The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 6: Such Fragrance

Chapter 6: Such Fragrance

After the members of the Third Branch of the Ye family left, Gu Old Lady sighed with a face full of doubt, Does the ritual marriage to ward off bad luck really work?

I don’t know.

Science told her it didn’t.

But since she could transmigrate into a script, what was the point of talking about science?

If it were her, she might not be rational either—she’d probably be superstitious too.

Gu Old Lady looked at the jewelry and gold covering the table and asked, How do you plan to store these? Do you want to use the safe in my room?

Ye Baoling, who currently trusted only herself, closed each jewelry box on the table one by one, then smiled and said, Mother-in-law, it’s not that I don’t trust you—it’s that I don’t trust Uncle.

She was becoming more and more shrewd!

But being shrewd was good—what was worrisome was being foolish and having no guard against anyone.

Gu Old Madam still wasn’t reassured. Where do you plan to keep them? Your room is crowded and full of prying eyes—it’s even less safe there.

The bank.

Ye Baoling neatly packed all the jewelry boxes into an inconspicuous canvas bag, then had the family driver take her to the nearby China Bank.

She spent three thousand to rent a safe deposit box and stored all her treasures inside.

With only three hundred dollars left in hand, having no money made her feel truly insecure. Ye Baoling then went to United Bank, where the 200,000 from her flexible wealth management redemption had arrived. She directly withdrew 50,000 in cash at the counter.

She originally wanted to ask Cindy about redeeming her four million in S101 stock funds, but Cindy wasn’t in the office, so she had to return home first.

Apart from Grandmother, Uncle, and Aunt, the only person in the Gu family Ye Baoling had secretly told about her impending ritual marriage to Ye Huaizhang was Gu Man’er.

Gu Man’er looked at her cousin with utter disbelief: Are you crazy? How is this any different from a ghost marriage?

Ye Baoling shushed her: Not so loud. Whatever you do, don’t mention anything about ghost marriage outside. If Guan Old Lady hears it, she’ll definitely think you’re cursing her grandson.

Cousin, when did you become so smooth?

This was called having basic emotional intelligence.

Ye Baoling didn’t argue. She and Man’er shared a room and slept in the same large bed—their relationship was the closest, even closer than real sisters, according to the script.

Gu Man’er sighed, If Ye Huaizhang hadn’t died, marrying him would actually be pretty good.

Why?

Haven’t you seen Ye Huaizhang? He’s good-looking, rich, and has a limitless future. He gave a speech at our school—very charismatic. But I read in gossip magazines that he’s ruthless in private. The first thing he did after taking power was purge the old ministers and elders. Seems his reputation isn’t great.

Ye Baoling had no interest in discussing it further.

She looked toward the building across from them and asked softly, Is Wai Tsai Keung home?

Not sure. He’s been out for so many days—he’s probably sleeping at home now, right? Why?

Ye Baoling told Gu Man’er about her idea to help Chen Weiqiang’s family. This way, I can help his family solve their problems, and when I go to the Third Branch of the Ye family, I’ll have company and someone to protect my safety.

That’s a good idea, but… do you have the money? Gu Man’er asked, then immediately added, Did you exchange the gold bars for cash?

Ye Baoling didn’t explain in detail: Don’t worry about it. I have money to use now. Let’s go, we’ll visit his home.

The two cousins went out through the back door, crossed the alley, climbed up the dimly lit stairs, and finally stopped at Room 303.

The one who opened the door was Chen Weiqiang’s younger sister, Chen Yulan.

Chen Yulan, with her hair in braids and well-defined muscles on her arms, clearly had martial arts training.

My brother is sleeping.

We came to visit your grandmother, Gu Man’er said, holding a fruit basket sent by the third branch of the Ye family.

Chen Yulan was pleasantly surprised, ushering them inside while calling out, Brother, brother! Sister Man’er is here to see Grandma.

The small room was cluttered with belongings. From the bunk bed in the inner area, Chen Weiqiang rolled over and jumped down from the upper bunk.

Why did you bring such an expensive fruit basket? What a waste of money.

Gu Man’er replied honestly, It was a gift from someone else. We brought it for Grandma Lin.

His grandmother, Grandma Lin, sat slumped on the living room sofa, her body visibly swollen. She asked weakly, Who is it?

Grandma Lin, it’s us—Gu Man’er from across the street, and my cousin Ye Baoling. How are you feeling?

Grandma Lin sighed, I’m no use anymore.

Ye Baoling suggested, Would you like to go to Aihe Hospital for a thorough check-up?

It’s not that I don’t want to, but we can’t afford a private hospital. I’ve asked around—their fees are ridiculously expensive. For an illness like my grandmother’s, it would cost at least twenty to thirty thousand just to get through the door.

Chen Weiqiang worked as an apprentice at a martial arts school during the day, earning very little—just enough to scrape by. At night, he did jobs for the gang, but the income was unstable, and whatever he made went toward his grandmother’s medical bills.

Ye Baoling continued, Actually, I came today to discuss something with you.

What is it? Just say it, Cousin. You’re Man’er’s cousin, so you’re my cousin too. If I can help, I definitely will. Chen Weiqiang wasn’t very tall, with a lean, tanned build, but he was fiercely loyal.

Gu Man’er teased him, What do you mean, cousin? You’re two years older than me, and my cousin is only a year older than me. You’re older than her—don’t make her sound ancient!

Chen Weiqiang chuckled sheepishly.

Ye Baoling said, It’s fine, you can just call me Baoling. I’m looking for a bodyguard.

Chen Weiqiang was surprised, You want me to be your bodyguard?

He knew Ye Baoling was the young lady of the Ye family, but she usually dressed very plainly and didn’t seem like someone who needed a bodyguard.

No, I’d like your sister to help me. Ye Baoling looked toward Chen Yulan, who stood by the kitchen door, listening while trimming water spinach.

Chen Yulan’s jaw dropped in surprise, Me? A bodyguard?

Chen Weiqiang was puzzled, You want my sister to be your bodyguard, or… a nanny?

A life assistant who can also serve as a bodyguard, Ye Baoling clarified.

Chen Yulan immediately set down what she was doing. I can do that! I’m really good at fighting, she said, demonstrating a squatting pose. I can handle chores, work, and carry things. When do I start?

Gu Man’er added, My cousin has… something important to do tomorrow and needs a girl to accompany her. If it works for you, you can start tomorrow.

Ye Baoling took out an envelope. There’s forty thousand here—eight months’ salary.

Five thousand a month? And paid in advance?

Chen Weiqiang wasn’t foolish. Are you just using this as an excuse to help us out and give us money?

In a way, yes—and in a way, no.

Ye Baoling smiled and said, I need someone trustworthy to help me, and your sister is the most suitable candidate. I’ll do my best to advance her salary, and your grandmother can get better treatment at a private hospital. Isn’t this a win-win situation?

Her words were very pleasing to the ear, and even though Chen Weiqiang was stubborn and proud, he easily accepted her kindness.

Chen Weiqiang took the envelope handed to him by Ye Baoling. Forty thousand Hong Kong dollars for eight months’ salary is really too high for a newcomer like my sister who has never worked before. How about making it a year’s salary instead?

Chen Yulan also nodded repeatedly in agreement. The salary was too high, and she felt pressured, afraid she wouldn’t perform well.

A year’s salary of forty thousand is already more than what my brother earns.

Chen Weiqiang clicked his tongue in mock annoyance at his sister’s teasing.

Gu Man’er smiled and said, I think that’s acceptable.

Ye Baoling didn’t insist. If you’re both fine with it, then I have no problem.

Feeling as if they had met a benefactor, Chen Weiqiang insisted they stay for lunch. I’ll go out and get some roast pork.

The two sisters didn’t stand on ceremony. They had lunch at their home and helped call a taxi to send Grandma Lin to Aihe Hospital for treatment.

*

In the afternoon, Ye Baoling and Gu Man’er went shopping at the mall together.

Ever since she learned that all the clothes in her wardrobe were hand-me-downs from her stepmother, Ye Baoling had long decided to replace them.

Those clothes never suited her taste to begin with, so replacing them was a relief.

She didn’t have much cash on hand and couldn’t afford luxury brands. In the end, she spent five thousand Hong Kong dollars on seven new outfits and three pairs of shoes.

Though they were niche brands, the styles were trendy and attractive.

She also bought two sets of formal office wear for Gu Man’er.

Gu Man’er was not only beautiful but also had a great figure. When she tried on the new clothes, Ye Baoling was stunned.

This outfit will definitely work for your law firm interview.

Does it really look good?

It really does!

Should I buy it?

Buy it. Ye Baoling went to pay without hesitation.

In those days, cash was king, and the feeling of spending money was truly satisfying.

Afterward, they ate a bowl of beef offal noodles, some fried wontons, and a bowl of pork blood soup at a street stall. By the time they returned home, it was already 8 p.m.

Her second cousin mentioned that someone from Pak Hoi Bank had called her in the afternoon and asked her to call back when she had time.

Since the bank was already closed at that hour, Ye Baoling initially planned to return the call the next day. But as a former workaholic, she habitually dialed the number anyway.

Unexpectedly, someone answered after just two rings.

Whether Cindy was genuinely working overtime or intentionally waiting for her call, she said that her supervisor might have a solution regarding the S101 Fund redemption.

Ye Baoling exclaimed joyfully, That’s wonderful!

Manager Li would like to meet with you the day after tomorrow to discuss the details. Would that be convenient for you, Miss Ye?

Ye Baoling had marriage procedures to attend to the day after tomorrow, and for the next three days, she had to follow the rules and stay at the third branch of the family.

She asked, How about tomorrow?

Manager Li has an all-day meeting at the head office tomorrow. Any time besides tomorrow works for him.

I happen to be busy this week, so let’s schedule it for next Monday. I’ll come see you at 10:30 a.m. next Monday.

OK. See you then, Miss Ye.

After hanging up, Ye Baoling went back to her room, humming as she put away her new clothes.

The summer night was unbearably stuffy. The fan whirred noisily as the sisters gathered around a small round table eating watermelon.

What delicious food did you eat outside? And you didn’t bring me along.

Gu Man’er countered: What are we having for dinner at home?

Stir-fried hairy gourd, chive omelet, and steamed salted fish, replied the second cousin before taking another bite of watermelon. My standards aren’t high – if only we could replace the salted fish with giant grouper.

Gu Man’er teased her: Swapping for giant grouper counts as ‘not high standards’?

Pfft, can’t I even dream?

Ye Baoling meticulously scraped her watermelon rind clean. After finishing, she turned to look out the window – Chen Weiqiang’s house showed no lights.

At that moment, Chen Weiqiang was at the hospital caring for his grandmother, while his sister Chen Yulan, having returned from the hospital, was downstairs learning aristocratic etiquette and work tips from Sister Ping.

Save a piece of watermelon for Yulan.

Night fell outside the window, moonless and starless.

Lying in bed, Ye Baoling contemplated recent events. She considered herself fortunate to have successfully obtained the orange Ugly King Jade Pendant today, completing one-third of her mission.

Thinking seriously, perhaps the Ugly King Jade Pendant in her original grandfather’s possession would be the most difficult to acquire.

After all, in that old man’s eyes, she held no position as his granddaughter, making it impossible for him to pass the jade pendant to her.

Even if the Ugly King Jade Pendant held little value, it still wouldn’t come to her.

She needed to devise a plan.

The standing fan likely had rusty components, squeaking as it oscillated.

Gu Man’er, reading a novel under the lamplight, suddenly sighed: When I have money, I’m definitely installing an air conditioner in our room.

During this era, air conditioning was gradually becoming common in Port City, but only Gu Old Lady and Shen Yue’e had units in their rooms – everyone else had to make do with fans.

Ye Baoling yawned: Go to sleep, you can have anything in your dreams.

Cousin, how many days are you staying at Ye Huaizhang’s house?

Three days.

After three days, she would have completed her mission and would return to Grandmother’s house.

Without a groom, who would she bow with during the wedding ceremony? Would it be like those TV dramas where Ye Huaizhang’s cousin holds a rooster to bow with her?

Bow with a rooster?

With these thoughts, she drifted asleep.

In her dream, the rooster that had bowed with her ended up stewed in an iron pot, enjoyed heartily with her cousins.

Delicious, so fragrant.

Author’s note:

Ye Huaizhang: Afraid to return home.

Rooster: Trembling with fear.

Ye Baoling: Don’t be scared, a good stew will fix everything.