The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 59 Eye-Burning

Chapter 59 Eye-Burning

Sitting before her dressing mirror, Zheng Junni glanced back toward the bedroom. Her husband was listening to the radio and shouldn’t be able to hear the conversation between mistress and maid in the dressing room.

Zheng Junni asked, Are you sure it’s true?

A Jin helped remove the tangled hair from her comb and whispered, That’s what the servants below are saying anyway.

Delight spread across Zheng Junni’s face. If the old master found out about this, the family would be turned upside down.

A Jin suggested, Should we tell Da Ye Sheng about this and have him inform the old master?

Zheng Junni softly shushed her and shook her head. Then the meat would rot in the pot. Besides, we have no evidence whether it’s true or false. If they stubbornly deny it, the old master would definitely take their side. He’d help cover it up and the matter would be over.

So privately reporting it would be completely useless, and they’d clearly offend Ye Kais and his wife.

Not worth it.

This kind of thing needed to be blown up big, made known to everyone, so it would have the greatest impact on Ye Baoshun.

If it could affect Ye Baoshun’s standing in the old master’s heart, that would be best.

Even if the old master remained stubbornly biased and it didn’t affect his favoritism, it could still impact Ye Baoshun’s future marriage prospects.

What wealthy family’s daughter would be willing to marry him?

If they could pull Ye Baoshun down, her Bao Xian would have a chance.

To make it big, they needed to use the power of the paparazzi, ensuring the whole city would know and making Ye Baoshun the laughingstock of their social circle…

A Jin didn’t understand. Then we just do nothing? Pretend we don’t know?

Zheng Junni lowered her voice. We don’t even know if it’s true yet. Leak it to the paparazzi and let them follow up. If the paparazzi investigate, they’ll definitely get photos. Then when the entertainment gossip news breaks with solid evidence, everyone in Port City will know.

Wouldn’t that be huge news? A Jin was somewhat worried things might get too out of hand. Would the old master have a stroke?

Zheng Junni snorted coldly. Who cared?

Better if he did have a stroke!

Meanwhile, Ye Baoshun was bored playing with a lighter in the small side parlor on the third floor of Hall of Flourishing Harmony.

His grandfather had guests in his study, and Xing Shu wouldn’t let him enter.

After waiting over half an hour, he heard voices behind him. The old master was seeing his guests to the elevator, so Ye Baoshun quickly stood up and went over.

Grandfather.

Ye Qizu glanced at his grandson. How rare to see you today. Not going out to play?

Ye Baoshun said, When I go out, it’s to the school library.

Hah.

Not even ghosts would believe that.

Ye Qizu walked toward the lounge at the other end where a nurse was waiting to take his blood pressure.

Grandfather, I want to discuss something with you.

Waiting specially for me – must be something good? Go ahead, what do you want to buy now?

I want my room back.

Ye Qizu stopped walking and looked back at him. What room of yours?

The large suite on the second floor that was originally decorated as my marital room. Now that… older sister is temporarily staying there. Have someone arrange another bedroom for her and return my room to me.

Ye Qizu said irritably, What do you want it for? Are you getting married?

Then he continued walking forward.

Ye Baoshun followed behind his grandfather. No, I was just being kindhearted before, willing to let her stay there. But later I learned you shouldn’t casually let others stay in your marital room – it’s unlucky. There are so many rooms in this house, can’t we just arrange any other place for her?

Upon entering the lounge, a nurse was reading a picture book and hurriedly put it away when she saw the family members enter.

Ye Qizu extended his left arm for the nurse to measure his blood pressure while continuing the earlier conversation: You’ve been spoiled since childhood—if you wanted stars from the sky, I’d have tried to pluck them for you! You were the one who offered your room to your cousin, and now you regret it. You want me to play the villain and bear the label of favoring sons over daughters? Are you pleased with that?

Ye Baoshun whined, Grandpa, she should’ve stayed in the guest room anyway.

Ye Qizu glared at him. Keep such remarks to yourself around me. If you say this outside, you’ll disgrace our Oldest Branch. People will call you petty and rude—unable to tolerate even an unmarried cousin! She’ll eventually marry and vacate the room. What’s your hurry? If you’re so impatient, go find a partner. Once you’re engaged, you’ll have legitimate grounds to ask her to move out. Until then, stop nagging.

Just as Ye Baoshun tried to respond, Ye Qizu cut him off.

Enough. Leave now before you raise my blood pressure again.

With no other choice, Ye Baoshun exited. At the staircase landing, he encountered his mother coming upstairs to find him.

You actually asked your grandfather to reclaim the bridal room?

He refused.

Liang Meiyun smacked his arm in frustration. We already gave it away, and now you’re trying to evict her? You’ve erased all goodwill from our earlier generosity. Bao Ling came to me in tears—she didn’t even complain to the patriarch, yet you took it upon yourself! I’ll have you know, Bao Ling originally leaned toward our side. If your meddling pushes her toward her father’s faction, you’ll have only yourself to blame!

Alright, alright, stop lecturing me. It’s annoying. Covering his ears to avoid his mother’s scolding, Ye Baoshun hurried downstairs.

Liang Meiyun could do nothing with him.

She returned to the second floor and knocked on Ye Baoling’s door.

Ye Baoling was organizing photographs in the sitting area.

Liang Meiyun entered with a smile. Baoshun admitted he was wrong and promised not to repeat it. Someone must have provoked him—he suddenly lost his senses.

Ye Baoling hadn’t reported this to the patriarch because she knew it would be futile. By confiding in Liang Meiyun, she aimed to forge alliance and distance herself—ensuring she wouldn’t be implicated if troubles arose later.

Playing along, Ye Baoling smiled. I also doubt it was his own idea. Who could have influenced him?

Liang Meiyun sat beside her. I’ve told him to limit contact with that Ye Baoxin from now on.

Liang Meiyun was a master of subtle manipulation. Without direct accusation, she insinuated and shifted blame onto Ye Baoxin.

Feigning ignorance, Ye Baoling replied, I suspected as much.

What photos are you sorting? Liang Meiyun swiftly changed the subject.

Group pictures from Bao Xian’s full moon celebration. Ye Baoling showed the infant’s monthly portraits, whispering, Aunt, who do you think Bao Xian resembles?

Liang Meiyun leaned in for a closer look. The plump baby had narrow eyes that appeared as mere slits.

Hard to tell—not like the father or mother, and completely unlike Bao Long either. Look at these eyes, Liang Meiyun shook her head slightly in distaste. The Ye family doesn’t have eyes like these.

Ye Baoling chuckled. Perhaps they’ll grow larger as he matures.

Liang Meiyun held that photo, looking at it again and again. She didn’t know if it was just psychological effect, but she always felt something was off.

*

The mid-to-high-level management meeting of the group was held only once every two months.

This was Ye Baoling’s first time attending.

Walking into the large conference room on the 29th floor with Manager Huang, an administrative department colleague trying to curry favor with her quickly offered her a front-row seat upon seeing Ye Baoling enter.

Ye Baoling politely declined: I’ll sit in the back.

As an assistant manager, she should sit in an assistant manager’s seat. She hadn’t entered this conference room through connections.

With dozens of mid-to-high-level managers from the group headquarters and two subsidiaries, the conference room was packed full.

After Ye Baoling’s stirring up the heavens, Herbal Tea General Manager Shen Wanjie, Administrative Director Wang, Financial Director Chen, Marketing Department’s Liu Tiejun, Logistics Department’s Qi Yuxiu, Product Department’s Lu Baohua and Wan Xiwena, among others, had all been removed from their positions.

Due to his excessively powerful backing, Ye Kaisen only lost his position as group vice president but retained his role as general manager of Su Man Jewelry.

With the departure of old faces, new ones inevitably emerged, so the mid-to-high-level meeting remained lively.

Lin Zhong presided over the meeting while Ye Kaisen sat in a relatively remote corner with his arms crossed.

For thirty minutes, Ye Kaisen didn’t speak a word.

Each department had three minutes to report their work. Ye Baoling finished her work report in just ten seconds.

Herbal Tea Marketing Team Three is responsible for expanding into European and American markets. There’s no progress yet.

Ye Kaisen glanced at Ye Baoling, feeling both dissatisfied and contemptuous, though he couldn’t show it. How dare she step into such a huge pit like the European and American markets? She clearly didn’t know how to write the word cruelty.

His dissatisfaction with Ye Baoling couldn’t be described in just a few words.

Ye Kaisen always believed that the only reason Ye Baoling could drag him down was because he was in the open while she was in the shadows. Moreover, the reason she could be so formidable was definitely because Lin Zhong had helped her extensively behind the scenes. Even her undercover work might have been a conspiracy specifically arranged by Ye Kaimin and Lin Zhong.

Now that she had surfaced after pulling him down, the marketing department—where lack of real substance was most easily exposed—would be her testing ground. He wanted to see how long she could last.

Sooner or later, she would get married and be kicked out of Ye Qingtang.

Others couldn’t understand why the young mistress would choose to expand into European and American markets in the marketing department, as this was clearly impossible to achieve results in.

Perhaps initially it was for family recognition, but now that she had gained family approval, the young mistress could freely spread her wings.

After all, the marketing department was the most flexible department.

Being responsible for European and American markets, it was natural not to achieve results, and no one would blame her.

With her previous accomplishments, she had already earned her place in Ye Qingtang’s history.

Her time at Ye Qingtang had been worthwhile.

After the meeting, Personnel Manager Li Jingli squeezed through the crowd, bowing and scraping as he greeted Ye Baoling: Young Mistress!

Ye Baoling glanced at this Manager Li who had recruited her. Surprisingly, despite the recent major turmoil, as the executor who transferred the R&D staff, Manager Li hadn’t been affected and remained firmly in Ye Qingtang’s personnel department.

His backing must be substantial.

Ye Baoling smiled: Manager Li, such a busy man. Do you need something from me?

Manager Li’s face was full of ingratiating smiles: Nothing important, just wanted to ask if your department needs to recruit one more person?

Does Manager Li have any recommendations?

Manager Li, afraid that Ye Baoling might think he was trying to insert his own people, smiled and said, With four girls in your team, business trips to Europe or America could be quite inconvenient. I suggest hiring a male colleague—it might be better.

Would having a man make it more convenient?

At least arranging for a male colleague to accompany you on trips would be safer.

Who knows? Perhaps the source of the danger would be that very male colleague.

In her original world, how many male colleagues had taken advantage of business trips to harass their female coworkers?

Ye Baoling couldn’t be bothered to argue with him. Our team’s performance is at zero—can we even add a position?

As long as you want it, young lady, I’ll find a way to arrange it for you. Manager Li’s desire to flatter was practically written on his face.

Just as Ye Baoling was about to refuse, Manager Li added, If necessary, we could have Gao Lizhen from the original product department return there. She has no experience anyway and isn’t suited for marketing. We could replace her position with a male colleague—that kind of arrangement would be much better in every way.

Replace Gao Lizhen?

Ye Baoling stared at Manager Li. Is that your personal opinion?

Unclear whether the young lady’s words carried any hidden meaning, Manager Li quickly smiled. It’s my rational analysis.

Our team will handle our own staffing arrangements. If we need to hire, we’ll notify you. With that, Ye Baoling headed toward the elevator.

Manager Li smiled awkwardly. Understood.

Returning to the office, Ye Baoling found Gao Lizhen bringing in the newly completed competitor analysis report.

Back when they were conducting market research for jasmine herbal tea, Ye Baoling had taught Gao Lizhen how to perform a SWOT analysis.

Gao Lizhen had learned to apply it well, and this time, her use of the SWOT analysis was excellent.

You’ve improved a lot, Ye Baoling praised with a smile.

Gao Lizhen grinned. I specifically bought books on market research and analysis to study—I’m just copying the basics.

I’ll take a closer look later. Ye Baoling closed the folder. Don’t just stand—sit down. I want to ask you something.

After sitting, Gao Lizhen asked cheerfully, What is it?

Are you familiar with Manager Li from HR?

Gao Lizhen’s expression stiffened. Huh?

Don’t be nervous. I’m just curious, asking casually.

Gao Lizhen scratched her head. I’m not very familiar with Manager Li.

Ye Baoling said, Manager Li wants to transfer you out of our team.

Gao Lizhen hurriedly replied, I don’t want to leave.

But after saying that, she lowered her head and fell silent.

I didn’t agree. Seeing how uncomfortable Gao Lizhen looked, Ye Baoling didn’t press further. Alright, whenever you feel like talking about it, you’re welcome to come to me.

Watching Gao Lizhen leave, Ye Baoling opened the folder to examine her analysis in detail—it was indeed very well done.

Rubbing her temples, she thought for a while. Before noon, she went to the fourth-floor cleaning staff to find A Xia and gave her a new task.

Then she headed to the supervisor’s office to wait for Wang Simin so they could go out for lunch together.

Since becoming a supervisor, Wang Simin had been quite busy with work lately.

You used to be the busy one while I was slacking off, but now I’m swamped with work while you’re slacking off even during office hours. After complaining, Wang Simin laughed and added, But if I were as lucky as you in my birth, I’d be vacationing and playing with men every day.

Ye Baoling refused to admit she was lazy: I’m not slacking off at all. My mind never stops working, even for a moment.

Tsk tsk. I hope I can be reborn as a fifth-generation rich heiress in my next life.

At twelve o’clock, Gu Man’er came down right on time. Let’s go, eating is more important. We can work when we get back. Wang Simin, seeing you work so hard makes me anxious.

Coming, coming. Wang Simin put a stack of documents in her drawer, grabbed her handbag, and followed them to the elevator.

Today they switched to a different street stall for their rice plates.

Wang Simin sighed with a smile: Miss Ye drives luxury cars every day, yet she has to eat cheap street food to accommodate us commoners. Honestly, I feel bad making you suffer like this. Actually, we could suffer a bit ourselves and accompany you to French fine dining. You just have to pay the bill.

Ye Baoling retorted with a laugh: Dream on. Eat your rice plate.

Wang Simin: What’s wrong with rice plates? Never get tired of them, and they’re cheap.

Gu Man’er teased her: If they’re so good, why are you still thinking about French fine dining?

It’s not that I’m thinking about it, but we could change things up occasionally. If you made me eat French fine dining every day, I’d definitely prefer coming back to my street stall.

Wang Simin had a point.

Ye Baoling ate her mushroom and beef slices with a spoon: That French restaurant we ordered takeout from for Xian Bi’s agent last time was really good. When we all have more time, let’s go eat there together.

Wang Simin raised her eyebrows and asked slyly: Your treat?

Ye Baoling: My treat.

Then this meal’s on me, Wang Simin said generously.

Gu Man’er: You should’ve said so earlier. We would’ve ordered expensive dishes.

Wang Simin shook her head cheerfully: If I’d said so earlier, wouldn’t my wallet be bleeding badly?

All three couldn’t help but laugh.

The street stall’s square table was set up right outside the appliance store’s large glass window.

Inside the window, three rows of nine televisions were broadcasting stock market news, the screens filled with green.

To the naked eye, almost every stock was rising.

Wang Simin said: The stock market has been so hot lately. That Hot Spicy stock’s price has multiplied who knows how many times, and now Golden Soybeans, Bright Eyes, and West Sheep are soaring. I can’t help but want to buy.

Ye Baoling couldn’t tell Wang Simin not to play the market, since some people really could make money. She could only remind her: Playing with a few thousand is fine, but don’t invest too much. This stock market rollercoaster isn’t for everyone.

Did you buy any? Wang Simin still remembered making a small profit following Ye Baoling’s lead on Su Manzhu stock before. Thinking back, the young miss might have insider information.

Ye Baoling smiled: I bought a little.

What did you buy?

Golden Soybeans.

Wang Simin’s eyes widened: I want to buy too. Tell me when you sell.

Ye Baoling made an OK gesture, then asked Gu Man’er: Aren’t you buying?

Wang Simin rolled her eyes and mocked: Some people are so in love they can live on water alone. They don’t know the hardships of this world anymore.

Gu Man’er laughed: If you’re both buying, then I’ll buy too.

Finally, Wang Simin bought 10,000 shares, and Ye Baoling lent 15,000 yuan to Gu Man’er. All the money was used to purchase Golden Soybeans.

Ye Baoling was settling accounts with Liu Haonan at the Qiyuan office.

Previously, when they offloaded Hot Spicy, it had peaked at over 22 times its original value, but the decline was rapid. Some shares couldn’t find buyers after being sold, eventually dropping from over 8 yuan to 4 yuan before being fully liquidated.

However, this portion was small and didn’t affect their overall profits.

Liu Haonan reported: The initial 10 million investment in Hot Spicy ultimately yielded 191.21 million. As you instructed, 190 million was converted to US dollars and invested in the S&P 500 index, which is currently performing well.

Combined with the previous 10 million HKD investment in US stocks, Ye Baoling now had a total of 200 million HKD in the US stock market.

Liu Haonan could hardly believe it – their initial capital of over 8 million had multiplied to over 200 million in just a few months.

This was the allure of financial markets.

Of course, with one wrong move, 200 million could vanish in an instant.

That’s why he was more tense than ever, fearing any mistakes.

Liu Haonan handed the investment portfolio to his boss: We invested 10 million each in Golden Soybeans and Bright Eyes as planned. Both stocks are performing well, though they’re far from matching Hot Spicy’s performance.

With substantial funds now, Ye Baoling spoke with confidence: Hold them until late September or early October.

Liu Haonan couldn’t help asking: Boss, I’m curious – do you have an investment circle where people specifically sell you insider information?

Ye Baoling didn’t deny it: More or less. If you want first-hand information, you have to pay for it.

Liu Haonan nodded: So no matter how skilled you are, it can’t compare to having insider knowledge.

However, Ye Baoling’s information was actually quite limited. The script hadn’t described individual stock performances after the market crash, only that the market took over two years to recover.

The next such money-making opportunity she knew about would be the 1997 financial crisis – ten years later.

Therefore, she needed to make enough money during this period. Then, when Ye Qingtang’s stock price plummeted during the market crash, she could buy it at rock-bottom prices. Becoming her grandfather’s boss was her ultimate goal in stock trading.

Of course, she was pursuing two paths simultaneously. She would continue advancing in her career as well. If the stock market didn’t follow the script, she could still gradually gain control of Ye Qingtang through her own efforts.

After spending the afternoon at Qiyuan, Ye Baoling finally left.

Just as she left, she received a call from Ye Huaizhang.

They hadn’t been in contact for several days.

Where are you? he asked.

Ye Baoling had just gotten into her car but hadn’t started it yet. She answered casually: At the company.

Right after she spoke, someone knocked on the passenger side window. Ye Baoling tilted her head slightly and saw Ye Huaizhang standing outside.

Caught lying on the spot!

Awkward.

He opened the car door and got in. Weren’t you at the company?

Ye Baoling changed the subject: What are you doing here?

One of our partner companies is in Lihua Building. I come here often too.

His use of too was telling – he probably knew she frequently visited the 18th floor of Lihua Building.

Ye Baoling immediately told a half-truth: I opened an investment company upstairs. This is the company’s underground parking garage. So, when I told you I was at the company, that wasn’t wrong, was it?

Ye Huaizhang was amused by her and nodded, You’re right.

Ye Baoling rolled her eyes at him again.

Why did you think of starting an investment company? he asked again.

Ye Baoling replied, Wanting to make money—does it need a reason?

Seeing her impatience, he tactfully stopped questioning and simply said, Come on, let me treat you to dinner.

Ye Baoling glanced at him sideways, Have you been released from the Cold Palace? And you’re already inviting me to eat.

Ye Huaizhang immediately tempted her, The best white-cut chicken in Hong Kong, Delicate Liver that melts in your mouth, and Mantis Shrimp as big as your arm…

All her favorites.

Ye Baoling refused with her words, but her stomach had already agreed.

She reached out her hand: Give it to me.

What?

The Bronze Tablet. I picked it up.

As long as he could leave the Cold Palace, he’d be willing to give her a gold medal, let alone a bronze tablet.

Besides, with both Ugly King Jade Pendants in her possession, the Bronze Tablet was useless to him anyway.

Ye Huaizhang said, I left it at home. I’ll bring it to you tonight.

He really knew how to push his luck.

No sooner had they left the Cold Palace than he was already thinking about entering her chambers to serve her.

But to get the Bronze Tablet, Ye Baoling had no choice but to agree: What’s the address?

Time for some chicken.

In this era without navigation, it was easy to take a wrong turn.

Ye Huaizhang said, I’ll drive.

She wouldn’t allow it: You don’t know how to drive my car. Why don’t you just give me directions?

Ye Huaizhang had no choice but to guide her. Head toward the West District first.

It was a private kitchen tucked away in an apartment building in the old town of the West District.

When they entered, the restaurant was completely empty—it seemed business wasn’t thriving, though the decor had a certain charm.

Ye Baoling quickly chose a corner seat.

They ordered half a chicken, a plate of Delicate Liver, two oversized Mantis Shrimps, a serving of spicy Razor Clam Emperor, and a pot of seafood congee.

The food arrived remarkably fast. After her first bite of chicken, Ye Baoling couldn’t help but give a thumbs-up: Authentic! And the timing is perfect. This place’s popularity doesn’t do its flavor justice.

Ye Huaizhang laughed, Would I bring you somewhere with bad food?

How did you find this place?

Ye Huaizhang refilled her bowl with congee. Dong Jian found it.

I thought so.

The private kitchen served delicious food, but the air conditioning was lacking, leaving Ye Baoling sweating profusely.

Ye Huaizhang took a tissue and wiped her sweat. For once, she was surprisingly docile, tilting her head up to let him wipe it.

Suddenly realizing this wasn’t appropriate, she quickly pulled back and lowered her voice: Don’t let anyone see.

The restaurant was booked exclusively for him tonight—the owner and waitstaff wouldn’t betray them.

He didn’t mention that, only saying, You’re afraid, but I’m not.

Immediately, he earned another glare from his wife.

Ye Baoling wasn’t foolish either; such a delicious restaurant couldn’t possibly have only their table. She asked, Did you book the whole place?

Dong Jian reserved it.

At his reply, Ye Baoling mocked him, Why didn’t you just have Dong Jian eat with me then?

Ye Huaizhang: …

Speaking of Dong Jian, Ye Huaizhang couldn’t resist adding, He even asked if we wanted someone to play the violin.

Ye Baoling imagined herself slurping razor clams while someone played violin beside her and laughed, Why didn’t you take Dong Jian’s suggestion? Do you look down on this table of delicious home-style dishes?

Ye Huaizhang found it hard to argue. He decided to beat her at her own game: Should I have Dong Jian arrange it now?

He knew she would definitely refuse.

Ye Baoling snorted, You’re such an annoying boss. Dong Jian probably can’t stand you.

Meanwhile, another couple—afraid of being photographed but convinced they were safe—was performing an intense passionate scene at a seaside cliff hotel.

Ye Baoshun was pressed against the glass window, while Lu Tianyou whipped him fiercely with a belt behind him. After waves of agonized cries, Lu Tianyou mounted him from behind…

Out on the dark, deep sea, aboard an unlit fishing boat, someone quickly pressed the shutter.

Author’s Note: Magazine readers: Huh, this hurts my eyes…