The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 4: Struck It Rich

Chapter 4: Struck It Rich

While eating a pear, Ye Baoling looked up. Though she had mentally prepared herself, she still asked, What marriage arrangement?

You’ve probably met the youngest son of the Lu family before. He’s five years older than you, a top student who studied in the UK, now working as a fund manager at Yingbao Securities. He’s quite an outstanding young talent. In terms of family background, our Ye family surpasses the Lu family, but when it comes to personal ability and talent, you’d be the one marrying up.

Lu Tianyou, the youngest son of the Lu family, appeared gentle and refined on the surface but was actually possessed by a demon.

In the original storyline, Ye Baoling, being weak-willed and poorly educated, was despised, oppressed, sexually abused, and cheated on after marriage. When the original host wanted a divorce, her family blocked her path, leaving her with no way out but to end her own life.

After the original host’s death, the Ye family not only failed to seek justice for her but maintained a friendly marital relationship with the Lu family.

This was the so-called interest-first arranged marriage.

Even without Ye Kaimin spelling it out, Ye Baoling knew that the Ye family was eyeing the resources of Lu’s father, who served as the chairman of the stock exchange.

Fortunately, the Lu family collapsed after the upcoming stock market crash. A year later, Lu’s father was imprisoned, and only then did the Ye family swiftly cut ties with the Lu family.

Their daughter’s death couldn’t make the elder branch abandon the Lu family—only interests could.

This marriage was definitely not happening, but given the current situation, Ye Baoling didn’t want to directly confront them and cause a scene.

Her idea was simple: since the original host was a fifth-generation rich heiress, she shouldn’t let that status go to waste.

Besides obtaining the Ugly King Jade Pendant required for her mission, she also needed to secure the benefits the original host deserved within the family.

Rather than working diligently and painstakingly to start a business and become a first-generation rich person, it was better to lie back and be a genuine, laid-back old-money heir who enjoys life.

Of course, in the early stages, she would need to endure hardships and put in some effort.

At this moment, Zheng Junni was listening quietly without speaking, but it was clear she cared deeply about this marriage arrangement.

If Ye Baoling guessed correctly, Zheng Junni probably wanted her own daughter, Ye Baoxin, to marry Lu Tianyou instead.

After all, the currently flourishing Lu family and the returned overseas potential stock Lu Tianyou perfectly matched Zheng Junni’s criteria for a son-in-law.

Ye Kaimin treated both daughters equally, even favoring the clever and capable stepdaughter Ye Baoxin more.

But Old Master Ye was different from Ye Kaimin. He was patriarchal, yet deep down, he believed his own granddaughter was more reliable than someone else’s.

Therefore, as long as Ye Baoling agreed to this marriage, it would never fall to Ye Baoxin.

Dad, the most important thing in a marriage is having common topics, so the relationship can last. You said the Lu family’s son studied in the UK and is an elite talent. But as for me, you know I grew up in small alleys, finished Form Four and didn’t go to university…

Ye Kaimin interrupted, It was because your mother was sick, and you didn’t want to study abroad. Does our Ye family lack the money for your university education?

I never said the family wouldn’t pay for my university.

Being directly contradicted by his daughter, Ye Kaimin froze momentarily, unaccustomed to it.

I mean, Lu Tianyou and I grew up in different environments and have different education levels. It’s hard for us to have common ground. Auntie Jun, don’t you think I make sense? Ye Baoling tossed the question to Zheng Junni.

Zheng Junni, who had long wanted to join the conversation, hadn’t expected Ye Baoling to toss the question to her. She smiled and said, Baoling makes a valid point. Marriage isn’t just the union of two families, but also of two individuals. If the young couple’s personalities and interests are fundamentally incompatible, instead of becoming in-laws, they might end up as adversaries.

Ye Kaimin hesitated, Then what should we do?

Zheng Junni looked at Ye Baoling, hoping she would voluntarily suggest having Ye Baoxin take her place.

But Ye Baoling had no intention of offering that suggestion. She continued eating her pear.

Ye Kaimin and Zheng Junni exchanged glances – this married couple understood each other’s thoughts perfectly well.

So sweet. Are there any more? Ye Baoling hadn’t eaten any fruit for a week.

Whenever Ye Baoling returned home, she typically ate like a bird, barely touching even the most exquisite delicacies. It was quite rare to see her with such a good appetite.

Zheng Junni quickly called out, A Jin, peel another Japanese Hosui pear for the young mistress.

Seeing that neither father nor daughter would continue the previous topic, Zheng Junni finally couldn’t resist saying, If Baoling isn’t suitable, then who would be?

In the end, it was Ye Kaimin who picked up the thread: What about Baoxin? Baoxin would work, right?

Finally getting to the main point, Zheng Junni suppressed her inner delight. We’ll need to consult the Old Master about this matter first. Only if the Old Master agrees can I approach Baoxin.

Meaning, Ye Kaimin didn’t have the final say in this matter.

Ye Kaimin said, I’ll speak with Father later. Since Baoling rarely visits, stay for lunch before you leave.

Ye Baoling had no plans to return early. Having come all this way, she intended to enjoy a good meal at the Ye residence.

Moreover, she planned to take advantage of this opportunity to reclaim the savings that rightfully belonged to the original owner.

The Ye family children received monthly allowances from the Family Trust Fund deposited into their personal bank accounts. The original owner’s bank card had been controlled by Ye Kaimin, and according to the plot, her father never returned it to her, even until her death.

Lunch was shared only by Ye Baoling, Ye Kaimin, and Zheng Junni.

At the dining table, having eaten her fill, Ye Baoling noticed Ye Kaimin was in a good mood, and Zheng Junni needed a favor from her. Seizing the opportunity, she said, Dad, today is my birthday.

Huh? Ye Kaimin froze awkwardly – he had completely forgotten his daughter’s birthday.

Zheng Junni immediately tried to patch things up: I’ll have someone order a cake, and we can celebrate together tonight.

I’m turning 23 today – I’m already an adult. Dad, I remember you told me when I was little that when I grew up, you’d return the bank card the family helped me open.

Ye Baoling had read this in the original owner’s diary.

The original owner had wanted to ask for her bank card back on her eighteenth birthday, but every time she saw Ye Kaimin, she became as timid as a mouse facing a cat, too afraid to speak up, let alone boldly demand her bank card.

Ye Kaimin withdrew his chopsticks from the food. What do you need the bank card for? To give money to your uncle and that family of parasites?

Just as Ye Baoling had anticipated, Ye Kaimin immediately used her uncle as an excuse to brush her off.

At this moment, reasoning and arguing would be useless. Ye Baoling played dumb and retorted, Dad, did you spend all my money?

Ye Kaimin said, Don’t be ridiculous! Why would I need to spend your pocket change? I’ll give it to you after you get married and leave the Gu family.

Ye Baoling muttered, Excuses.

Ye Kaimin hissed through his teeth, What’s with you today? Has your uncle run out of money and forced you to come ask for it?

Wasn’t it you who called and asked me to come back? What does it have to do with my uncle?

Ye Kaimin was speechless: …

I’m not stupid, I won’t waste money recklessly on my uncle. I’m an adult now. If I never have any money in my hands, I’ll never grow up.

Ye Kaimin: Don’t I give you a monthly allowance?

Two thousand per month was absolutely meager.

Even the housekeeper’s salary was higher than this heiress’s allowance.

Ye Baoling complained: It’s not even enough for food expenses.

What about the money your mother left you? Did you use it all to support your uncle’s family? With this kind of situation, who would dare give you money?

Since you don’t trust my uncle, then I’ll move back home. Once I move back, you can return the bank card to me.

Ye Kaimin: …

He realized that today, not only was his daughter not acting like a timid quail, but she was also quite sharp-tongued.

Ye Kaimin didn’t believe Ye Baoling would be willing to move back. Every time she came home before, she would barely stay for a meal before rushing back to her grandmother’s house.

She couldn’t stand staying a moment longer.

We’ll talk about it after you move back. Once you get married, the bank card will be returned to you eventually. Your father keeps his word.

In the original plot, he didn’t keep his word at all. The richer they are, the more shameless they become!

After the meal, Ye Baoling continued to press about the savings: Dad, can you just show me the bank card? I’ve never even seen my own card.

Ye Kaimin grew impatient: Do you really think I spent your money? Should I print out the bank statement for you to see?

If you won’t show me the card, then printing the bank statement would work too.

She actually had the nerve to ask.

Ye Kaimin reluctantly stood up and left. After a while, he returned with a gold card and handed it to her. Here, take a look.

She saw it—it was a United Bank card. She quickly memorized the last four digits.

Dad, maybe I should meet with Lu Tianyou after all?

Why was she going back on her word now?

Zheng Junni felt like cursing in frustration.

Ye Kaimin: What’s wrong with you? You’re so indecisive. You’re not acting like yourself today—what’s gotten into you?

Nothing’s gotten into me. I’ve grown up, and I just want to control my own money. You said earlier that you’d return the bank card to me only after I get married. In that case, I might as well just marry Lu Tianyou. Then will you give the card back to me?

Ye Kaimin: !

Seeing her chance slipping away, Zheng Junni quickly stepped in as peacemaker again. Oh, Kaimin, you’re being unreasonable. You’ll have to give it back to Baoling sooner or later anyway. Why don’t you just give her the card but keep the password? One of you holds the card, the other holds the password—it’s a win-win.

If she had the card, she could just take it to the bank and change the password!

Ye Kaimin wasn’t that foolish.

No, the card stays with me. Ye Kaimin compromised. From now on, I’ll increase your monthly allowance to three thousand.

As he spoke, he tried to take the card back from Ye Baoling.

Ye Baoling clutched the card and hid it behind her back: Give me this month’s three thousand allowance first.

Ye Kaimin was speechless again. Since when did his daughter become such a rascal? But he didn’t want to lose his temper and snatch it by force—if this escalated, he’d be too embarrassed. He had no choice but to stand up and get the money.

Dad, no need to order a cake. Just convert it to cash—make it five hundred.

Is that cake made of gold? It costs five hundred?!

In the end, Ye Kaimin handed over thirty-five hundred yuan to Ye Baoling. Smiling, she returned the bank card to her father.

Truth be told, she didn’t really need that card anyway.

After obtaining the bank information, the next step was to go straight for the decisive move—report the loss and reissue the bank card.

Leaving the old main house, Ye Baoling not only got her pocket money but also snagged a bag of imported Hosui pears and a bag of delicious Swiss candies.

The Ye family driver took her back to the Gu residence. After setting down her things, she took two hundred from the five hundred dollars she got from exchanging the cake and gave it to Sister Ping.

Add some dishes tonight—I want roast goose. The rest is up to you.

When her cousins heard about the extra dish of roast goose, they jumped for joy. Cousin, you’re the best!

Cousin, did your stingy dad give you money?!

Ye Baoling laughed and retorted, My dad may be stingy, but your dad is a spendthrift.

Neither of them was any good.

Everyone burst into laughter along with her.

Afterward, Ye Baoling took her ID card to United Bank to reissue her bank card.

However, in this era, reissuing a bank card couldn’t be done with the original card number. Ye Kaimin was counting on her not daring to report the loss and reissue a new card privately. If she really went through with it, the family fund money wouldn’t be transferred into her new account with the changed number.

Miss Ye, are you sure you want to report it lost? the bank clerk confirmed with her again.

Ye Baoling didn’t hesitate. Yes.

It didn’t matter—she had thick skin. She would find a way to give the new card number to the person in charge of the family fund transfers.

How much is left in the account?

Including wealth management products, it’s 4,423,579.12 dollars.

I’ve hit the jackpot, she exclaimed inwardly.

In 1987, the average monthly salary in Port City was around three thousand Hong Kong dollars. Four million was no small sum.

Plus, nearly twenty thousand Hong Kong dollars in pocket money would be deposited every month.

Being a fifth-generation rich heiress really was wonderful.

Given the chance to complete her mission and live well, she absolutely refused to be someone who suffered for no reason.

Author’s Note:
Forgot to wish you all a happy Qixi Festival yesterday, so here’s a belated wish [dog head holding a rose][dog head holding a rose][dog head holding a rose]

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