The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 73: Exceptionally Enduring

Chapter 73: Exceptionally Enduring

Without ruling out Mrs. Gong’s suspicion yet having no way to confirm it, the young couple inevitably had to pay close attention to Mrs. Gong’s every move in the coming days.

Ye Huaizhang used a compact home video camera to capture memories for everyone. While the lens focused on Ye Baoling, its range could expand to include anyone he wished to observe at the scene. While observing Mrs. Gong, he could also discreetly monitor Gong Jinghui.

At first, nothing seemed amiss until he noticed something off about the eye contact between Gong Jinghui and Ye Jinliu. Just as Ye Baoling had suspected, there might be something going on between them.

In the afternoon, the group split into two for activities—the older generation in one group and the younger in another. Instead of going surfing with Gong Jiahua, Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling stayed with the elders playing mahjong in the game room.

After another afternoon of observation, they returned to their bedroom after dinner. Ye Baoling asked Ye Huaizhang if he had made any new discoveries.

Nothing unusual from Mrs. Gong’s side, but my aunt and Gong Jinghui do seem to have something going on.

Did you manage to record it with the camera?

Ye Huaizhang replied, Eye contact is fleeting—it’s hard to capture that quickly.

Ye Baoling recalled previous instances: I’ve seen Third Aunt sneaking back from the direction of the grand garden late at night many times. At first, I thought she was out for morning exercise, but later I realized that wasn’t the case. East of the grand garden, beyond the side gate, lies the Gong residence. Ye Jinliu might have been having secret rendezvous with Gong Jinghui.

Ye Huaizhang remained silent. For the Third Branch of the Ye family, this would be considered a disgrace.

She suggested, If you really want to confirm whether they’re involved, you should have someone keep an eye on your aunt and Gong Jinghui’s rooms tonight. Since it’s rare for them to be together like this, if they’re having an affair, they might try to do something.

If it weren’t for the possible connection to Auntie Mei, Ye Huaizhang wouldn’t want to bother with or even know about such messy affairs. But now he had no choice but to investigate thoroughly. He called Dong Jian and assigned him the task.

After her shower, Ye Baoling received a call from Yang Baozhu—it was business hours in the U.S. Ye Baoling asked, Have you finished discussing the promotion with L&D?

Yang Baozhu replied, We wrapped up yesterday and even settled on a promotion agency together. Their budget isn’t large, but Xian Bi will shoot the ad as a favor—almost for free. We’ll see what proposal the agency comes up with; we’ll definitely have to make some compromises.

Ye Baoling inquired, Did they have any objections to using the panda theme?

Yang Baozhu said, They can’t really object since we’ve already finalized the outer packaging. Daniel was a bit unhappy, but I explained that due to the tight timeline, we couldn’t communicate every detail perfectly. However, they did approve the design of the Chinese panda practicing kung fu while drinking iced tea on the bottle. This outer packaging is just an extension of that bottle design.

Yang Baozhu excelled at external communication, adept at quick negotiations and handling the Americans.

With a laugh, she added, I suspect Daniel’s display of unhappiness is largely because he’s afraid we might charge separately for the Christmas packaging. That’s probably why he’s nitpicking—to make it hard for us to bring it up.

Ye Baoling also smiled: Calculating minds always have more schemes. Emphasize to them that we’re offering this Christmas packaging at a loss, including a Panda Doll, all to jointly break into the American market. But such packaging will incur additional charges in the future—make that clear to him upfront. Otherwise, he might complain later that you didn’t charge last year.

Got it. I’ll stress that during our meeting this afternoon. A preventive warning.

Transoceanic calls were too expensive, so they ended the call after about ten minutes.

After hanging up, Ye Baoling noticed Ye Huaizhang sitting quietly beside her, watching.

She playfully poked his thigh with her toes and joked, Eavesdropping on our trade secrets?

Ye Huaizhang gently stroked the top of her foot. I’ve realized you’re quite suited for business.

Ye Baoling didn’t feign modesty: Of course. Rising from company clerk to vice president in just a few months—I couldn’t have done it without some skill.

He continued praising her: If you were a man, you’d probably be the general manager by now.

Instead of taking it seriously, she squinted mischievously and teased him: If I were a man, would you have a fling with me?

Ye Huaizhang: …

His wife truly had a knack for shocking remarks.

He pulled her legs toward him, pinning her on the sofa. Want to try the back door?

No! She burst into laughter, trying to push him away.

But her panties were already tugged down.

Fortunately, he had read about such matters and knew women lacked sensitive spots there. He was only teasing, not actually planning to force his way.

Ye Baoling pinched him: If you scare me like that again, I’ll make you eat vegetarian for a month.

She shouldn’t have trimmed her nails—now even pinching didn’t hurt.

Ye Huaizhang kissed her lips to silence her.

The novelty of the hotel spurred them on; they only did it once, but it lasted exceptionally long. Ye Baoling climaxed twice and grew tired, yet he kept laboring intently.

He seemed to be putting in the effort of several men.

They eventually fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Ye Baoling woke groggily to find Ye Huaizhang gone and heard voices in the living room. Switching on the bedside lamp, she checked her watch—nearly 5 a.m.

Soon, the door opened softly. She opened her eyes again as Ye Huaizhang entered and asked, Was that Dong Jian?

Yeah.

If Dong Jian was reporting work in the middle of the night, there must be new developments.

Ye Huaizhang: You called it. Gong Jinghui sneaked into Aunt’s room around 2 a.m., and they left the hotel separately near 3, hooking up by the reefs.

Not just in the room—they even took it outside to the seaside rocks.

The affairs of middle-aged folks were indeed more thrilling than the young ones’.

Ye Baoling instinctively wondered, Aren’t they cold? Guess older people handle the chill better than us.

Her remark successfully lightened Ye Huaizhang’s previously somber mood.

Who would have thought Aunt would become the other woman in Gong Jiahua’s parents’ marriage?

The young couple snuggled under the covers, letting their thoughts wander.

Could Mrs. Gong have found out about their affair and hired a hitman to target you, to get back at the third branch?

Shouldn’t she hire someone to kill my aunt instead?

True.

They tossed around a few theories, but none held up logically.

Unless someone was insane, there was no reason for revenge to be directed at Ye Huaizhang.

It just didn’t make sense.

Neither of them could sleep. Since their discussion had reached no conclusion, Ye Huaizhang asked her about learning to open the safe lock.

Did you master it?

Of course. My hands are so nimble. Now all I need is the opportunity to get inside and unlock it. Ye Baoling nestled in his arms. And the codebook. I suspect the codebook is either in the study or in Grandpa’s bedroom. I’m leaning toward the bedroom being more likely.

Why? he asked.

She explained: The secret chamber where my grandfather keeps the safe has two entrances—one from the bedroom and one from the study. The study sees too much traffic normally, and given how cautious my grandfather is, it’s highly unlikely he’d leave the codebook there. It’s almost certainly in his bedroom.

Ye Baoling had only been inside her grandfather’s bedroom once—it was dim, filled with numerous chests and cabinets, offering countless hiding spots for a codebook.

Ye Huaizhang held her tighter. Find a time when your grandfather isn’t home, and we’ll go investigate together.

At least one person could keep watch.

Ye Baoling had considered this. Our family may not be as wealthy as yours, but we have more servants. Especially on the third floor—my grandfather is terrified of dying unnoticed if he has a health emergency, so servants are constantly coming and going there day and night.

Even on the night of her grandfather’s birthday, when they sneaked out via the remote staircase on the second floor at three or four in the morning, they were still spotted.

Sneaking around on the third floor was impossible.

Unless it’s during Chinese New Year. I asked Sister Ping. The Oldest Branch only allows most servants to take holiday leave and go home for those couple of days.

Ye Huaizhang: New Year works too. I’ll invite the entire Oldest Branch over for a gathering at our place then. We can slip back to the third floor of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony through the Blue Brick Tunnel to search for the code.

Deal. As she spoke, her fingers habitually teased his little bud, but Ye Huaizhang firmly pressed her hand down.

Ye Huaizhang gave the recorded tape of Mrs. Gong to Dong Jian, who took it for Shui Gou to view.

Shui Gou still couldn’t identify anything.

For now, they could only have people secretly keep an eye on things themselves—there were no other options.

After returning from the seaside, Ye Huaizhang accompanied Ye Baoling to visit the Gu Family for the first time, bringing gifts.

The Gu children adored this wealthy, handsome, and generous cousin-in-law who spoiled them.

Ye Huaizhang, unusually patient, played Monopoly with them, intentionally letting them win and handing out pocket money.

Grandma Gu was one hundred percent satisfied with this grandson-in-law.

After dinner, the old lady couldn’t resist urging her granddaughter: While you’re young, have children early. Waiting until you’re older isn’t good for your health—recovery is slower, and it’s not good for the child either. Look at the two that vixen gave birth to…

Ye Baoling didn’t argue. Instead, she fed her grandmother a peeled and pitted grape with a small spoon: Ah…

Grandma Gu had to open her mouth.

Ye Baoling smiled and asked, Is it delicious?

I talk east, and you steer me west. Like punching cotton, Grandma Gu felt utterly helpless.

Is it delicious or not?

Delicious.

Ye Baoling continued feeding her grandmother. If it’s delicious, have more.

Now that she had money, she could afford to provide her grandmother with fresh fruit every day.

The Christmas packaging for Jasmine Iced Tea was ready, paired with the Panda Doll—exceptionally high-end, classy, and upscale.

Colleagues gathered around, unable to resist praising it.

Just looking at it makes me want to buy it as a gift.

It’d be great for drinking at home too.

This can be supplied to other regions as well.

A Zhen smiled and said, You can gradually produce for other regions later. Shipping to the U.S. takes longer, so we need to prioritize sending goods there first. This batch is all ours.

When Ye Baoling came out of her office and saw the packaging, she was also quite satisfied.

Send two finished samples and the design drafts by airmail to Yang Baozhu first. She’ll provide them to L&D and the advertising agency—they need them for design and shooting the commercial.

Gao Lizhen promptly responded, We’ll send them out this afternoon.

While they were busy with this, Ye Baoshun came to Ye Baoling’s office looking for her.

Ye Baoshun had started working at Su Manzhu this week under Ye Kaisen’s supervision. Being able to escape Miss Lan’s watchful eye at the company, he cherished this hard-won freedom.

Ye Baoling glanced at him and asked with a laugh, Slacking off by coming here?

After sitting down, Ye Baoshun looked around her office and remarked, Your office isn’t bad—quite impressive.

If we’re talking about impressive, Uncle Shen’s office takes the cake.

Are you trying to drag Ye Kaisen into this? That kid Ye Baoshun was mostly clueless, but occasionally he had his moments of sharpness.

Ye Baoling stopped writing and retorted, Why would I want to drag him into it?

Ye Baoshun shook his head slightly. Whether you want to or not, Uncle really wants to. I know that.

What? Are you here to plead on Ye Kaisen’s behalf?

Would I do that? You’re my own sister. What does Ye Kaisen even matter?

Ye Baoling closed the file, put away her pen, and smiled at him. Do you need a favor from me?

You really are my clever sister. Ye Baoshun leaned over the desk, looking like a not-so-adorable puppy.

Go on. What is it?

Ye Baoshun hemmed and hawed for a while before finally saying, It’s about Lu Tianyou.

She had known it all along—he couldn’t just let it go.

Concealing her inner delight, Ye Baoling feigned surprise. Are you crazy? How come you still haven’t forgotten about him?

Ye Baoshun pulled his chair closer to the desk. Actually, the one involved in corruption and bribery was his father, Lü Dexiang. He just helped with money laundering.

Is money laundering not a crime?

His subordinates are willing to take the fall for him.

Lu Tianyou was currently out on bail at home, and Ye Baoshun had clearly already communicated with him.

Ye Baoling put on an unwilling-to-help attitude. So? There’s no use coming to me with this. I don’t have the ability to help.

I was hoping you could ask Brother-in-law for me. He has the connections.

How can he help you?

Ye Baoshun lowered his voice. Lawyer Yang Weiwen is the best at handling economic cases like money laundering. The Lü family approached him before, but he refused to take the case. Brother-in-law is very close with this Lawyer Yang…

Ye Baoling brushed it off. We can’t easily get involved in this. We’re not that close with Lu Tianyou. Besides, if Grandpa finds out, I’ll be in trouble.

Ye Baoshun had never been so humble before. Grandpa won’t find out. If I don’t say anything, and you don’t say anything, how would he know?

Even if none of us say anything, does that mean it never happened? Once it’s done, there’s always a risk of being discovered. Don’t be so naive. Besides, why should we help Lu Tianyou?

There had to be some benefit, right?

Ye Baoling had made her point clear. If Ye Baoshun still didn’t get it, he really would be a fool.

Ye Baoshun quickly said, I’ll help you gather evidence that Ye Kaisen is embezzling company funds.

Ye Baoling wore an expression of disbelief and astonishment: Ye Kaisen really embezzled funds?

Definitely. My parents privately said he’s been dipping into the till and embezzled a lot of money. My dad seems to be involved too.

Ye Baoshun truly was his father’s son.

Ye Baoling said, Don’t drag me into this. Who knows if what you’re saying is true or false? Show me the evidence first before we talk.

Sis, could you first put in a word with brother-in-law? Actually, if he just says something, Lawyer Yang would definitely help. Lu Tianyou’s court case is about to start soon, and I’m afraid we might run out of time.

He’s not my Lu Tianyou, he’s yours. If you’re worried about time, show me some effort first.

The implied meaning was clear: bring evidence of Ye Kaisen’s embezzlement first, then we’ll talk.

Alright, I’ll get it!

As Ye Baoshun hurried to leave, Ye Baoling stopped him: Think carefully – you’re the one who wants to go after Ye Kaisen. Don’t pin this on me.

I’ve thought it through. Sis, remember to talk to brother-in-law tonight. We’ll act simultaneously.

Actually, even if Ye Baoshun couldn’t obtain evidence against Ye Kaisen, Ye Baoling would still help because in the original plot, Lu Tianyou had been successfully defended and found not guilty by the lawyer.

Such a huge favor, falling right into her lap – why not take it?

That evening, Ye Baoling went to stay at the third residence. When she discussed this matter with Ye Huaizhang, he immediately called Lawyer Yang.

Lawyer Yang was already the legal representative for Hongtong Industry. For such a small matter, it was just a word from Ye Huaizhang.

After making the arrangements, Ye Huaizhang seemed somewhat puzzled and asked, Why are you helping with this?

Because she hoped Lu Tianyou would drag Ye Baoshun completely into the abyss.

That scumbag Lu Tianyou probably wouldn’t disappoint her expectations.

However, this thought of hers was somewhat too dark.

In her view, ever since Ye Baoshun actively drugged her, he had already become an unforgivable, heinous bastard.

She worried that Ye Huaizhang might think she simply wanted to kick Ye Baoshun out of the inheritance line for personal gain, even going so far as to set traps for him.

Of course, she had considerations in that direction – she had to admit that.

Human nature is like a window – why should she actively break that window to let him see her dark side?

There was no need.

Ye Baoling smiled and said, Ye Baoshun said he could help me get evidence of Ye Kaisen’s embezzlement.

What she said was also the truth – she wasn’t lying.

Ye Huaizhang understood – this was a transaction.

Worth it.

You want to bring Ye Kaisen down?

He wants to bring me down. I’m blocking his path. Now it’s just a matter of who has greater capability and who can defeat whom.

Ye Huaizhang admired this about her – no one could bully her.

Those who bullied her must pay the price. She wasn’t some fragile, delicate little flower that couldn’t withstand wind.

Ye Baoling asked him, Any progress with the people you sent to watch Mrs. Gong?

She hardly ever goes out. No progress at all. Ye Huaizhang massaged her ankle as he spoke. I don’t think it’s her.

Even though her appearance and name completely matched Shui Gou’s description.

They still needed to continue searching for the person called Auntie Mei.

Or perhaps Auntie Mei was just a temporary name the other party used, and that person wasn’t actually called Auntie Mei at all.

Of course, they would continue monitoring Mrs. Gong’s side.

The next day, Ye Baoshun came to the office to find Ye Baoling again, his face beaming with joy.

He brought her favorite butterfly pastries, packaged up. Sis, your favorite.

Ye Baoling was currently reviewing documents sent by the product department when she smiled and asked, Is this considered your way of thanking me?

Sis, rest assured, I swear I’ll definitely obtain evidence against Ye Kaisen.

Ye Baoling’s tactic of first refusing, letting others feel disappointed, then turning around to inform them the matter had been accomplished made Ye Baoshun genuinely grateful to her from the bottom of his heart.

As for Ye Kaisen, regardless of his capabilities, Ye Baoshun was determined to do everything in his power to dig up evidence.

He patted his chest again, vowing, If I don’t get evidence against Ye Kaisen, I, Ye Baoshun, don’t deserve to be called a man.

Ye Baoling nibbled on a butterfly pastry and chuckled, Let’s talk when you actually obtain the evidence. Also, make sure you don’t recklessly alert the enemy.

Ye Baoshun understood Ye Baoling’s concern. Sis, don’t worry. Even if I get caught, I won’t expose you. After all, I’m the one who took the initiative to dig for evidence.

At least he had some conscience.

Ye Baoling nearly blurted out Good dog!

A week later, during the first court hearing, Lawyer Yang defended Lu Tianyou with a not-guilty plea. The trial proceeded smoothly, and one more session would determine the final outcome.

As for the evidence Ye Baoshun had promised to find, there had been no updates. Ye Baoling didn’t inquire about it at all.

She had never pinned her hopes on Ye Baoshun.

In his office, Ye Kaisen was handling documents. Regarding Ye Baoshun, this young master, he had been doing his utmost to mentor him.

He only hoped the young man would apply himself, learn to handle basic documents independently, pass the internship successfully, so he could report satisfactory progress to the old master.

Truth be told, he quite liked Ye Baoshun’s current state—the young master understood nothing and had no desire to learn. How convenient it would be to assist such a boss in the future.

The phone rang—it was his secretary.

General Shen, General Cai is here.

Let him in.

Cai Yongming pushed the door open and greeted him with a smile. Busy, General Shen?

They rarely met at the company normally, but recently, with year-end approaching and their two subsidiaries collaborating on an event, Cai Yongming had legitimate reasons to visit.

Cai Yongming’s stance had originally been relatively neutral. His shift toward Ye Kaisen was triggered by his realization that Ye Baoling intended to promote Qu Zhengming.

He wasn’t worried about the young mistress taking his position, as she would eventually move to the group headquarters. What concerned him was her installing her own people.

Therefore, when Ye Kaisen extended an olive branch, he immediately paid attention.

After chatting for a while, Ye Kaisen said, If she succeeds in the U.S. market as planned, neither of us will have an easy time. Once she becomes group vice president, she’ll definitely find ways to deal with me. Even if she doesn’t target you, she’ll replace you with Qu Zhengming.

Cai Yongming was only acting general manager—he had no alternatives.

He smiled wryly, Then I’ll have no choice but to return to my position as deputy head of administration and human resources.

So you need to find a way to prevent her from succeeding.

Cai Yongming wanted to, but he lacked the courage. General Shen, to be honest, I don’t dare tamper with things recklessly. If discovered, the consequences would be severe. We should consider other approaches.

Such as?

Qu Zhengming’s work can’t be flawless…

Thus, Cai Yongming remained stuck in old thinking—he wanted to target Qu Zhengming.

He assumed that bringing down Qu Zhengming would weaken Ye Baoling’s influence, which should align with Ye Kaisen’s goals.

But Ye Kaisen had grown disdainful of such tactics.

Too slow, and ineffective.

Given Ye Baoling’s rate of promotion, he couldn’t wait that long.

The reason Ye Kaisen sought cooperation with Cai Yongming was because he had leverage over him and knew he could control him. He smiled and said, I’ve heard General Cai has quite… eclectic tastes.

Cai Yongming immediately changed his expression upon hearing this: General Shen, what do you mean by that?

Nothing much, don’t be nervous. Food and sex are human nature – what man doesn’t prefer fresh and tender? I’d like it too if I were you.

Cai Yongming felt his throat go dry. He forced an awkward smile: I don’t understand…

Ye Kaisen took a stack of documents from his drawer and handed them over.

When Cai Yongming opened them, he knew they had found his weak spot.

Ye Kaisen guided him patiently: Our cooperation is simple, and I definitely won’t treat you poorly. I’ll give you two days to think it through clearly.

At this point, what choice did Cai Yongming have?

That very night, he gave his reply – willing to cooperate fully.

But what exactly did full cooperation mean?

Ye Kaisen was in a KTV private room at the time and asked Cai Yongming to come over.

When Cai Yongming arrived at the designated KTV, Ye Kaisen’s assistant Acheng was standing outside the room.

Acheng opened the door for Cai Yongming, revealing four or five beautiful women inside besides Ye Kaisen.

Cai Yongming wasn’t particularly reserved, but he had no interest in those women at all.

Ye Kaisen couldn’t help but tease him quietly: You only like home-cooked meals, preferring innocent girls, right?

With that, Ye Kaisen had all the hostesses leave, and only then did he and Cai Yongming start drinking and talking openly.

At the end of their conversation, Ye Kaisen said: Actually, it’s very simple.

He took a bag of white powder from his pocket: In a few days, the first batch of goods ordered by the American distributor will be shipped out. You divide this bag into several portions and put them inside the little panda on the outer packaging. When the shipment arrives at the American port, I’ll have someone there report it to the police.

Cai Yongming looked at the amount in the bag. This quantity isn’t much – the distributor there will definitely find someone to take the fall. Just spend some money. This move probably won’t work, right?

The quantity isn’t much, but it’s enough for hype. I’ll hire reporters to take photos and buy a few news articles to publish. L&D’s competitors will definitely seize the opportunity to make a big deal out of it. Who would dare buy this Chinese Jasmine Iced Tea then? The distributor will surely sue Ye Qingtang for huge compensation. And who’s responsible on Ye Qingtang’s side? Ye Baoling. Back and forth, the American market will be aborted before it even properly develops. And Ye Baoling still wants to get promoted? Is that possible? She should go home early and have babies.

Is she married? Cai Yongming was quite good at catching the key point.

Ye Kaisen snorted coldly: What marriage? To put it bluntly, it’s incest with her cousin from the same clan.

That explosive?

Cai Yongming asked: Who in your Ye family is it?

Ye Huaizhang from the third branch.

Cai Yongming widened his eyes in surprise: Ye Huaizhang? She’s married to Ye Huaizhang from Hongtong Industry? Impossible, right?

Originally impossible. But Ye Huaizhang has high methods and offered enough benefits. The old man is senile – he actually agreed to let people with the same surname and same clan marry. To put it bluntly, he won’t have the face to see their ancestors even after death. Ye Kaisen took out a cigarette and lit it.

Cai Yongming sighed: They’re quite a perfect match in talent and beauty.

Ye Kaisen shot him a sidelong glance, and Cai Yongming quickly corrected himself: Just a joke.

Author’s Note: I’ve seen the book titles everyone suggested – you’re all so talented! I’m considering which one to choose.

Thank you, my dear readers.