The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 58: Heaven-Sent Opportunity

Chapter 58: Heaven-Sent Opportunity

The bronze tablet they picked up from Silver Snake Summit that night appeared utterly ordinary at first glance.

Its shape was somewhat peculiar—palm-sized, and while called a bronze tablet, it more accurately resembled a bronze bowl.

A very shallow bronze bowl.

Its depth was roughly equivalent to two or three coins stacked together.

Ye Huaizhang pointed at the bottom of the bowl: Look at the pattern here…

Ye Baoling examined it closely: What pattern?

She moved closer to the car’s ceiling light and finally saw three large parentheses inside.

I see them now. But what are these parentheses for?

Ye Huaizhang said: I’ve seen identical bronze tablet patterns in grandfather’s diary, but the drawing in the diary was very small, so I didn’t pay much attention at the time.

Ye Baoling looked at it repeatedly, suddenly realizing what was going on.

But to maintain her innocence, she played dumb: Why do you care now? What does it have to do with the Ugly King Jade Pendant?

Ye Huaizhang pointed at the parentheses at the bottom of the bowl: The curvature and size of the Ugly King Jade Pendant match this bronze tablet perfectly.

Ye Baoling pretended to have just understood: Oh… this is a box for holding three Ugly King Jade Pendants.

So, this wasn’t a bronze tablet or a bronze bowl, but the bottom of a bronze box?

If it’s a bronze box, shouldn’t there be a lid too?

That’s possible.

After thinking for a moment, Ye Baoling felt something was off and asked: What does this have to do with you suspecting me of deliberately collecting all three Ugly King Jade Pendants?

I didn’t just start suspecting you now. I mentioned my suspicions to you back when we signed the agreement. It’s indeed strange that you didn’t want money or other items, but insisted on having the Ugly King Jade Pendant. He emphasized, I’m not stupid.

So, he had always been suspicious and reserved toward her.

She completely understood this point.

But verbally, she couldn’t show understanding and immediately said: You’re not stupid, you’re stubborn! But as I’ve said, I’m stubborn too. The more you care and argue with me, the less I want to comply with your wishes.

She spoke as calmly as possible to prevent him from detecting her guilt, If you keep arguing, no matter how much money you offer a year from now, I won’t return the two Ugly King Jade Pendants to you.

I have money now!

I don’t care anymore.

Ye Huaizhang stared at her, silent for a moment: I’m just expressing my true thoughts, I’m not arguing. If it were you, you’d be suspicious too. Is collecting all three Ugly King Jade Pendants more valuable, or is there some other reason? Right?

Ye Baoling didn’t fall for his trap: Who wants to collect all three Ugly King Jade Pendants? Anyway, I don’t need to. Is it you who wants to collect all three? Have you watched ‘Dragon Ball’? Collect seven dragon balls to summon the dragon?

Ye Huaizhang: …

Ye Baoling switched to a more gentle tone: This likely was originally the box containing the three Ugly King Jade Pendants. After our ancestors divided the three jade pendants, nobody cared about the box. Somehow it ended up on Silver Snake Summit, buried under stones. With frequent rainfall in recent years, the rain washed it out, and by coincidence, we found it. That might be all there is to it. Think about it—if I really wanted to collect all three Ugly King Jade Pendants, when I saw this box, I would have immediately had ideas about it. I wouldn’t have treated it as a worthless bronze tablet and casually thrown it to you.

She made a good point.

But he still had his doubts.

Ye Huaizhang looked at her for a moment before saying, Sorry, I was being overly suspicious.

Ye Baoling knew his apology was merely to ease the tension. If she completely let it slide, it would seem she had something to hide. As a partner, your suspicion is uncomfortable.

Human relationships were like this—friction and doubt were inevitable.

Ye Huaizhang didn’t defend himself. Even now, he couldn’t be entirely sure she had no ulterior motives.

Ye Baoling decided to turn the tables. You don’t need to come serve me lately. Consider yourself grounded for reflection. That’s it.

Having never been punished since childhood, Ye Huaizhang felt somewhat wronged. I’m being punished even after admitting fault? You even pinched me earlier!

What’s wrong with pinching you?

The ancients said: ‘To know one’s faults and be able to change is the greatest virtue.’

She rolled her eyes at him. Then go practice your greatest virtue back in your Cold Palace.

…

Ye Baoling got out of the car. The Gu Family residence was just a short walk back.

Ye Huaizhang could only watch her recede through the rearview mirror until she entered the Gu Family gates. He sat silently for a while longer before driving away.

*

Ye Baoling stayed overnight at the Gu residence. Waking up in the morning, she lay prone on the bed watching Gu Man’er do her makeup.

After finishing her makeup, Man’er started changing clothes.

She tried on outfit after outfit, constantly asking Ye Baoling, Cousin, which one looks better? The brown one? The blue-and-white? Or the red one?

Tilting her head, Ye Baoling said, The red one is nice.

I think so too. I’ll choose this one then.

Ye Baoling yawned. What’s the occasion? Going to a wedding banquet with your mom?

Gu Man’er beamed with a sweet smile. No. Fang Haiming asked me out.

!!!!

So the original storyline’s main couple had sparked as a bickering pair?

Ye Baoling deliberately teased her, Didn’t you think he lacked gentlemanly manners and was annoying in every way?

At first, yes. But now I think… Gu Man’er showed a lovesick expression, I think he’s adorable in every way.

Ye Baoling pretended to gag. Enough! Gu Man’er!

Oh cousin, if you’re vomiting, could you be pregnant? Gu Man’er joked with her.

Ye Baoling snorted coldly. You’d get pregnant before I ever would!

Gu Man’er immediately noticed her cousin’s unusual mood. Did you fight with brother-in-law?

We didn’t fight. I banished him to the Cold Palace.

How could she continue their cooperation if she didn’t pretend to be angry when he was so cleverly suspicious of her?

Sitting up, Ye Baoling told her cousin about last night’s celebration banquet. My grandfather is currently considering several young masters from families he deems suitable…

Gu Man’er set aside the red dress. Your grandfather is so pragmatic. Before, he paid you no mind. Now that he’s discovered you’re actually capable and useful, he’s started valuing you again.

Ye Baoling curled her lip. He’s not valuing me. He’s treating me like a marriageable commodity to benefit the Oldest Branch.

So no matter how well you marry, you’ll just be a stepping stone for your two brothers. Gu Man’er suggested, Find a way to let your grandfather know Ye Baoshun is gay. Give the old man something to celebrate.

That was interesting.

Ye Baoling couldn’t help bursting into laughter. If my grandfather finds out, he’ll definitely spit blood.

Serves them right, Gu Man’er suggested. Write an anonymous letter! Just like how those trash from the company tried to sabotage you before, send one to your grandfather.

If I really wanted to ruin them, it wouldn’t be as simple as writing an anonymous letter.

Cousin, what’s your brilliant plan?

Ye Baoling sat up, rubbing her face: Secretly tip off the newspapers. The paparazzi will know what to do.

Gu Man’er’s eyes widened: Brilliant! I’ll make the tip-off call. Maybe I can even get reward money.

Before she could act, Ye Baoling stopped her: If you’re making a tip-off call, don’t use your home phone. And don’t even think about going to the magazine office for that measly reward money.

Gu Man’er thought for a moment: I’ll find someone else to make the call.

Ye Baoling: No need for you to get involved. This is a card in my hand. When I need it, I’ll play it. When I don’t, I’ll keep it close for peace of mind. Besides, Ye Baoshun has always suspected I know about his relationship with Lu Tianyou. If he finds out someone tipped off entertainment reporters, he’d immediately suspect me. Let’s wait and see.

Alright then!

The two got up and went downstairs for breakfast. Since Sister Ping left the Gu family, the Filipino maid had been doing the cooking, and the quality of meals had rapidly declined.

Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er decided to eat out instead. The street food options were delicious – rice noodle rolls, wontons, pork offal noodles, pork knuckle noodles, and cart noodles offered plenty of choices.

After eating, Gu Man’er drove the family car to drop Ye Baoling off at the Oldest Branch first before heading to her date.

When Ye Baoling returned home, Ye Qizu summoned her to his study.

Her father, Ye Kaimin, was also in the study.

Your grandfather and I were discussing sending you to university.

With only family background but no diploma, something would always be missing when marrying into top wealthy families.

After all, times have changed, and everyone cares about credentials now.

Ye Baoling: But I have to work.

Ye Kaimin: It won’t affect your job. We’ll arrange for you to study Philosophy at Hong An University, then immediately transfer to Dunhughs University in the US. We’ll make a donation to Dunhughs, and you’ll just need to submit a thesis. We’ll find someone to write it for you. Publicly, we’ll say you’re still studying at Dunhughs and are just back for internship, graduating next year or the year after. Dunhughs isn’t well-known, but the name sounds impressive.

This way, it wouldn’t be embarrassing when discussing marriage alliances with other wealthy families.

But having someone else write the thesis was clearly academic fraud.

After brief consideration, Ye Baoling said: I won’t study Philosophy. I’ll study Economics, and I’ll write the thesis myself.

Seeing that his daughter didn’t object and even chose her own major while committing to writing her own thesis, Ye Kaimin happily said: That’s fine. But can you pass if you write the thesis yourself?

If I study the textbooks, why wouldn’t I be able to write my own thesis?

Ye Qizu, who was feeding fish nearby, put down the fish food container: Maybe you should properly study for a year or two before returning.

Absolutely not. Grandfather, you don’t think our bet was a joke, do you?

She had bet with her grandfather that if she expanded into European and American markets, she would at least become company vice president.

Ye Qizu laughed: The European and American markets aren’t that easy to penetrate. You could go to America for university, build some connections, and gradually expand there. Ye Qingtang has a hundred years of history – one or two years won’t matter.

But it mattered to her.

Just follow what we discussed earlier. When it’s time to submit the thesis, I’ll make a trip to Dunhugh University myself.

Ye Kaimin, worried that the grandfather and granddaughter might drift apart again, quickly said, Dad, let’s arrange it this way.

Ye Qizu didn’t say much more, simply nodding: You handle the arrangements. Bao Ling, when you have time, don’t always stay at home. Go out more and make friends. That second son from the Li Family seems quite interested in you. When there’s a chance, you could go watch shows, have meals, or gather together.

Ye Baoling couldn’t be bothered to waste words on the old man who only wanted her to marry for alliance, so she just said, I know. We’ll see.

Without further conversation, she left the study, went downstairs, and returned to her bedroom.

Lying on the bed, she just wanted to rest quietly for the day without going anywhere.

The third team in the marketing department was currently focused on collecting and organizing various regulations and data from the European and American beverage markets.

At the same time, they were analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of market competitors.

It was similar to preparing for battle—strengthening physical condition, stocking up on supplies, and constantly monitoring enemy movements.

During the meeting, Ye Baoling instructed: Recently, we also need to gather information on the top 10 agents in the U.S. and prepare thoroughly. In case Lisa’s husband’s side proves unreliable, we’ll immediately contact second or third-tier agents to ensure we’re prepared for any situation.

Ye Baoling had been maintaining contact with Lisa, who had already given the Jasmine Iced Tea to her husband upon returning.

Lisa’s husband’s company was called L&D, and Yang Baozhu was responsible for liaising with them. She reported: I’ve already faxed our materials over, but L&D needs to conduct a comprehensive evaluation before deciding whether to cooperate with us.

How long will the evaluation take?

At best, half a month; at worst, possibly six months.

The efficiency was too low, and Ye Baoling could only wait—for the stock market crash to arrive.

With less than a month left, she had the patience.

After the meeting, Ye Baoling, who had a very flexible schedule, went directly to Qiyuan.

Qiyuan’s office had rented the adjacent unit 1807 as well. After a few days of breaking through the wall and simple renovations, there was now not only a common work area but also a finance room, an office for Liu Haonan, and an office for the boss, Ye Baoling.

Seeing Ye Baoling, Chen Yulan was beaming with joy: Cousin, Hot Spicy is going crazy. Brother Nan is over at Lihua Securities keeping watch—it’s risen so much he can’t sit still in the office.

Chen Yulan handed Ye Baoling the trend chart for Hot Spicy.

Their purchase cost was around 0.39, and it had now risen to 7 dollars—an 18-fold increase.

Ye Baoling instructed: Go call Brother Nan back.

Okay.

Soon, Liu Haonan knocked and entered, sitting across from her.

He was full of smiles but also full of worry.

If it had taken a year or two to rise this much, I could understand. But in less than a month, it’s gone up 18 times. If it rises another 6% today, it’ll hit 19 times immediately.

Ye Baoling also knew that it could surge upward and then plummet.

Starting today, arrange to sell off the shares. Do it slowly—don’t let the stock price rise too quickly, and don’t let it fall. Keep selling until it’s all gone. Ye Baoling didn’t want to wait until it actually hit 22 times to sell, fearing that by then it might be unsellable and they’d be stuck with it.

They couldn’t be too greedy and try to squeeze out the last coin.

Hearing the boss say they were going to sell off Hot Spicy, Liu Haonan breathed a sigh of relief and asked, All of it?

Yes. All of it. How long will it take?

This stock is hot right now, so it should take about three days to sell off. If we go slower, maybe a week.

Ye Baoling nodded. That pace works. What about the other two stocks we’re building positions in?

One million each in Golden Soybeans and Bright Eyes, and the positions are already established. Neither of these stocks has risen much yet. Liu Haonan didn’t have time to give her a detailed report on recent work progress—he was in a hurry to sell.

Ye Baoling smiled and waved him off.

Before leaving, Liu Haonan had another colleague come report to Ye Baoling on recent stock market trends and highlights.

Lately, the entire market had been quite active, with several newly listed stocks making substantial profits—especially Ye Qingtang.

After leaving Lihua Tower, Ye Baoling arranged to meet Ye Leyan for a meal at a nearby restaurant.

The restaurant was quite out of the way, and it took her a while to find it.

Inside, the lighting was dim, and the layout was winding. Ye Leyan should have arrived first, but she couldn’t find her.

Instead, she unexpectedly ran into Lu Tianyou in a corner.

Lu Tianyou spotted her too and quickly stood up to greet her. Bao Ling.

Ye Baoling walked over with a smile. What a coincidence.

Lu Tianyou’s table was set for two, and from the looks of it, they had already finished eating.

She asked lightly, Are you here with a friend?

Lu Tianyou had come with Ye Baoshun. They occasionally ate out together, always choosing secluded restaurants. As long as they didn’t act too conspicuously in public, no one would suspect anything.

He smiled. Yeah. My friend finished eating and had to leave early. What about you? Meeting someone?

Ye Baoling said, Yes, I’m meeting my cousin. I looked around but couldn’t find her—she might not be here yet.

I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you. With Ye Qingtang’s IPO, you all made a fortune, and you played a major role. That’s impressive—you usually keep such a low profile, who would’ve known?

Ye Baoling replied modestly, It was all luck.

Lu Tianyou pulled out a chair. Since your cousin isn’t here yet, why don’t you sit at my table for now?

Ye Baoling took a seat. This was actually a good opportunity to clarify that she didn’t know about him and Ye Baoshun.

She asked casually, So, how have you been lately? Do you have a girlfriend?

Lu Tianyou didn’t expect Ye Baoling to bring up this topic. He chuckled, Just a single guy. Do you know anyone suitable you could introduce?

I know plenty of girls. Tell me your criteria, and I’ll help you look.

Earlier, Ye Baoshun had told him that Ye Baoling might know about their relationship, but it seemed she was clueless.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be asking if he had a girlfriend, let alone offering to set him up.

Lu Tianyou flattered her with a grin, Someone like you fits my preferences and standards perfectly.

Ye Baoling nearly gagged. Even though my orientation is fluid, you’re already on our family’s blacklist. We’re not a match.

Can’t we even date secretly?

This guy’s sleaziness was truly unbearable.

Then I’d rather date women. Just then, her phone rang from her bag. She answered—it was Ye Leyan.

Turns out, she had been given the wrong address. Ye Leyan was at the restaurant next door.

Talking to this idiot too long was giving her a headache, so Ye Baoling made a quick exit.

As Ye Baoling had just left, Ye Baoshun quietly emerged from the back corner, startling Lu Tianyou.

Why are you back?

Ye Baoshun had returned to find his car keys. If I hadn’t come back, I wouldn’t have known you were still trying to flirt with Ye Baoling! You even want to secretly date her!

Lu Tianyou hurriedly explained, I was just being polite, not flirting. She asked if I had a girlfriend and even offered to set me up with someone. How could I accept? I had no choice but to compliment her. Couldn’t you tell?

Ye Baoshun was furious. This damn man fell for every woman he saw!

But his mind was quick, and he immediately asked, She offered to set you up with someone?

Yeah. From the way she acted, she clearly has no idea about us. Darling, don’t be mad, okay?

How could he not be mad? Ye Baoshun was afraid of being discovered, so he couldn’t argue outside. I’ll deal with you tonight.

Lu Tianyou replied cheekily, Who’s dealing with whom?

Just wait. Ye Baoshun took his car keys and left first.

Ye Baoling never imagined her appearance would make Ye Baoshun jealous.

What awful luck.

She found Ye Leyan at the restaurant next door. After winning money playing bridge last time, they had made plans to eat and shop together.

They spent all the money they had won from Ye Leqiong and Ye Baoxin.

They bought cosmetics, pretty clothes, shoes, and a bunch of small gifts.

When they returned home, they ran into Ye Baoxin coming back from work in the garage.

Baoxin! You’re off work? Ye Leyan was like a little sun, always so warm and adorable.

Yeah. Ye Baoxin smiled and looked at Ye Baoling. You didn’t work today?

Ye Baoling wrinkled her nose playfully. Our marketing department is pretty flexible.

Ye Baoxin, who worked diligently every day: …

Ye Baoling: Leyan and I spent all the money we won from you guys shopping.

Watching the servants rush over to help Ye Baoling carry bags and bags of items from the car, Ye Baoxin felt as if struck by lightning. Forcing a smile, she said, That’s nice. What did you buy?

Ye Leyan, completely oblivious, told her everything they had purchased.

We even bought you a little plush toy. I’ll give it to you later.

Thanks. Ye Baoxin could only force a smile and chat for a moment before heading back to her room.

Since they had bought so many miscellaneous items, Ye Leyan followed Ye Baoling to her room.

It was Ye Leyan’s first time there, and she couldn’t help but exclaim, Ling Jie, your room is huge! Not like mine—it’s so small, and I don’t even have a private bathroom. Leqiong and I both want to move out, but Grandpa won’t allow it. There’s nothing we can do.

The Orchid Pavilion Residence wasn’t very large. Third Granduncle had three sons, and over a dozen people lived there. Though they owned properties outside, Ye Qizong refused to let his sons split from the family, stubbornly staying in the Oldest Branch Residence. No one knew what he was after.

Once Ye Qizu passed away, Ye Qizong’s branch would have to move out—it was clan rule.

To make her feel more at ease, Ye Baoling told the truth: This room was originally decorated for Baoshun. I’m just staying here temporarily.

Even staying here for a while is pretty nice.

You didn’t know? Before, whenever I came back, I didn’t even have my own room.

Ye Leyan laughed. I used to think you didn’t like us and didn’t want to talk to us.

I was just shy back then.

Me too.

The two chatted and laughed as they divided the purchases from the day, some of which were gifts to be delivered downstairs later.

Knock knock knock!

The door was ajar, and Ye Baoshun stood outside. I need to talk to you about something.

Lately, Ye Baoshun had been quite polite toward Ye Baoling, always addressing her as sister before speaking.

The complete lack of formal address in their conversation today made Ye Baoling sense something was off.

Ye Leyan had already gathered her belongings. I’ll leave you two to talk, she said before exiting.

Once Leyan was gone, Ye Baoling asked Ye Baoshun, What’s this about?

Lu Tianyou’s ambiguous attitude toward Ye Baoling at noon had irritated Ye Baoshun all afternoon.

After confirming that Ye Baoling knew nothing about his relationship with Lu Tianyou, he decided he’d had enough.

I want my room back. Move out when you have time.

Ye Baoling’s expression instantly turned cold. She’d just finished speaking with Lu Tianyou at noon, and by evening, the effects were already showing.

She said coldly, I’ve just gotten used to living here, and you want me to move? Do you think I’m a tenant?

Ye Baoshun gave an awkward laugh. Aren’t you? You’re a woman—you’ll get married sooner or later. Your home will be with your future husband. Here, you’re just a passerby! What’s the difference between you and a tenant? You’re even worse than a tenant!

What a despicable character!

Ye Baoling replied, Fine. Go tell Grandfather. If Grandfather also thinks I’m a tenant, I’ll move out of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony today. Otherwise, don’t expect me to give up this room for you.

If her grandfather dared to make her move, she’d tear the place apart right in front of him.

Are you using Grandfather to threaten me?

It’s not a threat. You simply don’t have the authority. In the Ye family, your word doesn’t count.

My word doesn’t count? I’m the male descendant of the Ye family! What are you? Cheap goods!

If women are cheap goods, then you were raised by cheap goods!

How dare she say he was raised by cheap goods?

Enraged, Ye Baoshun charged at her, but Ye Baoling seized his arm, twisted it, and pinned him against the wall.

Thankfully, her training in Chen Family Fist hadn’t been in vain!

What a weakling Ye Baoshun was!

Sister Ping, hearing the commotion, rushed in and quickly helped restrain Ye Baoshun.

What’s going on? Why are you two fighting? Sister Ping signaled for Ye Baoling to let go, worried her young mistress might get into trouble.

Ye Baoling released him and snapped, Get out!

Only then did Ye Baoshun, shocked that he had been overpowered, storm out in a huff.

Sister Ping watched from the doorway until Ye Baoshun had gone downstairs, then closed the door and asked quietly, Did he take the wrong medicine today?

Ye Baoling believed in not provoking others unless provoked, but she had no intention of letting him off easily.

Is Aqing around?

Aqing?

Sister Qin’s son.

I’ll have to go downstairs and check.

Ye Baoling lowered her voice. Find him and bring him here. Make sure no one sees you.

What do you need him for?

Don’t ask.

Alright. Sister Ping nodded understandingly but couldn’t resist reminding her, Shouldn’t you go see the Old Master first? Don’t let Ye Baoshun complain about you first.

She didn’t care if he complained or not!

Ye Baoling said, Don’t worry about it. Just go get Aqing quickly.

Sister Ping hurried downstairs.

Ye Baoling stood by the window, gazing at the distant grayish-blue sky, lost in thought.

Since Ye Baoshun was digging his own grave, she wouldn’t hold back.

That very evening, Zheng Junni overheard A Jin say, A Fu and A Gui, who serve the young master, drank too much and let it slip… They said the young master has been secretly involved with that Lu fellow outside.

Zheng Junni was so shocked her jaw nearly dropped. Had they gotten a taste and couldn’t stop?

Are they… really together?

This was a heaven-sent opportunity for her.

Author’s Note: Ye Baoling: That’s right, I am that heaven. I bestowed this opportunity upon you.

Ye Baoshun stamped his foot: Every single one of you is a treacherous villain!