The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 46 Heavy Breathing Overlapping

Chapter 46 Heavy Breathing Overlapping

The office was silent, remaining quiet for at least a minute with no one speaking.

Ye Baoling’s logic was clear—she had both witnesses and material evidence, leaving Lu Baohua with no room for denial.

Qu Zhengming looked at Lu Baohua: Do you have anything else to say?

At this point, Lu Baohua knew that bowing his head would be meaningless, so he didn’t bother responding to Qu Zhengming.

Qu Zhengming walked toward the door.

Seeing this, Ye Baoling, who stood by the door, tactfully opened it for her superior.

Outside, a crowd of people were pressed against the door, eavesdropping on the commotion inside.

Everyone was startled by the sudden opening of the office door.

Hearing the noise, Lu Baohua turned around, utterly embarrassed.

Qu Zhengming said, Stop gawking and get back to work. Bao Lin, come to my office.

Not long after, Ye Baoling called A Xia and the cleaner Yang Jie, recounting the entire incident step by step.

Xu Chengping also brought in the preserved video tape.

In less than half an hour, the matter was clarified.

Instead of going directly to the HR department, Qu Zhengming went to her superior, Shen Wanjie, the general manager of Ye Qingtang Herbal Tea, to report the situation in detail.

The issue had already escalated, and Shen Wanjie saw no reason to protect such a low-level manager.

The only problem was that Lu Baohua had been personally promoted by the chairman. With this incident coming to light, it risked embarrassing the chairman.

Shen Wanjie felt a slight headache: Let me think about how to explain this to the higher-ups.

Understanding her leader’s dilemma, Qu Zhengming took the initiative to shoulder responsibility: I am partly to blame for this. I am willing to take responsibility.

Don’t be foolish—this isn’t your fault. The allocation plan was originally submitted by Liu Tiejun from the marketing department; he was the one who didn’t verify it properly. This Liu Tiejun, with his corruption and incompetence, has held us back. He should bear the responsibility. Shen Wanjie had already lost one key member and didn’t want Qu Zhengming to be implicated as well.

It would be better to let Director Liu from the marketing department take full responsibility.

Coincidentally, the chairman and other board members were at the company today for a meeting regarding the launch of Ye Qingtang Herbal Tea. Shen Wanjie said, The chairman should have arrived by now. Come with me to explain the situation—we can’t delay this any longer.

Shen Wanjie also called Cai Yongming, the group vice president in charge of administration and HR.

In the chairman’s office on the 30th floor, four or five people stood around the desk.

Only Ye Qizu and Lin Zhong were seated.

After listening to their report, Ye Qizu had nearly forgotten about Lu Baohua. After all, an allocation plan wasn’t that significant an achievement, but he still felt somewhat disappointed.

Such a person is not fit for the job. You decide how to handle it.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief seeing that the boss wasn’t placing blame.

Lin Zhong said, Just follow the company’s standard procedures.

Shen Wanjie quickly responded, Later, after discussing with Vice President Cai, I will report back to Manager Lin.

Ye Qizu was surprised to learn that the allocation plan had been conceived by a female employee. He asked, What position does the female staff member whose credit he took hold?

Qu Zhengming replied, Assistant planner. Her name is Gu Baolin. She is very diligent and attentive in her work, and she has her own ideas. The consumer market research she conducted for Jasmine Herbal Tea is almost on par with that of professional research firms.

Ye Qizu nodded slightly: It seems she is quite talented.

Yes, we’re currently planning to have her take charge of improving and adjusting the Jasmine Herbal Tea formula.

Cai Yongming, who had remained silent until now, spoke up to make his presence known to the boss: This Gu Baolin was originally in the logistics department managing cleaning-related tasks. She easily resolved the cleaner strike at the end of last month and was commended for it.

Qu Zhengming added: Gu Baolin is an exceptionally outstanding girl. When she accompanied me to the social gathering between the marketing department and our Southeast Asian distributors, she used a simple magic trick to secure a 2 million yuan new product order for the company.

Listening to their praises, Ye Qizu couldn’t help but say: I’m becoming quite curious and would like to meet this outstanding employee.

Lin Zhong had always been aware of Ye Baoling’s excellent performance at the company. He had spoken with her just a few days ago, but she insisted on keeping her employment at the company from her family.

Lin Zhong quickly changed the subject: Chairman, the meeting is about to begin.

Moreover, they had other schedule arrangements after the meeting, so Ye Qizu had to say: Then we’ll do it next time. However, with such outstanding abilities, isn’t she being underutilized as just an assistant planner?

Having learned from the previous experience with Lu Baohua, Ye Qizu didn’t make any rash promotions, but his reminder naturally prompted his subordinates to make appropriate arrangements accordingly.

It was decided that very day that Ye Baoling would be promoted from assistant planner to planner.

As for Lu Baohua, regarding the incident of switching the videotapes, since it ultimately didn’t cause any negative impact, he was suspended pending investigation. Whether he would be fired depended on the final investigation results.

But typically, such investigations only lead to one outcome – termination.

Today’s board meeting had all Ye family members with board positions in attendance.

Besides Ye Qizu and his two sons Ye Kaimin and Ye Kais, there were also Ye Qizu’s younger brother Ye Qizong and Ye Qizong’s son Ye Kaisen.

Also present were representatives from the second branch, representatives from the third branch, independent directors.

And senior executives like Lin Zhong and Shen Wanjie.

In the large conference room, Ye Qizu sat at the head, with Lin Zhong presiding over the meeting.

We’ve currently confirmed the listing timeframe as early or mid-September. The specific date awaits approval from the Stock Exchange’s listing committee. The issue price hasn’t been finalized yet, as the listing committee is requesting preferential allocation rights for 2.8 million shares.

Ye Qizu frowned slightly, showing some dissatisfaction: These people have quite the appetite.

But with the new share issue price controlled by the listing committee, this would inevitably involve some negotiation.

Ye Kaisen commented: Their demand for such extensive preferential allocation rights clearly indicates they’ll try every means to lower our issue price. Everyone knows Ye Qingtang is prime meat, all waiting to take a bite. Unless we can privately deal with these people.

Ye Kais looked at his older brother: Brother, aren’t you quite familiar with Stock Exchange Chairman Lü Dexiang? Why don’t you talk with him? Ye Qingtang Herbal Tea’s issue price shouldn’t be lower than 9 yuan no matter what.

An issue price above 9 yuan was fundamentally impossible.

Ye Kaimin knew his brother and Ye Kaisen were coordinating to deliberately present him with a difficult problem.

Ye Kaimin immediately refuted: The securities company’s recommended price is 7.92 yuan, not exceeding 8 yuan. How did it become not exceeding 9 yuan with you? Can market valuation be so arbitrary?

At home, Ye Kais usually appeared quite docile, but when discussing business matters at the company, he became far more cunning.

He questioned, Wasn’t it always 9 yuan? If Yingbao Securities gives us a valuation lower than 8 yuan, I think we still have time to switch securities firms now. Yingbao Securities and Lü Dexiang are in cahoots!

Ye Kaimin retorted, You know they’re in bed with Lü Dexiang, yet you still want to replace them? Isn’t that asking for trouble? If you think the valuation is too low, find another firm to reassess it. But you can’t just make empty claims—you need to ensure the securities company you choose can guarantee our listing.

When did I say I wanted to find another company for valuation…

The brothers inevitably started arguing again.

This was happening at the company! Ye Qizu was so furious he slammed the table.

His younger brother, Ye Qizong, was a shrewd man who enjoyed watching the family drama. Ye Qizong suggested, Big brother, just let them argue. The more they debate, the clearer the truth becomes. If they don’t argue, they won’t feel satisfied.

Ye Qizu resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his brother. Enough! Ye Kais, stop stirring up trouble! Maintaining a price of 7.92 yuan is already quite good. How can you expect 9 yuan per share? Stop daydreaming!

Ye Kais fell silent.

Ye Kaimin felt somewhat relieved. Over the years, this was a rare occasion where his father had openly taken his side.

Ye Qizu continued, Kaimin, you go and negotiate with Yingbao Securities and Lü Dexiang separately. Our bottom line is 7.92 yuan per share, but during the discussions, you can start by asking for 9 yuan to leave room for bargaining.

Ye Kaimin nodded. Alright, I’ll talk to them.

You will be fully responsible for the listing of Ye Qingtang. This statement was directed at Ye Kaimin.

Being entrusted with such an important task, Ye Kaimin felt extremely excited but tried not to show it. His throat itched intensely, and he couldn’t hold back a cough.

Ye Kais and Ye Kaisen both lowered their heads and said nothing more.

The listing matter was almost settled. The old man made it clear that he wanted to give Ye Kaimin a chance to prove himself. If both sons could be successful, that would be ideal.

No one wanted to put all their eggs in one basket.

*

That afternoon, Qu Zhengming secretly informed Ye Baoling that she would be promoted to planner, but the company would not announce it until the following week. Thus, Ye Baoling kept it to herself.

She left work early in the evening and wandered around the Gu Family residence. She gave the two Sister Mei concert tickets she had obtained from Lu Baohua to her cousin and returned to the main house without staying for dinner.

During dinner, only the old man, Liang Meiyun and her son, and Ye Baoling were present at the table.

Ye Qizu asked the housekeeper, Yin Jie, A Xing mentioned the young master had diarrhea yesterday. Is he better now?

Yin Jie replied, We switched to a new formula. He’s fine today.

Good to hear. Only then did Ye Qizu pick up his chopsticks. Let’s eat.

Since the incident where Liang Meiyun privately removed the Amulet of safety from the main gate, causing Zheng Junni to go into premature labor, Ye Qizu had developed some aversion toward her. However, no matter how unethical Liang Meiyun was, in his heart, his eldest grandson, Ye Baoshun, remained the most important.

Ye Baoshun had already been working in the company’s investment department for a week.

Ye Qizu asked his grandson, What have you learned during your first week at the company?

Young Master Ye Baoshun spent his days attending meetings with the investment department head, understanding little during the sessions. When not in meetings with nothing else to do, he could only read investment reports written by others.

Those reports were tedious, lengthy, and boring—how could he possibly comprehend them?

But he couldn’t tell his grandfather the work was dull, so he simply said, I’ve learned that earning money isn’t easy.

This phrase was foolproof.

Surprisingly, Ye Qizu was quite satisfied with his grandson’s response. It’s good that you understand money doesn’t come easily. There’s a female employee at the company, quite young I hear, who can manage cleaning crews, handle sales, conduct market research—she can do everything. Children from poor families mature early. You’ve never experienced hardship and don’t realize how difficult it is to earn even a single coin when you have nothing.

The grass was always greener in someone else’s yard.

If he knew this employee was his own granddaughter, one could only imagine how he’d feel.

When Ye Baoling heard about the old man wanting to see her today, even if Lin Zhong hadn’t intervened to stop it, she would have found a way to avoid the meeting.

Ye Baoshun showed no interest in his grandfather’s topic either and changed the subject, telling Ye Baoling, Elder sister, I saw someone with a figure very similar to yours at the company today…

!! Ye Baoling was startled but quickly composed herself, feigning surprise. Someone who looks like me?

Right outside the company building, but they disappeared in the blink of an eye. Where’s your office located?

Ye Baoling replied, Next to Lihua Building. I’m constantly busy typing and photocopying documents every day.

Liang Meiyun asked curiously, Baoling, how much is your monthly salary?

Twenty-six hundred.

Not even enough for Ye Baoshun to cover one night of drinking.

Ye Qizu showed complete disinterest in Ye Baoling’s work topics. Don’t just stay home every day after work. Why not go see movies or go shopping with Gong Jiahua when you have time?

Ye Baoling yawned, shifting responsibility to Gong Jiahua. He hasn’t asked me out. His interests change rapidly—yesterday he was interested in me, who knows which wealthy daughter has caught his eye today.

Ye Qizu insisted, Don’t be indifferent about this. The Fang family is hosting a charity gala this weekend, and you must attend. Both Gong Jiahua and his grandfather will be there. His grandfather will probably discuss your matters with me then.

Ye Baoling: …

After returning to her room, finishing her shower, and drying her hair, she found herself staring idly at the cabinet on the right.

Previously, while searching for the entrance to the adjacent secret chamber, she had tried to move the cabinet out. But it was large, reached the ceiling, and was firmly stuck—truly immovable.

In her bedroom, against the wall adjoining the neighboring study, the two bedside tables were movable, but no mechanisms had been discovered there.

The bed she slept on was a custom-made imported brand, unlikely to contain any hidden devices.

That left only this cabinet, which seemed highly suspicious.

The upper shelves held some of her small personal items, but nothing else.

Opening the bottom cabinet door against the wall revealed a spacious interior, completely empty. Holding a flashlight, she crouched to examine it closely.

The cabinet panel against the wall appeared ordinary. She knocked on it firmly, but the sound revealed nothing unusual.

Just as she prepared to stand up as usual, she noticed a pinhole-sized opening in the bottom left corner.

It reminded her of the small hole on a phone’s SIM card slot—pressing it with an ejection pin would make the SIM tray pop out.

Ye Baoling immediately went to fetch her lock-picking toolkit.

The toolkit contained a picking needle as thin as a regular needle.

She took out the picking needle and inserted it into the small hole in the left corner of the cabinet’s baseplate. After pushing it in firmly, there was no response.

She carefully examined it again and discovered there was also a small hole in the right corner.

Inserting the picking needle into the right hole yielded no reaction either.

Could it be similar to the mechanism of the wooden block on the wall panel, requiring both holes to be pressed simultaneously to activate?

The lock-picking kit only had one thin picking needle, so she considered asking a servant for another. But then she thought: if Grandfather found out she was looking for needles, would he become suspicious?

Left with no choice, she went to ask Sister Ping for needles.

Sister Ping brought her a sewing kit. Ye Baoling instructed, Don’t tell anyone I asked you for needles.

Sister Ping licked her lips and asked nervously in a low voice, Are you making a voodoo doll?

Ye Baoling: …

I can help you make it. A young girl like you shouldn’t handle such things.

I need them for removing corns.

Returning to her room, Ye Baoling inserted two needles simultaneously into the two small holes in the wooden cabinet’s baseplate.

Click!

Finally, she heard the familiar sound.

After spending so much time, she had finally found the entrance to the secret chamber on her bedroom side.

Overjoyed, Ye Baoling accidentally bumped her head against the top of the cabinet, hissing in pain.

The baseplate swung inward, revealing the secret chamber between her bedroom and study.

The study entrance and her bedroom entrance were actually just two corners of the secret chamber adjacent to the outer wall, positioned very close together.

Ye Baoling didn’t enter immediately. She quickly closed the secret chamber door and put both needles back into her lock-picking kit.

Meanwhile, she stuffed an unused pillow into the cabinet.

After some thought, she called Ye Huaizhang.

Ye Huaizhang had just finished showering. From the sound of it, he was drying his hair and probably wasn’t even wearing a robe.

She really wanted to reach through the air and stroke his chest, rubbing against it until it made sounds.

When Ye Baoling told him she’d found the secret chamber entrance in her bedroom, Ye Huaizhang praised her: You actually discovered such a hidden switch? Impressive.

Ye Baoling said proudly: Of course. Who do you think discovered the underground wine cellar? It was all me.

Ye Huaizhang put down his towel: Should I come over tonight?

Ye Baoling refused: My period hasn’t ended yet.

Do I have to do something if I come over?

If not, then why would you come? Ye Baoling teased him, Have you fallen for me? Coming over to have a heart-to-heart?

Ye Huaizhang: Then why are you calling me so late to talk about what?

I’m discussing work with you, about the secret chamber door, she said seriously. How’s your foot feeling?

Ye Huaizhang: I’ll be there in 5 minutes. Open the secret chamber door for me.

Then he hung up.

So rude! Hanging up just like that.

She muttered under her breath.

She first opened the secret chamber door, then went to the bathroom to comb her hair. After combing it, she let it down again, cursing herself inwardly.

Crazy! Do I need to do this?

Unnecessary.

She still messed up her hair anyway.

Exactly five minutes later, Ye Huaizhang arrived and brought her a photocopied family chronicle.

Here.

Ye Baoling took the chronicle, flipped through it casually, and asked him: Are you going to the Fang family’s charity banquet this weekend?

Haven’t decided yet. He surveyed the layout of her bedroom—walking forward led to the walk-in closet and bathroom, and beyond that was the sitting area. Your bedroom is more spacious than mine.

Ye Baoling raised an eyebrow. This is the bedroom of the Old Main House heir. It’s mine now.

Won’t you have to give it back eventually?

No. Ye Baoling said firmly. Once she moved in, she had no intention of returning it to Ye Baoshun.

Ye Baoling continued the earlier topic. My grandfather said that at the Fang family’s charity gala this weekend, he wants to discuss matters between me and Gong Jiahua with his grandfather.

Ye Huaizhang was taken aback. Matters between you two?

Yes. I’m wondering if I should talk to Gong Jiahua about it beforehand.

How would you approach it?

Haven’t figured that out yet.

Then don’t bother. I’ll handle him.

How will you handle him?

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Ye Huaizhang glanced at her large bed. Keep a set of my pajamas here.

Ye Baoling: I don’t mind if you don’t wear any.

His wife really knew how to drop bombshells.

Ye Huaizhang suppressed a laugh. But I do.

They stood chatting for a while longer until it grew late. Ye Huaizhang said, I should head back.

Ye Baoling had thought he would stay the night. She’d already prepared herself to fall asleep while touching his chest, but he was just making a round and leaving.

She complained, Did you come all this way just to deliver the photocopied yearbooks?

And to see the spacious bedroom she’d mentioned.

Ye Huaizhang turned back to look at her. What, don’t want me to go?

Not exactly.

Before she could voice her thoughts, he directly said, If you don’t want me to leave, then I won’t.

!!!

Ye Baoling couldn’t help but burst into silent laughter. This man had single-handedly completed the entire process with his self-directed dialogue.

The way you are right now reminds me of a Mosuo man climbing through the window.

Ye Huaizhang: …

He had come wearing athletic wear. Ye Baoling went to the walk-in closet and found him a bathrobe.

Her bathrobe was a bit short on him. Standing beside him, she couldn’t resist tugging at the robe, as if her pulling could somehow make it longer.

With a gentle tug, she ended up pulling the robe open.

Ye Huaizhang caught her hand and drew her into his embrace. Stop tugging randomly.

This turned out to be like inviting a wolf into the fold. Nestled against his chest, she took the opportunity to nibble on a small bud.

A shiver ran through him, and he lifted her up, preventing her from continuing her mischief.

Ye Baoling couldn’t hold back her laughter. She poked his chest. You came to my door, and you won’t even let me have a taste.

The next moment, she was pressed down onto the bed. If she wanted a taste, then she should have it properly.

She opened her mouth to speak, but her lips were captured fiercely by his. The temperature in the room soared rapidly. Their mingled breaths grew heavy, intertwined until it was hard to tell them apart, making it difficult to breathe.

Previously, their focus had been on more intense activities, and they hadn’t paid much attention to kissing. Since they couldn’t do anything else today, it was the perfect time for kissing.

She could feel the violent rise and fall of his chest and the heart-racing scent emanating from him.

Every time she tried to speak, he silenced her with his mouth.

Since he couldn’t win arguments with words, he was taking a different approach—trying to conquer her with kisses.

He tilted his head slightly, kissing her deeper and more intensely, until her consciousness grew hazy and she could only respond instinctively. Her fingers unconsciously wandered to the places she loved.

They didn’t do much, yet the bedsheets became thoroughly disheveled. The strap of her nightgown slipped down, exposing skin that met his palm, sending shivers through her.

Only when they were nearly breathless did he pull back slightly, though he didn’t fully release her. His lips still brushed against her flushed mouth, his scorching breath falling against her face.

She was about to speak when he silenced her again—this scheming boy just wouldn’t let her talk.

She wanted to bite him, but it somehow came across as an eager response, backfiring and leading to an even deeper kiss.

So kissing turned out to be quite the workout too. All she could do was let him hold her, sinking into the chaos of their ragged breaths.

Outside the window, the midnight cicadas chirped intermittently. Occasionally, a breeze would stir, causing the curtains to sway gently. In her own territory, she finally contentedly reached out to touch his chest.

She sighed, From now on, just stay like this and be my family’s live-in son-in-law.

He chuckled, Then how much bride price are you planning to pay to marry me?

Forget it if there’s a bride price involved. You can’t even bear children, she teased him.

I can earn money, and I have strength. In bed, I can satisfy you.

He said it shamelessly, but it seemed to make some sense.

Propping her head up, she suddenly asked him, Do you really like me?

Ye Huaizhang looked at her as if she were a monster. You’re my wife.

Talking about like was too vulgar.

Ye Baoling was left speechless by his response.

Oh well, she didn’t care for vulgarity anyway. Things were fine as they were now.

She rested her head on his chest while he lay with one arm under his head and the other gently stroking her arm.

Neither of them could sleep.

He said, I had someone look into the information about Silver Snake Mountain.

Mhm, and then?

This mountain was originally called Cuiluo Mountain. Since last century, it has been the back mountain leased by our Ye family from the government.

It’s said that in early 1946, highly venomous silver snakes were discovered on Cuiluo Mountain. Those silver snakes bit and killed several hikers, which caused quite a stir at the time. Rumors spread that the Ye family had been raising the silver snakes on Cuiluo Mountain that killed people, and public opinion grew increasingly intense.

Although the three branches of the Ye family issued a joint statement denying they had ever raised silver snakes, the public wasn’t entirely convinced.

Eventually, pressured by the situation, the British Hong Kong government took back Cuiluo Mountain.

To better deter citizens from casually hiking there, Cuiluo Mountain was renamed Silver Snake Mountain.

After hearing his account, Ye Baoling couldn’t help but feel a chill: Are there still silver snakes on the mountain now?

In all these years, there haven’t been any sightings.

Could the blue brick tunnel be where they raised the silver snakes?

Ye Huaizhang shook his head slightly: Unlikely. A tunnel alone isn’t suitable for raising snakes. And why would our Ye family want to raise silver snakes anyway? I asked my grandmother, and she said it was all rumors – no one in the Ye family ever raised silver snakes.

Ye Baoling was half-convinced, half-doubtful. Perhaps it was because she wasn’t originally from the Ye family that she didn’t have the same inherent trust in them.

Author’s note: Blue brick tunnel: I’m not just for secret affairs…

Ye Huaizhang: Who’s having secret affairs?