The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 77: The Bottle of Wine Ultimately Remained Unopened

Chapter 77: The Bottle of Wine Ultimately Remained Unopened

That bottle of wine ultimately remained unopened and was stored away due to its unclear origins.

As soon as the fireworks display ended, Ye Baoling and Ye Huaizhang returned together to the Third Branch.

Back home, the couple began analyzing the day’s new discoveries.

Ye Baoling lay on the sofa, kneading a pillow in her hands: Someone impersonated your name to send Gong Jiahua wine from the wine cellar. This person can access our downstairs wine cellar, clearly indicating they’re from the Third Branch.

Ye Huaizhang poured two glasses of water: Why choose to send it to Gong Jiahua specifically?

It was sent before you went to South Africa. After you returned from South Africa, we encountered Auntie Mei hiring assassins. If Auntie Mei is Mrs. Gong, and someone impersonated you to send wine to Gong Jiahua, leading Mrs. Gong to want you dead – is there some connection here that we can’t decipher yet? Ye Baoling regretted not reading more detective novels.

When it came to business management or office politics, she could handle them with ease, but deciphering mysteries left her somewhat confused.

Ye Huaizhang drank his ice water: We have too little information. Setting aside Auntie Mei’s trail for now, who in our Third Branch could access the wine cellar?

Given that the wine cellar can only be accessed through your walk-in closet, and you didn’t even know the wine cellar existed, how would this person know about it? Could it be Third Aunt?

Only Ye Jinliu had emotional entanglements with the Gong family. What would she accomplish by sending wine to Gong Jiahua using Ye Huaizhang’s name?

Ye Baoling placed the pillow under her head and turned to look at him: Using you as the weapon to kill Gong Jiahua?

He shook his head slightly: There’s no poison in the wine. Gong Jiahua drank that bottle.

Ye Baoling had a humorous thought, Could the dosage have been insufficient, failing to kill him?

Ye Huaizhang: If it were my aunt, she wouldn’t need to use my name to send wine to Gong Jiahua. Why would she want to harm me?

Using your name to send the wine meant Gong Jiahua had no guard up – he drank it without hesitation. Ye Baoling suggested: We didn’t open today’s red wine, right? Let’s have it tested tomorrow.

Ye Huaizhang had already arranged: I’ve given it to Dong Jian to have it tested.

Two days later, the test results came back – there was no poison in the wine.

Ye Baoling concluded: So the sender’s target wasn’t Gong Jiahua, but you. Not using you as the weapon to kill Gong Jiahua, but using this incident to make Auntie Mei the weapon against you.

Ye Huaizhang agreed with this conjecture.

Who in the family would want me dead?

Sufficiently large interests can drive anyone to commit such acts. Your second uncle, third aunt, and fourth uncle all have motives. Originally, you were your grandfather’s designated heir. If you died, who would inherit? Any of them could.

This isn’t about hundreds of thousands or millions – this involves tens of billions.

What does family affection count for?

Especially since this is a short drama world, where things are even more crazy and unreasonable.

Ye Baoling gently poked him, joking: Seeing that your Third Branch is just like our Oldest Branch, both having scumbags, puts my mind at ease.

This indicated everyone’s moral standards were on the same level.

Ye Huaizhang: …

Ye Baoling: In your family, the only ones I can definitely say are good people are your mother and sister.

As for the others, it’s hard to tell who’s human and who’s a ghost.

They analyzed who was most likely to be responsible.

She then continued her analysis: If we’re talking about benefits, Second Uncle and Fourth Uncle’s families definitely stand to gain the most. Moreover, Second Uncle was in charge of the renovation back then—he likely discovered the wine cellar but kept quiet about it. He may appear honest, but TV dramas have taught us that those who seem the most trustworthy might actually be the final mastermind.

Ye Huaizhang frowned slightly. My second uncle is genuinely honest—I can’t be mistaken about that. In this family, he’s the only one who truly cares for his wife. A man who treats his wife well can’t be bad.

Being good to his wife doesn’t contradict my earlier conclusion, Ye Baoling replied, knowing he struggled to accept that family members might want him dead, yet the evidence pointed that way.

Ye Huaizhang understood he couldn’t rely on feelings alone for judgment; his earlier stubbornness was just a defense mechanism. Anyone discovering their family wanted them killed would instinctively avoid confronting such harsh truths about human nature.

Aware of his discomfort but determined to state her case, she added, As for Fourth Uncle, his cunning goes without saying. At the company, he feigns compliance while secretly opposing you. Third Aunt, I believe, has the least motive—no children, no financial needs—her chances of inheriting the family business are minimal. However, we can’t rule out the possibility that someone might be blackmailing her over an affair, using her as a pawn.

Though Ye Baoling hadn’t read many detective novels, she’d consumed plenty of melodramatic TV shows, and every far-fetched scenario she could imagine had likely appeared in some series or book.

Their discussion concluded that Second Uncle and Fourth Uncle were the most probable suspects, while their aunt, if involved at all, could only be an accomplice.

Since Ye Huaizhang was about to leave for a month-long business trip to Europe, they decided to wait until his return to systematically eliminate suspects. In the meantime, he would have investigators uncover any hidden conflicts of interest among the three branches of the family.

Ye Baoling got her wish and moved her office to the 29th floor—just one level below the coveted 30th floor. Her assistant and secretary team also grew stronger with Chen Yulan joining, serving as both her assistant and bodyguard.

One morning, shortly after she settled into her new office, Ye Baoshun slipped in.

Taking in his slicked-back hair and smug, radiant expression, Ye Baoling smiled and warned, Tone it down. If Grandpa finds out, you’ll be in trouble.

Ye Baoshun flicked his hair dismissively. I’m perfectly behaved at home.

You’re redefining what ‘behaved’ means, Ye Baoling retorted, sipping her coffee. What brings you here?

Well, my Tianyou is out now, and we—

Stop! How disgusting—’my Tianyou’? If you want to flaunt your relationship, don’t do it here and nauseate me. Ye Baoling didn’t hold back her disdain.

Ye Baoshun couldn’t help but laugh; he had nowhere else to show off his romance, so his sister was his only audience.

He obediently rephrased: Lu Tianyou was acquitted thanks to a formidable legal team. Without your and brother-in-law’s help, he wouldn’t have gotten off so easily. He wants to host a dinner to thank you both properly!

Ye Baoling declined. No need for his gratitude. We’re not close with him, so dinner is unnecessary. Besides, I didn’t help for his sake—if you hadn’t shamelessly begged me, I wouldn’t have bothered with any of this.

Really won’t give us the honor?

No, she stated firmly. Why should she put herself through that?

As they chatted, Ye Baoshun mysteriously produced a document. Sis, I’m giving you this evidence of Ye Kaisen’s embezzlement. Could you and brother-in-law do me the honor of attending?

Ye Baoling shot him a cold glance. Ye Baoshun, your word means nothing. I won’t help you anymore. Get out.

Ye Baoshun quickly handed over the materials. Alright, alright, if you won’t go, you won’t go. I’ll just say brother-in-law is too busy with overseas matters. I’m keeping my original promise – risked my life to get these documents about Ye Kaisen’s financial misconduct. Take a look.

As the documents were handed over, Ye Baoling opened them and examined them carefully.

Ye Baoshun continued beside her: We used to cut and polish all our jewelry and jade ourselves, but in recent years we’ve outsourced everything, letting others profit. This company called Yongxing Jewelry has been receiving massive orders from Su Man Jewelry. Their outsourcing prices are far above market rates. This is classic benefit transfer!

She kept flipping through the documents without speaking.

Ye Baoshun added: I investigated Yongxing Jewelry’s shareholders. The major shareholder is Ye Kaisen’s brother-in-law, and the minor shareholder is my uncle. This is definitely Ye Kaisen and my father working together to drain the company’s funds.

Ye Baoshun truly was his father’s devoted son.

The corners of Ye Baoling’s mouth lifted slightly. Her brother, to put it nicely, was sacrificing family loyalty for justice; to put it bluntly, he had no brains.

Sis, to keep my promise, I’ve even sold out my own father. That’s decent of me, right?

Closing the documents, Ye Baoling smiled and nodded. You’ve worked hard.

It’s my duty! When do you plan to move against Ye Kaisen?

When do you want me to move against him?

Of course, the sooner the better.

Ye Baoshun didn’t want to be under Ye Kaisen’s control anymore.

But he didn’t dare speak the truth, only smiling as he said: Whatever you decide, sis.

Ye Baoling didn’t respond.

Half an hour later, Ye Baoling arrived at the Su Man Jewelry office on the 15th floor with Lin Zhong, her assistant secretary, and others.

Acheng knocked on the general manager’s office door and whispered: General Shen, just as you predicted – after the young master took the documents to the 29th floor to report, the young mistress has brought people here. They look formidable, almost like they’re here to confiscate property.

Ye Kaisen smiled. That fool Ye Baoshun had even managed to make Ye Baoling stupid along with him.

Good. Watch how I put them in their place.

Ye Kaisen stood up to greet them, just as Ye Baoling reached his doorway.

Baoling, why have you brought so many people today?

Ye Baoling smiled. Just Director Lin and me. Please notify senior management – let’s have a meeting first.

Ye Kaisen had expected Ye Baoling to immediately seal the office and search for evidence, but instead she wanted to hold a meeting first.

This was more moderate than he’d anticipated. He couldn’t tell what she was plotting, but he gave his secretary a look: Notify the senior executives for a meeting.

Su Man Jewelry’s conference room was more luxurious than Ye Qingtang’s, and the executives were more fashionable and energetic.

This was the young mistress’s first meeting at Su Man since taking office, and everyone was tense.

After all, the young mistress had quite the reputation at Ye Qingtang – wherever she went, she cleaned house.

Today’s meeting topic is to finalize our 1988 annual plan. As she spoke, Ye Baoling opened the plan previously prepared by management. Who will present the report?

Seeing Ye Baoling’s serious meeting demeanor, Ye Kaisen was somewhat baffled.

He looked at several vice presidents and instructed: Director Zhou, you do it.

Zhou Wenxuan was a talent poached from an international jewelry enterprise, responsible for the overall operations of Su Manzhu.

He quickly reviewed this year’s work plan. Essentially, it aimed to transform Su Manzhu’s originally rigid design style by focusing on design innovation, thereby reclaiming some market share among younger consumers.

This Zhou Wenxuan did possess genuine capability—the overall plan had many commendable aspects.

Yet it remained somewhat conservative.

Ye Baoling asked, Why are we losing to Gezhi?

Our diamond designs aren’t fashionable or youthful enough.

Ye Baoling: I checked last year’s data—gold and platinum accounted for 75% of our total profits, while diamonds and jade made up less than 25%. Market research shows that although other jewelry companies have slightly higher diamond profits than us, gold still dominates overall. So why are diamonds affecting our overall market share?

Zhou Wenxuan replied, When young people get married nowadays, the first thing they buy is a diamond ring. While purchasing diamond rings, they also select gold jewelry. Other brands use diamond rings as an entry point for extensive marketing. Once customers are drawn into the stores, sales staff naturally provide comprehensive services, persuading them to buy gold jewelry in their stores as well.

That made sense.

Ye Baoling asked another question: What are our strengths?

Another vice president, Lin Meijuan, said, We are an established brand, and we set the 999 gold standard. Discerning families buying gold would definitely choose Su Manzhu as their first choice.

But how many people outside know that Su Manzhu customized the 999 gold standard? Why don’t we promote this ourselves?

The discussion heated up among everyone.

Ye Baoling: I think making diamond designs more youthful isn’t wrong—this direction is correct. But our focus shouldn’t be on diamonds. We should capitalize on gold. After all, gold holds a high market share in revenue and is our competitive advantage.

Some traditional managers immediately agreed: Exactly! Our previous name was Su Man Gold. Since changing to Su Manzhu, our market share has actually been declining.

Ye Baoling nodded with a smile: Our current strategy completely fails to highlight our advantages.

Everyone chimed in agreement.

We should leverage our own strengths.

Right, we can’t let competitors lead us by the nose.

Not only are we being led by the nose—we’re being pinned to the ground and beaten.

Ye Baoling had fully drawn out everyone’s desire to contribute.

Ye Kaisen was filled with doubt. Wasn’t Ye Baoling here to demand accountability? Now it seemed like she was genuinely conducting a meeting.

If she had evidence, why was she holding back? He couldn’t figure out her intentions.

Ye Baoling closed the annual plan report: Since that’s the case, we should fully leverage our gold advantage as the main strategy, with youthful diamond designs as supplementary. How do we leverage the gold advantage? Beyond branding, I believe the most important factor is pricing. Regardless of financial status, people buy various gold jewelry for weddings—relatives and elders gift gold bracelets to the bride, which represents significant spending. Gold prices themselves are transparent; what we can discount or offer as gifts are processing fees and brand premiums. Since we’re a mass-market brand, we should adopt an approachable positioning.

That’s right, whether you buy 999 gold from our store or elsewhere, the recycling price is the same. No one’s gold is inherently more precious than another’s.

Lin Meijuan seized the opportunity to play dumb: If we firmly commit to a gold-focused strategy, should we revisit the earlier proposal to acquire shares in Australia’s Little Bieber Gold Mine?

Ye Kaisen’s expression shifted noticeably upon hearing this. He glanced at his close associates but remained silent.

This Lin Meijuan was the younger sister of the old master’s friend. She had always been a troublemaker, keeping to herself.

Finally, someone had brought up the Australian gold mine. Ye Baoling turned to Ye Kaisen: General Shen, why has the acquisition plan for the Australian gold mine been shelved?

Ye Kaisen smiled: The total price is too high. If we purchase this Little Bieber Gold Mine, our cash flow would become strained. The chairman is rather conservative and wants to reconsider.

Ye Baoling: If we acquire the Little Bieber Gold Mine, we’ll hold all the advantages. Gold isn’t just for jewelry—it’s hard currency with significant value preservation and appreciation potential.

Lin Zhong: Exactly. Gezhi Jewellery has diamond mines, so their diamonds are cheaper than ours, giving them a major advantage in that area. We should pursue differentiated development—if they have diamond mines, we should have gold mines!

Lin Meijuan chimed in: Actually, the Little Bieber Gold Mine isn’t large in scale. The owner needs money, so we could try to resume negotiations.

The discussion ultimately centered on how to persuade the chairman to approve the gold mine acquisition.

Ye Baoling looked at Ye Kaisen again: General Shen, let’s go convince the chairman together.

With so many people present, Ye Kaisen couldn’t easily refuse. He smiled: Alright, we’ll find time to speak with the chairman.

How about now? The chairman is in the office today, and we can report to him while we’re at it.

Faced with such an action-oriented approach from Ye Baoling, Ye Kaisen had no choice but to cooperate.

After the meeting adjourned, they went together to the 30th floor. The chairman had visitors in his office, so they waited briefly before entering.

Seeing them enter together, Ye Qizu asked: What brings you here?

Grandfather, we came to discuss the investment in Australia’s Little Bieber Gold Mine.

Ye Qizu looked at Ye Kaisen: Didn’t you say there were communication issues on their end?

So Ye Qizu actually supported purchasing the gold mine.

The one obstructing the deal was Ye Kaisen.

Ye Kaisen hurried to explain: There were indeed some issues at the time. The seller wanted to negotiate a higher price, so I thought we should let them wait.

What’s the current situation?

Ye Kaisen: During the meeting just now, everyone felt we should be more proactive and secure the Little Bieber Gold Mine.

Without exposing Ye Kaisen’s lie, Ye Baoling continued along the same line: Acquiring the Australian gold mine would help us compete with Gezhi Jewellery.

Hearing this would help rival Gezhi Jewellery, Ye Qizu immediately became interested.

No matter what, they had to secure this gold mine.

The only concern for Ye Qizu was: If we acquire the Little Bieber Gold Mine, can our cash flow withstand it?

Ye Kaisen: It’s somewhat precarious. That was the main reason we didn’t proceed further before.

Ye Qizu tapped his desk: We can’t stop just because there are difficulties. We need to find ways to overcome them.

Ye Kaisen suggested: We could issue additional shares to raise funds in the stock market.

Ye Qizu remarked, With the stock price so low right now, issuing additional shares isn’t cost-effective for us. Moreover, equity dilution would work against our interests. Bao Ling, what are your thoughts?

Since Leaf Pure Tea was currently the largest shareholder of Su Manzhu, Ye Baoling only needed to maintain control over Leaf Pure Tea to indirectly control Su Manzhu. Therefore, she did not approve of diluting Su Manzhu’s equity at such a low price.

She said, We can take out a bank loan. As long as we have strong connections, we should be able to secure a low-interest loan.

When it came to bank loans, Ye Qizu first thought of Minhua Bank, which belonged to the third branch of the family. Through Huaizhang, we should be able to get a low-interest loan from Minhua Bank. But since we’re now competing head-to-head with Gezhi Jewellery, borrowing from them doesn’t seem quite appropriate.

Ye Kaisen disagreed: What’s inappropriate about it? The money isn’t theirs to begin with—it belongs to the depositors. Borrowing money doesn’t mean we won’t pay interest.

Ye Baoling was reluctant to borrow from the third branch’s bank: But taking their low-interest loan would essentially mean using their money to fight them. Even if we win, it would give people grounds for criticism. Later, I’ll discuss with Uncle Zhong to see which bank would be more suitable.

Ye Qizu trusted his granddaughter in this matter and authorized Ye Baoling to take full responsibility.

Ye Baoling returned to the 29th floor and discussed the loan with Lin Zhong.

Previously, the company’s loans were either from Minhua Bank or Baihui Bank, with little cooperation from other banks.

Ye Baoling said, There must be banks eager to secure a major client like us. Let’s try negotiating with some smaller banks, talk to several, and have them compete on pricing. Tell them if they can’t match Minhua Bank’s low interest rates, we’ll go with Minhua.

Lin Zhong indicated that he would immediately dispatch the finance department to communicate with the banks.

Ye Huaizhang was leaving for Europe the day after tomorrow. Some of his luggage had already been packed in advance by his attendants, and he added a few personal items himself.

He packed both ties she had given him.

Ye Baoling took the mobile phone and went into the bathroom to take the call, acting mysteriously.

When she came out, he asked, What’s so secretive about that call?

Ye Baoling laughed, Trade secrets.

What kind of trade secrets?

Ye Baoling replied truthfully, Regarding Su Manzhu. You and I are competitors now. What did I say before…

Ye Huaizhang remembered his wife’s bold declaration: Sooner or later, you’re going to crush our Gezhi Jewellery—I remember.

Previously, he had thought this had nothing to do with Ye Baoling, but now things were different. With her business acumen, she really might give Gezhi Jewellery a run for its money.

He felt somewhat expectant.

Gezhi Jewellery was managed by Ye Jinfeng. He smiled and said, I look forward to you giving my fourth uncle a taste of his own medicine.

Don’t be heartbroken if it suffers heavy losses.

The Hong Kong market is only so big. How heartbroken could I be even with heavy losses?

Ye Baoling wrapped her arms around his neck. Remember what you’re saying now. Don’t cry when it hurts.

Ye Huaizhang was successfully amused by her. He had never cried over money in his life, and he never would.

He set the tie in his hand on the counter and gripped her waist. Xiao Dahai has been investigating those people in the family these past couple of days. It’ll probably take a week or two to get results.

Let me know by phone when you have the results.

Want to come to Europe with me? Let’s go for a month.

She slipped her hand under his collar, gently stroking the muscles on his chest. Didn’t you see me sharpening my knife for the cattle and sheep? Where would I find the time? You’re busy, and so am I.

So tonight was bound to be well spent.

He scooped her up in his arms. One month apart, four weeks, twice a week—he had to make up for all eight times to break even.

Since the negotiations for the Australian gold mine had already been mostly settled before the six-month pause, both sides had become much more proactive in their approach.

The loan hasn’t been approved yet, but the contract with the Little Bieber Gold Mine in Australia has basically been finalized.

Ye Baoling preferred to get things done quickly, so she persistently persuaded Ye Qizu to agree to use their own funds to make the first payment.

Ye Kaisen had been waiting for Ye Baoling to make a move, but there was no sign of action from her side.

He could roughly guess that Ye Baoling must be trying to gather more evidence against him, so Ye Kaisen became even more cautious in his daily affairs.

One day, he saw Ye Baoshun peeking around the door again and couldn’t help but ask, Baoshun, is there something you need?

Only then did Ye Baoshun enter: Uncle Shen, nothing important. May I leave work now?

Ye Kaisen pointed upstairs: Your grandfather is here today.

He’s already gone back. Ye Baoshun had made sure to check before coming.

Ye Kaisen then smiled and waved his hand: Go ahead. Head home early.

As soon as he finished speaking, Ye Baoshun had already slipped away.

He went downstairs, avoided the family driver, and took a taxi to Lu Tianyou’s newly rented apartment.

He rang the doorbell for about half a minute before Lu Tianyou came to open the door.

Are you deaf? Took you so long to answer.

I was in the bathroom.

After half a month of job hunting, Lu Tianyou had finally landed a position at a new company with a friend’s help.

He had shed his previous disheveled appearance and was now neatly groomed, currently applying mousse in the bathroom.

Ye Baoshun glanced at his watch, We only have time for one movie. I need to go home for dinner tonight, so hurry up.

Sit and wait for me a moment. I still need to shave.

Ye Baoshun sat on the sofa and immediately noticed a strand of hair on the pillow. Pulling it out, he saw it was dyed yellow—fine and long.

A woman’s hair?

He immediately walked over to confront him: What’s this?

Lu Tianyou was momentarily stunned, then smiled without changing his expression: My mom and aunt came over. Who knows which one of them it belongs to.

Ye Baoshun was half-convinced, half-doubting, Your mom and aunt dye their hair?

Then it must be my aunt’s. She dyes her hair.

Ye Baoshun lightly poked Lu Tianyou’s chest: If you dare cheat on me, I’ll make you wish you were dead.

Lu Tianyou put down the comb, With how insatiable you are, I can barely keep up with you. Where would I find the energy to cheat? You’re crazy!

Ye Baoshun rolled his eyes at him and threw the hair in the trash.

Author’s Note: Wrote this last night and edited it on the high-speed rail today. Hope it’s acceptable.

Almost forgot today is shopping festival. Leaving comments on this chapter will enter you for small red envelope giveaways, valid until the next chapter update [kiss].