The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 76: 1946

Chapter 76: 1946

The early riser had been laboring under the covers for half an hour when, just before she could complain of exhaustion, he tactfully accelerated to finish.

Afterward, he lay atop her and whispered, Did you miss home while in America?

He didn’t ask if she had missed him, but whether she had missed home. How indirect!

Ye Baoling laughed, What’s there to miss about home?

Then, shifting her tone to appease him, she added, It’s just that at night, alone under the covers, I thought of your…

Before pectorals could escape her lips, he eagerly kissed her, not stopping until a silvery strand of saliva connected them.

After showering together, Ye Baoling presented the gift she had bought him: For you.

Two blue ties with subtle patterns, from a niche brand—not expensive, but a thoughtful gesture.

It was hard to tell if he was pleased or not, though he held them up for a long time.

Later, he also gave her a carefully chosen Christmas gift: a delicate diamond watch, exquisitely crafted and clearly valuable.

She gave him ties; he gave her a diamond watch.

Well, she definitely came out ahead.

She kissed him and said, Thank you. I love it.

Fully appreciating the sentimental value.

It was Christmas, a holiday with no work, but there were social engagements. Ye Huaizhang put on his shirt in the walk-in closet and took out the new tie.

Just then, Sister Ping came in to tidy up and couldn’t resist nudging her young mistress, whispering, Go help your husband with his tie.

Why should she?!

I don’t know how. My hands are clumsy.

Didn’t I teach you how to tie one before? Sister Ping sounded exasperated. Go on.

Sister Ping had taught the original host, not her.

Thinking of the diamonds he had given her, Ye Baoling entered the walk-in closet and stood before him, attempting to tie his tie.

Is tying a tie the same as tying a red scarf?

She tried it; apparently not.

Ye Huaizhang held her hands, wrapped an arm around her waist, and teased, Your skills are lacking.

Do it yourself! she retorted, annoyed.

He deliberately needled her, These hands of yours aren’t cut out for such delicate work.

Ye Baoling watched him tie it—it looked simple enough, but she had no interest in learning.

She might not be able to tie it, but she could certainly imagine tearing it off.

Her mind began to wander with such vivid thoughts, but with Sister Ping still in the bedroom, she quickly brushed away those well-fed and warm inclinations.

The Oldest Branch was quite traditional, and with no children around, the Christmas atmosphere felt somewhat subdued.

After breakfast, Ye Baoling and the Ye Leyan sisters had tea and played checkers in the garden.

Ye Leqiong asked quietly, Why isn’t Ye Baoxin here?

Ye Leyan shook her head, Ever since her mother’s incident, she hasn’t really played with us anymore. She’s quite pitiful.

Ye Leqiong moved her piece. Unlike her younger sister, she wasn’t as naive, What’s there to pity? She brings her troubles upon herself. If it were me, I’d move out and be independent—how freeing that would be.

She has to take care of Baolong.

Baolong has plenty of servants and nannies around; he doesn’t need her care at all. She could just visit him if she misses him.

If she didn’t leave, it was because she wanted to keep the status of a Miss Ye.

Ye Leqiong saw through it but didn’t say it aloud.

Ye Baoling shared similar thoughts with Leqiong but couldn’t be bothered to comment.

The temperature was 20 degrees today, with warm, bright sunshine—such pleasant weather.

Before long, Ye Kaisen approached.

Ye Leqiong joked, Uncle, such a busy man—no dates today?

Ye Kaisen: At my age, what’s there left to date? It’s you young people who should be out and about instead of staying cooped up at home.

Ye Leqiong: We’re going out later. Actress Liang Ailing is getting married next month, and we’re her bridesmaids. We need to go try on the dresses.

Ye Kaisen had no interest in entertainment gossip. He sat down in the chair beside them, looked at Ye Baoling, and smiled. Baoling, I haven’t congratulated you yet on capturing such a huge market in the U.S.! Our Ye Qingtang has a bright future ahead!

Ye Baoling raised her eyebrows slightly with a smile. The congratulations are mutual, Uncle Shen. You’re a shareholder too.

Ye Kaisen: What kind of shareholders are we? Even your granduncle is just a minor shareholder. You’re different—you’re the major shareholders. But the one who should be happiest is Baoshun. He’ll be the biggest beneficiary in the future.

Even at this moment, he couldn’t resist subtly stirring trouble with a smile.

Ye Baoling replied directly with a laugh, Uncle Shen, are you trying to drive a wedge between my brother and me?

Oh my! How could you think that? I didn’t mean that at all, Ye Kaisen quickly explained. I was just stating the truth.

It was Ye Baoling’s turn to make a move in the game. She moved her piece without speaking.

Ye Kaisen added, I heard from your grandfather that after the New Year, you’ll be taking on the role of vice president at the group and overseeing Su Manzhu Jewelry as well. From then on, you’ll be my superior. I also hope that under the leadership of our Miss Ye, Su Manzhu Jewelry can break out of Hong Kong and go global.

His tone was dripping with sarcasm.

Ye Baoling: What are you thinking, Uncle Shen? What Su Manzhu Jewelry needs to do now is protect its market share. Going global is such a distant goal—let’s not even think about it for now.

You make a valid point, but one should still have dreams. From now on, I’ll follow your lead at Su Manzhu Jewelry. Wherever you point, I’ll go. I’ll fully cooperate, and we’ll work hard together to achieve greatness!

Ye Kaisen’s impassioned speech made both Ye Leqiong and her sister laugh.

Third Uncle, why are you talking about work during Christmas? How annoying!

Ye Kaisen tactfully stood up. Alright, alright. I’ll leave you sisters to your game and chat.

No sooner had he left than another nuisance, Ye Kais, arrived.

Unlike Ye Kaisen, Ye Kais was genuinely beaming with joy. Baoling, your grandfather wants to hold a large celebration after New Year’s, make it grand, and issue a press release. He wants to use this opportunity to boost the stock price. Do you have any thoughts on this?

Ye Baoling had indeed considered this issue yesterday.

I don’t think a celebration is necessary. We’ve expanded our market, and aside from the shareholders, who would genuinely celebrate for us? Making it too lavish might even attract envy.

Ye Kais nodded thoughtfully. That’s a fair point. So what should we do? We can’t just not celebrate or issue a press release at all.

Ye Baoling: There are many ways to issue a press release. Why not take this opportunity to do some charity work? I saw the weather forecast—a cold front is coming next week. We could hold some celebratory events at Ye Qingtang stores, handing out hot herbal tea and warm congee. Doing good deeds is something everyone appreciates, and the media would be happy to cover it.

Ye Kais enthusiastically slapped his thigh. That’s a brilliant idea! Small cost, big impact, and it’s for a good cause!

Ye Leqiong recalled, I remember helping distribute porridge when I was little. It’s been years since we’ve done such activities. Doing charity work as a whole family would be wonderful.

After everyone chatted for a while, Ye Kais stood up. I’ll go talk to Grandfather. Baoling, do you want to come with me?

Ye Baoling smiled. You discuss it with Grandpa. I don’t communicate well with him.

Ye Kais could only complain along: I don’t either. But I’ll have to brace myself and talk to him anyway.

Having spent the entire morning in the garden, Ye Baoling enjoyed a delicious afternoon nap after lunch. Around five o’clock, she received a call from Ye Huaizhang, who had already returned to the Third Branch residence and asked when she would come over.

Ye Baoling then freshened up, changed into another dress, and went downstairs.

Sister Ping, along with two maids, helped carry the gifts Ye Baoling had brought back from America as they walked from the back garden toward the Third Branch mansion.

The great-grandmother of the Third Branch was British, so they traditionally celebrated Christmas. Even upon entering the small garden, carefully arranged Christmas decorations were visible everywhere.

Coupled with the many children in the household, the atmosphere was particularly lively.

Upon entering, gifts were distributed first. The children from Fourth Uncle’s family were polite and adorable; after receiving their presents, they obediently said, Thank you, eldest sister-in-law.

They were much more likable than their father.

Guan Lao Taijun was dressed in bright red today, resembling Santa Claus. Seeing Ye Baoling enter, she took her hand and said, So, were the American businessmen easy to work with? By opening up the American market this time, you’ve become a great contributor to Ye Qingtang!

Ye Jinliu also praised with a smile: I read in the news that this is the first major deal exporting Chinese herbal tea to America. Remarkable!

Even the usually arrogant Ye Jinfeng offered rare praise: Times have changed. Even Americans can drink herbal tea now.

Ye Huaili corrected his fourth uncle: It’s iced tea, not herbal tea. Iced tea is much tastier.

Only Yang Pinxian expressed genuine concern for her: You look thinner from all the work. Make sure to rest properly now that you’re back—don’t always think about work. If there’s too much to handle, delegate some tasks to your subordinates.

Understood. I’ll rest well during this trip back. Not seeing Ye Yongqi, Ye Baoling quickly asked, Mom, Yongqi didn’t come back?

Don’t even mention her. She originally promised to come back for Christmas, but she went to Iceland with classmates to see the Northern Lights or something.

How enviable!

Ye Jinliu suggested cheerfully, You and Huaizhang never had a honeymoon. Find time to make up for it—you could take a trip to Iceland too. Where is Huaizhang, by the way?

No one had noticed, and everyone glanced around.

Second Aunt Han Yanmei, who was sitting nearby arranging candies, said, Huaizhang seems to have gone upstairs to take a call.

Yang Pinxian couldn’t help but complain, He’s always so busy!

Ye Baoling hadn’t noticed Han Yanmei sitting in the corner earlier and quickly handed the prepared gift to Second Aunt.

Han Yanmei stood up somewhat sheepishly: There’s a gift for me too? Thank you, Baoling.

Everyone in the family has one. Second Aunt, you’re too kind.

After dinner, Guan Lao Taijun prepared gifts for all the younger family members.

The presents were piled in the living room, each labeled with a number. They played games to decide who would choose their gift first.

After selecting gifts, they started playing cards.

Truly, it was celebrating a Western holiday while playing Chinese mahjong.

After the mahjong game, Ye Baoling didn’t return to the Oldest Branch but stayed overnight there.

The tireless one continued to toil diligently.

After he finished his labors, she turned on her side, stroking his chest as she fell asleep.

Habit is a terrifying thing. As long as he was around, she couldn’t fall asleep without touching him.

*

Ye Baoling was officially promoted to Vice General Manager of the group, now holding the same rank as Lin Zhong. However, Lin Zhong, being perceptive and discerning, automatically positioned himself as Ye Baoling’s subordinate.

He followed her lead in all matters.

At the group’s executive meeting, Ye Qizu sat at the head of the table, with Lin Zhong presiding as usual.

This year, under Ye Baoling’s leadership, Ye Qingtang successfully expanded into the U.S. market, completely reversing the slump of nearly stagnant performance in herbal tea sales over the past few years.

If the U.S. market could grow steadily, the next step would be to capture consumers in Europe, Japan, South Korea, and other developed countries.

The market prospects were incredibly vast.

Thus, the next few years would be particularly crucial for Ye Qingtang.

Ye Baoling suggested, Our current production capacity is severely insufficient. To enter the battlefield, we must first stockpile ample supplies. If we want to expand into more and larger markets, we must first boost our production capacity.

Lin Zhong agreed, The young lady makes a valid point. If it weren’t for the two production lines at Jiaqi Beverage Factory joining our production this time, we wouldn’t have been able to deliver the goods to L&D Company in time.

Ye Kaisen followed with praise for Ye Baoling, I heard it was Bao Ling who insisted on acquiring Jiaqi Beverage Factory. That was a well-executed deal.

He first attributed the credit for acquiring Jiaqi Beverage Factory to Ye Baoling.

For now, it was a merit, but later, it could easily turn into a blade.

Ye Baoling merely smiled without responding.

Then, Ye Kaisen proposed, Isn’t the land area of Jiaqi Beverage Factory quite large? If we want to increase production capacity, the fastest way would be to add two more production lines at the Jiaqi factory.

Cai Yongming understood Ye Kaisen’s intention: the greater the sunk cost the company invested in Jiaqi Beverage Factory, the greater Ye Baoling’s responsibility would be in the future. He smiled and chimed in, I’ve reviewed the documents. The factory area at Jiaqi is not large. If we want to add production lines, we must first construct additional factory buildings.

Ye Kaisen asked, Building factories costs money, right? Bao Ling, what are your thoughts?

Ye Baoling casually replied, If it’s necessary to spend, then we must spend.

Ye Qizu, unusually straightforward, said, Then assess the costs. If it’s necessary, we’ll spend.

Ye Baoling added, But Jiaqi Beverage Factory is, after all, a small factory. It will be difficult to further expand production capacity in the future. My suggestion is to acquire land and build a factory in mainland China. The factory area there could be more than ten times larger than here. Moreover, wages are lower in the mainland, making it easier to recruit workers. Mainland workers are generally better educated—cost-effective and efficient. If we don’t build a factory now, we’ll miss the current window of opportunity.

Surprised by Ye Baoling’s sudden shift in stance, Ye Kaisen was momentarily speechless.

Ye Qizu also fell into deep thought.

He had his own biases. The feasibility analysis report prepared by the consulting firm last time aligned with his views—investing in the mainland carried policy risks.

Ye Qizu wanted to wait and see.

However, he didn’t want to outright oppose Ye Baoling. His granddaughter was the type of person who would double down on anything she was forbidden from doing.

So, he loosened his stance, Then let’s conduct a survey in the mainland. If we find suitable land or factory buildings, we can reassess.

He agreed for now but planned to delay and find ways to hinder the plan later.

Ye Baoling, of course, knew what her grandfather was thinking. As long as he didn’t oppose it outright, she would have ample room to maneuver and make it happen.

After further discussion and confirmation, to celebrate Ye Qingtang’s successful expansion into the U.S. market, a week-long charity and public welfare Warmth Delivery event would be held after New Year’s Day.

Once matters concerning Ye Qingtang were settled, the discussion shifted to next year’s plans for Su Manzhu Jewellery.

Ye Qizu remarked, This year, Su Manzhu Jewellery’s market share has decreased by 6.5% compared to last year. It’s been declining annually, while the third branch’s Gezhi Jewellery has been steadily increasing its market share. How should we address this?

Ye Kaisen reflected, Our overall designs have become too conservative, which has given Gezhi Jewellery an opening. We plan to bring in foreign designers and reposition our design approach…

After his lengthy explanation, Ye Qizu turned to Ye Baoling and asked, What are your thoughts on this?

Ye Baoling smiled faintly. I don’t know much about Su Manzhu Jewellery, so I don’t have any suggestions for now.

Her decision not to intervene came as a relief to Ye Kaisen.

After the meeting adjourned, Ye Kaisen returned to his office. His assistant Acheng entered and reported quietly, Today, the young master sneaked into this office again and stayed for about five or six minutes before leaving.

Ye Kaisen knew that Ye Baoshun, who had a muddled mind, had been getting along well with Ye Baoling recently. He said, It’s fine. Let him come in. Pretend you don’t know and don’t expose him.

Understood.

Ye Kaisen picked up his coat and headed out. He had plans to play cards with friends that evening, and Cai Yongming was also there.

During a break, Ye Kaisen went to a side room to chat with Cai Yongming. He praised him, During the meeting this morning, when the topic of Jiaqi Beverage Factory came up, your coordination was excellent.

Cai Yongming laughed. I knew what kind of effect you wanted, General Shen. However, after giving it some thought, the young lady’s success in opening up the U.S. market is such a significant achievement that even if issues arise with Jiaqi Beverage Factory in the future, it might not affect her much.

Ye Kaisen disagreed. Under normal circumstances, that would be true. If Ye Baoling were the family heir, such matters could be downplayed for her. But she isn’t. What makes her position awkward is that she’s the granddaughter-in-law of the third branch. Her philosophy is completely different from the old master’s. The old master is conservative and doesn’t want to take risks investing in the mainland, but Ye Baoling is clearly a radical reformist.

Cai Yongming replied, Yes, the young lady is indeed radical. Fortunately for her, her radical moves have all succeeded.

Ye Kaisen continued, Did you notice during the meeting today? The old master seems somewhat afraid of Ye Baoling. Normally, if he disagrees with certain strategies, he outright rejects them. But today, he didn’t. He used a delaying tactic, planning to take things slowly. The fact that this grandfather and granddaughter are not united is our biggest advantage. Ye Baoling’s achievements overshadow the master, she’s highly capable, and she’s unwilling to merely assist the future heir. With someone like that, do you think the old master will ultimately tolerate her?

Cai Yongming nodded as if enlightened. So, Jiaqi Beverage Factory could serve as an opportunity…

An opportunity for the old master to turn a minor issue into a major one. The U.S. market has already been secured and can be gradually expanded from here on. Even without Ye Baoling, Ye Qingtang can keep it running. Once she becomes too powerful and has no other use, Jiaqi Beverage Factory can become the opportunity for the old master to push Ye Baoling out of the game.

That makes sense.

Besides, Ye Qingtang’s growth benefits us as well. The best solution would be for Ye Baoling to withdraw and return to being a housewife. Everyone would be happy. Ye Kaisen laughed, This is the best outcome. I don’t want to push things too far either—after all, we’re family.

Cai Yongming, who had initially felt somewhat guilty, finally felt reassured after hearing Ye Kaisen’s words.

Zheng Junni was arranged to live on the top floor of a private property belonging to the Oldest Branch.

Usually, only one Filipino maid was responsible for cooking and cleaning. The downstairs was locked—no one could come up, and she couldn’t leave either.

She was essentially imprisoned here.

When Ye Baoxin came to visit her, Zheng Junni kept complaining: the Filipino maid’s cooking was terrible, she couldn’t understand what the maid said, and the cleaning wasn’t done properly.

In just two short months, she had lost weight and looked haggard.

Gone was the noble lady demeanor she had once forced herself to maintain.

She still deluded herself into thinking she could return to the Oldest Branch Residence.

Is your father very busy? He’s ignoring me.

Ye Baoxin peeled a pear for her, not wanting to say a word.

How are things with Fang Shanxing? Zheng Junni asked again.

How could they be?

On Christmas Eve, after she sobered up, she finally managed to contact Fang Shanxing.

She questioned him about why he had suddenly stood her up, didn’t answer calls, and didn’t return pages?

Being sick wasn’t an excuse.

Fang Shanxing couldn’t easily explain that the pressure from his family had left him no opportunity to return her call at the time.

They had argued over this matter and hadn’t been in contact since.

Say something.

Ye Baoxin reluctantly replied, It’s fine.

If it’s fine… then why hasn’t he come to see me?

Ye Baoxin divided the pear and said, Have some pear.

After leaving her mother’s place, she drove around the mountain roads for a long time. It was almost evening by the time she got home.

She ate dinner with Ye Baolong almost every day.

Ye Baolong had the intelligence of a six or seven-year-old and was stubborn. He never missed his mother but had a strong bond with his sister.

He was willing to save his favorite sweet and sour pork ribs for his sister.

Watching her brother pick out ribs for her, Ye Baoxin’s eyes suddenly welled up with tears—she refused to accept this!

She refused to accept that her life would end up like this.

Back in her bedroom, after showering, she sat by the window and thought for a long time. It was almost eleven o’clock when she finally picked up the phone and called the Fang family mansion.

She prayed that Fang Shanxing would be the one to answer.

The phone rang three times before someone picked up—it was Sister Ju.

Hello…

Before she could say anything else, Sister Ju recognized her voice, Is that Miss Baoxin? Please hold on.

The call was being transferred, and soon, Sir Fang’s voice came through the receiver.

Panicked, Ye Baoxin hung up the phone.

On New Year’s Eve, Gong Jiahua and Fang Shanxing gathered everyone for a countdown celebration.

The venue was a high-altitude restaurant overlooking Victoria Harbour, offering a view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

Before dark, everyone arrived one after another, bringing gifts.

Ye Baoling came with her sister Ye Leqiong. As they entered the restaurant, they saw Gong Jiahua chatting with a friend.

Gong Jiahua came over to greet them, Where’s Huaizhang?

Ye Baoling: He’s coming from the office and is still on the way.

Gong Jiahua couldn’t help but complain, He’s always the last to arrive.

Ye Leqiong asked, Is Baoxin coming tonight?

Gong Jiahua shrugged, Who knows? They seem to have had a fight, and Fang Shanxing hasn’t managed to smooth things over yet.

No one felt comfortable commenting further.

They chose seats and sat down. Outside the window was Victoria Harbour—the perfect spot to watch the fireworks display.

Someone muttered, It’s the same fireworks display every year, nothing special to see.

Ye Leqiong laughed and said, If you don’t watch it, you won’t have anything to talk about with others in the coming days.

Ye Baoling had genuinely never seen the Victoria Harbour fireworks before. When she was little, her parents never took her to see them, and after moving back to mainland China, she had even fewer opportunities.

However, future generations would have light shows and drone performances, and the fireworks of prosperous eras would be even more dazzling, so this held little attraction for her.

But the Victoria Harbour nightscape was beautiful, and being present in the moment was still quite enjoyable.

Gu Man’er came with Fang Haiming. As soon as she arrived, she sat beside Ye Baoling. The two sisters hadn’t seen each other for a long time and had endless topics to chat about.

Man’er’s new job at the large law firm was going well, with plenty of room for growth.

Fang Haiming’s treasure appraisal program, thanks to its humor and wit, had high ratings and was moved to the prime time slot for broadcast. Now he was even more popular.

Everyone’s careers were flourishing.

The conversation was very pleasant.

Tonight’s dinner was French cuisine, paired with French wine.

After dark, Fang Shanxing finally arrived carrying a bottle of red wine. He placed it on the table, 1946 vintage red wine. This is what we’re drinking today.

1946 vintage? Really? Everyone gathered around to look.

Ye Baoling glanced up and found the wine label very familiar. She immediately remembered – wasn’t this from the same winery as the wine in the third branch’s underground wine cellar?

And also from 1946!

Ye Huaizhang had specifically checked before – there were no 1946 vintage wines from the La Romanee Conti winery circulating on the market.

Ye Baoling couldn’t help but ask: Shanxing, where did you get this red wine?

This wine has quite a story, Fang Shanxing said, pointing to Gong Jiahua behind him. Gong Jiahua gave it to me as a birthday gift. It’s an out-of-print vintage on the market. Today I’m sharing it with everyone.

Gong Jiahua?

Hearing his name mentioned, Gong Jiahua turned around and asked: What’s going on?

Fang Shanxing: I brought the fine wine you gave me for everyone to share.

Gong Jiahua explained with a smile: Huaizhang gave it to me. He gave me two bottles, and I passed one on to Shanxing. This is absolutely premium wine, very delicious. Let’s chill it first.

Ye Baoling prided herself on being quick-witted, but at this moment her mind was struggling to process this.

Ye Huaizhang had given Gong Jiahua two bottles of 1946 La Romanee Conti red wine.

Weren’t these exactly the two missing bottles from the wine rack in the cellar?

Had Ye Huaizhang deceived her?

No!

Impossible. Ye Huaizhang’s series of reactions at the time showed complete ignorance of the situation.

Even if he were acting, he couldn’t have performed that convincingly.

She still had that much discernment.

Besides, what reason would he have to deceive her?

Ye Baoling fell into deep thought.

What are you thinking about? Ye Leyan brought her a small plate of blueberries. Oh, missing Huaizhang?

Ye Baoling smiled and shook her head: Thinking about drinking that bottle of wine.

About ten minutes later, Ye Huaizhang arrived.

When he saw the wine bottle in the ice bucket on the table, Ye Huaizhang was just as shocked as Ye Baoling.

Seizing an opportunity, he quietly asked her: Did you see the red wine on the table?

I saw it. Fang Shanxing brought it. Fang Shanxing said Gong Jiahua gave it to him. And Gong Jiahua said you gave him two bottles.

Ye Huaizhang: !

He immediately denied it: Since when did I give him red wine?

You didn’t know?

Didn’t know, he said with absolute certainty.

Ye Baoling instinctively chose to believe him. Her judgment couldn’t be wrong – he couldn’t have acted that convincingly in front of her.

Ye Huaizhang calmly called Gong Jiahua to a corner and asked him: The wine we’re drinking today – I gave it to you?

Gong Jiahua looked slightly embarrassed: Yes, I regifted a bottle to Fang Shanxing. You’re not upset, are you?

When did I give it to you?

Huh? Are you confused? Around May? You gave it to me before your trip to South Africa.

How was it delivered?

I hadn’t gotten out of bed yet that day. The servant said you had someone deliver it.

Who did I send?

Gong Jiahua spread his hands with an innocent expression: What? I don’t know. What’s wrong?

Ye Huaizhang immediately clarified: I never gave you any wine. I don’t even have any 1946 vintage wine in my possession. If I did, I wouldn’t be willing to give it to you anyway.

What? It wasn’t from you? Then who sent it? Gong Jiahua had assumed it was just a misunderstanding and hadn’t doubted it at all.

Who had impersonated Ye Huaizhang to send Gong Jiahua two bottles of 1946 French estate wine taken from the Old Third Branch’s wine cellar?

The couple exchanged glances – they needed to find out who this person was.

Author’s note: I’ll be traveling far tomorrow, not sure what time I’ll return. Most likely will update, but the timing is uncertain.

Hope to be on schedule.

This story is expected to be completed by early next month. Almost there, almost there.

However, future generations would have light shows and drone performances, and the fireworks of prosperous eras would be even more dazzling, so this held little attraction for her.

But the Victoria Harbour nightscape was beautiful, and being present in the moment was still quite enjoyable.

Gu Man’er came with Fang Haiming. As soon as she arrived, she sat beside Ye Baoling. The two sisters hadn’t seen each other for a long time and had endless topics to chat about.

Man’er’s new job at the large law firm was going well, with plenty of room for growth.

Fang Haiming’s treasure appraisal program, thanks to its humor and wit, had high ratings and was moved to the prime time slot for broadcast. Now he was even more popular.

Everyone’s careers were flourishing.

The conversation was very pleasant.

Tonight’s dinner was French cuisine, paired with French wine.

After dark, Fang Shanxing finally arrived carrying a bottle of red wine. He placed it on the table, 1946 vintage red wine. This is what we’re drinking today.

1946 vintage? Really? Everyone gathered around to look.

Ye Baoling glanced up and found the wine label very familiar. She immediately remembered – wasn’t this from the same winery as the wine in the third branch’s underground wine cellar?

And also from 1946!

Ye Huaizhang had specifically checked before – there were no 1946 vintage wines from the La Romanee Conti winery circulating on the market.

Ye Baoling couldn’t help but ask: Shanxing, where did you get this red wine?

This wine has quite a story, Fang Shanxing said, pointing to Gong Jiahua behind him. Gong Jiahua gave it to me as a birthday gift. It’s an out-of-print vintage on the market. Today I’m sharing it with everyone.

Gong Jiahua?

Hearing his name mentioned, Gong Jiahua turned around and asked: What’s going on?

Fang Shanxing: I brought the fine wine you gave me for everyone to share.

Gong Jiahua explained with a smile: Huaizhang gave it to me. He gave me two bottles, and I passed one on to Shanxing. This is absolutely premium wine, very delicious. Let’s chill it first.

Ye Baoling prided herself on being quick-witted, but at this moment her mind was struggling to process this.

Ye Huaizhang had given Gong Jiahua two bottles of 1946 La Romanee Conti red wine.

Weren’t these exactly the two missing bottles from the wine rack in the cellar?

Had Ye Huaizhang deceived her?

No!

Impossible. Ye Huaizhang’s series of reactions at the time showed complete ignorance of the situation.

Even if he were acting, he couldn’t have performed that convincingly.

She still had that much discernment.

Besides, what reason would he have to deceive her?

Ye Baoling fell into deep thought.

What are you thinking about? Ye Leyan brought her a small plate of blueberries. Oh, missing Huaizhang?

Ye Baoling smiled and shook her head: Thinking about drinking that bottle of wine.

About ten minutes later, Ye Huaizhang arrived.

When he saw the wine bottle in the ice bucket on the table, Ye Huaizhang was just as shocked as Ye Baoling.

Seizing an opportunity, he quietly asked her: Did you see the red wine on the table?

I saw it. Fang Shanxing brought it. Fang Shanxing said Gong Jiahua gave it to him. And Gong Jiahua said you gave him two bottles.

Ye Huaizhang: !

He immediately denied it: Since when did I give him red wine?

You didn’t know?

Didn’t know, he said with absolute certainty.

Ye Baoling instinctively chose to believe him. Her judgment couldn’t be wrong – he couldn’t have acted that convincingly in front of her.

Ye Huaizhang calmly called Gong Jiahua to a corner and asked him: The wine we’re drinking today – I gave it to you?

Gong Jiahua looked slightly embarrassed: Yes, I regifted a bottle to Fang Shanxing. You’re not upset, are you?

When did I give it to you?

Huh? Are you confused? Around May? You gave it to me before your trip to South Africa.

How was it delivered?

I hadn’t gotten out of bed yet that day. The servant said you had someone deliver it.

Who did I send?

Gong Jiahua spread his hands with an innocent expression: What? I don’t know. What’s wrong?

Ye Huaizhang immediately clarified: I never gave you any wine. I don’t even have any 1946 vintage wine in my possession. If I did, I wouldn’t be willing to give it to you anyway.

What? It wasn’t from you? Then who sent it? Gong Jiahua had assumed it was just a misunderstanding and hadn’t doubted it at all.

Who had impersonated Ye Huaizhang to send Gong Jiahua two bottles of 1946 French estate wine taken from the Old Third Branch’s wine cellar?

The couple exchanged glances – they needed to find out who this person was.

Author’s note: I’ll be traveling far tomorrow, not sure what time I’ll return. Most likely will update, but the timing is uncertain.

Hope to be on schedule.

This story is expected to be completed by early next month. Almost there, almost there.