The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 79: A New Story Every Day

Chapter 79: A New Story Every Day

While driving home one day, Ye Baoling heard on the radio that actress Liang Ailing would be holding her century wedding that weekend.

Her marriage partner was the nephew of the wealthiest Li Family. The grand wedding scene attracted media attention across Hong Kong.

Liang Ailing’s husband was a member of the Li Family?

Ye Baoling hadn’t noticed this information before, but it presented a potential collaboration opportunity.

Earlier in the year, she had heard Ye Leqiong mention being invited as Liang Ailing’s bridesmaid. After returning home from work, Ye Baoling found Ye Leqiong and proposed the idea of sponsoring Liang Ailing’s wedding gold jewelry.

Although Ye Leqiong was close friends with Liang Ailing, she wasn’t very confident about the proposal.

Her marriage partner is from the Li Family, an affluent and influential clan. They probably wouldn’t want to commercialize the wedding like this.

Precisely because Liang Ailing was marrying into the Li Family, Ye Baoling felt particularly confident.

She knew that the Li Family was behind the short selling of Hongtong Industry.

Go talk to her and suggest she discuss it with her husband. What if they’re interested? We don’t require any Su Manzhu brand advertisements at the venue—just include a Su Manzhu gold card in the guest favors. Most importantly, during media interviews, she should wear the traditional dragon-phoenix gown and the gold jewelry we provide, and voluntarily mention that Su Manzhu sponsored her wedding gold accessories. That would be sufficient.

Alright, I’ll ask her, Ye Leqiong replied. Then she inquired, What gold jewelry can Su Manzhu sponsor?

Ye Baoling had already considered this on her drive home: A pair of gold rings, a set of gold hair accessories, and two sets of dragon-phoenix bangles with gold pig pendants. If she wants additional dragon-phoenix bangles, we’ll waive the labor cost and offer a 20% discount. In total, the sponsorship will be worth no less than 100,000 HKD.

Ye Leqiong frowned, thinking it was too little. 100,000 HKD isn’t much. A million would be more appropriate. They probably won’t agree. I’d even feel embarrassed bringing it up.

It’s enough, Ye Baoling insisted. They may be wealthy and not care about the amount, but this sponsorship might be exactly what they want. Remember to emphasize that she must discuss it with her husband.

Ye Leqiong agreed to communicate the proposal.

Initially, Liang Ailing seemed hesitant and uninterested, as she had already prepared her gold jewelry, and 100,000 HKD worth of sponsored gold didn’t seem significant.

Ye Leqiong urged her to consult her husband.

The next day, Liang Ailing called back and readily agreed to the collaboration.

Ye Baoling personally met with her to discuss the details. Liang Ailing, being sociable and well-connected—often featured in media gossip—was very cooperative this time.

On the wedding weekend, the exterior of the Li Hua Hotel was crowded with reporters.

Liang Ailing, dressed in a dragon-phoenix gown, arrived at the hotel entrance with her husband to distribute red envelopes and grant interviews.

The next day, major media outlets featured headlines such as: Liang Ailing’s Century Wedding: Drenched in Gold, Declaring Diamonds Unlucky and Outdated, and Liang Ailing Marries into Wealth, Transforming into a Golden Phoenix—Prefers Gold Over Gems.That day, various broadcasts and news reports were linked, causing another rapid decline in diamond-related stock prices. Hongtong Industry, which owned diamond mines, suffered the most significant drop.

Originally, Su Manzhu as a related stock had seen its share price fall along with the others. But at noon that day, Ye Baoling held a press conference announcing that Su Manzhu had fully acquired the Australian Xiao Bibo Gold Mine and would subsequently provide consumers with more affordable and higher-quality gold jewelry.

The previously declining stock price of Su Manzhu shot straight up.

Watching the stock surge, Chen Yulan was overjoyed but somewhat puzzled. She asked Ye Baoling, Cousin, how did you persuade Liang Ailing to say so many favorable things about us to the reporters?

Ye Baoling smiled, I didn’t persuade her. She did it for her husband’s company, joining in the short selling of Hongtong Industry.

Ah? Chen Yulan was confused.

Guess why so many media outlets joined us in attacking diamonds and spreading negative rumors about Hongtong Industry? These media are all pawns of the Li Family.

Chen Yulan nodded vaguely, How did you know that, cousin?

Ye Baoling’s lips curved slightly, That’s a secret.

Meanwhile, the Third Branch enterprises found themselves under siege.

They held press conferences to clarify the performance rumors while counterattacking by threatening to sue the sensationalist media.

At the conference, Ye Jinfeng stated that the gemstone at the top of the British Queen’s scepter was a large diamond, emphasizing that diamonds are unique in their scarcity, aesthetic appeal, and high value.

Just as the Third Branch finished their rebuttal, experts funded by Ye Baoling came forward to explain that while the diamond on the Queen’s scepter was indeed unique, the small diamonds embedded in rings held little value.

Gold, however, was completely different. Regardless of size, its value was calculated by weight. Among commonly used jewelry materials, only gold could truly achieve equality for all.

Whether worn by the wealthiest or ordinary people, aside from differences in craftsmanship, the value remained the same.

That is, the recycling price was consistent, fair to all.

When Ye Jinfeng saw this latest expert science popularization news, he angrily threw the newspaper aside.

Recently, Gezhi Jewellery’s sales had plummeted. The responsible personnel reported wanting to remove some diamond advertisements and add gold jewelry posters in stores to attract customers.

For the sake of performance, Ye Jinfeng had to conform to the trend and yield, Change them. Change them.

*

In his study, Ye Qizu was delighted reading the same news.

He said to Ye Kais sitting opposite him, Baoling’s marketing this time is absolutely brilliant. Seeing the Third Branch exhausted from dealing with us, I haven’t felt this pleased in years.

Ye Kais, watching his niece become increasingly successful, felt somewhat apprehensive, If Baoling completely crushes Gezhi Jewellery, who will be able to control her in the company or at home in the future?

Ye Qizu glared at his son, Are you jealous?

Me… Why would I be jealous? Of course I want her to succeed. The more successful she is, the better for our Oldest Branch. But the more successful she becomes, the harder it will be for Baoshun to gain power later. Not to mention Baoshun, even I won’t be able to manage her. Dad, you’ve never placed me in a suitable position in the company, so how could I possibly control Baoling in the future?Ye Kais had always held idle positions in the company. Dad, I don’t understand your thinking. In the past, to balance me and my brother, you put us both in idle positions…

Before he could finish speaking, Ye Qizu interrupted him: Didn’t I give you important responsibilities? I gave you opportunities, and what was the result? It was precisely because of your negligence and inaction that the Third Branch had the chance to build the Gezhi Jewellery brand to compete with us. Did you think I’d forget just because I’ve grown old and confused over the years?

That was so many years ago.

Once bitten, twice shy!

Ye Kais immediately fell silent.

Ye Qizu understood his son’s capabilities very well. The only reason he still held some hope for Baoshun was because Baoshun, being a university dropout, still had potential to be molded into something better.

However, he knew this chance was quite slim.

Ye Qizu continued: To be honest, the best approach is to have professional managers run the business. Bao Ling is a very qualified professional manager. If she could assist you all in the future, I would be completely at ease.

Ye Kais gave a bitter smile: Dad, are you sure you can rest easy? Big Brother doesn’t think the same way.

Ye Qizu refuted him: I didn’t say the family business would definitely go to you. It might go to your elder brother instead. But regardless of who gets it, it won’t be passed to Bao Ling—she shouldn’t be a threat to any of you. Bao Ling is still young and doesn’t realize she’s overshadowing her masters. There was a time when Prince Gong was like that too—unaware that his achievements were eclipsing his sovereign—until Empress Dowager Cixi seized the opportunity to discipline him harshly. Only after that did Prince Gong become obedient. Right now, Bao Ling is like Prince Gong in his early days…

Ye Kais asked: Dad, are you thinking of finding a way to put her in her place?

Ye Qizu folded the newspaper and set it aside. If we want her to become a competent manager who serves the family, she must be trained and tempered. It’s like raising a dog—you have to beat and train it before it will obey you.

Hearing the old man say this, Ye Kais finally felt reassured.

He quickly added some supportive words: After all, Bao Ling is a child of our Oldest Branch. Giving her some appropriate lessons to help her grow is for the best. Besides, I believe her heart is definitely on our side.

Good that you understand.

As they were talking, Ye Kaimin knocked and entered.

He had fully recovered during this period, and now that his daughter was the great contributor of the Oldest Branch, his spirits had lifted again.

Dad, you wanted to see me?

Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you for half the day.

Ye Kaimin pulled out a chair and sat down. Su Manzhu’s main store had an event today, so I went to help make an appearance.

As if they need your help?

Ye Qizu didn’t voice this dismissive thought, only saying: The Fang family is coming tomorrow to propose marriage. I wanted to ask you, what are your plans?

Ye Kaimin didn’t really want to deal with this matter, but since Ye Baoxin was, after all, marrying Fang Shanxing, he couldn’t completely ignore it either.

I don’t have any particular opinion. I’ll follow whatever you think, Dad.

Ye Qizu didn’t want to waste time beating around the bush: Initially, when Baoxin and Fang Shanxing were set up, I thought it wouldn’t work out. Who would have guessed she’d get pregnant first… This isn’t good if word gets out. Holding a wedding isn’t a small matter either—it takes time to prepare. Good hotels need to be booked at least three months in advance, but if we prepare for too long, we’re afraid her pregnancy will show. It would be better to keep it low-key: announce it in the newspapers, hold a simple ceremony, and that’s it. If the Fang family wants a grand celebration, they can wait until after the child is born and host a full-month banquet. At that point, they can be as extravagant as they want—that’s their own business. As for the dowry, you as the parents should make your own arrangements.

The implication was clear: since she wasn’t his biological granddaughter, he wouldn’t be preparing a dowry for Ye Baoxin.

Ye Kaimin said, Zheng Junni had previously saved some gold jewelry for her wedding. Just give her those gold pieces.

Ye Qizu couldn’t show complete indifference either, so he added, I’ll have Xing Shu prepare a pair of dragon-and-phoenix bangles for her. Other senior members of the Ye family will surely gift her gold jewelry as well. As long as everyone shows their goodwill, we’ve treated her quite fairly.

Ye Kais also stated, Let’s just have Su Man Gold prepare gold bangles uniformly, and we’ll cover the cost.

The next day, the two families quickly reached an agreement: instead of hosting a lavish banquet at a hotel, they would hold a simple wedding ceremony at the Fang family garden before the Lunar New Year.

When Ye Baoxin found out, though she felt uncomfortable deep down, she quickly accepted the outcome.

She was pregnant now and truly had no time to plan a wedding; she couldn’t afford to wait.

As long as she could marry Fang Shanxing, everything else was secondary.

After all, she would soon be the sole mistress of the Fang household.

*

Lately, advertisements for Su Manzhu Jewellery were everywhere.

They were in wedding photo studios, subway stations, magazines, and even on the radio with the slogan, Su Man Gold—the standard-setter for 999 gold.

This phrase repeated so often it could make listeners’ ears callous.

Simultaneously, everyone knew that if you wanted to buy gold, you had to go to Su Manzhu Jewellery.

Turning on the TV, the hottest sitcom of the moment was filmed on location at Su Manzhu Jewellery.

The main characters demonstrated how to collect all twelve golden dragon balls at Su Manzhu Jewellery with the least amount of money.

This sparked a trend of hunting for golden dragon balls at Su Manzhu Jewellery.

Once customers arrived, the persuasive sales staff wouldn’t let them leave empty-handed—their wallets were bound to take a hit.

But consumers didn’t feel the pinch, because while they were spending Hong Kong dollars, they were taking home gold.

With the year-end wedding season in full swing, Su Manzhu Jewellery’s all-out marketing attracted hordes of customers to their stores.

The store’s basic pieces were cheap and practical, but if you wanted fashionable styles or something to show off, you needed pieces with various craftsmanship and diamond inlays, which came at a higher price.

On the surface, Su Manzhu Jewellery’s gold prices were the lowest, but in the end, customers felt they were getting their money’s worth and ended up spending even more.

Later, when they looked back, they’d still thank Su Manzhu Jewellery for helping them accumulate such a substantial amount of gold.

In contrast to Su Manzhu Jewellery’s bustling business, Gezhi Jewellery’s sales plummeted within just half a month.

They also sold gold, but their prices couldn’t match Su Manzhu Jewellery’s affordability. If they were to engage in a price war, it might have been feasible before. However, the recent short-selling battle involving Hongtong Industry had drained much of their energy and funds.

No matter how strong their resources, fighting on two fronts was impractical. They could only focus on one priority, and safeguarding Hongtong Industry was the most critical task at hand.

After the market closed that day, Guan Lao Taijun personally visited the company to hear the executives’ report on the battle’s outcome.

We’ve been doing our utmost to buy shares and stabilize the market recently, but every time we drive up the stock price, the other side dumps some profitable shares for us to take over at high positions. Then comes another wave of negative news and fake information, causing the stock price to plummet again and severely damaging market confidence, while they continue buying at the bottom. When we stabilize the market again and push up the price, they dump more shares for us to take. This cycle repeats, and we’re all worn out. Essentially, they’re selling high and buying low, all at our expense. Manager Feng has instructed us to suspend additional purchases these past couple of days.

Guan Lao Taijun frowned and asked, What’s a better strategy now? We can’t just ignore these constant fluctuations in the stock price.

Ye Jinfeng advised cautious buying: We should intervene when the price falls, but once it rises somewhat, we should suspend buybacks and additional purchases to avoid buying at highs and giving these capital sharks an easy profit.

Ye Jinsong countered, Actually, the current so-called highs aren’t truly high. Huaizhang’s view is that we should buy as much as we can. Your approach, Jinfeng, might save small amounts but could lead to major losses if things go wrong.

Big brother, that would just be handing money to the capital sharks.

It might not necessarily be capital sharks.

Ye Jinfeng spoke with confidence: I’ve confirmed it’s Wall Street sharks targeting us, here to plunder our money in the Hong Kong market.

Ye Jinsong revealed, Huaizhang called me recently and told me to watch the Li Family’s movements. I’ve discovered this so-called Wall Street capital shark has intricate connections with the Li Family. We absolutely cannot let our guard down at this time.

Hearing it involved the Li Family, Guan Lao Taijun immediately became alert. Huaizhang is right, we absolutely cannot be careless. While overall stock prices are low, it’s a good time for buybacks and additional share purchases.

Ye Jinfeng didn’t believe the Li Family had the capability to drain Hongtong Industry’s secondary market shares, considering it too difficult.

He argued, Hongtong has many investment projects burning through cash lately, and this happens to be when our liquidity is most strained. If we tie up all our funds and something unexpected happens, we won’t be able to raise money. Minhua Bank’s funds aren’t something we can use as we please either. Borrowing from Minhua means paying interest…

Guan Lao Taijun showed slight impatience: Enough, you’re making my head spin. We’ll follow your elder brother and Huaizhang’s advice on this matter. The company will continue buybacks, and we’ll keep purchasing additional shares. I have some spare cash myself that can be used for share purchases. As for those rumor-mongering media outlets, send them lawyer’s letters immediately – we can’t let them off lightly. We must not tolerate this trend of spreading false information.

After finalizing the plan, Guan Lao Taijun departed.

*

Jade Dragon Mansion had been unprecedentedly busy lately.

Ye Qingtang was rushing to fulfill orders while Su Manzhu was busy capturing market share.

Ye Kaisen had been waiting for Ye Baoling to make a move against him, but she showed no signs of doing so, focusing entirely on her business instead.

Originally confident he could turn things around, he was gradually worn down by anxiety, growing increasingly restless.

Watching Ye Baoling’s work progress unusually smoothly, with Su Manzhu suppressing Gezhi and leaving them unable to fight back, Ye Kaisen had never worked so seriously in his life.

Not daring to interfere recklessly, he followed Ye Baoling’s instructions and negotiated the most favorable gold purchase prices with Phillips.

At the same time, she collaborated with her archrival Lin Zhong to negotiate with the bank and secured a loan with the lowest interest rate currently available in the market.

Ye Baoling publicly praised Ye Kaisen during the meeting for his high efficiency in handling matters.

This made Ye Kaisen somewhat suspicious about whether Ye Baoshun had actually passed that document to Ye Baoling.

If he had, and she was still acting this way, what did it imply?

It meant she was gathering more evidence to use against him.

As a result, Ye Kaisen became even more cautious, working harder and cooperating more diligently in his daily tasks.

He had become Ye Baoling’s perfect deputy at Su Manzhu.

He had no choice but to endure it.

Fortunately, a few days earlier, he had heard from Ye Kais that the old master was waiting for an opportunity to deal with Ye Baoling.

All he could do was wait until after the New Year, when the opportunity arose to build a landfill next to the Jiaqi Beverage Factory.

Ye Baoling knew that Ye Kaisen would be restless and anxious all day long. She understood that the period before the sword of Damocles fell was the most mentally and physically torturous.

That kind of torment was even more excruciating than being struck directly.

This was exactly the effect she wanted.

First, make him obediently work for her, and once she had squeezed out all his usable value, she would settle the score in one go.

That day, Ye Baoling inspected several Su Manzhu stores, and everywhere she went, the shops were filled with customers.

Lin Meijuan, who accompanied her on the store visits, was full of relief and admiration: I’ve worked at Su Manzhu for twenty years, but this is the first time I’ve seen so many customers in our stores. Young Miss, your strategy has been incredibly successful.

Ye Baoling smiled and said, We also caught a favorable wind from someone else.

Lin Meijuan didn’t understand: Whose favorable wind?

The Li Family’s.

Ye Baoling couldn’t say it directly, so she replied, We caught the favorable wind from the movie queen.

That’s true. Many wealthy customers are coming to buy gold, wanting to customize gold jewelry matching Liang Ailing’s style. Lin Meijuan then changed the subject, Yesterday, I secretly visited the largest stores of Gezhi Jewellery…

Ye Baoling turned to look at her: How were they?

Lin Meijuan smiled, They’re far behind us. They’re also running a gold discount campaign, but their promotions aren’t as appealing as ours, so they have fewer customers.

Ye Baoling actually admired Gezhi Jewellery’s quick adaptation to chase profits. Overall, it was a rational company.

They stopped promoting diamonds and pivoted quite swiftly.

Their business acumen has always been sharp. And their designs are indeed fashionable.

Our designs must keep up. As long as we’re not inferior to theirs, we’ll win.

Lin Meijuan nodded, Yes, design is crucial. Zhou Wenxuan is in charge of that. He’s newly hired management, previously worked for international fashion brands, so he has experience. It should be fine.

The implication was that Zhou Wenxuan was not yet one of Ye Kaisen’s trusted aides or right-hand men—this person was usable.

*

Ye Huaizhang returned early from Europe.

As soon as he landed, he went straight to the company to deal with the short-selling attack by capital sharks.

His fourth uncle inevitably rushed to his office to complain.

Your wife not only ‘favors outsiders over family’ but also set a trap to harm us. That appraiser Fang Haiming from the ‘Treasure Appraisal’ show is her cousin’s boyfriend—he started the short-selling on diamonds. The diamond mines are just a minor asset for our Hongtong Industry, yet the short-sellers seized this opportunity to batter our stock price. We spent over a billion on buybacks and increasing our holdings this time! Su Manzhu wouldn’t earn that back in ten years…

Ye Jinfeng was so furious that he blurted out a torrent of words.

Ye Huaizhang looked up impatiently: Fourth Uncle, we spent over a billion on buybacks and increased holdings, we didn’t lose over a billion. When Hongtong Industry’s stock price recovers, our actual book value will definitely show a profit.

That’s not how you make money…

Ye Huaizhang quickly scanned the documents in his hand and interrupted Ye Jinfeng: Why is the increased holding so limited?

Ye Jinfeng explained: We stopped increasing holdings for a few days after being caught in their pump-and-dump scheme, though the company buybacks never stopped. But later your grandmother and your father insisted we continue, so we haven’t stopped since then.

Ye Huaizhang was utterly speechless. He immediately called for the CFO and board secretary to convene a meeting. After two hours of discussion, they concluded that the Li Family couldn’t possibly acquire more shares from the secondary market than the Third Branch.

However, he added, if they join forces with the second largest shareholder, that would change everything.

The second largest shareholder of Hongtong Industry is the American R Foundation.

The Li Family maintains close ties with Wall Street capital giants. There’s concern that if the Li Family connects with the R Foundation through Wall Street channels, significant trouble could ensue.

Last year, when Hongtong Industry and the R Foundation had conflicting objectives regarding a project in South Korea, the responsible party from R Foundation specifically contacted Ye Huaizhang.

At that time, Ye Huaizhang didn’t accommodate their demands, causing considerable strain between the two parties.

Ye Huaizhang even suspects that the recent short selling of Hongtong Industry by Wall Street capital giants was orchestrated with the R Foundation acting as the guide.

This is indeed tricky.

Attempting to communicate with the R Foundation now would undoubtedly be too late.

Returning home in the evening, Ye Huaizhang had a lengthy conversation with his grandmother before heading to the Oldest Branch residence to find Ye Baoling.

Ye Baoling was reviewing investment materials brought back by Qu Zhengming from Shenzhen when she heard knocking. She hurried to open the door.

Seeing Ye Huaizhang standing at the doorway without a trace of smile on his face, she knew he had come to demand explanations.

She softened her approach with a smile: Husband, you’ve lost weight.

After entering, Ye Huaizhang first washed his hands, then sat down opposite her.

After a moment’s pause, he said: Commercial competition between Su Man and Gezhi is normal. One is the Ye family enterprise where your Oldest Branch holds absolute majority shares; the other belongs to our Third Branch. Wouldn’t it be better if marketing efforts could create win-win situations?

Ye Baoling remained unconvinced: From the moment you started your own jewelry company to compete with our business, win-win was never possible.

Gezhi Jewellery was newly established under Ye Huaizhang’s grandfather’s direction. Regarding this matter, the Third Branch was indeed at fault. He could only say: Your short selling of diamonds won’t benefit Su Man in the long run either. Our diamond mines supply you at low prices – this should be a shared advantage for both Su Man and Gezhi. But your current actions are destroying our common rice bowl. The loss outweighs the gain.

Ye Baoling closed the file folder: Sharing a rice bowl you condescend to give us means we still can’t eat. Besides, I’m breaking your rice bowl, not mine. Our Oldest Branch holds a golden rice bowl, securely in our hands.

Ye Huaizhang: True, you previously said you would crush Gezhi Jewellery, and you’ve succeeded. But the ripple effects this time are too extensive. We’ve spent over a billion on share repurchases and increased holdings. Your actions have strained relations between our families. How will we have reunion dinners during Chinese New Year? Do you still plan to steal your grandfather’s Ugly King Jade Pendant?

Ye Baoling had anticipated the family fallout when she decided on this course of action.

She didn’t care.

First, I need to clarify – I’m not planning to steal my grandfather’s Ugly King Jade Pendant. Opening that bronze door was our mutual decision.

Right, we’ll steal it together.

Even if our families can’t dine together, I can still devise alternative methods during New Year to lure my grandfather and others away. That’s not difficult.

He now completely believed her words – if she said she could accomplish something, she definitely could.

Actually, his real concern wasn’t about failing to steal the Ugly King Jade Pendant, but about the awkwardness that would arise from the strained family relations going forward.

Being caught in the middle, handling these relationships was truly annoying.

Ye Baoling knew what troubled him and changed the subject: How’s the investigation going with Xiao Dahai looking into those people in your family?

Ye Huaizhang paused briefly before responding: Nothing major uncovered about the others, just one thing… Second Aunt is my father’s first love.

Ye Baoling: !

Author’s Note: Ye Baoling: Your Third Branch really has new stories every single day.

Ye Huaizhang: …