The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 67 We Are Legally Married

Chapter 67 We Are Legally Married

Zheng Junni stood by the window, watching her husband’s car slowly drive away. Only after the gate gradually closed did she pick up the phone and dial A Feng’s number.

A Feng wasn’t home, so she could only leave a message on her pager.

About ten minutes later, A Feng returned the call.

Where are you? Zheng Junni asked coldly.

A Feng was currently at her boyfriend Ah Fa’s place but didn’t dare tell the truth. I just went out to buy breakfast. I’m home now.

Zheng Junni didn’t press further and simply instructed, Contact the private investigator…

Thinking they were still going to follow Ye Baoling, A Feng asked, Are we still tailing her?

No. Don’t you have the negatives? Later, develop another set and give them to the private investigator. Tell him to sell the photos to Feng Yufang.

It took A Feng a moment to recall that Feng Yufang was Ye Kaisen’s wife. Puzzled, she asked, Huh? Why?

Don’t ask, Zheng Junni replied. If this succeeds, we’ll give the private investigator 5,000 dollars. Whatever Feng Yufang is willing to pay him beyond that is his business. But there’s one condition: Feng Yufang must not find out that we instructed the private investigator to give her the photos. Understood?

A Feng was somewhat confused. Then what should the private investigator tell Feng Yufang?

Zheng Junni grew slightly impatient. Do I really need to teach you this? Any excuse will do… The private investigator can say he originally took the photos for the paparazzi, but they offered too little money. Since he only has her contact information, he decided to sell them to someone in the Ye family. However he wants to explain it is fine. Private investigators are more resourceful than you—let them come up with their own excuses.

A Feng quickly agreed. I don’t have Feng Yufang’s phone number.

Take it down, Zheng Junni said, providing Feng Yufang’s phone and pager numbers. Later, I’ll have A Jin bring you the money.

Just before hanging up, A Feng hesitantly added, Madam, there’s one more thing…

What is it?

My boyfriend Ah Fa isn’t suited for working at the barbershop. He’s clumsy and can’t seem to learn how to cut or wash hair properly. Could we find him another job?

Zheng Junni became even more annoyed. A Feng, I’m not just saying this as your aunt, but what use is a man like that? You should find an excuse to break up with him soon. I’ll introduce you to someone better later.

Ah Fa was listening nearby, and seeing his expression darken, A Feng hurriedly said, Madam, that’s all for now. I’ll go contact the private investigator.

With that, she quickly ended the call.

Ah Fa, with his shoulder-length hair, looked every bit the thug at first glance.

He glanced at his girlfriend and sneered, So this is your rich aunt?! Always making you do her dirty work, never wanting what’s best for you! She probably wants you to stay single forever so you can keep handling her shady business!

A Feng softly tried to calm him. She’s never spent time with you, so she misunderstands you.

She took a hair tie from her wrist and began tying up her hair, preparing to go home.

But Ah Fa had his own ideas. Hey, why let the private investigator make all that money? Can’t we earn it ourselves?

A Feng turned to look at him. How would we do that?

Ah Fa: We can sell the photos ourselves by making calls. We’ll still take the 5,000 from your relative, and then earn another sum from selling the photos. We can even make extra copies and sell to more people. Who knows, we might even make enough to buy our own car. Then I can take you anywhere you want, even drive around aimlessly every day if you’d like.

A Feng sounded slightly worried: If my cousin finds out, there’ll be big trouble.

Why would she need to know? Even if she discovers many people have the photos, so what? We can just blame the private investigator. Would she dare confront them? Don’t miss out on easy money. Ah Fa shook out a cigarette and lit it. If you can’t think flexibly, you’ll stay poor forever!

Just a phone call could bring in a hefty sum—A Feng was clearly tempted too.

Ye Baoling had been busy outside these past two days and hadn’t come to the office.

When she returned today and attended the morning meeting, her colleagues congratulated her one after another.

Someone sighed: If I’d known you could crack the toughest U.S. market, I’d have joined your team even if it meant braving a storm!

I always believed you could pull it off. I was just too reserved to raise my hand.

All of you are Monday morning quarterbacks! Manager Huang teased them, then shifted his tone. If I weren’t in charge of the Hong Kong and Taiwan markets, I’d have joined your team long ago.

Everyone laughed.

Manager Dai flattered: Looks like our Southeast Asia market will have to surrender the top spot this year!

Manager Huang: No ‘looks like’ about it. At this rate, if not this year, definitely next year.

The group clamored for Ye Baoling to treat them.

Ye Baoling: The big boss said it’s based on actual sales revenue. Once we truly claim the top spot, we’ll go wherever you want to celebrate.

Then I’ll start scouting locations right away.

After the meeting, Qu Zhengming came to Ye Baoling’s office to see her.

Although Ye Baoling was still nominally in the marketing department, Qu Zhengming had already learned she was about to be promoted to company vice president.

Director Qu! Please, have a seat!

Qu Zhengming smiled as she sat down: I haven’t congratulated you yet on landing such a major order.

Ye Baoling smiled back: We’ll need to work closely together next—perfecting the packaging and design for the Jasmine Iced Tea exports to the U.S., plus setting up a branch office there for coordination. There’s a lot to do.

Qu Zhengming replied cheerfully: My suggestion is to sit down with General Cai and discuss future plans, so we can divide responsibilities clearly.

With Cai Yongming currently acting as general manager for the herbal tea division, Qu Zhengming couldn’t bypass him to make decisions directly.

Ye Baoling understood: Right, we should include Director Lin in the discussion too.

Qu Zhengming: Are you available next Monday?

I am.

Then I’ll take the lead in organizing a meeting.

They chatted for a while about plans for the U.S. branch, then Qu Zhengming suddenly said: If possible, I’d like to be the pioneer—to go to the U.S. and develop the market there.

Ye Baoling was surprised: That won’t do. How could Ye Qingtang manage without you?

Qu Zhengming smiled wryly: Ye Qingtang has existed for over a century with or without me. It’s not like they’d collapse without me here.

Sister Qu, are you facing some difficulties? Ye Baoling sensed she had something on her mind.

Qu Zhengming sighed softly: It’s only recently I’ve realized that once a company’s culture solidifies, it becomes ingrained—almost impossible to change.

Ye Baoling immediately understood that Qu Zhengming must have faced setbacks at work recently. She asked, Do you and Cai Yongming have conflicting views?

Qu Zhengming nodded slightly, He probably sees me as a significant threat. It’s hard to explain. With the opportunity to establish a branch in the U.S., I thought I’d go out and make my mark. At least if I build the American branch from scratch, its character would be different from here.

Ye Baoling shook her head, But you’d still have to follow headquarters’ orders. Even a general in the field must obey the emperor’s commands. Director Qu, don’t leave. Stay at headquarters. With you here, I’ll have more confidence when I push for reforms in the future.

Qu Zhengming showed slight surprise, What kind of reforms are you planning?

Then she worriedly added, General Cai is just a small obstacle. The real challenge… She pointed upward without finishing her sentence.

Ye Baoling said it for her, It’s my grandfather.

Qu Zhengming laughed, Then what will you do? Can your reforms extend to your grandfather?

Ye Baoling also smiled, How would I know if I don’t try? Anyway, you shouldn’t leave. If I truly lack the capability and fail, I’ll arrange for you to go to America first.

Qu Zhengming felt unexpectedly moved, Thank you for your appreciation. I’m truly touched.

If Cai Yongming is a small obstacle, then you’re my stabilizing force. Let’s not make any moves for now and avoid creating chaos ourselves.

Qu Zhengming agreed, Alright.

They chatted in the office for over an hour and went out for lunch together at noon.

In the afternoon, Ye Baoling held a meeting with her team. While a significant portion of their workload would be transferred to other departments, they still had plenty to handle.

Due to their lack of experience with American trade, they needed to recruit people with relevant expertise.

After Ye Baoling’s promotion, Yang Baozhu would take over as team leader with A Zhen assisting.

Gao Lizhen originally wasn’t part of the marketing department, so her position was somewhat awkward.

Ye Baoling asked if she wanted to move up with her, but Gao Lizhen vigorously shook her head, indicating she wasn’t capable enough yet.

I’d rather stay in the marketing department and continue working on European and American markets with them.

Ye Baoling didn’t pressure her and respected her choice.

Returning home in the evening, as she emerged from the underground vault, Ye Baoling heard deafening music from the second floor.

Sister Ping came to take her bag and whispered, The young master must have gone mad. He’s been listening to music all afternoon, and we’re about to be driven crazy by the noise.

With the old master absent today and Ye Kais and his wife out, no one dared to say anything to him.

Going up to the second floor, Ye Baoling grabbed a magazine from her room and headed toward Ye Baoshun’s room.

An additional security door had been installed in the corridor outside Ye Baoshun’s bedroom, with someone watching it daily.

A servant opened the door for her, and Ye Baoling entered.

Behind the security door were three rooms and a living room.

Besides the bedroom, the three rooms included a gym and a temporarily converted study.

Every morning, teachers came to give Ye Baoshun lessons, and every few days, a psychologist was arranged to counsel him.

Ye Qizu had spared no effort for his precious grandson.

The living room was filled with piles of tapes and disks. With good food and comfortable living, aside from being isolated from the outside world, it was practically a paradise.

At that moment, Ye Baoshun was playing darts. Ye Baoling walked over and turned the music volume to its lowest.

Then she tossed the magazine in her hand to him.

Ye Baoshun grabbed the magazine and glanced at the cover, which featured news about Lü Dexiang and his son being taken away by the ICAC.

The subtitle read: Facing at least five years or more of imprisonment.

Ye Baoshun wasn’t entirely foolish. He asked, Did Grandpa arrange this?

What do you think?

Ye Baoshun threw the magazine onto the glass table. Five years in prison… Being stuck here is no different from being locked up anyway.

Ye Baoling chided him, Do you think acting stubborn and defiant makes you impressive, like no one can do anything about you? Have you ever heard the story of King Goujian of Yue sleeping on firewood and tasting gall? Even a king had to bide his time and conceal his ambitions. If you keep being this stubborn, Grandpa will only become more convinced that locking you up here is the right decision. If you want to get out, if you don’t want to be confined here anymore, you need to learn to lower your head. You don’t have to show what you’re really thinking—be more tactful, coax Grandpa, make him feel at ease. Once he’s reassured, he’ll naturally let you out.

Ye Baoshun hung his head in silence.

Still thinking about Lu Tianyou? Ye Baoling let out a light laugh. Once he’s in prison, with no women around, he’ll have plenty of other options.

Plenty of men to choose from.

This remark infuriated Ye Baoshun. You just came here to mock me, didn’t you?

What else? Did you think I came out of concern for you?

…

Angered, Ye Baoshun threw a dart at the target.

After a moment, he retorted, Do you even have any ability left? Have you found out anything? Was it Zheng Junni who exposed me?

Ye Baoling shot back, What are you planning to do?

Nothing.

You want to take revenge on her so you can go join Lu Tianyou in prison? Don’t be stupid! It’s not worth it. Ye Baoling stared at him, drilling the point home. Scaring her is one thing, but actually using a knife? Not worth the cost. Your life is more valuable than hers. Understand?

Actually using a knife is not worth it!

The words echoed in Ye Baoshun’s mind.

He threw another dart, and Ye Baoling picked up the magazine from the table and left.

Two days later, A Feng and the others developed the photos and began their operation.

That morning, Feng Yufang received a call from a stranger who claimed to have photos she would want.

Feng Yufang assumed it was evidence of her husband fooling around with another woman!

Without telling anyone, she hurriedly grabbed some money and rushed to the designated tea restaurant.

To her surprise, the photos handed to her by a stranger in a baseball cap showed Ye Baoling and Ye Huaizhang kissing!!

What is this…

Just as she reached to examine the photos more closely, the man pulled them back.

The man said, $30,000. All photos of your Ye family’s eldest young lady. Besides men, there are ones with women too.

Feng Yufang’s eyes widened!

So this sister and brother were both playing around like this?!

Feng Yufang asked, Why are you selling these photos to me?

Do you want them or not? If not, I’ll sell them to Ye Baoling. She’ll definitely pay more to buy them.

This was a golden opportunity for her husband to use against Ye Baoling.

Gritting her teeth, Feng Yufang said, I’ll take them.

She counted out $30,000 HKD from her bag and bought the stack of photos.

After purchasing them, she quickly skimmed through the photos.

If she handed these to her husband, Ye Kaisen, he would be overjoyed.

As soon as she got home, she called Ye Kaisen and told him she had something important to discuss, urging him to come home right after work.

Ye Kaisen returned even before his workday ended, and she promptly showed him the photos.

I guarantee it’s beyond your imagination.

Ye Kaisen slapped the sofa furiously upon seeing this. Damn! That bastard! He sold me the photos at noon too!

Huh? Feng Yufang cursed. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I wasted 30,000 for nothing.

Ye Kaisen had spent fifty thousand!

Too embarrassed to tell his wife he’d paid more, he only said, I paid 20,000. Forget it, forget it. These photos are worth 100,000!

Feng Yufang asked, What do you plan to do? Should we also leak them to the media? Let’s completely humiliate the main family branch.

Ye Kaisen waved his hand. The source of these photos is unclear. If Old Master eventually finds out we leaked them to the media, we’ll never be able to wash ourselves clean.

Then what should we do?

My goal is simple: I just want to drive that damned Ye Baoling out of Ye Qingtang. Best if she ends up like Ye Baoshun – locked indoors where she can’t embarrass us!

Feng Yufang thought for a moment. Don’t get directly involved. Let’s go find Dad and have him speak to Old Master. Let the two brothers talk first.

Ye Kaisen fell into deep thought. This matter involves Ye Huaizhang. Let me think about it first. No need to rush, we can decide later.

Meanwhile, Ah Fa, who had easily earned 80,000, wasn’t willing to give up this hard-won money-making opportunity in his excitement.

He turned his attention to Ye Baoling and Ye Huaizhang.

A Feng hesitated for a moment. We could make more money from Ye Baoling, but let’s leave Ye Huaizhang alone. It’s better not to provoke that kind of person. I’m afraid you’ll bring trouble upon yourself.

Surprisingly taking the advice, Ah Fa decided to call Ye Baoling to extort more money.

But before he could make the call, he heard someone knocking at the door.

Who is it?

Water pipe burst upstairs, came to check if you have any leaks.

Ah Fa went to open the door, only to find four fierce-looking thugs standing at the doorway.

Chen Weiqiang had been tracking A Feng and Ah Fa for many days.

Taking a drag from his cigarette, he slightly lifted his chin. My cousin wants to see you.

Who’s your cousin?

You’ll know when you see her.

Ah Fa tried to close the door to escape, but before he could shut it, someone pinned him against the wall.

The next moment, a cigarette butt was pressed against his neck. Trying to run? Don’t you know who you’re messing with! How dare you provoke Wei Zaiqiang’s cousin?!

A Feng hid terrified in the corner, covering her ears, not daring to move.

That evening, Ye Kaisen went to his father’s room and told him about the photos.

Ye Qizong was also a shrewd old man.

He and his brother Ye Qizu were essentially enhanced versions of Ye Kaimin and Ye Kais.

Putting on his reading glasses, Ye Qizong examined the photos repeatedly. The old man could barely contain himself – the time had come to thoroughly humiliate his elder brother!

Ye Kaisen: Dad, let’s think carefully about the best approach.

Ye Qizong glanced at him. Are you still traumatized from last time? We didn’t create this situation! Why are you being so cautious? Afraid of ghosts at the bow and thieves at the stern! Your excessive caution makes you seem less like family.

This was the time to charge over and throw the photos in Ye Qizu’s face!

That’s what real brothers do.

As he spoke, Ye Qizong headed out.

Ye Kaisen and his wife quickly followed him.

The old man stormed toward Xihe Building. Finding the elevator locked and inaccessible, the little old man had to take the stairs.

After struggling up to the third floor, he happened to see Xing Shu coming out of Ye Qizu’s study.

A Xing, where is the old master?

Xing Shu: The old master is in the study chatting with the eldest young master. The grandfather and grandson can finally have an open, proper conversation.

Go call the old master out. I need to speak with him.

Xing Shu hesitated slightly: Is it urgent?

Urgent! Ye Qizong didn’t enter the study. The main hall on the third floor was spacious enough – they would likely need to summon the Third Branch members soon, and perhaps even administer family discipline.

Xing Shu went into the study to fetch Ye Qizu, but after waiting for quite some time, the old man still hadn’t emerged.

Ye Qizong cursed under his breath in frustration, Putting on airs for me! Just wait, you’ll be humiliated and miserable soon enough!

A quarter hour later, Ye Qizu finally emerged at a leisurely pace. He glanced at his third brother and said, If you have matters to discuss, why not come into the study?

Isn’t there someone else in the study?

What’s going on? Skulking around before nightfall.

Ye Qizong was annoyed by his second brother’s comment: Second Brother, I need to tell you something. Prepare yourself mentally. A Xing, go get the blood pressure medication first.

Xing Shu: …

Ye Qizu looked Ye Qizong up and down, feeling somewhat uneasy. What is it? Spit it out.

Today someone gave Yufang a stack of photos. That person also demanded 50,000 yuan from her. She initially thought they were photos of Ye Kaisen fooling around, but they weren’t! Ye Qizong handed the photos to his second brother. Fortunately Yufang bought back the photos. Otherwise, if they’d been published by the entertainment gossip columns, our Ye family’s reputation couldn’t withstand this kind of frequent magazine cover appearances.

Thinking there might be more photos of Ye Baoshun in someone’s possession, Ye Qizu took them and examined them closely. At first he couldn’t make them out clearly. Who is this?

Ye Qizong: You can’t tell?! Baoling is playing both sides – cozying up with women one moment, then kissing Ye Huaizhang and checking into hotels with him the next! How could a granddaughter of our Oldest Branch do such shameless things!

It really was his granddaughter.

The granddaughter he had been most proud of recently!

Ye Qizu’s hand trembled, and he failed to hold onto the photos, which scattered across the floor instantly.

Xing Shu hurried to support him: Old master! Quick! Get the medicine!

Ye Qizong helped steady Ye Qizu onto the sofa: Second Brother, don’t get angry yet. Let’s lock her up and give her a beating first. And we must summon the Third Branch members. Such disregard for propriety and shame requires a formal resolution, doesn’t it?!

In the study, Ye Baoshun heard the commotion and came out. He rushed over to pick up the photos, his shock no less than Ye Qizu’s.

No wonder she could understand him.

Turns out she was even more unconventional than him!

After taking his medication, Ye Qizu recovered somewhat.

Before long, Ye family members arrived one after another. As the photos circulated among them, everyone was shocked into silence.

Ye Leqiong and Ye Leyan sisters stared with mouths agape.

So the most proper Ye Baoling had done what they never dared to do.

Ye Kaimin nearly spat blood – the daughter who had just brought him honor was now slapping him in the face like this?!

A few minutes later, Ye Baoling was summoned, accompanied by Chen Yulan.

By now, the third-floor hall was packed with people crowding around.

Members of the Third Branch should be arriving soon too.

Ye Kaimin charged forward to hit Ye Baoling but was stopped by Chen Yulan.

Who is she? Who is this woman?! Ye Kaimin angrily pointed at Chen Yulan.

Ye Baoling said calmly: The little sister from my maternal grandmother’s neighborhood. I’ve told you about her before.

She picked up a photo of her helping Chen Yulan tidy her hair. With such an ordinary photo like this, what kind of disgrace are you trying to pin on me?

You were practically kissing her face.

Ye Baoling turned back and asked Chen Yulan, Did I kiss your face?

Chen Yulan looked utterly bewildered: Huh? Why would you kiss my face?

Zheng Junni stepped forward to play the peacemaker, advising Ye Kaimin, Don’t be so aggressive. Speak calmly.

Ye Baoxin stood silently behind the sisters Ye Leqiong, watching the drama unfold.

Ye Kaimin rubbed his face in frustration. Then what about you and Ye Huaizhang? Did you actually kiss? You can’t deny that, can you?!

Ye Kaisen coldly stared at Ye Baoling, handing her the photo of Ye Huaizhang kissing her. Do you even know how to write the word ‘shame’?

This remark struck a nerve with Ye Kaimin again. He tried to hit Ye Baoling but couldn’t get past Chen Yulan, so he could only shout, Shameless!

Am I as shameless as you?! Cheating on your wife with your secretary! Ye Baoling glared at Ye Kaimin, pointing at Zheng Junni. Forcing my mother to divorce while she was pregnant with your child—is this what you call integrity and morality?! So, you deserve your karma, giving birth to a mentally disabled child!

Her words stirred up a hornet’s nest. Zheng Junni burst into tears, wailing in grievance.

How can you say such things?! How can you?! Baolong is innocent!

Ye Baoling sneered coldly. All of Ye Baolong’s innocence and suffering weren’t caused by my words—it was all brought upon him by you! Stop pretending to be pitiful!

This was infuriating!

Unable to reach Ye Baoling, Ye Kaimin, in a fit of rage, threw a punch toward Chen Yulan.

Chen Yulan sidestepped, grabbed his fist, and twisted it behind his back, pinning Ye Kaimin to the floor.

Ye Kaimin howled in pain.

Ye Kaisen roared, What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and restrain this woman!

Liang Meiyun and Ye Kais quickly stepped in as mediators. No fighting, everyone. Let’s talk this out calmly.

Chen Yulan released Ye Kaimin.

Just then, footsteps echoed from downstairs. It was Ye Huaizhang, accompanied by several men who looked like enforcers.

The same Ye Kaimin, who had been ready to beat Ye Baoling moments ago, visibly shrank in the presence of the person he truly should have confronted.

Why are you alone?! Ye Qizu finally broke his silence, noticing the absence of Guan Lao Taijun and Ye Jinsong.

Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling exchanged a glance. Before he could speak, Ye Leyan was already fangirling over them.

She whispered to her sister, They’re in love.

Ye Leqiong murmured back, More interesting than Romeo and Juliet.

Ye Huaizhang explained, My grandmother and parents went to my granduncle’s house for a wedding banquet. They haven’t returned yet.

Ye Qizu pointed at the photos on the table. Well?! What do you have to say for yourself?

Ye Huaizhang glanced at the photos, a slight smile curling his lips. Baoling and I are legally married. Kissing isn’t against the law, is it?

!!!!

The crowd was stunned, shocked, and momentarily unable to comprehend the words they had just heard.

Ye Baoxin looked at her mother in disbelief.

Zheng Junni approached Ye Huaizhang, tilting her head incredulously. You’re legally married?

We’re married. We have a marriage certificate. Of course, we’re legally married.

How is that possible?!

It’s absolutely impossible!

You’re from the same clan! You’re both descendants of Ye Qingtang! You both bear the surname Ye! Ye Qizong shouted.

How could this brat turn the tables on him like this?

You can’t be legally married. It’s impossible.

Meanwhile, Ye Leqiong and Ye Leyan, who were already shipping the couple, thought: They totally can be!
Author’s Note: Ye Baoling: Stay tuned for the next chapter, Bestowal of Titles on the Six States [mischievous grin]

Ye Huaizhang: I’m just an audience member [let me see]