The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 54 Grandpa, She Insulted You!

Chapter 54 Grandpa, She Insulted You!

Seeing the chairman enter, Lin Zhong promptly stood up and offered his seat to Ye Qizu.

Ye Qizu never expected that the granddaughter he had previously envied others for having was actually his own!

After recovering from his shock, the old man remained silent, sat down, and said, Carry on.

Noticing that Ye Qizu did not immediately expose Ye Baoling’s identity, Lin Zhong tactfully followed suit and instructed, President Shen, please provide the chairman with a detailed report of the situation.

Shen Wanjie bowed his head slightly before speaking, Chairman, there was a lapse in my management. Previously, some feedback indicated that the taste of the Jasmine Iced Tea when chilled differed from what was sampled during the blind selection. I asked Qu Zhengming to investigate, and she reported back that her inquiry found no issues. However, today, we received an anonymous letter alleging that Qu Zhengming, the director of the product department, had someone secretly alter the Jasmine Iced Tea formula. I immediately ordered an investigation, and upon reviewing the surveillance footage from the R&D lab, it was discovered that Gu Baolin was the one who covertly swapped the formulas.

Shen Wanjie then had someone play the surveillance tape retrieved from the monitoring room.

On the projector screen in the meeting room, Ye Baoling was seen sneaking into the R&D lab, glancing around to ensure no one was present, and then switching the positions of the No. 4 and No. 9 formulas hanging on the wall.

The evidence was irrefutable!

Shen Wanjie looked at Ye Baoling and said, Gu Baolin, you can’t deny this, can you?

Qu Zhengming was clearly unable to believe that such an outstanding member of her team would do something like this.

She asked, Baolin, do you have some unspeakable difficulty?

Ye Baoling glanced toward Qi Yuxiu, who blinked, signaling her not to look in her direction.

Cai Yongming inquired, Gu Baolin, there’s a saying on the mainland: ‘Leniency for those who confess, severity for those who resist.’ The company has provided you with work, opportunities, and treated you well. Why would you do something that harms the company? Was anyone behind this? Do you have some compelling reason?

Ye Baoling looked at Qu Zhengming and said, I’m sorry, Director Qu.

Then, raising her voice slightly, she added, It was Qu Zhengming who ordered me to swap them.

Qu Zhengming’s eyes widened in astonishment; she could hardly believe her ears: Baolin, what nonsense are you talking?

Shen Wanjie prevented Qu Zhengming from approaching Ye Baoling and immediately asked, Why would Qu Zhengming have you change the formula?

Ye Baoling replied, She wanted to use this opportunity to oust you, President Shen, so she could take your place as the general manager of Leaf Pure Tea, and I would be promoted to manager.

Qu Zhengming still refused to believe it: How could a director like me leapfrog to general manager? This frame-up is utterly absurd! Gu Baolin, are you being blackmailed?

Lin Zhong also expressed confusion: How exactly would altering the herbal tea formula help you bring down President Shen?

Ye Baoling lowered her head, avoiding Qu Zhengming’s gaze: Because President Shen insisted on appointing Wan Xiwena as the project manager for the Jasmine Green Tea development and promotion, despite everyone’s objections. Director Qu planned to turn this to her advantage by swapping the formula. Once the issue came to light, Wan Xiwena would be held directly responsible, and President Shen would be accused of favoritism and cronyism.

What favoritism and cronyism?

Shen Wanjie shot a glance at Qi Yuxiu, his eyes chastising her: Rein in your person before they say anything more out of line!

Qi Yuxiu was also sweating nervously, but she couldn’t interrupt Ye Baoling now without dragging Shen Wanjie into the mess.

Shen Wanjie, fearing someone might latch onto Ye Baoling’s accusation of nepotism, immediately said: I know Qu Zhengming has had some issues with me lately. We’ve had minor conflicts at work, and earlier there were disagreements over personnel decisions. A few days ago, she wanted to spend 4 million to hire Xian Bi as our spokesperson, but I rejected it outright. What I never expected was that she would disregard company interests and secretly have someone switch formulas to frame me. The Jasmine Iced Tea is selling quite well now, but if the formula hadn’t been swapped, it could have sold even better. If there’s a problem, we should communicate. If you think I’m unreasonable, you could have reported to Lin Zhong—that would have been perfectly fine. But why choose this path that severely harms the company’s interests?

Qu Zhengming looked as if she were about to go mad, protesting helplessly: I didn’t! I never instructed Gu Baolin to change the formula!

Wait—there was another obvious loophole she had forgotten to refute.

Qu Zhengming added: I’ve tasted both improved versions of the Jasmine Herbal Tea. The formula was never switched—I’m absolutely certain the one currently on the market is the iced tea with Formula No. 4.

Shen Wanjie retorted: Qu Zhengming, now is not the time to randomly change the subject. The evidence is clear—have you seen the surveillance footage?

Qu Zhengming argued: Are you convicting me based on one person’s testimony alone? This is blatant framing.

Cai Yongming agreed: Yes, with only Gu Baolin’s testimony, it’s insufficient to prove Qu Zhengming was the mastermind behind this.

Ye Qizu watched them coldly, remaining silent throughout.

As the daughter of Ye Qingtang, Ye Baoling had no reason to harm the company’s interests. A manager position was nothing—if she had simply admitted at home that Gu Baolin was her, wouldn’t it have been easy to get a manager’s role? There was no need for this.

But with video evidence, Ye Baoling couldn’t escape. So why would she do this? Did she not want the company to succeed? Was she seeking revenge for his years of neglect?

The old man’s mind was already racing with several theories.

Just then, Shen Wanjie spoke up: There’s another witness.

This witness was Rao Qiutong.

Rao Qiutong entered with Wan Xiwen.

As soon as she came in, she fixed her gaze on Ye Baoling. Her eyes held the look of someone watching a helpless lamb surrounded by a pack of wild wolves—as one of the wolves, she merely wanted to rush forward, take a bite, and get a share of the spoils.

Shen Wanjie introduced: This is Rao Qiutong, a planner from the product department. Rao Qiutong, please describe in detail what you saw and heard that day to the Chairman and General Manager Lin.

Rao Qiutong swallowed, cleared her throat—speaking in such a setting for the first time made her somewhat nervous.

That day was probably the afternoon when the second round of blind selection results came out. The head of the R&D team was called away by HR, and afterward, the R&D team held a meeting in the conference room, so the lab should have been empty. I saw Gu Baolin sneaking into the R&D lab. She didn’t stay long and came out quickly, then went into General Manager Qu’s office. I happened to have some documents to deliver to General Manager Qu that day, and since it was almost time to clock out, I followed. At the door of General Manager Qu’s office, I overheard Gu Baolin telling her something like, ‘It’s done. No. 4 and No. 9 have been swapped.’

Lin Zhong questioned: Why didn’t you report this to the company at the time?

Rao Qiutong explained: I didn’t overthink it at all. That day Gu Baolin was responsible for overseeing everyone’s statistics for the blind selection of the improved Jasmine Herbal Tea formula. How was I to know they would engage in such underhanded dealings?

Both witnesses and evidence were now present.

Shen Wanjie looked at Qu Zhengming: What do you have to say for yourself now?

Qu Zhengming appeared somewhat calmer than before, stating, I want to report this to the police.

Ye Baoling advised her: Involving the police would be detrimental to the company’s IPO.

Qu Zhengming glared at Ye Baoling: Are you feeling guilty? Or are you just scared? Now you’re suddenly concerned about the company’s IPO?

Ye Baoling glanced at Qi Yuxiu again – if the police got involved and discovered she had switched the formula, she would be finished!

Qi Yuxiu remained silent.

So far, Ye Kaisen hadn’t appeared, and it was even less likely he would come to protect Ye Baoling.

Rao Qiutong didn’t miss the opportunity to add fuel to the fire: Gu Baolin is someone who excels at scheming and completely disregards the company’s interests. She directly told the advertising contractor ‘I won’t pressure you on price, and your team will handle all future Jasmine Iced Tea series commercials’ – talking as if the company were her personal property.

Ye Qizu glanced at Rao Qiutong, then let his eyelids droop again.

Rao Qiutong continued: And yesterday, to win over the branding department staff, Gu Baolin made outrageous statements in the office. She said she would spend heavily to hire Xian Bi for the commercials, insisting the money must be spent. She told colleagues ‘If we don’t spend the money, those brainless executives upstairs will think promotion doesn’t require funding, and the branding department won’t be able to function properly.’ Those were her exact words – I haven’t changed a single word.

The implication being that the brainless executives remark came from Gu Baolin, not from Rao Qiutong herself.

The bystanders suppressed their laughter, not daring to speak.

Lin Zhong looked at Shen Wanjie: What do you think would be the best way to handle this, President Shen?

Shen Wanjie: It depends on how the Chairman and President Lin wish to proceed. Actually, we could first suspend them for investigation and report to the police after the company’s IPO. As long as it doesn’t reach the media, it’s essentially a minor matter.

Shen Wanjie hoped for police involvement – merely firing them would be letting them off too easily.

Ye Qizu raised his head to look at his granddaughter, somewhat incredulous: Did you really switch the formula?

Ye Baoling retorted: What do you think?

Ye Qizu: …

Everyone was astonished – how dare Gu Baolin speak to the Chairman like that? It was completely improper.

Only Lin Zhong advised Ye Baoling: Watch your tone.

Shen Wanjie detected Lin Zhong’s attempt to smooth things over and angrily scolded: Gu Baolin, don’t you dare be insolent.

Ignoring him, Ye Baoling walked directly up to Qi Yuxiu. Qi Yuxiu signaled for her to calm down, but Ye Baoling paid no heed.

Sister Xiu, weren’t you going to protect me?

Qi Yuxiu whispered sharply, Have you gone mad? How can I protect you after what you’ve done? Calm down first, and later I’ll plead with the bosses for leniency.

Your accomplice wants to call the police – can you plead with the police? As Ye Baoling said this, she glanced at Shen Wanjie.

This frightened Shen Wanjie, who quickly said: Gu Baolin, don’t you dare randomly accuse people!

Qi Yuxiu had been mentally prepared that Gu Baolin might try to implicate her on the spot. Unlike Shen Wanjie, she also didn’t want police involvement, fearing she might ultimately be dragged into it. Even though the other party had no evidence, she didn’t want to take the risk.

Qi Yuxiu gripped Ye Baoling’s arms firmly with both hands. What you need most right now is to calm down. Lashing out indiscriminately won’t do you any good. Think carefully about how things escalated to this point. We’ve worked together all this time, and I was the one who personally promoted you. If you consider me a friend, then trust me. With the company’s IPO imminent, we certainly won’t involve the police. I’ll plead with the Chairman and General Manager Lin to give you a way out. After all, you are truly talented and have contributed significantly to the company’s performance—that’s undeniable. Everyone makes mistakes, but if you acknowledge and correct them, the company will surely offer you another chance.

It had to be said, Qi Yuxiu was exceptionally persuasive, and her words were quite deceptive.

Ye Baoling smiled and nodded. Alright.

Only then did Qi Yuxiu breathe a sigh of relief. All she hoped for now was that Shen Wanjie would know when to stop.

But… Ye Baoling’s tone shifted abruptly, though her smile remained. That’s not what you and General Shen agreed on. Didn’t you two decide to sacrifice me?

This statement nearly made Qi Yuxiu’s eyes pop out of her head in shock.

How did Ye Baoling know?

Shen Wanjie was also taken aback, thinking to himself, I hope their internal conflict doesn’t drag me into this. I shouldn’t have mentioned calling the police.

The other mid-level executives exchanged glances, confused about what was happening.

This drama was becoming quite intriguing.

Lin Zhong quickly interjected, What does this have to do with General Shen?

Qi Yuxiu immediately shifted into full combat mode. Gu Baolin, stop talking nonsense! First, you accused Manager Qu, and now you’re slandering me. Anyone who becomes your supervisor ends up suffering. On your very first day at the company, you drove away Supervisor Qian. Then, you ousted Zhang Laichi. Finally, when you moved to the Product Department, you first got rid of Lu Baohua and now Manager Qu. And right after dealing with him, you’re targeting me! You’re absolutely terrifying—whoever you touch ends up doomed!!!

Ye Baoling chuckled.

Thank you, Manager Qi, for summarizing my illustrious achievements.

Ye Baoling continued, Regarding the topic of ‘dooming whoever I touch,’ let me elaborate. Why does that happen? Because Ye Qingtang, this century-old establishment, is infested with a bunch of parasites and people hired through connections!

Her final statement was nothing short of earth-shattering, leaving everyone present too stunned to even breathe audibly.

How many of those present weren’t either beneficiaries of nepotism or had brought in their own connections?

Ye Qizu stared at his granddaughter, his emotions somewhat complicated.

Shen Wanjie hastily turned and instructed his subordinates to call security. He had a premonition that the flames of conflict would soon spread in his direction.

Ye Baoling declared, Then let me recount my journey at Ye Qingtang. I believe the Chairman would be very interested in hearing it.

This remark made Wan Xiwen roll her eyes inwardly. This Gu Baolin is far too full of herself, overestimating her own importance.

But at that moment, Ye Qizu was genuinely eager to listen.

On my very first day at work, I encountered a significant incident. Someone in the Logistics Department sent the company’s near-expiry herbal tea for a charity event, which was later exposed by the media, severely damaging the company’s reputation. When Manager Qi came to investigate, she discovered that Supervisor Qian had embezzled the herbal tea, sending products meant for destruction to the event. Yet, Manager Qi’s first instinct wasn’t to discipline Supervisor Qian—it was to pin the blame on me, the newcomer.

To be honest, as you all know, I’m not someone to be trifled with. Pushing me to take the blame – is that even possible? I hinted to Manager Qi that I also have connections – my cousin works in the legal department, and I have elevator surveillance footage proving I couldn’t be responsible for the expired herbal tea incident.

Manager Qi understood perfectly well. She quickly sacrificed Supervisor Qian and kept me on. All of this can be verified by colleagues from both the legal and logistics departments.

After this incident, Manager Qi had it out for me, but since I hadn’t done anything wrong, she couldn’t touch me. That is, until the company hired another connected individual – Zhang Laichi. This Zhang Laichi claimed to be related to the chairman’s cleaning aunt…

Ye Baoling deliberately said this for Ye Qizu to hear, and Ye Qizu closed his eyes in exasperation.

After Zhang Laichi joined, under Qi Yuxiu’s instructions, he started targeting me, which led to the cleaning staff strike that the whole company knows about.

From the beginning, Zhang Laichi’s target was me, and the root cause of the strike was the unequal distribution of cardboard recycling money.

At this point, Qi Yuxiu couldn’t help interrupting her, Alright, enough with the nonsense!

Nonsense? How can you call it nonsense when you took so much cardboard money? The two original team leaders in the cleaning department – one was Qi Yuxiu’s relative, the other was Director Wang’s relative – they schemed to prevent cleaners from getting raises, instead replacing salary increases with money from Warehouse 2’s cardboard recycling. They profited from this, embezzling at least two hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars over two years.

That much?

The middle managers looked at each other in surprise. Who would have thought that small amounts of cardboard money could accumulate to such a significant sum?

Administrative Director Wang, who hadn’t expected to be implicated, broke out in a cold sweat.

Qi Yuxiu put on an innocent face and pretended to smile helplessly, You’re just diverting attention and making false accusations.

Just then, security guards entered the room.

Shen Wanjie quickly said, Chairman, President Lin, this Gu Baolin is too cunning. She’s been shifting focus the whole time, trying to clear herself. I suggest we form an investigation team to conduct a proper investigation, rather than waste time listening to her ramble on with irrelevant nonsense.

He then ordered the security guards, Take Gu Baolin out. We’ll deal with her after the meeting.

The two security guards glanced at Wang Simin, who had entered with them.

At this moment, Wang Siming naturally had to support Ye Baoling, who had already warned her about this situation.

She smiled diplomatically and said, The Chairman and President Lin haven’t given any instructions yet, so we shouldn’t arbitrarily remove anyone. We’re here to maintain order.

Shen Wanjie was embarrassed.

As the branch company’s general manager, Shen Wanjie couldn’t actually command the security department.

He could only look to Qi Yuxiu for help.

Qi Yuxiu tried to remain calm and said, Wang Simin, please have security take Gu Baolin out to rest. She’s too agitated right now – let her calm down first.

Wang Simin pretended not to understand and went, Hah?

Qi Yuxiu: What are you ‘hah’-ing about?

Wang Simin pointed at Ye Baoling: She hasn’t finished speaking!

Just as Qi Yuxiu was about to reprimand her, President Lin said impatiently, Enough, enough. Stop trying to interrupt Gu Baoling. She doesn’t seem agitated to me – you’re the ones who are agitated.

Shen Wanjie and Qi Yuxiu exchanged looks and had no choice but to temporarily keep quiet.

Ye Baoling smiled slightly and nodded, I can understand why you’re feeling panicked right now, Manager Qi.

Why should I panic? I’ve never handled paper scrap money matters.

Is that so? I have evidence. But it’s not important enough to waste everyone’s time with right now.

Everyone: …

Such an arrogant attitude.

And I love it!

Cai Yongming asked her: Why didn’t you mention the paper scrap money issue earlier?

Ye Baoling: Because I wanted to use this matter to become Qi Yuxiu’s trusted aide. Ultimately, I succeeded in becoming her confidante, helping her with things she wanted to do but couldn’t conveniently accomplish herself.

Lin Zhong asked: What things?

For example, the evidence of corruption against Liu Tiejun, the director of the herbal tea marketing department, was obtained by me under Qi Yuxiu’s orders during social events.

Another example – the reason everyone is here today is also because Qi Yuxiu instructed me to secretly switch the jasmine iced tea formula to frame Qu Zhengming…

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

Qi Yuxiu angrily retorted: First you say Qu Zhengming ordered you to change the formula, then you say I ordered you to change it. Gu Baolin, with stories like this, who would believe anything you say?

Ye Baoling smiled: You’re absolutely right. This is exactly why you were so confident I wouldn’t dare expose you. Because my contradictory statements would make me unbelievable. Any slightly rational person wouldn’t step forward like this. At this point, I can only hope you’d have conscience and protect me as agreed. But you have no conscience.

This was exactly what Qi Yuxiu had been thinking. She could only shake her head with a cold laugh: This is pure sophistry.

Ye Baoling turned to Ye Qizu: Chairman, do you believe me?

Ye Qizu froze slightly, his face turning very unpleasant.

Lin Zhong, fearing the grandfather and granddaughter might argue in the conference room, quickly raised his key concern: The corruption case against Marketing Department’s Liu Tiejun – wasn’t it reported to General Shen by someone with evidence? How could it be Qi Yuxiu who asked you to find the evidence?

Ye Baoling’s lips curved slightly: Wasn’t this so-called whistleblower none other than Qi Yuxiu herself?

Lin Zhong: What benefit would Qi Yuxiu get from doing this?

Ye Baoling: Because she’s Ye Kaisen’s classmate and… mistress.

The spectators were shocked, their eyes secretly glancing at Administrative Director Wang beside them.

Many people knew Director Wang and Qi Yuxiu had an affair, but no one expected Qi Yuxiu was also involved with Ye Kaisen.

This relationship… complicated.

Director Wang kept his head down without speaking, just hoping not to get implicated in today’s events.

Qi Yuxiu could no longer maintain her composure. Gnashing her teeth, she shouted angrily: I’m General Shen’s classmate, not some mistress! Gu Baolin, stop spreading rumors!

Is that so? Ye Baoling called toward the door: Man’er, bring in the evidence.

Gu Man’er, who had been waiting outside, finally entered carrying a small cardboard box of documents and placed it before Ye Baoling.

Only then did everyone suddenly realize – Gu Baolin had come prepared today!

Ye Baoling took out a stack of account books: These are the not-so-important paper scrap money account books I mentioned earlier. Very clearly documented – the bosses can take a look. Though unimportant, these can be included in the corruption case.

She first handed the account books to Lin Zhong.

As everyone began passing around the account books, Qi Yuxiu’s palms grew sweaty with tension.

Then, Ye Baoling pulled out a stack of photos from the box. You say I’m spreading rumors? Everyone is welcome to take a look at these photos.

The first photo shows Ye Kaisen and Qi Yuxiu entering the Wenhua Hotel one after the other; the second photo captures them holding hands in the hallway on the second floor before entering the same room together; the third photo, taken on another occasion at a different hotel, shows them embracing before they even had time to close the curtains…

Qi Yuxiu couldn’t believe that Gu Baolin had hired a private investigator to follow her!

The photos circulated among the crowd and finally ended up in Ye Qizu’s hands.

It would be a lie to say Ye Qizu wasn’t stirred up inside.

He had always pretended to like and value Ye Kaisen, but that was out of necessity—he had no choice but to employ his younger brother’s son. However, when he saw Ye Kaisen’s lack of ambition, his feelings grew extremely complicated.

He didn’t want Ye Kaisen to embarrass the Ye family, yet at the same time, he hoped the young man would be taken down a peg, which would also serve to humiliate his younger brother, Ye Qizong.

Outwardly, though, he remained perfectly calm.

Qi Yuxiu composed herself and argued, Even if my relationship with Ye Kaisen is somewhat special, that doesn’t mean we would do anything else to harm the company’s interests.

I know. Without evidence, you’d never admit to it, Ye Baoling said, pulling a small cassette tape from a box.

Gu Man’er brought over a radio that had been prepared earlier.

As the tape played in the radio, voices became clear—it was a conversation between Qi Yuxiu and Ye Baoling.

[Qi Yuxiu: Go to the R&D team and secretly switch Formula No. 4 with Formula No. 9. The two formulas are similar, with almost identical flavors. No one will notice the change.]

[Ye Baoling: This plan is too risky. It could affect the company’s stock price during the IPO. Would General Shen even approve of us doing this?]

[Qi Yuxiu: Don’t worry, this was his idea. Without his support, I wouldn’t dare ask you to do it. Later, HR will transfer Zeng Zhentao away from the R&D team. Find an opportunity and swap the formulas as soon as possible.]

Apart from shock and panic, only anger showed on Qi Yuxiu’s face—Gu Baolin had been scheming against her from the very beginning!

Had she recorded every one of their meetings?

You’re despicable! she spat out.

Ye Baoling smiled. Who’s despicable? Also, would you like to hear more?

Qi Yuxiu gritted her teeth so hard they nearly drew blood, but there was nothing more she could say. In her heart, she could only pin her hopes on Ye Kaisen now.

She prayed that Ye Kaisen would find a way to pull her out of this mess.

Shen Wanjie was slightly flustered but forced himself to stay calm. He believed that, at this point, Qi Yuxiu wouldn’t expose him.

After all, keeping him around would allow him to continue working for Ye Kaisen in the future.

Unexpectedly, his daughter Wan Xiwena, hoping to mend her relationship with Qu Zhengming, foolishly blurted out, So President Qu was framed after all.

Ye Baoling nodded with a smile. Exactly, President Qu was framed. Didn’t your father tell you?

Your father?

Shen Wanjie, who thought he might escape unscathed, felt a chill run through him.

Wan Xiwena, lacking experience, immediately retorted, Gu Baolin, what nonsense are you spouting? What do you mean, my father didn’t tell me—

Ye Baoling cut in, Didn’t your father, Shen Wanjie, tell you that today’s whole setup was originally meant to trap President Qu and me?

Wan Xiwena stammered, trying to defend herself, You’re insane! Stop spouting rubbish, you lunatic! A low-class woman from a poor background with no vision—how terrifying! Who paid you to spread these lies and slander us?

Lin Zhong, seeing her insult Ye Baoling, quickly intervened, Enough! No arguing here.

Ye Baoling took out another stack of documents. This torn-up whistleblower letter took me a whole day to piece back together. Qi Yuxiu used this letter to blackmail Shen Wanjie into cooperating with Ye Kaisen. The contents are quite simple: Wan Xiwena is Shen Wanjie’s illegitimate daughter. There’s also evidence that Shen Wanjie abused his power to parachute his daughter into a key company project as a manager, causing significant losses to the company…

Shen Wanjie’s facial muscles twitched uncontrollably. He never expected that torn-up whistleblower letter to end up in Ye Baoling’s hands.

He didn’t know he had become a key surveillance target for the cleaning auntie.

Ye Baoling continued: After being blackmailed, Shen Wanjie chose to cooperate with Ye Kaisen. The two parties joined forces, planning to eliminate the most obstructive President Qu and me in one sweep – that’s what led to today’s drama.

The audience finally pieced everything together.

Qu Zhengming’s expression finally relaxed, If Bao Lin hadn’t told me about these things in advance, I wouldn’t have known I was so important in your hearts. What an honor.

So Qu Zhengming had been acting earlier!

What excellent performers they all were.

Rao Qiutong expressed confusion: But I personally heard Ye Baoling talking about switching formulas in President Qu’s office that day.

Ye Baoling glanced at her: Because I was calling Qi Yuxiu from President Qu’s office at that time. I was telling Qi Yuxiu that Formula 4 and Formula 9 had been swapped.

Rao Qiutong: …

Ye Baoling returned to the previous topic: By the way, regarding the money Wan Xiwena wasted during the early promotion of Jasmine Iced Tea, President Shen, how do you plan to repay your daughter’s debt?

Hearing Ye Baoling’s questioning, Wan Xiwena retorted angrily: Just because the promotional results didn’t meet expectations, we have to compensate the company for losses? Who do you think you are? What right do you have to criticize and hold us accountable here? Your formula switching caused even bigger problems – just wait for the police to arrest you.

Ye Baoling: The surveillance indeed captured me entering the R&D lab, and I did swap the positions of Formula 4 and Formula 9. But it was just changing their positions. Formula 4 was clearly labeled as Formula 4 – no matter where you move it, it remains Formula 4. Moreover, President Qu personally delivered the formulas to the factory. With such rigorous procedures, how could any mistake occur?

!!!!

Qi Yuxiu nearly spat blood in fury!

This Gu Baolin had never intended to help her bring down Qu Zhengming from the beginning.

Qi Yuxiu cursed at her: Gu Baolin, you’re too scheming! Who would dare employ someone like you? Who would dare be friends with you? Do you think the company will keep you after this? Dream on!

Ye Baoling: My friends are all upright, sunny, and kind people. Those with overly cunning minds indeed aren’t suitable to be what I call friends. Because I can be even more cunning than them.

That statement felt incredibly satisfying!

Qu Zhengming and Liu Xiang nearly teared up hearing this.

Seeing Qi Yuxiu step forward to curse at Ye Baoling, Wan Xiwena also threw caution to the wind, determined to tear this person’s mouth apart.

You admit you’re cunning? Setting traps everywhere to harm people like this – you’ll get your retribution!

Ye Baoling: Who set the trap first? I don’t provoke others unless they provoke me. Wan Xiwena, if you don’t know how to argue, don’t bother. An illegitimate daughter who can’t see the light of day should stop throwing your weight around in our company!

Never having been insulted before, Wan Xiwena instantly went mad and began rambling incoherently: I… you wear the same 6,000-yuan watch every day, pretending to be rich and flaunting your life, treating people constantly, yet you’re just a pauper trying to waste company money to hire Xian Bi for endorsement! So what if I’m an illegitimate daughter? I’m still a thousand, ten thousand times better than a pauper like you who has a father but no upbringing!

Ye Baoling couldn’t help but curl the corners of her mouth upward. She had deliberately provoked Wan Xiwena just now.

How entertaining.

Has a father but no upbringing.

Well said indeed.

Ye Baoling looked at her grandfather: Grandfather, she’s cursing you!

Ye Qizu’s face turned gloomy from the scolding, so green it was frightening.

The onlookers who had been enjoying the drama exchanged bewildered glances, momentarily unable to process what was happening…

Wait, did Gu Baolin just call the chairman Grandpa?

Was it a slip of the tongue, or had they misheard?

Though the conference room was crowded, it had become unusually quiet.

Just then, the R&D team returned from the factory, and someone entered to whisper a few words into Lin Zhong’s ear.

Lin Zhong quickly smiled to ease the tension: Chairman, R&D confirmed the Jasmine Iced Tea formula is fine. The young lady still knows her limits.

Young lady?!!

The previously suspicious crowd now wore even more puzzled expressions.

Cai Yongming whispered, What young lady?

Lin Zhong: Gu Baolin is the chairman’s granddaughter, Ye Baoling.

!!!!

Shen Wanjie and Qi Yuxiu, who had been clinging to a sliver of hope, felt it instantly shatter.

They couldn’t believe their ears—why would the Ye family’s young lady be gaining experience at the lowest level of the company?

They had truly kicked an iron plate!

In fact, all the signs had been there.

Qi Yuxiu recalled how Ye Baoling had suddenly complained of a stomachache during the last product launch—had she been feigning illness to avoid meeting Ye Kaisen?

Meanwhile, Wan Xiwena and Rao Qiutong were utterly dumbfounded, flustered like they’d made a terrible mistake and didn’t know what to do.

Rao Qiutong had just questioned whether this was her family’s private property, but before the company went public, Ye Qingtang truly was their family’s private asset.

Wan Xiwena pressed a hand to her forehead, her face as pale as wax: I feel so dizzy.

Author’s Note: Pushed through to write over a thousand more words—over 8,000 total, that’s my limit.

See you tomorrow.