The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 49 Shaving Leg Hair

Chapter 49 Shaving Leg Hair

This Saturday, after returning from hiking with her cousins, Ye Baoling turned on the air conditioning. Several girls lay scattered across the wooden floor of the room to rest.

Her uncle had started working as a site supervisor in Shenzhen last week, and yesterday her aunt took the two youngest children to Shenzhen for fun.

The tenants had also gone to relatives’ homes, leaving the house unusually quiet.

After her younger sister went out, Gu Man’er asked her cousin, Who did you arrange to play tennis with tomorrow?

Ye Baoling yawned, closed her eyes, and said lazily, You know Sir Fang, right? His grandson Fang Shanxing, and his friend named Fang Haiming.

This gathering was organized by Fang Shanxing. Ye Baoling’s only purpose was to give Gu Man’er an opportunity to meet the male lead from the original plot.

Fang Haiming? Gu Man’er sat up straight.

Ye Baoling opened her eyes in surprise. You know him?

How could I not know him? That guy is really… indescribable. I’m not going.

Ye Baoling: …

It turned out that last week, when Gu Man’er went out with her senior brother to meet a client, they got into a car accident. The owner of the other car was Fang Haiming.

Perhaps due to their inherent bickering lovers dynamic, Fang Haiming and Gu Man’er started arguing upon meeting and nearly ended up in court.

This was my first time driving on the road after getting my license, and I encountered such an unruly person. Don’t you think I’d be furious? I used to watch his antique appraisal show and thought he was quite interesting, but meeting him in person was really… nitpicky, stingy, and without any gentlemanly manners… As she spoke, Gu Man’er gestured as if she wanted to crush his head from a distance.

Ye Baoling never expected they had met this way.

It seemed her previous worries were unnecessary.

The male and female leads were destined to meet through various means.

Since that was the case, Ye Baoling couldn’t be bothered to interfere.

If you don’t want to go, forget it. I’ll turn him down.

Unexpectedly, Gu Man’er changed her mind. No, I want to crush him on the tennis court!

…

Ye Baoling rolled her eyes at her. Are you going or not?

I’m going! After saying this, Gu Man’er got up to comb her hair. Is brother-in-law going too?

He’s not. He’s going to Shanghai tomorrow and won’t be in Hong Kong.

So, early the next morning, Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er arrived together at the tennis court next to the golf course.

Ye Baoling finally met the legendary male lead, Fang Haiming.

One word described him: handsome!

Though handsome, his temper was annoying.

Unlike Fang Shanxing, who was socially adept and considerate to everyone like a central air conditioner.

Gu Man’er couldn’t help but whisper to Ye Baoling, This is the difference between people. Even though Young Master Fang is chubby, he’s so friendly and adorable, unlike that guy! Detestable!

Ye Baoling watched the interaction between the male and female leads like a drama, responding with a smile, You’re right.

For mixed doubles, Ye Baoling didn’t need to cheat—fate would help naturally.

Sure enough, Gu Man’er was paired with Fang Haiming. The two argued from start to finish, but of course, with their protagonist halo, they managed to defeat Ye Baoling and Fang Shanxing while bickering.

Fang Shanxing was truly a social expert. Even after losing, he wasn’t angry, always smiling like a young Maitreya Buddha.

He had heard about Gong Jiahua’s embarrassing incident at the charity banquet and later learned that Gong Jiahua was pursuing Ye Baoling, so he couldn’t help but speak up for him.

I was going to invite Gong Jiahua to play tennis with us, but I was afraid you’d be upset, so I didn’t dare ask him. Gong Jiahua isn’t usually like that – he must have had too much drinks that day, or maybe someone set him up.

Ye Baoling smiled: You could have invited him. I don’t mind, and he probably wouldn’t either.

Fang Shanxing realized she had overstepped and immediately laughed it off, letting the matter drop.

Ye Baoling had also heard about Zheng Junni trying to matchmake Fang Shanxing with Ye Baoxin. Since the original script didn’t include any scenes about them, meaning they weren’t important, she couldn’t be bothered to inquire further.

After playing tennis, the four of them harmoniously went for lunch together. Although the bickering couple couldn’t avoid trading barbs, the overall atmosphere remained cheerful.

When she returned home that evening around 10:30, Ye Huaizhang called from Shanghai.

Wasn’t I supposed to be the only one calling you? she asked with a laugh after answering.

Ye Huaizhang: It’s 10:30, you’re in your bedroom, no one else around – why shouldn’t I call you?

Ye Baoling chuckled: Who said I can only be in my bedroom? I could be at a bar, dance hall… there are plenty of fun places to be.

Knowing she wasn’t the type to frequent such places, he changed the subject with a smile. Did you play tennis with Fang Shanxing and the others today?

Mhm. Ye Baoling’s voice lifted slightly. What? Did you have someone follow me?

That would be going too far.

With ship horns sounding from the riverbank, Ye Huaizhang stood up to close the window. Gong Jiahua called to tell me. He warned me to watch out for Fang Shanxing, in case he introduces you to any more questionable people.

Ye Baoling was amused – Gong Jiahua was really something.

If I hadn’t married you, Gong Jiahua would actually be quite a good candidate.

His voice dropped: What’s so good about him?

Handsome, kind-hearted, wealthy, treats me well…

Ye Huaizhang dismissed this: He kisses other women without a second thought – is that someone you can entrust your life to?

Tsk tsk!

After bantering for over ten minutes, Ye Baoling finally remembered to ask him: Is Shanghai fun?

Haven’t had time to explore yet. What would you like me to buy for you?

Ye Baoling didn’t stand on ceremony: Get some pork jerky and butterfly pastries, anything else is up to you.

After hanging up, Ye Baoling realized – why had he called?

She forgot to ask. He didn’t say either.

Probably nothing important, just calling to report his whereabouts.

Bored, she flipped open the latest issue of Tumbleweed Financial Weekly.

At the very back of the layout, there was actually an advertisement from Tumbleweed itself.

It stated that due to development needs, Tumbleweed Press was currently seeking interested investors to become shareholders.

Looked like the boss was short on funds or shareholders had pulled out and they couldn’t sustain operations?

The next day at noon, taking advantage of the empty office during lunch break, Ye Baoling called Tumbleweed Press. A woman answered the phone.

Hello, I’m looking for Editor-in-Chief Bai Zhu.

This is Bai Zhu speaking. Who may I ask is calling?

So Bai Zhu was a woman, with a quite young voice – probably only a few years older than her.

Ye Baoling asked with a smile: Hello Editor Bai, I saw your announcement in Tumbleweed Financial Weekly and wanted to ask – if someone wants to become a shareholder of yours, how would the cooperation work?

As the first investor to call and inquire, Bai Zhu immediately responded enthusiastically: Is it your boss who wants to invest?

I am my own boss.

Bai Zhu was quite surprised. Judging by the voice, the woman calling sounded very young.

Among the people she had met, few young women were interested in finance and economics. Especially wealthy ones—most were daughters of rich families whose interest in entertainment gossip and luxury goods far exceeded their interest in financial news.

But since someone had taken the initiative to consult, she didn’t dare to neglect: How should I address you?

Could we meet in person?

They quickly arranged to meet at the Tumbleweed Newspaper office at 5:30 p.m.

After finishing her promotion plan in the afternoon, Ye Baoling left work early and headed to Tumbleweed.

Located in the most remote corner of the fourth floor of an office building, Tumbleweed’s office was even smaller than that of Qiyuan Investment.

A large shelf piled high with newspapers and materials blocked the entrance.

Ye Baoling had to squeeze in sideways.

Chen Yulan had already arrived at the newspaper office ahead of time. Seeing Ye Baoling enter, she promptly introduced her: Editor Bai, this is my boss.

Bai Zhu, sporting a trendy ultra-short haircut of the era, came forward with a smile and shook Ye Baoling’s hand: You must be Miss Ye? I’m Bai Zhu.

Ye Baoling asked with a smile, Is Bai Zhulin also you?

You’re quite familiar with our newspaper.

Since the second issue, I’ve been a loyal reader of Tumbleweed.

The small office housed only Bai Zhu and one other young man—just two people, exactly as Ye Baoling had guessed.

Their main operating funds came from Bai Zhu’s own investment of 30,000 yuan. Revenue from newspaper sales was too low to cover printing costs.

Apart from printing expenses, the biggest expenditures were rent and interview costs. With only the two of them on staff, they had only been paying themselves basic wages to get by over the past two months.

The only thing keeping them going was: idealism.

Bai Zhu had previously worked as an editor at Citizen Press, where she had built some connections and resources.

She had a strong interest in financial news and a deep aversion to financial corruption. However, the newspaper she had worked for had already been corrupted by powerful interests, leaving no room for resistance. That was why she decided to start her own publication.

But entrepreneurship proved harder than expected. Expenses were high, revenue streams were scarce, circulation was low, and there were no advertising clients. To keep going, they needed to bring in a major investor.

Ye Baoling said, I want 51% of the shares. Control would lie with me, but management would remain with you. Assess how much I need to invest for you to agree.

Faced with a potential major investor appearing out of nowhere, Bai Zhu was both flattered and cautious. She didn’t want to agree hastily.

Miss Ye, may I ask why you want to invest in us?

Ye Baoling replied honestly, I was fully invested in Haihua Construction. If I hadn’t read your report on the Dapeng Port contractor, I would have suffered heavy losses. My investment in you is my way of returning the favor.

Hearing that her reporting had helped Miss Ye minimize her losses, Bai Zhu was delighted.

She said, So that’s how it is. The Dapeng Port story was our second issue. I only printed 1,000 copies back then, but only sold over 20 copies – the rest were all returned. Yet because of those 20+ copies, the impact was quite significant. Later, other media outlets followed up with reports on the matter, so our third issue of 1,000 copies completely sold out. The sales for subsequent issues have been fairly decent too, and we’re now selling over 1,500 copies. This is just the beginning – I believe our ‘Windblown Grass’ can become Hong Kong’s best financial newspaper.

Having confidence was good, but when Ye Baoling said she was investing in Windblown Grass, she was essentially investing in Bai Zhu herself.

When it came time to quote the price, Bai Zhu cautiously proposed a high figure of 150,000.

She expected Ye Baoling to negotiate, but instead the other woman directly took out her checkbook and wrote a check for 50,000.

This is the deposit. The remaining 100,000 will be paid after we sign the agreement at the law firm.

150,000 wasn’t even enough for some wealthy young ladies to buy a few luxury handbags, but Ye Baoling had bought a promising newspaper.

Extremely worthwhile!

It felt like the God of Wealth had knocked on her door. Holding the check, Bai Zhu expressed deep gratitude: Starting today, Miss Ye, you’re my boss. I’ll work hard and won’t disappoint your expectations.Ye Baoling smiled and said, ‘This is Qiyuan’s first industrial investment.’ I currently have no requirements for investment returns, though of course I hope ‘Windblown Grass’ will succeed. If we can make a huge profit, that would be ideal. You don’t need to feel pressure about profitability for now, but you should understand that we’ll only continue injecting funds if there are profit expectations. So you still need to work hard.

Absolutely!

Bai Zhu still needed to work on the next issue’s draft, so their plans to go out for a meal together had to be postponed.

In just one hour, they had secured an investment – the efficiency was truly remarkable.

Chen Yulan knew her cousin had over forty million Hong Kong dollars in her account, so she wasn’t particularly concerned about this small amount of over one hundred thousand anymore.

Cousin, didn’t we hire accounting staff? The current workload isn’t heavy – should we have our accountants help ‘Windblown Grass’ with their bookkeeping?

Ask them tomorrow if they need help? If they do, assist them; if not, forget it. No need to make them think I’m sending accountants to control their finances – that’s unnecessary.

Chen Yulan nodded in agreement: I’ll call Bai Zhu to discuss it tomorrow.

The university was still on summer break. The product department had spent money to recruit over 1,000 university students through connections, who participated in blind taste tests of Jasmine Herbal Tea in batches.

Finally, two very similar light jasmine black tea recipes – numbers 4 and 9 – were selected.

During the project team meeting, Wan Xiwena, as project manager, presided over the proceedings.

Between the currently selected recipes 4 and 9, recipe 9 won by less than 1% of the votes. But even if it’s just by one vote, recipe 9 is the winner. I hereby announce recipe 9 has been selected. Does anyone have any objections?

Ye Baoling had an objection: I suggest we conduct another blind test.

Why?

I wonder if Manager Wan has tasted the chilled versions of recipes 4 and 9. At room temperature, their flavors are very similar, but when refrigerated, they become completely different.

Wan Xiwena clearly hadn’t tried them chilled – she remained silent.

Others expressed that they hadn’t tasted the chilled versions either.

Rao Qiutong muttered under her breath, They taste similar at room temperature, so they must be similar when chilled too.

Ye Baoling ignored her.

Following Ye Baoling’s instructions, Gao Lizhen had prepared two varieties of chilled jasmine herbal tea in advance. She poured each type into blue and yellow paper cups respectively for everyone to sample.

After tasting, the project team members began whispering among themselves.

Ye Baoling asked, Do the two varieties taste different?

Rao Qiutong remained silent.

Others replied, They’re indeed different.

Ye Baoling pressed further, Which color cup contains the better-tasting jasmine herbal tea?

The blue one.

The iced jasmine tea in the blue cup is so refreshing! someone exclaimed before taking another big gulp.

I also prefer the blue one.

Who would have thought the difference would be so pronounced after chilling?

Without exception, everyone present chose the blue cup.

Wan Xiwena asked, Which formula is in the blue cup?

Ye Baoling answered, Formula 4.

The crowd was stunned.

Left with no choice, Wan Xiwena agreed to conduct another blind test.

A day later, the blind test results came out. As expected, Formula 4 won by a large margin.

Before Ye Baoling could announce the results, she was summoned by Qi Yuxiu.

Knowing the results were due today, Qi Yuxiu said, We have a meeting this afternoon. The company has high expectations for the new jasmine herbal tea. With our IPO scheduled for September, if the jasmine herbal tea can make a name for itself before then, it would significantly boost our stock price. If we succeed, Lin Zhong’s faction will be completely overshadowed.

Ye Baoling pretended not to understand, How could Lin Zhong possibly compare to General Shen?

This involves internal conflicts within the Ye family. You wouldn’t understand, and you don’t need to.

Then what should I do?

Have the blind test results been released? Qi Yuxiu had been closely monitoring the situation, and Ye Baoling had been keeping her updated on all developments.

Ye Baoling replied, Yes. Formula 4 won.

Excellent, Qi Yuxiu lowered her voice. Do the others know about this outcome?

The statistics team is aware.

Go to the R&D team and secretly swap Formula 4 with Formula 9. These two formulas are similar in composition and taste, so no one will notice the switch.

Ye Baoling was surprised, Swapping the formulas secretly won’t work. Both formulas were improved by Zeng Zhentao from the R&D team. He’ll definitely notice if they’re switched.

I’ll have HR Manager Li find an excuse to temporarily reassign Zeng Zhentao. By the time he returns and discovers the discrepancy, we’ll pin the blame on Qu Zhengming.

Ye Baoling asked, How do we do that?

When the time is right, you personally expose her. Claim she instructed you to swap the formulas to bring down Wan Xiwena and Shen Wanjie. Qu Zhengming promised you that she would take Shen Wanjie’s position, and you would replace Wan Xiwena. When Qu Zhengming’s scheme is exposed, she’ll inevitably fall, and Shen Wanjie will also be implicated for poor management. After finishing, Qi Yuxiu looked at Ye Baoling. As for me, I’ll take Qu Zhengming’s position. And you? You can go wherever you want.

Wherever you want – what a beautifully painted picture.

If she went to steal and swap the secret formula, and when things escalated and were thoroughly investigated, as Gu Baolin, she would end up in prison.

When that happened, how could Qi Yuxiu possibly help her? She’d be lucky if Qi Yuxiu didn’t kick her while she was down.

If she wanted to turn the tables and testify against Qi Yuxiu, she couldn’t, because there was no evidence.

Ye Baoling asked, This plan is too big and might affect the company’s stock price at the IPO. Will General Shen agree to let us do this?

Don’t worry, it was his idea. Without his support, I wouldn’t dare to let you do it. Later, HR will transfer Zeng Zhentao from the R&D team. Find an opportunity to replace the formula as soon as possible.

After a brief thought, Ye Baoling said, Alright, I know what to do.

After leaving Qi Yuxiu’s office and returning to the product department, she happened to see HR come in and take away the head of the R&D team.

Half an hour later, Ye Baoling entered the R&D team’s office.

In just ten minutes, she called Qi Yuxiu back. Manager Qi, I’ve completed the task you asked me to do. Numbers 4 and 9 have been swapped.

Good work. Come see me tomorrow morning.

The next morning, Ye Baoling went to see Qi Yuxiu, who gave her an envelope containing ten thousand Hong Kong dollars.

Ye Baoling didn’t refuse but accepted it with both hands and a smile.

Qi Yuxiu said, Now, you don’t need to do anything. Just wait to reap the rewards.

Ye Baoling asked, I need to prepare for the promotion of the new jasmine tea product. Should I continue with this work?

You must continue with your current tasks and not stop. Don’t let anyone notice anything unusual. The more money we spend upfront, the more severe the consequences will be, and the better the outcome.

Ye Baoling put away the envelope. Then I’ll try my best to get the company to spend more money.

Good!

*

In the study on the third floor of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony, Ye Kaimin reported the progress of the IPO to his father.

Ye Kaimin said, I’ve discussed it with Lü Dexiang. He will negotiate with the entire IPO committee. The IPO price has been set at 7.95 yuan, and they will be given priority allocation of 2.2 million shares. On the first day of the IPO, we will try to push the stock price into the 10-yuan range, giving them a chance to make some small profits.

2.2 million shares! If the stock price rises above 10 yuan, they’ll net over 4 million! That’s not small change! These IPO committee members are like plucking feathers from a goose—they seize every opportunity to profit. They’ll get their comeuppance sooner or later! Ye Qizu wasn’t distressed about the money; he mainly disliked being taken advantage of by people he looked down on.

Especially the Lü family.

The stock exchange has given us a range to choose from for the IPO timing. Any date between September 1st and September 15th will work.

Ye Qizu had already consulted a master for this.

He said, Let’s set the IPO for Friday, September 11th. September 12th, Saturday, happens to be Bao Xian’s full moon celebration. It’ll be a double blessing.

Of course, Ye Kaimin was pleased with this arrangement. He smiled and said, Bao Xian is blessed and brings good luck. As soon as he was born, the company is going public. We’re sure to make a fortune. Should we combine the IPO celebration banquet with the full moon banquet?

That wouldn’t be appropriate. Ye Qizu had carefully considered this—it was better to keep business and personal matters separate. Let’s not hold the full moon banquet for now. We’ll host a hundred-day celebration later.

That works too.

Ye Qizu put down the red paper in his hand and said, Recently, Baoshun has been interning in the investment department, but those people don’t dare to assign him any real work. I don’t think he’s learning much. Since you’re busy with the IPO matters lately, take him along. Let him meet more people and gain more knowledge.

Ye Kaimin knew that in the old man’s heart, Ye Baoshun was still the most important. He had no desire to take that brat out, let alone teach him anything.

But if I handle the IPO process, I’ll likely run into… that person.

He didn’t mention any name, but Ye Qizu understood immediately.

He was referring to Lu Tianyou.

Ye Qizu questioned angrily, Why should someone surnamed Lü be involved? Didn’t I say last time that he shouldn’t participate in our IPO project?

Ye Kaimin explained, Lu Tianyou isn’t participating, but he works at Yingbao Securities and is Lü Dexiang’s son. Some overlap is unavoidable.

Forget it, enough said. Ye Qizu was ultimately still dissatisfied with his son. Anyway, school is starting soon, so let’s leave it at that. What’s the Gong family’s attitude recently?

Ye Kaimin: The Gong family naturally hopes the two young ones can date. Gong Jiahua came looking for Le Qiong yesterday and even called Bao Ling over to play cards together in the evening.

Bao Ling played cards with Gong Jiahua?

Yes, I heard from the staff that Jiahua and Bao Ling got along quite normally.

Ye Qizu nodded, somewhat relieved: From this incident, it seems Bao Ling isn’t completely brainless. As for men, as long as they don’t go too far, they can be forgiven.

That’s what I advised her.

Alright, you may go attend to your matters. Ye Qizu was also about to go out for a walk.

Ye Kaimin took the documents and left first.

While walking downstairs, he couldn’t help but hum a tune.

Seeing him from afar, Liang Meiyun detoured to the other side, inevitably complaining to those around her: Having a son late in life really gives him a different perspective than others.

Just then, she spotted her son sneaking downstairs. Liang Meiyun stopped him: What are you doing, sneaking around like that?

Going out for a bit.

Didn’t you just get back from the company? Dinner is almost ready, where are you going now?

Meeting friends.

Your grandfather is having dinner at home today. Stay and eat with him before going out.

No time, I’ve made plans. Ye Baoshun ignored his mother and quickly headed toward the underground vault.

Watching her son completely lacking any sense of urgency, Liang Meiyun felt utterly helpless.

As she walked out, she saw a servant going to open the garden gate. A man entered – upon closer look, it was Gong Jiahua.

Gong Jiahua was carrying several bags. Just as he entered, he happened to meet Ye Baoling returning home from work.

Gong Jiahua handed her the paper bags: Here, for you.

What’s this?

Shanghai specialties. Gong Jiahua gave her a meaningful look. Specifically asked me to deliver them.

Oh, so Ye Huaizhang sent him.

Ye Baoling smiled and accepted them, saying quietly: Thank you, sorry for the trouble. Come inside. Will you stay for dinner?

I better not come in. Don’t want to be too enthusiastic and risk getting hunted down. Gong Jiahua lowered his voice for the last two sentences.

Ye Baoling laughed: It’s not that serious. Don’t overthink things.

Heh. Gong Jiahua snorted sarcastically.

Liang Meiyun stood on the protruding balcony, smiling as she asked: Jiahua, what gifts are you giving our Baoling?

Gong Jiahua looked up and smiled: Baoling said she wanted to try Shanghai specialties, so I asked a friend to buy them.

My, my. Liang Meiyun felt mixed emotions, unsure whether she hoped Ye Baoling’s marriage arrangement with Gong Jiahua would work out or not.

Gong Jiahua left after delivering the gifts.

When Ye Baoling returned to her bedroom, she called the person who sent the gifts: How did you manage to order Gong Jiahua around?

He willingly offered to be the delivery boy, couldn’t stop him even if I tried.

It was hard to tell which of them was telling the truth.

He added: There’s still a box of pork jerky I didn’t bring. I’ll deliver it to you tonight.

Ye Baoling instinctively glanced at her bedsheet and reminded him: Shave your leg hair before coming.

Why should I shave my leg hair?

Last time Sister Ping picked up your leg hair and asked me what it was. I had to tell her it was my eyelash.

Ye Huaizhang: …

Not shaving.

How ridiculous.

Author’s Note:

Ye Huaizhang: Only fools shave their leg hair.

Sister Ping: Which fool’s leg hair is this again?

Ye Baoling: The fool upstairs from you.