They planned to go bar-hopping in Orchid Cassia Quarter that evening.

Since it was still early, they first sampled street food, then went for hair washing and styling before heading toward the bar street.

Wang Simin, having visited several times before, led them straight to the most renowned night prowl spot featured in newspapers and magazines—Lumiere Noir Bar.

It’s pricey, but I’ve heard many wealthy young heirs frequent this place. What if we snag a golden bachelor?

Gu Man’er laughed: We’re here for the experience, not to hunt for rich husbands.

Let’s order the cheapest drink. If someone offers to buy us drinks, we’ll accept. If not, we won’t overspend—everything here is expensive,said Wang Simin, who balanced generosity with frugality.

The three entered the legendary bar. Deafening music, bustling crowds, and swirling smoke filled the air, while neon lights forced them to squint…

Interesting, but overwhelming.

They each ordered a promotional sparkling wine and settled in a corner, observing the young men and women coming and going.

Several people approached Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er to invite them dancing, but both politely declined.

Wang Simin, being more outgoing, happily played drinking games with strangers.

After nearly an hour, their drinks finished, Ye Baoling checked her watch and thought it was time to leave. But as she glanced up, she spotted a familiar figure in a distant corner past the bar counter.

When her vision cleared, she realized it was that scumbag Lu Tianyou.

Someone was leaning close to Lu Tianyou’s ear, whispering intimately.

Squinting for a better look, she witnessed the man planting a kiss on Lu Tianyou’s cheek.

Ye Baoling’s pupils contracted in shock!

The man beside Lu Tianyou was Ye Baoshun??!!

Were the two of them… actually together?!

Had one encounter sparked something more?

Ye Baoling bitterly regretted not having a mobile phone. In her original world, she would have taken photos and blasted them in the family group chat.

No—the family group wouldn’t cause enough stir. She’d post it online, letting the gossip-loving masses join her frenzy.

What are you looking at?Man’er asked her.

Shh! Let’s go.Ye Baoling tugged at Wang Simin, It’s late, we should head back.

Though Wang Simin enjoyed partying, she knew her limits and never lingered when it was time to go home.

The trio exited and took a taxi, dropping off Wang Simin first before Gu Man’er.

After Wang Simin left, Man’er finally asked: Cousin, you never answered me—what did you see earlier?

Worried the driver might overhear, Ye Baoling whispered into Man’er’s ear: I saw Ye Baoshun and Lu Tianyou. Ye Baoshun even kissed Lu Tianyou.

Gu Man’er widened her eyes dramatically. Those two? Oh my, why didn’t you call me to watch? Such an amazing scene! You didn’t call me?! Cousin, you’re too cruel.

Gu Man’er wished she could rush back to the bar right now to see it for herself.

Look at how excited you are,her cousin replied. How could I dare tell you? What if they noticed? That would be so awkward.

So what if they found out? What could they possibly do? Destroy the evidence? Those two damn gays! Gu Man’er made no attempt to hide her disgust. Thank goodness you didn’t marry that Lu guy, or your life would’ve been ruined.

Yeah, the original plot was practically the female lead’s personal tragedy.

Gu Man’er continued, If you had married that Lu guy, it would’ve been your brother-in-law having an affair with your husband. This world is insane. If the tabloids got wind of that, they’d have enough material to run stories for a whole year!

Ye Baoling made an X sign with her hands. Stop right there, no hypotheticals. That Lu guy has absolutely nothing to do with me now.

Gu Man’er murmured thoughtfully, This is like discovering true spring after the back garden has bloomed.

Ye Baoling couldn’t help but laugh. You’re quite the poet when you want to be.

I always have my moments.

Not often.

*

When Ye Baoling returned home and entered her bedroom, she found Ye Huaizhang standing by the window on a phone call.

She went to take a shower first, and when she came out, he was still talking.

Yawning lazily, she half-reclined on the sofa, thinking about what she’d witnessed at the bar earlier. The corners of her mouth lifted involuntarily.

Making Lu Tianyou stop preying on women from now on – this first-half outcome satisfied her.

What’s so amusing? Ye Huaizhang had hung up without her noticing.

Ye Baoling asked mysteriously, Guess who I saw today?

Who did you see? He sat down beside her, returning the cordless phone to its base.

I saw Lu Tianyou and Ye Baoshun together.

Ye Huaizhang frowned, several thoughts running through his mind. Together in what sense?

Ye Baoling straightened up, leaned close to his face, and kissed his cheek.

Like this. Ye Baoshun was doing this to Lu Tianyou…

Her breath tickled his face, carrying the scent of alcohol. Ye Huaizhang captured her lips instead, giving her a firm kiss before asking, Have you been drinking?

Ye Baoling reached out to touch his beloved chest muscles. Just a little, I’m not drunk.

So you ran into Lu Tianyou and Ye Baoshun at a bar? He was sharp enough to guess it happened at a bar.

Yes. I went to check out the small scene at Orchid Cassia Quarter today. It was just okay. Not exciting at all.

As she spoke, her fingers lightly brushed over his nipple. Ye Huaizhang couldn’t withstand such teasing and immediately pinned her to the sofa.

Ye Baoling laughed while resisting. You didn’t close the curtains.

What curtains? Outside the window was the garden, and beyond the garden were mountains.

Soon, the moist terrain was churning with white foam. He loved looking down at that place, where the white foam atop the dense thicket resembled sparse snow covering dark pine trees in winter.

This sight always made his heart surge with excitement.

Afterward, they showered and lay in bed. He told her, Don’t go night prowling at bars anymore.

Ye Baoling asked, What if I want to drink?

You can drink however you want at home.

Ye Baoling suddenly said, How about giving me a few cases of your French wine from the cellar?

What?

She stared at him and repeated, Give me a few cases of French wine from your underground wine cellar.

Underground wine cellar? What underground wine cellar?

He really didn’t know.

Ye Baoling didn’t hold back anymore. That secret chamber where you hide the safe – there’s a staircase going down. There’s a large wine cellar on the third basement level. You didn’t know?

Let’s go take a look. Ye Huaizhang immediately threw on his clothes and got out of bed.

Author’s Note: The previous two chapters spent considerable length detailing the female lead’s handling of the Cleaning Department. I’ve seen comments criticizing the content as filler, but I personally don’t agree that my writing is filler. As the female lead is the public fighting champion, the current environment just happens to provide her with a stage to showcase her abilities. Some readers might feel that matters like the Logistics Department, Cleaning Department, and Cardboard Money are minor issues within small departments not worth detailing. However, if all minor matters are skimmed over, the plot would become merely a chronological account, and the characters would appear pale due to lack of supporting plot and imagination.

Moreover, the Cleaning Department will be very important for the female lead in the future—it’s a key part of her establishing roots in Ye Qingtang’s battlefield.

As for how long the female lead will stay in the Logistics Department? Not long. She’ll be transferring departments soon. But her connection with Manager Qi won’t be severed.

Why is the female lead infiltrating the company? To disrupt the company, to gain bargaining chips to demand the Ugly King Jade Pendant from the old master, and ideally, to take over the entire company. Who knows how it will ultimately turn out? [wicked laugh]