The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 40: Delivering Firepower from Afar

Chapter 40: Delivering Firepower from Afar

The main building of the Oldest Branch Residence is the Hall of Flourishing Harmony.

According to the Ye family’s tradition of primogeniture, Ye Kaimin should have lived in the Hall of Flourishing Harmony with Ye Qizu.

However, after more than ten years of marriage, Ye Kaimin and Gu Min had failed to produce a son, so Ye Qizu had long arranged for the eldest son’s family to live separately in the Abundant Moon Tower.

This left the second son Ye Kais and his family of three residing on the second floor of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony.

In a sense, Ye Kais had long been recognized by Ye Qizu as his successor.

Of course, as long as Ye Qizu remained alive, the final outcome still held many variables.

After Ye Kaimin’s divorce and remarriage, the son he fathered had intellectual disabilities, making him essentially written off in others’ eyes.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Junni, like an old clam producing a pearl, became pregnant with another male child, changing the game—it was still uncertain who would emerge victorious.

But no matter how things shifted, in everyone’s eyes, all of this had nothing to do with the eldest granddaughter, Ye Baoling.

As a granddaughter, Ye Baoling’s greatest value to the Oldest Branch lay in marrying well through an arranged union.

Therefore, only by marrying advantageously could Ye Baoling potentially turn her life around. As long as that possibility existed, her family’s attitude toward her wouldn’t deteriorate too badly.

This included her grandfather, father, second uncle, and others.

It was a brutally pragmatic reality.

Even though they were connected by blood ties.

Ye Baoling stood at the entrance of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony. Like the Residence of Inheritance and Harmony, this old building had several decades of history.

Servants were carrying an old television out the door, followed by Ye Baoshun.

Spotting his cousin, Ye Baoshun quickly dodged to the other side of the television. Ever since the adultery-catching incident where she’d seen his bare backside, he had been avoiding Ye Baoling whenever possible.

But they’d just happened to cross paths.

Ye Baoling deliberately thwarted his escape, calling out loudly: Baoshun! Where are you off to?

Ye Baoshun sighed inwardly, mustering all his effort to force a smile as he turned around. His attitude was hundreds of times better than during his grandfather’s birthday: Eldest Sister! I heard you’re moving back?

Ye Baoling smiled and nodded: Yes, are you welcoming me?

This is your home too—how could it be up to me to welcome you or not? There are plenty of rooms available, Eldest Sister. You can pick one with a nice view. Having said that, Ye Baoshun tried to leave.

Ye Baoling refused to let him go, pressing further: Where are you going?

Nowhere special, just taking a walk.

My friend told me they thought they saw you at Lumiere Noir bar in Orchid Cassia Quarter the other day…

Ye Baoshun’s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately stopped walking, stammering: Which day? Uh… last week?

Exactly last week. And it seemed you weren’t alone.

Ye Baoshun thought, Damn, and was scrambling for a response when Ye Baoling abruptly changed the subject: Are there many rooms with good views on the second floor?

Seeing her voluntarily switch topics, Ye Baoshun answered without hesitation: Several rooms have quite nice views.

Really? Don’t go wandering off then. Come help me take a look. Ye Baoling pulled him inside, and they went upstairs together.

Entering the house, they encountered her aunt Liang Meiyun speaking with the housekeeper Yin Jie. Liang Meiyun managed the household affairs for the Oldest Branch, which involved numerous daily trivial matters—she preferred to avoid involvement whenever possible.

When they saw the siblings enter, Liang Meiyun, in a rare good mood, asked them, What brings you back together?

Ye Baoling smiled and said, Aren’t I moving back next week? Baoshun wanted to accompany me upstairs to see which room would be suitable.

Liang Meiyun already regarded the Hall of Flourishing Harmony as her own territory and couldn’t help but feel wary. Aren’t you staying at Abundant Moon Tower?

Ye Baoling whispered coquettishly to Liang Meiyun, If I stay there, I’ll just be in someone’s way.

Not daring to say that having her stay here would be in her own way, Liang Meiyun quickly laughed and said, Oh, I understand. Anyway, there are plenty of rooms on the second and third floors of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony. You can choose whichever you like.

Great, thank you, Aunt. Baoshun has some recommendations, so we’ll go take a look first.

Watching her son accompany Ye Baoling upstairs, Liang Meiyun felt something was off. Since when had her son gotten so close to his cousin?

But if Ye Baoling were to marry into the Gong family, she certainly hoped Ye Baoling would be closer to their side, so that woman who rose from being a mistress wouldn’t benefit.

Ye Baoling and Ye Baoshun walked around the second floor and finally entered the bedroom to the right of the study.

This bedroom had an ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a small living area upon entry, forming a self-contained suite.

She knew this was the room prepared for Ye Baoshun’s future marriage.

Standing by the window, looking at the distant Silver Snake Mountain, Ye Baoling said, The view from this room is truly wonderful…

Ye Baoshun was about to say that this was the room his grandfather had designated for his future residence.

But Ye Baoling changed the subject and asked, Hey, who was that person drinking with you at Lumiere Noir bar the other day?

Ye Baoshun nervously pretended not to hear and said, This room has the best view—you can see both the garden and the mountain scenery. Do you want to choose this one, elder sister?

This room?

Yes.

Ye Baoling frowned slightly. It’s a bit too large…

It’s a suite—very comfortable to live in. Trust me. Afraid she would bring up the bar again, Ye Baoshun proactively introduced the various features of the room.

Finally, Ye Baoling smiled gently. You’ve successfully convinced me. It really is quite nice.

To lower the other’s guard, she emphasized, Anyway, I’m only staying temporarily. I won’t be here for long.

Even if you stayed long-term, it would be fine.

…

Liang Meiyun ultimately couldn’t rest easy and followed them upstairs.

After searching around the second floor, she finally found them in the room next to the study, following the sound of their voices.

Aunt, I’ll take this room. Baoshun recommended it.

Liang Meiyun’s face immediately fell. This was the bedroom specially renovated last year by the old master, intended as a wedding suite for Ye Baoshun.

She was about to say something when her son pulled her aside.

Ye Baoshun whispered, Let her stay. She won’t be here for long. We can just change the bed later.

Liang Meiyun didn’t understand. Why are you suddenly being so nice to her?

Ye Baoshun replied, She’s going to marry Gong Jiahua in the future. If we can win her over now and make her favor us, wouldn’t that be good? It doesn’t cost us anything.Liang Meiyun hadn’t expected her son to think so strategically and felt somewhat relieved.

Considering that Ye Baoling really wouldn’t be staying long, she turned back with a smile. Baoshun has changed. He finally knows who his real family is. This was prepared as his wedding room, yet he’s willing to let his elder sister stay here first. He’s grown up.

Ye Baoling pretended to be surprised and unaware: This is the wedding room prepared for Baoshun? I had no idea. Baoshun, in your sister’s eyes, you’ve suddenly become incredibly tall, majestic, and handsome.

With this stream of compliments, Ye Baoshun could barely suppress the urge to raise his eyebrows in pride.

Praise is humanity’s most formidable weapon.

Having settled the room matter, Ye Baoling worried that if the old master found out, he wouldn’t allow her to stay in this room. She immediately took the key, planning to have Sister Ping move her various belongings in first to occupy the room before anything else.

Before leaving, she encountered Xing Shu in the main hall.

Young Miss, your new car will arrive next week. Have you obtained your driver’s license? Do you need my help?

Ye Baoling had already retrieved her driver’s license. She said, I’ve got the license, thank you Xing Shu. I’ll drive the car when I return next week.

Alright. Xing Shu smiled as he saw her out.

Not long after, Zheng Junni heard about Ye Baoling’s plan to move into the Hall of Flourishing Harmony.

She couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable about it, even skipping lunch at noon.

When Ye Kaimin asked why she wasn’t eating, she said: My chest feels really stuffy.

What’s wrong now?

Stepmothers have always had it difficult since ancient times. I’ve tried to treat Baoling with the same affection as Baoxin, but why can’t I warm her heart? As she spoke, Zheng Junni wiped the corner of her eye. After more than ten years, she’s finally willing to come back to live here. I had people prepare her room early, but she didn’t even come to take a look.

Ye Kaimin couldn’t figure out his daughter’s thoughts either. She used to avoid her grandfather and the Hall of Flourishing Harmony, but now she’s actually taking the initiative to live there. The weather has truly changed.

He comforted his wife, You shouldn’t bother with these trivial matters. There’s nothing wrong with Baoling living at the Hall of Flourishing Harmony. The old master wants to decide her marriage, so it’s appropriate for her to live there.

Zheng Junni snorted coldly: I’m just afraid that someone as indecisive as her since childhood might easily be won over by Liang Meiyun.

That won’t happen. I’m her biological father! Recently, Liang Meiyun deliberately caused trouble for her. Do you really think she has no brains and doesn’t know about it? Your most important task now is to take care of yourself and the son in your womb. Whether we get a large or small share of the family fortune in the future depends on how productive your belly is.

Zheng Junni gently stroked her belly, wiped the corner of her eye where there were actually no tears, and said nothing more.

*

Throughout the weekend, Ye Huaizhang was busy with the Dapeng Port investment. On Saturday, he even found time amidst his busy schedule to go down to the wine cellar and reinstall the beam at the entrance of the brick alcove.

Because Ye Baoling wasn’t paying much attention to him, they didn’t complete their originally planned tasks for the weekend.

On Monday morning, Ye Huaizhang got up around six and set off for Shenzhen.

Before leaving, he left her a note with the contact number of the hotel there.

If anything went wrong and Dong Jian didn’t pick her up, she could still reach someone.

Ye Baoling was busy in the product department all morning. In the afternoon, she organized a meeting with the cleaning department and preliminarily completed the department’s reward and punishment system.

There were both punishments and rewards. Where would the rewards come from? From the cardboard money.

It didn’t need to be much, but as long as rewards and punishments were clear, it could motivate everyone.

The two new team leaders were also very helpful. These two had now become Ye Baoling’s trusted aides, basically able to follow her directions precisely.

Of course, Ye Baoling wouldn’t treat them poorly.

After the meeting concluded, she returned to the product department office to photocopy the materials she had brought for today’s networking event.

Gao Lizhen had been working normally these past two days.

But hardly anyone paid her any attention, and Xu Chengping hadn’t assigned her any new tasks. With nothing to do, she kept trying to help others with simple chores.

Seeing her pitiful state, Ye Baoling asked her to help with the photocopying.

Around five o’clock, Lu Baohua came by to remind her to prepare for the networking event. He smiled reassuringly at Gao Lizhen: You don’t need to be so nervous all the time. The more you act like this, the less likely Xu Chengping will dare assign you work. Be more confident.

Gao Lizhen smiled awkwardly, Thank you, Manager Lu.

A-Ling, time to go. I’ll get the car.

The networking event was held at an upscale Western restaurant. Nearly all the marketing department colleagues were present, with four people each from the product and branding departments coming to support.

To persuade these Southeast Asian distributors to order more stock and help achieve sales targets, the marketing department leaders were pulling out all the stops – drinking, singing, dancing, finger-guessing games, telling corny jokes…

As someone new to the industry, Ye Baoling didn’t fully understand the dynamics. She quietly asked Lu Baohua: Aren’t these distributors begging to sign longer agency contracts? Why is the marketing department treating them like emperors now?

Lu Baohua explained: Southeast Asia’s hot and humid climate with long summers makes it ideal for herbal tea consumption. Leaf Pure Tea has a huge market there with many consumers, but most prefer the traditional carton packaging. The response to our newly developed canned Luo Han Guo Herbal Tea and Jasmine Herbal Tea has been mediocre so far. Whether we can break into the market remains uncertain. Distributors are hesitant to order large quantities, afraid they won’t sell.

Ye Baoling nodded, We could implement allocation sales for them.

What’s allocation sales?

For example, distributors who order 10,000 cases of traditional herbal tea must also take 1,000 cases of Luo Han Guo and Jasmine Herbal Tea. That’s allocation sales.

Lu Baohua exclaimed with delight: That’s a brilliant idea! How did you come up with it?

Ye Baoling couldn’t very well say this was common practice in future times.

She just smiled: A sudden inspiration.

I’ll share your idea with the marketing team at our next meeting.

Ye Baoling considered that this might be an opportunity to gather the marketing department leaders together. If they needed to discuss Lu Baohua’s suggestion, they might reveal some confidential information.

She suggested: Manager Lu, why not propose it now? This method might come in handy today.

Lu Baohua nodded slightly: You’re right. Wait here, I’ll go talk to the marketing team now.

Ye Baoling watched as Lu Baohua called Director Liu and two managers from the marketing department to chat under the banana trees on the balcony.

Pretending to be slightly tipsy, Ye Baoling went out for fresh air through another door leading to the balcony. She sat on a chair hidden behind banana leaves to rest.

Simultaneously, she placed her handbag on the table and activated the small recording device inside.

After hearing Lu Baohua’s suggestion, Director Liu from marketing marveled: This is quite interesting, absolutely brilliant! You’re full of surprises, Baohua! How did you come up with this?

Lu Baohua smiled and said: Just a sudden flash of inspiration.

Ye Baoling: …

This was truly a case of knowing someone’s face but not their heart.

Lu Baohua usually seemed like such a decent person – who would have thought he’d secretly claim credit like this?

But that’s normal—the workplace is like a dye vat where you’ll find all kinds of people.

Director Liu said regretfully, It might be too late to make changes now. Let’s go back and study this in detail. We can save this policy for future use.

After chatting a bit longer, Director Liu and Lu Baohua went inside first, leaving the two managers behind to finish their cigarettes.

Seeing Director Liu go in, Ye Baoling was quite disappointed.

Why hadn’t he stayed to discuss her brilliant idea further with the two managers?

She would have to find another way to gather intelligence.

Just as Ye Baoling was about to get up in disappointment, she overheard people talking on the other side of the banana trees.

If you ask me, that Lu Baohua is an idiot. Rushing us out here to talk about this now—what’s the damn point?

If Ye Baoling heard correctly, the speaker was Manager Dai, who had been in charge of the last press conference.

The other manager staying behind to smoke with him was a woman.

The woman replied, He’s not stupid—he’s just trying to take credit.

True. He’s giving Old Liu a new money-making idea.

How so?

For renewing these Southeast Asian agents for two years, he’s charging 20,000 per agent. With over a dozen agents, that’s over 300,000 in his pocket. Now with this bundling system, if you want him to go easy, won’t you have to slip him more money?

At the end of the day, it’s all profit for that old fox. If he lets a few crumbs fall our way, we’re supposed to be grateful.

Ugh! I don’t even want to talk about it. We still have to go back in and keep drinking.

They stubbed out their cigarettes and went inside.

!!!

Perfect! Ye Baoling had recorded exactly what she needed.

After everyone had gone in, she quickly turned off her recording device, picked up her handbag, and followed them inside.

As soon as she entered, she was pulled aside by A Zhen from the marketing department to toast a Malaysian agent. This guy is generous. He said whoever can drink him under the table will get a 500,000 new product order from him.

The agent’s usual orders were at least several million per year, sometimes even tens of millions, but those were all for traditional herbal tea.

The first step is always the hardest. Their current task was to secure new product orders.

Every little bit helped.

A Zhen proposed to Ye Baoling, Let’s team up to take him down and split the commission.

Ye Baoling wasn’t particularly interested in the commission, but since she hadn’t contributed much today, she needed to achieve something if she wanted an excuse to leave early.

The Malaysian agent was ethnic Chinese, fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin. After just a brief chat, it was clear he was a shrewd businessman.

Even if they managed to drink him happy, there was no guarantee he’d place a new product order.

Ye Baoling suggested to A Zhen, Whether he’s happy or not is entirely up to him. We need a different approach.

What approach?

Do you know any card tricks?

No. Why? Are we going to perform magic for the boss?

After Ye Baoling explained her plan, A Zhen thought it might not work, but since they couldn’t end the night with zero results, it was worth a try.

The Malaysian agent was surrounded by other agents at the time. A Zhen wanted to wait before approaching him, but Ye Baoling needed to cross the Luohu border soon and had no time to wait.

Let’s go, let’s go. It’s fine—more people means more fun.

A Zhen had no choice but to brace herself and go for it.

She went over and first toasted all the bosses.

They insisted she toast each of them individually, but A Zhen smiled and refused, I’ll drink, but you gentlemen do as you please.

She downed a small half-glass of whiskey.

Then she said to the Malaysian boss, Boss Lin, how about we play a magic trick?

What kind of magic trick?

Guessing playing cards. If I guess right, my request is simple – you place a 100,000 order with me. If I guess wrong, I’ll drink one glass.

A 100,000 order was nothing to him – he had already planned for it – but the sly Boss Lin didn’t agree: You should drink three glasses.

Fine, I’ll drink three glasses.

A Zhen called a waiter to bring a new deck of cards.

After shuffling, A Zhen asked Boss Lin to randomly draw one card. Look at it yourself, don’t show me.

Boss Lin complied.

A Zhen: Then, no matter where you put the card back in the deck, I can find the card you drew.

There’s no mirror behind me, right? Boss Lin looked around, confirmed there was no trick, then inserted the card into the deck.

A Zhen shuffled again, then drew one card from the middle. Is this it?

Boss Lin looked and shook his head: Not this one!

Ah? Not this one?

The crowd jeered: Drink up!

Ye Baoling directly filled three glasses for A Zhen. With skills like yours, they’re terrible. Drink up.While drinking, A Zhen said to Ye Baoling, If you’re so good, you try!

Ye Baoling laughed: I’m not falling for your trap.

Boss Lin had been stealing glances at Ye Baoling several times. Since the press conference began, he had noticed how truly beautiful this young woman was.

Boss Lin actively said: Miss Gu, if you can guess the card in my hand, I’ll place a 200,000 order. If you guess wrong, you have to drink three glasses too.

Ye Baoling waved her hand laughing: I don’t know how!

A Zhen pulled her: No way! You just mocked my terrible skills, you have to try. If you guess wrong, you drink for me too.

No. I can’t drink – I can’t handle that much. Ye Baoling declined with a smile.

The three other distributors sitting beside Boss Lin joined in the jeering: If you guess right, I’ll match with 200,000 too.

Me too!

I’ll join in!

Four orders of 200,000 would mean exceeding their target.

A Zhen urgently pulled her: That’s 800,000 in orders! Gu Baolin, you have to try no matter what today. What if you succeed? If you succeed, you’ll be my ancestor.

Ye Baoling’s smile was becoming stiff, but she still refused: No, I really can’t. You’re all ganging up to trick me into drinking.

Others nearby had already gathered around upon hearing the commotion.

The marketing department people cheered and clapped, all saying: Baolin! Give it a try! Baolin, give it a try!

Qu Zhengming, thinking to help her out while still giving the distributors face, said: Bao Ling, you go. If you lose, I’ll drink half the alcohol for you.

Ye Baoling finally dropped her smile. Since our Director Qu has spoken, I’ll reluctantly give it a try. But 200,000 won’t do. Gentlemen, shouldn’t it be 500,000 each?

The marketing department people cheered even louder: Boss Lin! Five hundred thousand! Boss Lin! Five hundred thousand!

Boss Lin didn’t hesitate: 500,000 it is with you!

Two of the other bosses followed suit, while the more cautious remaining one said with a laugh: This isn’t some trap of yours, is it?

Manager Dai from marketing said: Absolutely couldn’t be a trap. We only came over after hearing A Zhen’s laughter.

A Zhen declared loudly: If I had acting skills that good, I’d be competing for Miss Hong Kong!

Boss Lin persuaded the man, Even if it’s a trap, I’d take the bait. The act is so convincing. It’s only 500,000 anyway—it’s not like you’re actually losing it. You’re just placing an order for goods, which you’ll need sooner or later.

The crowd in the room joined in, egging him on.

Finally, the boss agreed, Alright, alright, I’ll match the 500,000!

That brought the total to 2 million!

Ye Baoling gritted her teeth and said with great reluctance, I’ll give it a try then.

Three drinks per person, so that’s twelve drinks for the four of us.

Ah? Ye Baoling immediately threw down her cards. I’m not playing anymore!

A Zhen and the other girls laughed as they pulled her back. No way, you have to give it a try.

Reluctantly, Ye Baoling picked up the deck of cards. After shuffling, she asked Boss Lin to select one card.

After Boss Lin chose his card, the other three bosses leaned in to look.

Lu Baohua, who had been sent by Ye Qingtang’s side to check the card, had his mouth and eyes covered as soon as he finished looking—prevented from speaking or seeing.

Ye Baoling split the deck into two halves. Boss Lin placed his card back on top of the left pile, and after shuffling again, Ye Baoling turned the entire deck over and spread it face-up on the table.

She asked Boss Lin, Which one is it?

Boss Lin chuckled, Shouldn’t I be asking you that, Miss Gu?

Just take a look! Ye Baoling coaxed playfully.

The four bosses shook their heads with smiles, refusing to look.

Ye Baoling exclaimed, Someone saw it, someone saw it! Is it this one…?

Everyone held their breath and watched intently.

She pulled out the Seven of Clubs!

The four faces across from her instantly fell.

Lu Baohua screamed and jumped up: It’s the Seven of Clubs!

The entire restaurant erupted in excitement!

No one was happier than A Zhen—by just putting on an act, she had exceeded the 2 million order target!

She hugged Ye Baoling and kissed her cheek: You take the bigger share of the commission, I’ll take the smaller one.

The rest of the marketing team was also thrilled—no matter what, they had something to show for the night.

Boss Lin smiled skeptically, Was this some kind of setup?

Director Liu, who had just emerged from the inner private room and heard that the target was met ahead of schedule, said cheerfully, Boss Lin, a bet is a bet! This was definitely not a setup—otherwise, I would have joined in on the fun earlier.

Hurry, prepare the contract.

Meanwhile, Ye Baoling was surrounded by others asking how she had guessed it.

Ye Baoling smiled and said, Boss Lin has sweaty hands. The card he touched had a slight moisture mark.

That’s all?

That’s all!

You’re amazing!

But that wasn’t actually the case. The real principle was very simple.

When Ye Baoling split the deck in two, Boss Lin placed the drawn Seven of Clubs on top of the left pile. She glanced at the bottom card of the right pile—the King of Hearts—then placed the right pile on top of the left one.

While shuffling, she was careful not to mix them up. After turning the deck over, she quickly found the King of Hearts—the card right above it was the Seven of Clubs that Boss Lin had placed back.

It was a simple card trick she had learned in elementary school.

And it fooled everyone.

Ye Baoling glanced at her watch—it was already 8:30. She needed to cross the border before the Luohu Port closed at 10 p.m.

She went to ask Qu Zhengming for leave: President Qu, I have something to attend to and need to leave early.

Having just secured a 2 million order for the company, Qu Zhengming would agree to anything Ye Baoling asked at that moment. He asked, Do you need someone to drive you back?

No need, I’m not drunk. My friend is waiting for me outside.

Alright, be careful on your way. We’ll celebrate at the office tomorrow.

Ye Baoling paused briefly and said, Could I take tomorrow off?

What’s the matter?

I… my father is seriously ill and hospitalized.

She almost added, He’s dying.

Qu Zhengming said apologetically, You should have told me earlier if there was something going on at home. Go ahead, and take good care of your father at the hospital.

Thank you, President Qu. I’ll take my leave now.

Ye Baoling jogged all the way outside, where the car arranged by Lao San Fang was already waiting by the roadside.

After getting in the car, she headed straight for Luohu Port.

An extremely vulgar phrase she’d once seen in TV drama bullet comments suddenly popped into her mind.

Traveling a thousand miles to deliver herself.

Well, maybe not a thousand miles, but certainly a hundred.

Ahhhh, how could she think of such a phrase? She was becoming increasingly crude.

Meanwhile, Ye Huaizhang had just finished discussions with municipal party committee officials and would soon continue talks with provincial party committee leaders.

He was resting in the VIP lounge.

Dong Jian approached and reported: We’ve picked up the young madam.

Ye Huaizhang nodded slightly, finally setting his mind at ease. He asked: Is the white cut chicken prepared for her?

We’ve already invited that dai pai dong chef to the hotel. He’s standing by and will start cooking at precisely the right time. They say white cut chicken is most delicious when served slightly warm with a hint of pink after being ice-bathed.

Meanwhile, while going through customs, Ye Baoling seemed to sense this psychically as she thought of those delicious chicken drumsticks, swallowing involuntarily.

Author’s note: Boss Lin: Lost fair and square.

Ye Huaizhang: You’re not the first to be fooled.

Ye Baoling: Earning money through skill, hehe [mischievous grin]