The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 75: This World Has No Good People

Chapter 75: This World Has No Good People

After Ye Baoling arrived in the United States, Yang Baozhu immediately poured out her grievances to her.

Whether it’s the boss or the company, L&D is extremely stingy and miserly. The promotional budget they allocated for Jasmine Iced Tea is extremely limited.

Ye Baoling asked, Did you arrange for the puppy as I asked?

Yes, a spotted puppy was placed near his doorstep. Apparently Daniel was pleasantly surprised when he saw it, but he only ended up adopting the puppy. He remains as stingy as ever when it comes to business matters. Yang Baozhu couldn’t help but complain, I don’t know how his company became so successful being this stingy.

Ye Baoling acknowledged this information.

That evening, she attended a dinner party at Lisa and Daniel’s home.

When she saw the small, adorable spotted dog, Ye Baoling pretended to be astonished: Oh, you bought a puppy that looks just like Milo?

No, this is Milo. He has returned to us. Daniel was completely convinced of this and vividly described to Ye Baoling how he found the puppy.

Ye Baoling expressed amazement: Heavens, is this true?

It’s true. Just as Granny Tong said, he has been reincarnated, dear.

Lisa held the puppy and invited Ye Baoling to pet it.

After playing with the puppy, Ye Baoling smiled and said: I must tell Granny Tong about this. By the way, Granny Tong said you gave her a lot of money last time, which deeply moved and grateful. Before I departed, she specifically asked me to bring this for you.

As she spoke, Ye Baoling handed Lisa a small red gift box.

After unwrapping the red packaging and opening the box, they discovered a wooden carved puppy inside. Lisa exclaimed in surprise: Oh, Daniel, come quick and look! Granny Tong gave us a wooden carving that looks exactly like Milo!

Daniel was equally amazed when he saw it, marveling at the extraordinary power of Eastern mysticism!

Inside the box containing the wooden carving was also a note with a line of Chinese characters.

This time, the couple treated this line of text with extreme caution. Since they didn’t understand Chinese, they could only seek Ye Baoling’s help.

Ling, what does this mean?

Ye Baoling took the note and translated for them: To gain something, one must give something in return.

It appeared to be an ordinary, motivational saying.

Lisa nodded vigorously: That’s correct. Nothing can be gained without effort. If you want to obtain more, you definitely have to give more too.

Daniel clearly agreed as well.

Seeing the timing was right, Ye Baoling couldn’t resist teasing with a smile: However, Daniel, your company currently wants to gain the benefits of Jasmine Iced Tea while giving very little in return.Daniel immediately retorted: No, we’re going all out to distribute Jasmine Iced Tea. We’ve even filmed two versions of commercials – one featuring Xian Bi in a sports-themed ad, and another animated version with the Christmas Panda. We’ve invested heavily in this.

Ye Baoling didn’t mince words with him: Full distribution is the most basic task, unless you don’t want to recoup your investment. As for the commercial, from what I know, Xian Bi filmed it as a favor at a friendship price, and I heard you achieved the best results with minimal spending on the animated version. But that alone isn’t enough. We have a saying in China: ‘Even good wine needs bush beating.’ After all this preliminary work, you must spend money to promote it; otherwise, our efforts could be in vain.

Daniel listened attentively to Ye Baoling’s words but remained stubborn. I don’t think we’ve spent little money. In fact, it’s already quite a lot.

Have you seen the Christmas packaging we designed?

Yes, it’s fantastic. We all love it. Especially that set of Panda Dolls. Wow, I’m sure kids will adore them.

Ye Baoling said earnestly, To help you break into the American market, I’ve taken on pressure from the company, upgraded so many Christmas Gift Packages for free without charging you extra. We’ve already given our all. Daniel, don’t waste my efforts. If this market isn’t successfully developed, I’ll be held accountable at the company, and you’ll have wasted all your preliminary work and the money already spent.

Daniel shrugged, rarely seeing Ye Baoling so serious, and pondered how to counter her.

Lisa unexpectedly chimed in, Granny Tong said, you must give to receive.

Just then, someone called, and Daniel, answering it, grew slightly anxious.

He told them that the police and customs had conducted a surprise inspection of the warehouse, and he needed to go.

Lisa became worried, How could this happen?

She put down the puppy she was holding.

Ye Baoling remained calm, No need to worry too much. Granny Tong told me we’d have smooth sailing.

She emphasized, Provided we’re willing to give. The more you give, the more you gain.

Daniel paused abruptly, Will everything go smoothly?

Our goods are fine, why wouldn’t it? I trust Granny Tong, and I trust ourselves.

Sure enough, an hour later, the police withdrew.

They returned a few more times afterward but left empty-handed.

Lisa marveled again, Granny Tong is amazing! The mysterious power of the East.

Ye Baoling teased Daniel with a smile, To earn more, you must give more. The more you spend on promotion, the more you’ll profit. Don’t praise Granny Tong’s wisdom on one hand and stubbornly ignore her advice on the other. Just like last time when I urged you to sell stocks early, you only listened after suffering losses.

Lisa also advised, Yes, darling, don’t forget Granny Tong’s earlier prophecy—seize this opportunity, and your career will see great advancement.

Ye Baoling pretended not to know, Granny Tong said that? I hadn’t heard.

The couple, Lisa and Daniel, too embarrassed to admit they’d secretly revisited Granny Tong that day, just laughed evasively and changed the subject.

Two days later, before leaving Los Angeles for Houston, Ye Baoling heard good news from Yang Baozhu.

L&D had decided to increase their promotion budget by 50%.

Although the increase in promotional funds fell short of expectations, it was still an improvement.

Ye Baoling suggested: Don’t distribute this money evenly. We should spend it where it matters most, concentrating our efforts on a few major cities for intensive campaigns. If we generate enough buzz in big cities, it will naturally radiate to surrounding areas.

Yang Baozhu nodded in understanding: I’ll communicate with L&D and the advertising agency to implement Director Ye’s suggestion.

While at Dunhugh University, Ye Baoling received a call from Yang Baozhu informing her that L&D had followed her advice and focused the promotional budget primarily on several major cities.

Over the following week, Ye Qingtang Jasmine Iced Tea advertisements bombarded television and newspapers across several major American cities.

Many people rushed to supermarkets to stock up, drawn by the adorable Panda Doll giveaway.

Some purchased six gift sets just to collect all six doll variations, and carrying a Ye Qingtang Panda Doll on backpacks or school bags became a fashion trend.

Owning a Ye Qingtang Panda Doll became standard among elementary and middle school students in major cities.

It even became a pet doll that students proudly showed off to each other.

The explosive sales of Christmas gift sets introduced Americans to Ye Qingtang Jasmine Iced Tea for the first time. With its refreshing, slightly sweet taste, it gained a large following among young consumers.

L&D urgently placed substantial additional orders, hoping to receive the second shipment before February.

In the 10th-floor conference room of Jade Dragon Mansion, Ye Qingtang’s mid-to-senior management discussed production issues for the new orders.

Winter was typically the off-season, but the initial rush to complete L&D’s first order had delayed many Southeast Asian shipments. With production lines requiring rotational maintenance during the slow season, only two of the three lines were operational.

Director Zeng shook his head: It’s truly impossible to meet the deadline. Plus, with the Chinese New Year holiday approaching, the earliest we could fulfill this American order would be March.

If completed in March, the shipment wouldn’t reach the United States until April at the earliest.

This would leave the American market with a two-month supply gap.

A Zhen commented: L&D definitely won’t accept having stock run out for two months after spending so much on promotion…

Cai Yongming couldn’t resist criticizing: Since we knew our inventory was limited, we shouldn’t have spent so heavily on promotion. While L&D bore most promotional costs, we still invested significantly. Especially considering they spent US dollars! I checked with finance – we barely made any profit from L&D’s first order.

A Zhen argued reasonably: It’s normal not to profit from the first shipment. This was Director Ye’s strategic decision.

Cai Yongming asked: Then did Director Ye mention how we should proceed?

A Zhen replied: She said she’s already discussed it with Director Qu.

Again, she had consulted Qu Zhengming in advance, completely disregarding him as general manager.

Though dissatisfied, Cai Yongming kept his feelings concealed and asked: Where is Director Qu?

Just then, Qu Zhengming hurried into the room.

She apologized first: Sorry I’m late, I was just at the investment department.

Cai Yongming asked her: They mentioned Director Ye has already discussed with you how to resolve the production line issue?

After sitting down, Qu Zhengming explained: Before Director Ye left for the US, she informed me that our investment department is negotiating to acquire Jiaqi Beverage Factory – the one General Cai proposed during our last meeting.

This was good news. At least one of the two tasks Ye Kaisen had arranged was making progress.

Cai Yongming asked delightedly, It’s been acquired?

Qu Zhengming smiled, I just went to ask General Huang from the investment department. He said Jiaqi Beverage Factory has two production lines that can be put into operation immediately.

Cai Yongming nodded, Excellent. This perfectly solves our current production capacity shortage.

Exactly. We can also retain their existing workers. We’ll just need to send over management, technical, and R&D personnel from our side.

Next, Qu Zhengming discussed with Director Zeng about how to allocate the work.

Director Zeng suggested, Since domestic and Southeast Asian market orders are more varied with multiple product types, it would be more reasonable to keep those in our own workshops, while having the Jiaqi factory produce the second batch for the American market.

Everyone agreed with this arrangement.

After the problem was perfectly resolved, Cai Yongming immediately called Ye Kaisen.

When Ye Kaisen heard that Ye Baoling had led the acquisition of Jiaqi Beverage Factory, he finally felt somewhat relieved. Regardless, this addressed a potential future risk point.

Moreover, Ye Baoling’s successful capture of the American market was highly beneficial for the company. The rising stock price would benefit everyone.

He wasn’t afraid of Ye Baoling accumulating more achievements. Even in ancient times, meritorious officials feared outshining their masters. As long as he kept control of that fool Ye Baoshun, he naturally had nothing to fear from Ye Baoling.

Just after hanging up, he noticed Ye Baoshun lurking suspiciously at the door. He asked loudly, What is it?

Ye Baoshun pushed the door open, Uncle Shen, if I finish my work this morning, can I leave early this afternoon?

Ye Kaisen would be glad to see him leave early, but maintained appearances, Make sure you complete your tasks properly, and don’t cause any trouble when you go out.

Understood.

Just then, the secretary came in to call Ye Kaisen to a meeting, so he and Ye Baoshun walked out together.

After Ye Kaisen and the secretary went to the conference room, Ye Baoshun doubled back. Seeing no one around, he slipped into the general manager’s office like a thief.

Ye Baoling and He Jiayi returned to Port City on Christmas Eve.

Deeply influenced by Western culture, Port City had a strong festive atmosphere with Christmas decorations everywhere.

Exiting the airport, she spotted Dong Jian standing in a very conspicuous position.

With outsiders present, Dong Jian couldn’t address Ye Baoling as Young Madam, so he just smiled, The young master has an important event this afternoon and couldn’t get away. He asked me to pick you up.

Further out, the company driver was also waiting for them.

Ye Baoling said, I need to go to the company first. Please take my luggage home, to the Oldest Branch.

Seeing he couldn’t complete his mission, Dong Jian quickly added, We’ll wait for you downstairs at Jade Dragon Mansion then.

Ye Baoling glanced at Dong Jian, guessing he’d have trouble reporting back if he didn’t escort her properly. Not wanting to make things difficult, she said, Then you might as well take me directly to the company.

Turning to look at He Jiayi who had caught up behind them, she said, I’m going back to the company. Have the company car take you all home.

Hearing she didn’t need to return to the company for meetings, He Jiayi happily replied, Great, great!

Who wouldn’t appreciate a boss who doesn’t overwork their subordinates?

Returning to the company, as soon as Ye Baoling entered the office, her colleagues cheered, Young Miss, congratulations and prosperity!

Ye Baoling laughed, It’s not even New Year yet, what ‘congratulations and prosperity’ are you talking about!

The young miss successfully captured the American market this time and brought back such a huge order. We heard the company is planning a celebration party!

Is that so? Ye Baoling knew her grandfather’s celebration for her success was just a pretext—his real intention was to leverage the occasion to boost the stock price.

Someone remarked, We reserved a portion of the Christmas Gift Packages for our side, and they sold out instantly in supermarkets. Recently, the marketing department’s phones have been ringing off the hook with requests for Lunar New Year gift packages. The factories are overwhelmed.

This was an unexpectedly positive development.

Ye Baoling had brought back some American specialty beef jerky and instructed Lin Zhizhi, Distribute these among everyone.

No sooner had she returned to her office and sat down than Chen Jincai, Ye Qizu’s assistant, came to see her.

Miss, the Chairman is waiting for you in his upstairs office.

Ye Baoling pulled out a wet wipe to clean her hands. I’ll be right there.

Ye Qizu visited the company at least once a week. Today, after arriving, he had met with clients first, then scheduled appointments with subordinates, staying busy from morning until now.

When his granddaughter entered, he smiled and said, In this regard, you take after me—work always comes first, no matter what. You didn’t even go home after getting off the plane; you came straight to the company.

Ye Baoling responded with a polite smile. What did you need to see me about, Grandfather?

Ye Qizu gestured to the seat opposite him, indicating for her to sit, and then said, Your expansion into the U.S. market has been remarkably successful! When I saw the fax that day, I couldn’t sleep all night. Who would have thought we could break into the American market with a herbal tea?

Ye Baoling corrected him, It’s iced tea, not herbal tea.

The difference between the two was significant.

Herbal tea had limited narrative potential, whereas iced tea offered endless possibilities.

Ye Qingtang’s Jasmine Iced Tea had been built from scratch under Ye Baoling’s direction, and Ye Qizu was well aware of her immense contributions.

This time, without waiting for his granddaughter to ask, he proactively handed her a document. Ye Baoling took it and saw it was an appointment letter for the position of Group Vice President.

The role of Group Vice President is yours now—I always keep my word. Don’t let me down moving forward. I still remember you telling me that selling water could be more profitable than selling oil. Keep up the good work—it might just be possible! Our future looks bright!

Ye Baoling’s smile faded as she fixed her gaze on Ye Qizu. The bet I made with you wasn’t just about this, as I recall. I specifically said that if the newly expanded market’s volume exceeded three times that of Hong Kong, I would become Group Vice President and a board director. You didn’t acknowledge the previous $80 million order, insisting it had to be based on actual received payments. Now, with the combined actual payments from the L&D orders exceeding three times the Hong Kong volume, you have to acknowledge that, right?

After Ye Qingtang’s board went public, a reelection was scheduled for early 1988.

With only nine seats available, the Oldest Branch could occupy at most four: one for Ye Qizu, one for Ye Qizong, another for management representative Lin Zhong, and the last one reserved for the future successor.

If Ye Baoling were to take that seat now, it would be difficult to ask her to step aside later.

Ye Qizu chuckled. After the listing, our Oldest Branch has fewer board seats. It’s not yet time for your generation to take a director’s position. Let your father and your second uncle compete to see who is more capable.

In terms of ability, Ye Kais was slightly superior to Ye Kaimin.

The old fox had a clever strategy—letting Ye Kais take the seat first was actually the best move.

Ye Baoling asked, So, are you planning to give this position to my father or my second uncle?

Ye Qizu didn’t dare tell Ye Baoling the complete truth: I need to think it over carefully and investigate them further.

He was somewhat afraid of this granddaughter now. If he spoke bluntly, she might truly make a scene publicly, causing him to lose face and creating an irreparable situation.

Ye Baoling shook her head slightly, adopting a joking tone: Grandfather, if you don’t give me the board director position now, don’t blame me for aiming higher later…

Higher than director could only mean chairman.

That was absolutely impossible.

Ye Qizu remained confident about this—as long as he lived, no one could bypass him to become chairman of Ye Qingtang.

Not even his own son could manage ityat, let alone a granddaughter!

He warned softly: Ambition is necessary, but it shouldn’t be excessive. Focus on doing your current job well first. Didn’t you want to crush Gezhi Jewellery? Even without a board position, you can still make an impact as a group vice president.

Ye Baoling disagreed with her grandfather’s so-called moderate ambition fallacy: Without ambition, Ye Qingtang wouldn’t have achieved its current success in the American market. I’m rather tired today and don’t wish to discuss this further with you.

She rose and left the chairman’s office.

Ye Qizu felt he was gradually losing control over his granddaughter, yet he had no choice but to rely on her heavily, leaving him deeply conflicted.

Sitting in his chair lost in thought, he concluded that having a formidable granddaughter was still far better than having none at all.

After handling some pending work, Ye Baoling didn’t linger in the office. She left for home before the end of the workday.

Upon arriving home, Sister Ping was waiting with others at the entrance of Hall of Flourishing Harmony. Young Mistress, you’ve finally returned. I heard America is bitterly cold—I was worried you might catch a chill.

She was the first person to express concern for Ye Baoling’s wellbeing.

Ye Baoling smiled. It was manageable. Not excessively cold.

While servants were unloading luggage, Ye Kaimin descended from Abundant Moon Tower upon seeing Ye Baoling’s return.

His face blossomed into an irrepressible radiant smile. You’ve brought your father immense honor this time! Who else could capture the American market? Through five generations starting from our founding ancestor, no one succeeded—except you!

Ye Baoling teased him with a laugh: What do you mean ‘no one succeeded except you’? Dad, that sentence is grammatically flawed.

Tsk! I’m not taking an exam. Ye Kaimin followed his daughter upstairs.

Entering the living room, Ye Baoling instructed Sister Ping: All the gifts are in the blue suitcase. Distribute them among everyone later.

I’ll arrange them first. Just tell me how you want them allocated.

Ye Kaimin asked quietly: Did you see your grandfather at the company?

Yes.

Did he offer any rewards?

He tossed me the group vice president position like scraps to a beggar.

How could that be considered scraps?

Ye Kaimin was overjoyed: Really! That’s wonderful!

Ye Baoling went to wash her hands. But he didn’t give me the board seat. He said he’s reserving it for you and Second Uncle to compete over.

Ye Kaimin’s eyes lit up: !

The brothers had always served as directors on Ye Qingtang’s board before, though it became impossible after the company went public.

After the child-swapping scandal, he never imagined he’d get another chance.

Emerging from the washroom, Ye Baoling patted her father’s shoulder: Do your best! I’m counting on you.

Ye Kaimin nodded slightly: Then I must work harder! I can’t hold back our collaboration.

Who said we’re collaborating?

Understood. You want leverage over Ye Kaisen—I know, I’m working on it.

Her good-for-nothing father was always striving hard, but could only keep striving.

She reiterated: You’re the one who wants to find leverage against Ye Kaisen, not me.

Ye Kaimin fell silent.

After dinner and a bath, Ye Baoling, who hadn’t slept well on the plane, was exhausted. Without waiting for Ye Huaizhang to return from work, she fell asleep.

It was Christmas Eve. Ye Baoxin had made plans with Fang Shanxing to watch a movie and then have a candlelit dinner together.

But she waited outside the cinema until the movie started, and he never showed up.

She called him, but no one answered. She paged him, but got no reply.

Around nine o’clock, Ye Baoxin rushed to the Fang residence.

After the servant opened the door, she entered the Fang family compound. Walking into the hall, she looked up and saw the housekeeper, Sister Ju, coming down the stairs.

It wasn’t actually a coincidence—Sister Ju must have heard the doorbell and deliberately came to see who it was.

Ye Baoxin smiled awkwardly. Sister Ju, is Shanxing home?

Sister Ju maintained her usual politeness. The young master is unwell and has already fallen asleep.

What’s wrong with him?

Sister Ju smiled without answering.

Though this Sister Ju wore a smile on her face, her eyes were sharp and her demeanor experienced—far more difficult to deal with than Yin Jie, the housekeeper of the Oldest Branch.

Ye Baoxin wanted to go upstairs to check on him, but Sister Ju stood firmly in the middle of the staircase, clearly unwilling to let her pass.

Last time, when she had eavesdropped on the conversation between Sir Fang and his grandson, Sister Ju had discovered it and would surely have reported it to Sir Fang.

So, were they now tearing away the veil of pretense, expecting her to take the hint and leave on her own?

Ye Baoxin wasn’t thick-skinned enough to completely ignore others’ judgment. She took a slightly flustered step back. When Shanxing wakes up, could you please tell him I stopped by?

Of course, Sister Ju replied with a smile.

After leaving the Fang residence, Ye Baoxin walked alone for a while. She hadn’t driven today and didn’t want to go home, yet she had no idea where to go.

In the end, she took a taxi to the bar street. On Christmas Eve, she didn’t want to spend it alone.

Ye Baoling woke up to the sound of running water in the bathroom—Ye Huaizhang must have returned.

She had locked the door before going to sleep, but not securely. He had a key to her room and could easily open it.

Stretching as she got up, she walked to the bathroom door and pushed it open, finding him covered in lather from the waist up.

Under the light, shadows clearly defined the natural contours of his chest muscles, every line smooth and flowing, exuding a restrained elegance and grace.

So handsome.

Hearing the noise, he turned to look at her and smiled. Awake?

Mhm, she leaned against the doorframe, simply standing there to admire the view.

He extended an invitation. Care to join me?

Not wanting to get her clothes wet, she shook her head with a laugh. No.

Her tone was so coquettish that it immediately stirred a reaction in him.

After rinsing off the soap, he stepped forward, pressing her against the door. If you didn’t want to join me, why did you open the door?

Just wanted to see you, she laughed.

Ye Huaizhang leaned in and kissed her.

He was covered in a mist of water, droplets trickling down his skin. Like what you see?

Breathing a little heavily, she answered without pretense. Very much.

He kissed her more deeply.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Their battlefield moved from the bathroom to the sofa, then from the sofa to the bed, and they didn’t settle down until nearly midnight.

What she appreciated most about him was his stamina and his intuitive understanding of exactly what she wanted.

Together, they released two weeks’ worth of pent-up desire.

Ye Baoxin drank too much at the bar. When a man tried to hit on her, she ignored him and continued drinking by herself.

Her head was spinning badly, and the man lingering nearby saw an opportunity to take advantage.

Let me take you home, the man said.

She shot him a glare and muttered under her breath, Get lost!

Wang Simin, who was also drinking at the bar, recognized Ye Baoxin as Ye Baoling’s stepsister and came over to help. You seem pretty drunk. Would you like me to take you home?

Ye Baoxin looked at Wang Simin in confusion. Who are you?

A colleague of Ye Qingtang.

Thank you.

Wang Simin and her friend hailed a taxi, helped Ye Baoxin inside, and told the driver, Number 1, Qing Tang Street.

Ye Baoxin didn’t want to go home—she wanted to find Fang Shanxing. Number 5, Qing Tang Street, please.

Drivers dread dealing with drunk passengers the most. He asked with slight impatience, Is it No. 1 or No. 5 Qing Tang Street?

How would Wang Simin know such details? She hurriedly replied, Number 5!

After arriving at No. 5 Qing Tang Street and ringing the doorbell, a servant came to answer.

The maid recognized Ye Baoxin and immediately asked, Miss Baoxin, are you drunk?

Wang Simin handed her over to the maid, She’s drunk. We met at a bar.

The maid seemed somewhat flustered and called for additional help before managing to support Ye Baoxin inside.

Lying on the living room sofa, Ye Baoxin felt terribly uncomfortable, unable to vomit despite the nausea.

After some time—she couldn’t tell how long—she was helped into a guest room on the first floor. She wanted to check on Fang Shanxing, but no one paid her any attention.

Waking up thirsty in the middle of the night, her drunkenness somewhat faded, Ye Baoxin stepped out of the guest room. Glancing up the staircase, driven by an inexplicable courage, she tiptoed her way upstairs.

She was determined to see Fang Shanxing.

After just a few steps, she suddenly noticed a figure at the top of the stairs.

Startled, Ye Baoxin stumbled and fell on the staircase.

When she got a clear look, she realized it was Sir Fang standing there.

Sir Fang descended and looked at her as if she were a pitiful little puppy.

Why haven’t you given up yet?

Grandpa Fang… I… Shanxing isn’t feeling well. I want to check on him.

Sir Fang stated bluntly, Shanxing isn’t suitable for you.

She hadn’t expected Sir Fang to be so direct.

Ye Baoxin paused, unsure of what to say.

After a long silence, she finally uttered, I like him. I love him. He said he loves me too.

The old man chuckled, How much is love worth?

That brutally realistic and terrifying question left Ye Baoxin speechless.

She blinked in confusion. Regardless of love or not, Fang Shanxing was her only option.

He was her lifeline, her last chance for a better life.

Sir Fang saw right through her thoughts. He crouched slightly, lifted her chin, and gazed at her with a rather ambiguous look. If you want money and status, Shanxing can’t give that to you anytime soon. But I can.

Ye Baoxin, who had been holding back vomit all night, suddenly retched and threw up all over the floor.

She had always thought Sir Fang’s previous kindness was that of an elder toward a younger person.

But it wasn’t.

He just wanted to devour her.