The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 72: Is It Her?

Chapter 72: Is It Her?

After preliminarily confirming Ye Qizu as the mastermind behind framing the original host’s mother, Ye Baoling silently called out in her heart, hoping for a response from the system.

Unfortunately, the system remained completely silent.

It utterly ignored the answers she sought.

So, did she need to confront her grandfather and hear him admit it personally for it to count as success?

But she couldn’t afford to clash with the old man right now.

Ye Baoling cursed under her breath. She knew it—earning extra rewards from the system wouldn’t come easily.

In the 8th-floor brand department meeting room, Ye Baoling was meeting with the Jasmine Iced Tea team and colleagues from the marketing department’s third group.

Everyone brainstormed freely, hoping to spark brilliant ideas to provide to the American branch for promoting Jasmine Iced Tea.

A brand department colleague said, We still need to collaborate with professional advertising agencies in the U.S. Relying solely on us definitely won’t work.

Ye Baoling, seated at the head of the table, nodded slightly. We’ll proceed on both fronts simultaneously. Yang Baozhu just arrived in the U.S. with her team—renting offices, recruiting staff, and negotiating business all take time. We can’t sit here waiting for them to get everything ready before we start. Our main goal today is to come up with an idea or theme…

Someone suggested, Christmas is in two months. Can we combine it with Christmas for some promotional activities?

Li Donghao asked, Can our first shipment make it in time for Christmas? Is the schedule feasible?

A Zhen replied, Shipping to the U.S. West Coast takes about 25 days, plus customs clearance and queuing—it’ll take 2-3 days to reach the warehouse. After that, transporting to major cities for distribution and shelf placement will take at least 35 days total.

That meant they had just over half a month to prepare.

How about designing our bottles in Christmas red?

Xu Chengping from the product department said, That might be too rushed. The bottle design—a Chinese panda practicing kung fu while drinking Jasmine Iced Tea—is already fully printed. Changing it now would involve significant costs and tight deadlines.

After thinking for a moment, Ye Baoling proposed, Can we try a different approach? Instead of changing the bottles, what about modifying the cardboard box packaging? American consumption habits differ from ours. We tend to buy bottle by bottle, while they often shop at large supermarkets and buy by the case.

That could work! He Jiayi, quick-witted, immediately had a new idea. Design the boxes as Santa Claus. Festive and fitting for their holiday atmosphere.

Ye Baoling smiled. That’s a great idea! They can buy it to drink themselves or as a gift!

Another suggestion followed: Since our bottle design features a panda, why not design the outer packaging box with a panda wearing a Santa hat—a Santa Panda?

This idea was even more clever and quickly gained everyone’s approval.

All our future promotions can revolve around the panda theme. We won’t need to hire big celebrities, saving a lot on marketing costs.

This campaign would also work in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other regions.

The subsequent challenge was that a batch of the originally designed boxes had already been produced. Should they send them back to the factory for reworking, or use a mix of the original and Christmas designs?

After careful consideration, Ye Baoling decided, Let’s do half and half.

After all, the first shipment likely wouldn’t sell out entirely during the Christmas to New Year period.

After Christmas, it was no longer appropriate to sell Jasmine Iced Tea in Christmas packaging.

But Ye Baoling felt this wasn’t enough and asked everyone to continue brainstorming ideas.

As they left the meeting room, she happened to see a colleague carrying a shoulder bag heading out for fieldwork.

A cute little doll was hanging from the colleague’s bag, which sparked an idea in Ye Baoling’s mind. She turned to He Jiayi and asked, How much would it cost to produce Panda Dolls in bulk?

He Jiayi replied, It shouldn’t be expensive if we use factories in Shenzhen. Why do you ask?

What if we include a Panda Doll with each case of Jasmine Iced Tea? Would that be appealing?

He Jiayi nodded excitedly, There’s been a panda craze in the U.S. recently—it should be very attractive! But how would we include it? Hang the Panda Doll on the outer packaging?

That would be too easy to lose and might look cheap.

Returning to the office, Ye Baoling took out paper and pen and personally sketched a design.

The Panda Doll shouldn’t be too small—it needs to be large, embedded in the middle of the packaging box, with a transparent plastic cover so the entire packaging becomes one integrated piece.

It looked premium and would make a respectable gift.

He Jiayi praised, That’s excellent! To give every child a panda, wouldn’t each family need to buy multiple cases?

Ye Baoling immediately expanded on the idea, We can design six different panda styles. If customers collect all six, we can give them an extra case of Jasmine Iced Tea in its original packaging. Of course, the cost would need to be covered by the distributors. If they agree, we can market it this way.

He Jiayi grew more excited, That’s a great approach! First, attract them to buy. Once they try it and discover how delicious Jasmine Iced Tea is, they’ll keep coming back for more.

We need to design these six pandas carefully, ensuring good quality so Americans will be eager to collect them all!

Ye Baoling immediately called the relevant team members back for another meeting, but they soon encountered a problem.

The cost has increased—how do we address that? I’m worried Finance will block us.

Cost was a very real concern.

Someone suggested, The simplest solution is to pass the cost to L&D. If they agree to add a budget for the plush dolls, we’ll include them.

However, this back-and-forth communication would be inefficient, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to raise prices on the first transaction.

After some thought, Ye Baoling said, Let Purchasing get quotes. A plush panda doll shouldn’t be expensive. With 24 bottles per case, spreading the cost across each bottle probably won’t increase the price much.

Wang Bingchang added, Sourcing from Hong Kong suppliers would definitely be more expensive. If we go directly to manufacturers in Shenzhen, it’ll be much cheaper.

He volunteered to find manufacturers, noting that some might even handle the design, saving considerable time.

The next morning, Wang Bingchang called back—he had found two factories in Shenzhen capable of producing the Panda Dolls, and the price would be very reasonable for bulk orders.

Whether Ye Qingtang Jasmine Iced Tea could become a smash hit in the U.S. was crucial for the company’s future development.

Unsure if Wang Bingchang’s aesthetic sense was up to par, Ye Baoling decided to take the design drafts to Shenzhen herself to finalize the factory selection.

The factories Wang Bingchang had chosen were all outside the city center. After a dusty half-day of visits, Ye Baoling finally settled on Hongsheng Factory, which produced OEM products for a well-known American plush toy manufacturer.

Hong Sheng Factory’s prices were higher than the other supplier, but their plush toy quality was superior. More importantly, after adjusting based on Ye Baoling’s design drafts, they quickly produced six panda doll prototypes.

These panda dolls were each eye-catching and amusing, extremely adorable.

Finally, Ye Baoling decided to embroider 1987 on the back of the plush dolls.

This would prepare for releasing different doll designs each year in the future.

Ye Baoshun was sentenced to 40 hours of community service order, to be completed within 12 months.

In the reception room on the first floor of Hall of Flourishing Harmony, the lawyer said: Young Master Ye, rest assured, they will assign you some gardening work. You won’t have much contact with outsiders. Generally, you just need to sign in.

Ye Qizu expressed dissatisfaction upon hearing this: Complete the 40 hours before Chinese New Year. Don’t drag this year’s matters into next year. Also, you’re not allowed to just sign in and leave. You must properly complete the community service order.

Ye Baoshun responded quietly in agreement.

Ye Qizu continued: This is your punishment. Learn your lesson from this.

Understood.

After the lawyer left, Ye Qizu sighed. What dissatisfied him most about Ye Baoshun hitting Zheng Junni was that Ye Baoshun had lost control of his emotions too easily.

An adult who cannot control their emotions is truly problematic.

But there was also something that pleased him – his grandson ultimately remained a flesh-and-blood man of integrity.

With proper correction, he might still be set right.

He specifically hired a professional to serve as Ye Baoshun’s personal consultant, helping him arrange daily activities.

Daring not to hire a male consultant, he employed a Ms. Lan in her forties who still retained her charm.

Ms. Lan scheduled Ye Baoshun’s time quite fully.

Mornings are for horseback riding, tennis, or fencing practice. Afternoons are for studying ‘The Art of War,’ ‘Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance,’ and management with the classical studies teacher. When there are no classes, participate in socially meaningful activities. Evenings are for studying business strategy or resting.

Ye Baoshun felt overwhelmed hearing this but didn’t dare object, remaining silent.

Ye Qizu was quite satisfied with this arrangement: Implement this for one month first. When you have time, still go for internship at the company. Your Uncle Shen said he wants to personally mentor you. Study well. Grandpa doesn’t ask much of you – just master basic judgment in business knowledge and transactions. If you can pass the internship period, Grandpa can arrange for you to join the board of directors.

Secure the board position first.

Upon hearing this, Ye Kais hurriedly said: Baoshun, you must strive hard. You’re the only boy in the family. Don’t disappoint Grandpa. You know how many people want but cannot get board positions. Treasure this opportunity properly.

Ye Qizu added: Your sister wanted to join the board, but I never agreed. Why? Even though she has achieved significant results, and I’d like to reserve the position for her, she’s ultimately a granddaughter. She cannot inherit our Oldest Branch family business. What comes easily to you is what your sister cannot obtain despite repeated efforts. If you don’t appreciate this and repeatedly disappoint my expectations, then I’d rather benefit your sister than give it to you. Understood?

Ye Baoshun felt quite impatient but could only yield before authority. Understood.At that moment, Ye Kaimin reached the doorway, just in time to hear his father’s words.

Ye Qizu cast a glance at Ye Kaimin, stood up completely ignoring his presence, and walked straight out.

After leaving the tea room, Ye Qizu thought of Ye Baoling and couldn’t help asking Xing Shu: Why haven’t we seen Baoling these past two days? Where did she go?

The young mistress went to Shenzhen yesterday and should be back today.

What did she go to Shenzhen for?

It seems to be about finalizing samples for the first batch of products for the American distributors. I’m not entirely clear on the specifics. The young mistress prefers to handle things personally and has great determination.

It was evident that Xing Shu held great admiration for the young mistress.

Ye Qizu understood his sentiment—who wouldn’t want to follow a reliable boss?

He didn’t say anything more at the moment.

After Ye Qizu left, Ye Kais and Ye Baoshun also departed.

Ye Kaimin, ignored by his family, was seething with anger.

The closer the kinship, the more heartless it seemed.

He slumped alone on the tea room sofa, legs splayed, head tilted back, staring at the ceiling.

Was this all his life would amount to?

He refused to accept it.

As the eldest son and legitimate grandson of the Ye family, why was he treated this way?

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He grabbed a cushion and hurled it violently at the antique display shelf across the room.

Ye Baoling returned from Shenzhen and, since it was already late, headed straight home instead of going to the company.

Hearing that Ye Kaimin was sulking in the tea room, she initially had no intention of intervening, but curiosity got the better of her, so she went over.

As soon as she arrived, she saw her father fiercely throw a cushion, nearly knocking down the ornaments on the antique shelf.

Picking up the cushion from the floor, Ye Baoling asked, What’s set you off this time?

Hearing his daughter’s voice, Ye Kaimin abruptly sat up. He stared blankly at Ye Baoling for a long moment before saying, Do you know what the old man just said?

What did he say?

To coax Ye Baoshun onto the right path, your grandfather said that as long as Ye Baoshun passes his probation period, he’ll be allowed into the board of directors. Not you—him!

Ye Baoling’s eyes dimmed slightly. She had anticipated Ye Qizu’s favoritism, but never imagined that the board director position—which she had struggled so hard to attain and he valued so highly—would be so casually offered to his grandson as an incentive.

It was as if something you might not achieve even with a Ph.D. could be effortlessly obtained by Ye Baoshun just by learning to speak properly.

How ironic.

She let out a cold laugh, mocking him in his own style: So what? It’s not like you gave birth to a son.

Ye Kaimin punched the sofa: I can’t accept this! Every generation of our Ye family has passed the inheritance to the eldest son. Why should it change with my generation? Don’t I have a son? I have Baolong. Isn’t Baolong a son? Sure, he has some intellectual challenges, but does that affect carrying on the family line? When he grows up, he can marry and have children. Why should I just hand over my position to Ye Kais and Ye Baoshun?

Ye Baoling retorted sarcastically: You said it yourself—because your son has intellectual disabilities. Grandpa has better options, why wouldn’t he choose them?

Are you even my daughter?

Why are you shouting? Do you think I can change anything?

Of course you can. You’re already the vice president of Leaf Pure Tea, and you can climb even higher. Your abilities are definitely superior to Ye Baoshun’s. If I inherit the family business in the future, you’ll be in charge of managing the enterprise while Baolong takes care of continuing the family line. Our family of three—no, including Ye Huaizhang, he can help too—our family of four, guarding this household together, wouldn’t that be good? Your brother’s children will inherit the Oldest Branch, while your children will inherit the Third Branch. I, Ye Kaimin, should be the ultimate winner! Don’t you understand? Ye Kaimin was somewhat delusional.

Ye Baoling nearly laughed at her father’s words. So all my hard work, slaving away like an ox my whole life—who would it be for? For you and the foolish son you had with your mistress? Do I have a hole in my head? I’d rather guard the legacy for Baoshun than give any advantage to Baolong. What are you thinking?

She knew someone was listening outside the door.

Whoever dared eavesdrop on their conversation must be either the old master’s people or her second uncle and aunt’s people.

The first half of her statement was sincere, while the latter half was deliberately spoken for the eavesdropper outside.

Ye Kaimin was angered by his daughter’s words. Do you know who your closest relative in this world is? Me! Your father!

Ye Baoling walked toward the door. The person outside, hearing footsteps, quickly retreated.

She reached the doorway, glanced outside, then closed the door.

Someone was eavesdropping? Ye Kaimin finally realized.

Ye Baoling: What did you expect? With the door wide open and you speaking so loudly, who couldn’t overhear? You’ve been drinking, haven’t you?

Ye Kaimin had drunk a little, but he considered himself sober.

He thought Ye Baoling’s earlier words were all meant for the eavesdropper outside.

He knew that even if his daughter wasn’t close to him, she should still be closer to him than to her uncles and cousins.

The fury that had filled him moments ago instantly subsided considerably.

He lowered his voice: I’ve been studying this for a long time. To bring down Ye Baoshun, we need to deal with Ye Kaisen first.

How do we deal with him? Ye Baoling wasn’t particularly hopeful about her father’s brilliant plans, but lack of expectation didn’t mean she couldn’t listen.

What if there was an unexpected surprise?

Ye Kaimin: Do you know why Ye Kaisen and Lin Zhong are fighting so bitterly?I don’t know.

But this I don’t know excited Ye Kaimin tremendously, giving him a see, your old man knows best expression as he said: Besides wanting to continue climbing to become group general manager, Ye Kaisen is mainly afraid of Lin Zhong managing Su Manzhu affairs. So he constantly creates trouble for Lin Zhong and Ye Qingtang, preventing Lin Zhong from having excess energy to interfere with Su Manzhu’s management. All these years, he’s been filling his pockets at Su Manzhu—he’s much richer than your old man!

Ye Baoling: Evidence? Do you have evidence?

If I had evidence, I’d have taken him down already. Would I still be here nagging with you?

Then you can’t put all your hopes on me. Ye Baoling stood before her father, her attitude slightly arrogant. When you find evidence, then we can talk about cooperation.

Ye Kaimin didn’t understand: How is this cooperation? This is about family unity. I’m your father!

When dividing the family assets, if you can stand before me and loudly declare ‘I’m your father, all my money goes to you,’ then I, Ye Baoling, will acknowledge you as my father.

His daughter’s words always managed to anger him.

But times had changed. Now that his daughter was his only hope, Ye Kaimin had no choice but to yield.

He didn’t argue with her, instead saying, I’m definitely going to find evidence. I must bring this Ye Kaisen down.

Good luck. Ye Baoling smiled faintly before opening the door and leaving.

Ye Kaimin: …

Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling’s marriage was essentially an open secret within the Ye family’s inner circle of relatives and close friends.

However, they rarely appeared together in public settings.

At private gatherings, they often attended as a couple.

Today was the birthday celebration for Third Aunt Ye Jinliu, who had booked an upscale beachfront hotel with private sand areas for festivities lasting from noon until evening.

Ye Baoling had arrived today in Ye Huaizhang’s car.

They encountered Gong Jiahua and his parents right at the entrance.

Gong’s father, Gong Jinghui, was extremely busy – Ye Baoling had only seen him once in the past six months. Mrs. Gong had been recuperating from illness and rarely attended social events, making today’s seaside appearance quite special for some sunshine.

Though in poor health, Mrs. Gong maintained her sense of humor, teasing Ye Huaizhang: Huaizhang, you’re positively glowing. One can tell you’ve been very happy since getting married.

Gong Jinghui interjected somewhat tactlessly: He just secured that major European deal – that’s why he’s beaming. You women always attribute everything to romance, such limited perspective.

Ye Huaizhang merely smiled slightly without responding.

Gong Jiahua approached them asking: Want to play beach volleyball later?

Ye Baoling didn’t want to change clothes and shoes. No.

Gong Jiahua turned to Ye Huaizhang, How about you?

Ye Huaizhang glanced sideways at him: Didn’t you hear what my wife said?

This provoked Gong Jiahua to mock them: Now that you don’t need me as cover anymore, you’re burning bridges, is that it?

They were indeed burning bridges.

Ye Huaizhang smiled without explanation, checking his watch: Let’s have lunch first, take a rest and nap, we’ll see about afternoon activities.

Gong Jiahua muttered under his breath: Already thinking about sleeping.

He immediately fell silent under Ye Huaizhang’s sharp glare.

They entered the hotel lobby and took the elevator to the 15th floor.

Ye Jinliu had booked the entire 15th floor for the occasion.

Stepping out of the elevator, they saw Ye Jinliu dressed elegantly while chatting with newly arrived guests.

Happy birthday, A-Liu. Wow, you’ve become even more beautiful. Mrs. Gong began with compliments.

Ye Jinliu took Mrs. Gong’s hand: Mrs. Gong, it’s been too long. How have you been feeling recently?

Much better, otherwise I wouldn’t dare come out.

You should get out more often. Jinghui doesn’t know how to cherish beauty or appreciate romance. I told him middle-aged couples should vacation together at the beach, but he kept making excuses not to come. Ye Jinliu shot a reproachful look at Gong Jinghui.

Having grown up together, they spoke to each other quite directly.

Mrs. Gong laughed: Him? He never likes having us women around wherever he goes.

Don’t mind him, you should come out for tea whenever you have time.

Gong Jinghui smiled: Yes, yes, whatever you women say is right.

As they chatted, Ye Jinliu turned to the couple: Your rooms are ready. Your luggage seems to have been moved in already – just head left from here.

A welcoming attendant approached to guide them.

Just then, Ye Huaili came out to greet them: Big brother, sister-in-law, you’re staying next to me.

Ye Baoling asked Huaili: Have your parents arrived?

My father has business and won’t come until evening. My mother isn’t feeling well and will also arrive later.

Second Aunt has always been like this—she never shows up for events until the very last minute. If she weren’t afraid of offending Ye Jinliu, she would have simply skipped it altogether.

Gong Jiahua had already collected the room keys for himself and his parents. They were all staying in the left wing.

Let’s go, we’ll settle in our rooms first and have lunch at Maria Restaurant at noon. We can figure out what to do this afternoon while we’re at it.

Gong Jiahua then turned back to call his parents, Dad, Mom, let’s go.

Mrs. Gong was still chatting animatedly with Ye Jinliu.

A-Mei! Let’s go. Gong Jinghui called out impatiently.

Ye Huaizhang, who had already started heading toward the left wing, couldn’t help but pause in his steps.

A-Mei?

He glanced back at Mrs. Gong—her slightly square face, coiled hair, medium height…

She perfectly matched the description of Auntie Mei from Shui Gou’s account.

He had known Gong Jiahua’s mother since childhood but never learned her name, only referring to her as Mrs. Gong.

How could it be her?

He had no conflicts of interest with Mrs. Gong—she had no motive to hire an assassin to kill him.

Moreover, someone of her status wouldn’t personally negotiate with a hitman if she truly wanted to arrange a murder.

No. It shouldn’t be her.

Though Ye Huaizhang dismissed his suspicion internally, he immediately called Dong Jian after entering the room, instructing him to have someone show Mrs. Gong’s photo to Shui Gou for identification.

He didn’t deliberately avoid Ye Baoling while making the call.

In truth, Ye Baoling had already learned about Shui Gou through Chen Weiqiang, but she played dumb and asked what was wrong.

Ye Huaizhang explained the entire sequence of events to her.

Ye Baoling: After you returned from South Africa, someone imitated the Lai father and son, hiring Shui Gou to arrange a car accident to kill you. And this person is called Auntie Mei?

So far, the investigation points to Auntie Mei.

Ye Baoling frowned slightly: I don’t think Mrs. Gong seems like such a complicated person. She’s not as scheming as her husband.

Ye Huaizhang: Gong Jinghui is certainly shrewd—otherwise, how could he manage such a large family business?

Recalling how Ye Jinliu looked at Gong Jinghui, Ye Baoling said: And I feel the relationship between Gong Jinghui and your aunt is somewhat…

Ye Huaizhang wasn’t as perceptive in this regard. My aunt and Gong Jinghui?

Just intuition. No evidence. I’ll observe them more closely during lunch. Ye Baoling was trimming her nails nearby—she had scratched him several times, so she was shortening them.

Ye Huaizhang pinched his brow, lost in thought.

She asked again: Why would Auntie Mei want to kill you?

I’d like to know that too.

And she only hired someone once—she gave up after failing.

Ye Huaizhang sat beside her, gently stroking her knee. Yes, I’ve been wondering why this person just stopped.

Why did they give up trying to kill you? It’s almost like we want them to keep trying. She couldn’t help laughing first.

Their conversation felt oddly detached and humorous, making Ye Huaizhang chuckle too.

After they finished laughing, Ye Baoling continued speculating: Perhaps because she failed once, and the Lai guy was captured by you. Auntie Mei’s plan fell through since the alarm was raised, and with her limited capabilities, she didn’t dare act again.

Maybe. Or maybe not. Ye Huaizhang thought there must be some secret he wasn’t aware of.

She reminded him: You still need to be careful when going out.

I’ve been cautious since returning from South Africa.

They sat on the sofa discussing various possibilities.

Around noon, as they prepared to go out for lunch, Dong Jian knocked and entered.

Shui Gou looked at Mrs. Gong’s photo. He said she somewhat resembles Auntie Mei but also doesn’t. He couldn’t be sure. Shui Gou only met Auntie Mei once and already can’t remember clearly.

Without confirmation, it became troublesome.

Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling exchanged glances, deciding to observe more closely when opportunities arose today.

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