The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 81: Information Overload

Chapter 81: Information Overload

At the summit of Silver Snake Mountain, the winter wind whipped against his face, leaving Ye Huaizhang utterly clear-headed.

It was the piercing clarity that came from being betrayed by the person who shared his bed.

Ye Baoling stood beside him, wrapped in a mink coat rarely worn in Port City. Gazing at the distant glittering cityscape, she seemed lost in thought.

He asked softly, Was it you who tipped off the Li Family about short selling Hongtong Industry?

Ye Baoling had met Li Shaochang and his two sons at the celebration banquet for Ye Qingtang’s company listing, introduced by her grandfather.

She got along well with the Li family’s second son, exchanged contact information, and while not close friends, could relay messages when needed.

She didn’t deny it. You taught me that all’s fair in war. Didn’t you? We’re not just husband and wife, but two completely independent individuals. Just because we’re married doesn’t mean you should let your guard down around me.

At least she wouldn’t.

She was giving him a lesson.

I thought we were husband and wife, that at least for this year we were a community of shared interests. In business, I scheme against others too. But I never imagined scheming against you…

But you schemed against me?

Ye Huaizhang bit back these words.

Of course we can be a community of shared interests. So, do you need my help next? I could choose to cooperate with Li Shaochang, but I’ll still prioritize working with you. Though as I’ve said before, even close couples should settle accounts clearly. I can’t help for free. A faint smile played on her lips as she spoke.

Her rationality was chilling.

Ye Huaizhang didn’t know how to describe his current state of mind.

But he clearly understood that in her heart, he was merely a business partner.

Or perhaps slightly higher than an ordinary partner.

At least he had priority.

Since that was the case, they might as well discuss cooperation properly.

Having planned for so long, he believed her goal wasn’t simply money.

Ye Huaizhang could roughly guess what she wanted, but still asked, If we cooperate, what are your terms?

Ye Baoling, however, became evasive. Your family should discuss first what you can offer me.

Then she shifted tone, During your discussion, don’t offer suggestions. Let them propose. See what they can give.

With these words, it suddenly seemed they were allies again.

Though Ye Huaizhang knew this was her rhetoric, he couldn’t help feeling secretly pleased.

Frustrated enough to slap himself, he only muttered, So should I be wary of you now, or not?

Ye Baoling laughed, shrinking her neck into her coat. It’s cold. Let’s go back.

Ye Huaizhang took a deep breath of cold air, clearing his mind once more.

Actually, he could also use this opportunity to obtain what he wanted in advance.

Add a condition, he said.

Standing by the car, Ye Baoling looked into his equally ambitious eyes. Add a condition that benefits you?

Yes.

Ye Baoling smiled and nodded. Fine. But I’m a bit short on money now. Could you lend me ten million?

Ten million was a small amount to him.

He agreed without hesitation.

She knew what he wanted. Neither spoke it aloud, both understanding perfectly.

Returning home, Guan Lao Taijun and the others were still awake, waiting for Ye Huaizhang to bring back good news.

After Ye Huaizhang entered, he reported truthfully: Bao Ling said she’s willing to cooperate with us, but we need to show sincerity.

Ye Jinsong couldn’t help asking: What kind of sincerity?

She didn’t specify. Ye Huaizhang sat down on the sofa.

Ye Jinfeng said: So does she want to sell her shares or retain them? If she chooses to retain them and is willing to become a concerted party with us, we can give her a thank-you fee. That would be the least costly option. If she wants to sell her shares, we can repurchase them at a slightly higher price than the current market rate.

Ye Huaizhang: She’s probably just making a short-term investment, not planning to hold Hongtong Industry shares for dividends.

Ye Jinfeng sounded skeptical: How does she have so much money to invest?

Ye Jinbai: Could it be the Oldest Branch’s money?

Ye Huaizhang shrugged: I don’t know.

Guan Lao Taijun asked: Since she doesn’t intend to hold our Hongtong Industry shares long-term, let’s repurchase them at an appropriate premium. How much should we add?

No one spoke.

Determining the amount was tricky.

After a long while, Ye Jinbai suggested a figure: Five percent?

Ye Jinsong shook his head: Too little. She definitely won’t accept that.

Ye Jinfeng said: Isn’t she our Third Branch’s granddaughter-in-law? She’s one of us, five percent isn’t small. This isn’t a trivial amount.

Guan Lao Taijun asked her grandson: Huaizhang, what do you think?

Ye Huaizhang: She definitely won’t agree to that. Business is business, even brothers should settle accounts clearly.

Guan Lao Taijun: How much do you think would be appropriate?

Remembering his wife’s words not to give suggestions, he only said: I can’t figure out her thinking either.

Ye Jinsong said: Call her and ask if this would work.

Ye Jinfeng agreed: Test the waters first. Negotiating prices requires back-and-forth, gradually increasing the offer.

Ye Huaizhang had no choice but to call Ye Baoling, putting it on speakerphone.

To which Ye Baoling laughed on the other end: I’m not simply looking to profit from the price difference. If that were the case, I’d just sell to Li Shaochang directly. He’d definitely offer a higher price.

After hanging up, Ye Jinfeng couldn’t help cursing: How outrageous. Does she enjoy toying with us like we’re in the palm of her hand?

Guan Lao Taijun sighed: Bao Ling’s move is brilliant – she doesn’t state her conditions, leaving us here guessing blindly.

Ye Jinsong said: But fortunately she’s one of us. Otherwise, if she chose to cooperate with the Li Family, we’d be completely helpless.

Ye Jinfeng thought his eldest brother was covering for his son and daughter-in-law. Though dissatisfied in his heart, he didn’t voice it, keeping silent instead.

Meanwhile, the least business-savvy Ye Jinbai raised a question: Could she want Gezhi Jewellery?

Ye Jinsong: Possibly. Hasn’t Su Man been running those massive marketing campaigns recently precisely to suppress and capture Gezhi’s market share? For many years, Su Man has been the Boss in the gold jewelry market, but we’ve been encroaching on their market in recent years. They probably want to acquire Gezhi Jewellery to consolidate their dominant position.

Guan Lao Taijun asked her youngest son: How much is our Gezhi Jewellery worth?

Ye Jinfeng: The South African diamond mines don’t belong to Gezhi. Just counting our stores, pure gold, and other assets, the valuation is around four to five hundred million.

Ye Baoling’s 5.7% stake in Hongtong Industry was far more valuable than just four or five billion.

Guan Lao Taijun decisively stated, Give her all of Gezhi Jewellery, and make up the difference with cash.

At this point, to preserve Hongtong Industry, they had to make a painful sacrifice.

Moreover, Gezhi Jewellery only accounted for a small portion of the Third Branch’s assets and wasn’t a crucial part of their industrial chain. Losing Gezhi would primarily damage their pride.

Ye Jinsong patted his fourth brother’s shoulder. Let’s go with that decision.

Ye Jinfeng had no other choice—he had to agree even if he didn’t want to, as his opinion didn’t matter.

Huaizhang, what do you think?

Ye Huaizhang could roughly guess that his wife’s target wasn’t Gezhi, but he didn’t voice his opinion, only saying, We can communicate with her.

When they called Ye Baoling again, she didn’t answer.

At this hour, she was probably bathing. He said, We’ll try again later.

The Third Branch family wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight without a response.

Everyone could only continue waiting, staying up late.

After twenty minutes, Ye Huaizhang called his wife again.

This time, Ye Baoling agreed to come personally to the Third Branch mansion the next morning to sit down and discuss matters in detail.

The next day at 10 a.m., Ye Baoling arrived together with Liu Haonan and Chen Yulan.

In the small reception room on the first floor, Ye Jinbai acted as the welcoming vanguard, personally serving them tea with a humble and enthusiastic attitude.

Fortunately, we’re dealing with Baoling this time—one of our own. Otherwise, this would be really difficult.

Ye Jinfeng also shed his usual arrogance, forcing a polite smile as he sat to the side.

Guan Lao Taijun smiled gratefully. Yesterday we were still worrying about how to handle this. Huaizhang said there would always be a way, and indeed there was. It’s all thanks to you, Baoling. You’re the lucky star of our Third Branch.

Ye Baoling smiled. Grandmother, we’re speaking in business terms. There’s no need to thank me yet.

At these words, Guan Lao Taijun and her sons exchanged glances. They could sense that today’s negotiations might not go smoothly.

The two sides sat opposite each other, with only Ye Huaizhang sitting silently in the middle.

Ye Jinsong said, Baoling, we’ll transfer all our Gezhi Jewellery shares to you. For the difference, we’ll make up with cash. The amount can be negotiated.

Ye Baoling set down her teacup. There’s no need for cash compensation.

The others were pleasantly surprised. This… this isn’t proper. We should still make it up.

Ye Baoling glanced at Ye Huaizhang, then stated, I don’t want cash. I want your Ye Qingtang shares.

Ye Huaizhang understood—his wife’s true target was Ye Qingtang; Gezhi Jewellery was just an extra.

Hearing Ye Baoling’s condition, everyone was stunned.

Ye Jinfeng asked in disbelief, You want Gezhi Jewellery plus all our Ye Qingtang shares?

Ye Baoling smiled and nodded. That’s right.

Wasn’t this an overly audacious demand!

Ye Jinfeng couldn’t help standing up. Gezhi Jewellery plus our Ye Qingtang shares are worth at least 300 million more than the valuation of your Hongtong Industry holdings.

Liu Haonan immediately corrected him, Based on current valuations, it’s about 260 million more, not 300 million.

Whether it’s 260 million or 300 million, this isn’t an equal transaction! Ye Jinfeng was furious.

When family preys on family, they show no mercy!

Ye Baoling smiled and said, This cannot be an equivalent exchange. Of course, I intend to make a profit.

Ye Jinfeng questioned, That’s not what you said last night. You claimed you weren’t in it for the money.

Ye Baoling replied, Not being in it for the money doesn’t mean I won’t make any. You should consider it this way: is spending 260 million to secure control of Hongtong Industry worth it? If you don’t think so, then there’s no need to proceed with this deal.

In short, it’s you who need me, not the other way around.

Liu Haonan then added, If we sell our shares in Hongtong Industry to the Li Family, I believe we could earn at least 200 million more. If not for Mr. Ye Huaizhang’s influence, our boss would have sold the Hongtong shares to Li Shaochang for greater profit.

Ye Huaizhang remained silent.

Guan Lao Taijun and Ye Jinsong exchanged glances. They were reluctant to part with Ye Qingtang’s shares, not just for financial reasons.

It was the foundation left by their ancestors—losing it so abruptly was hard to accept.

But circumstances left them no choice.

Just as Guan Lao Taijun was about to speak, Ye Baoling interjected, I haven’t finished stating my conditions.

The tension in the room spiked as everyone looked at her, regretting not agreeing sooner—wondering if it would have been better.

Ye Baoling continued, Since Li Shaochang is demanding a reelection of Hongtong Industry’s chairman, my additional condition is that my husband, Ye Huaizhang, must become the chairman of Hongtong Industry.

Ye Huaizhang, the vested interest placed on the table, sat silently in the center.

This was exactly what he had aimed to gain through this opportunity.

The third branch of the family likely suspected that Ye Huaizhang had been swayed by his wife.

No wonder he had refrained from offering any suggestions since last night.

What a pair they were!

Ye Jinsong, caught in an awkward position, glanced at his son and then at his elderly mother.

For years, Guan Lao Taijun had been seeking a suitable opportunity to bypass her sons and pass her chairman position to Ye Huaizhang.

How could she let this chance slip away?

The old lady cleared her throat and smiled, This isn’t much of a condition. Grandfather always intended Huaizhang to be the successor; he was just too young at the time, so I acted as regent. I’m old now and should have stepped down long ago. The whole family agrees, right?

Whether the three sons had objections or not, none dared voice them openly at that moment.

After over an hour of negotiations, an agreement was signed according to Ye Baoling’s terms.

It was also agreed that both parties would keep the transaction confidential.

Meanwhile, Gezhi Jewellery would continue to be managed by the third branch for the time being, with Ye Baoling deploying financial and management teams to prevent asset transfers.

After Ye Baoling left, Ye Huaizhang also stood up and headed to the company.

Ye Jinfeng and Ye Jinbai smoked in the garden.

Ye Jinfeng was full of complaints: Huaizhang and Ye Baoling are definitely in cahoots. One takes Gezhi Jewellery and Ye Qingtang’s shares, the other becomes chairman of Hongtong Industry—their scheme is far too clever!

Ye Jinbai: Huaizhang probably didn’t know Ye Baoling had bought shares in Hongtong Industry earlier, otherwise he wouldn’t have been so anxious after returning. But when he went to talk with Ye Baoling later, he was likely softened by his wife’s gentle persuasion. At this point, getting a chairman position for free—why not take it? They haven’t done anything wrong.

Second Brother, you’re really broad-minded.

Ye Jinbai advised his fourth brother: When Dad was alive, it was already decided that Huaizhang would be the successor. It’s his sooner or later, and we can’t change that, right? One should still strive to be happy. The capable bear more burdens—Huaizhang has the ability and is willing to contribute more, isn’t that good?

Ye Jinfeng really didn’t want to continue this conversation with his second brother.

Pointless.

*

Ye Baoling placed a ten-million check into the check folder in her drawer.

She returned to the living room, where she and Ye Huaizhang each held a glass of red wine and lightly clinked them.

Congratulations in advance on your promotion to Chairman of Hongtong Industry.

Having already adjusted his mood at the company during the day, he said, And congratulations to you for getting what you wanted.

Do you know what I wanted? She took a small sip.

Would you have gone through all that scheming if you didn’t want it?

Ye Baoling smiled and nodded, admitting: True. This time, the Third Branch of the Ye family must be fuming. I’d better visit your side less often from now on.

Ye Huaizhang explained: In Grandma’s eyes, you helped us, and stepping down from the chairman position was also the outcome she wanted. As for the others, you don’t need to care at all.

Of course, she wouldn’t care—she was just making an excuse to reduce social engagements.

It’s clear that after removing the burden, Grandma can enjoy her later years more peacefully. What’s your next move against the Li Family? Them becoming the second-largest shareholder of Hongtong Industry must bother you quite a bit.

Ye Huaizhang had a preliminary plan: I can tolerate them for now and wait for the right opportunity to counterattack Yunchang Group.

We can collaborate. Although I don’t have money now, I will later. She said this earnestly.

Brothers united can cut through metal; husband and wife united can do the same.

He glanced at her. If he simply regarded his wife as a business partner, focusing only on cooperation without emotions, she would undoubtedly be an excellent commercial ally.

Alright, we’ll plan slowly. He then asked, Exactly how much of Ye Qingtang’s shares do you hold?

He had previously helped her buy shares from the Second Branch, plus those from the Third Branch, and she must have been scooping up more on the stock market.

Ye Baoling smiled mysteriously: Probably more than you imagine.

Where did you get that much money?

During the stock market crash, I made high-leverage short sells on U.S. stocks. The profits from earlier trades doubled and redoubled later.

You’re too bold. That’s no different from gambling.

This wasn’t gambling to her—it was cheating with foreknowledge.

She said, Don’t worry, I’ve stopped. I’ll focus on doing real business properly.

Ye Huaizhang teased her: You just said you’d help me counter the Li Family.Ye Baoling: That’s something I’ll do conveniently when you need my help. To be blunt, I was lucky to make money during this stock market crash, but no one’s luck lasts forever. I won’t easily return the hard-earned money to the casino.

Unless she was sure she could profit.

Or, if it wasn’t stock speculation but genuine financial investment.

That would be a different matter altogether.

Her clarity and rationality were qualities he cherished deeply, fueling his passionate love for her.

He reached out and touched her face. It’s best if we don’t become competitors in the future.

Ye Baoling held his hand and teased him, Afraid of me?

I don’t want us both to end up wounded.

I only bought so much Hongtong Industry stock this time because I was targeting the Ye Qingtang shares in your hands. Don’t worry, we’re in different lanes.

He asked, What do you plan to do with all those Ye Qingtang shares you’ve been hoarding?

Half-jokingly, Ye Baoling replied, You want to be chairman of Hongtong Industry, and I want to be chairman of Ye Qingtang.

Moreover, if she couldn’t find the Oldest Branch’s Ugly King Jade Pendant during the New Year celebrations, she could always use her shares to pressure her grandfather into handing it over when all else failed.

This part she kept to herself.

After all, she couldn’t possibly share the secret of collecting all the Ugly King Jade Pendants with him.

That night, she slept soundly while he lay awake, head propped on his hand, staring at the ceiling.

Their marital relationship had become too passive for him.

This wasn’t the married life he’d dreamed of.

Yet he was already in too deep – truly leaving her was something he couldn’t bring himself to do.

Just as he was finally feeling drowsy from staring at the ceiling, her hand instinctively reached over, caressing him in that familiar way.

He turned and held her tightly, pressing her close. She had grown so accustomed to his presence that she would surely be heartbroken without him.

She would. He was certain of it.

This thought gave him some small comfort.

He gently kissed her hair, realizing that this constant anxiety about gaining and losing was perhaps the most torturous aspect of their relationship.

The Third Branch successfully maintained control of Hongtong Industry, with Ye Huaizhang becoming chairman.

To stabilize the current situation, Ye Huaizhang continued increasing his holdings of Hongtong Industry shares on the secondary market.

He began systematically scaling back global expansion plans – stability now mattered more than size.

Simultaneously, the South African diamond mines resumed full production, and he started supplying jewelry merchants in Japan, Korea, Europe, and America to quickly recoup invested funds.

With just days left before the New Year, he was busy with work while Ye Baoling found herself with unexpected free time.

Both Ye Qingtang and Su Manzhu Jewelry were progressing smoothly, and Ye Kaisen was working diligently, proving quite useful for now.

One day, after acquiring a set of listening devices from Chen Weiqiang, she passed by the Hongtong office building and decided to visit Ye Huaizhang’s office directly.

Dong Jian wasn’t there. Ye Huaizhang’s secretary recognized Ye Baoling but didn’t know she was his wife, quickly rising with a smile. Miss Ye, do you have an appointment with our chairman?

She needed an appointment?

Ye Baoling smiled. No, could you please announce me?

Please wait a moment. The chairman is still meeting with clients.

The client meeting was just an excuse, as the secretary wasn’t sure if Ye Huaizhang would want to see her.

The secretary escorted Ye Baoling to the reception room to wait and brought her a cup of coffee.

The reception room had newspapers and magazines, so Ye Baoling casually picked up a fashion magazine to browse.

Soon, the secretary returned quickly with an apologetic expression. Miss Ye, sorry to keep you waiting.

No problem. She really did have nothing else to do today.

This way, please.

Entering the chairman’s office, she found Ye Huaizhang reviewing a document. He looked up and smiled. What brings you here?

Ye Baoling said, Just dropped by to see how things are going, and to supervise you a bit.

Supervise me about what?

Supervise your work, of course.

What, did he think she was here to check if he was having an affair?

See? Been busy the whole time. He glanced at his watch—nearly noon. Want to have lunch together?

Whatever. She pulled out a chair and sat down.

Just then, the secretary came in with a fresh cup of coffee. Ye Huaizhang introduced: This is my wife. From now on, when she comes, she can enter my office freely.

The secretary’s eyes widened in shock. Wasn’t she Miss Ye?

Was this a joke or…?

She didn’t dare ask, quickly smiling in response: Of course. My apologies, Mrs. Ye.

Ye Baoling: It’s fine. You’d better keep calling me Miss Ye.

After the secretary left, Ye Baoling said, Chen Weiqiang helped me acquire a set of listening devices.

Ye Huaizhang immediately understood but still asked, Where do you plan to install them?

Where do you think we should install them? she countered.

It was definitely meant for the third branch’s Residence of Inheritance and Harmony, though the exact location was harder to determine.

After returning from Europe, he had considered installing listening devices on their home telephone, but he had been too busy to act on it.

He asked, Can it intercept phone calls? All incoming and outgoing calls from every extension in the house?

These are wired listening devices, so theoretically yes.

How do we install them?

Have Dong Jian coordinate with Chen Weiqiang. It should be straightforward.

After finalizing their plan, the couple went out for lunch together.

Over the meal, they discussed how to create a diversion during the New Year.

Ye Baoling took a sip of conch soup and said, I’ve confirmed that our household has the fewest servants on the first and second days of the lunar new year. They start returning from the third day onward. If we want to act, these two days would be most suitable.

Ye Huaizhang recalled, Don’t we always have the ancestral temple ceremony on the second day?

Ye Baoling had forgotten about the ceremony. Right, the ancestral worship on the second day means practically everyone will be at the temple.

I’ll arrange something to keep people at the temple longer.

Good. But we’ll need excuses to skip the ceremony.

I can easily find an excuse. You can pretend to have menstrual cramps. Ye Huaizhang served her a piece of fish.

Ye Baoling nodded. That could work.

After lunch, Ye Huaizhang returned to the office while Ye Baoling went straight home.

The Oldest Branch took Spring Festival celebrations most seriously. Today was the day for seeing off the Kitchen God, with fireworks set off at the entrance and colorful paper fragments still littering the ground.

She happened to meet Ye Baoshun returning at the same time. She smiled and asked, Why are you back so early too?

Ye Baoshun put a finger to his lips. Just here to pick up some documents, leaving right away.

Clearly off to fool around with Lu Tianyou again.

Liang Meiyun, who was preparing red envelopes in the living room, smiled at their return. How rare to see you siblings coming home together. Perfect timing—help me hang these envelopes on the kumquat tree.

Ye Baoshun declined, No time. Just here for documents, need to get back to the office.

Liang Meiyun looked skeptical. It’s almost New Year. Even your always-busy sister has slowed down, but you’re still swamped? Who are you trying to fool?

Sister’s a vice president in the group, top management. She can work or slack off as she pleases. I’m just a layman—of course I have to persist till the end. With that, Ye Baoshun hurried upstairs.

Liang Meiyun sighed in frustration. Who knows if he’s telling the truth.

Ye Baoling didn’t comment, instead helping her aunt hang the red envelopes.

Following the professional’s instructions, Dong Jian successfully installed the listening devices that very night.

The following day passed without incident.

The next morning, Ye Huaizhang called Ye Baoling, urging her to come to his bedroom immediately—the surveillance had yielded new findings.

To avoid drawing attention, Ye Baoling took the Blue Brick Tunnel.

After leaving Ye Huaizhang’s bedroom, she slipped into the adjacent study.

The monitoring equipment was hidden in the study desk drawer.

Ye Huaizhang had already rewound the tape and handed her the headphones. This morning’s phone recordings. Listen.

She put on the headphones and immediately heard her aunt’s voice through the earpieces.

Han Yanmei: You’ve been avoiding me these past few days. Huaizhang has already become chairman.

Man: This isn’t something I can change.

That’s Ye Jinsong’s voice!

Han Yanmei: You simply can’t bear to…

Ye Jinsong: He’s my son.

Han Yanmei: Huai Li is also your son.

Ye Jinsong: I can give Huai Li other things. Just stop this. I’m really tired.

Han Yanmei: Were you lying to me before? Giving that red wine to Gong Jiahua was useless at all. It was just a coincidence that Gong Jiahua then…

Ye Jinsong: Enough, don’t say anymore. Someone’s coming. Let’s end it here.

He immediately hung up the phone.

Ye Baoling looked up at Ye Huaizhang’s unusually calm expression, suppressing her excitement about the gossip, and whispered: That was quite information-packed.

Author’s Note:

Ye Baoling: Having some free time to enjoy gossip is really nice.

Ye Huaizhang: Feeling complicated.

Third Branch of the Ye Family: Such misfortune for our family!

Ye Baoling: Focusing on career is still the most satisfying.

Recommendation: A novel from my good friend who has been silently supporting me since I started writing in 2017.

Dear readers who are interested, please go add it to your collections. To show my appreciation for your support, I’ll be sending small red envelopes in the comments section.

Marrying Spring Light by Tao Suzi (Search by title or author name)

Proud Noble Lady VS Wolf-like Mad Young General

Zhong Jiarong comes from a prestigious family, talented and beautiful.

Originally destined to marry into the royal family, but when her family refused to get involved in the succession struggle, she was forced to marry the youngest son of the newly prominent Qi family, Qi Yue.

The Qi family ancestors were farmers who were ennobled for saving the emperor and moved to the capital. Their manners haven’t caught up yet, and their upstart behavior often makes the noble families laugh.

At a banquet, someone deliberately provoked: Your beautiful bride-to-be has never done manual work, her feet are so soft she probably can’t even stand steadily. How will she manage your Qi family’s thousands of acres of farmland after marriage?

Qi Yue, with his dashing eyebrows and starry eyes, had a notoriously sharp tongue: No matter how delicate she is, once she enters my Qi residence, she’ll have to work in the fields.

On their wedding night, the beauty under the veil had red-rimmed eyes.

Qi Yue lifted the red silk – Zhong Jiarong’s face was as exquisite as the moon.

Stunned by her beauty for a long moment, Qi Yue still coldly laid down the rules: Even though you’re beautiful, I won’t go easy on you. After marriage, you’ll go to the farmland to adapt and properly reform your noble lady ways.

Zhong Jiarong remained silent with red eyes.

Qi Yue sat on the wedding bed, intending to consummate the marriage.

Zhong Jiarong suddenly kicked him hard.

Qi Yue fell to the floor in shock, grabbed her slender ankle, stared at the pale skin and laughed angrily: Too soft to stand on the ground? Who the hell started that rumor!

Qi Yue was unrestrained and rough, his life motto: Nothing can’t be solved with money or a fight. He knew Zhong Jiarong disliked him for coveting her beauty, and even the wedding night had been repeatedly postponed.

When the emperor flew into a rage that day, the Zhong family faced disaster, and their former high-society friends abandoned them to protect themselves.

With tears on her delicate face, Zhong Jiarong watched as Qi Yue bent his tall frame to shield her from the flames: Don’t cry. I’ll bring you the emperor’s head!