The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 85 Returning to the Rightful Owner

Chapter 85 Returning to the Rightful Owner

On the 30th floor of Jade Dragon Mansion, in the chairman’s office, Ye Qizu had gathered all the necessary people before Ye Baoling arrived.

Hearing his granddaughter’s overly frank tone, Ye Qizu was furious.

Did you plan this early on—to use your own factory to handle Leaf Pure Tea’s business in the future?

Ye Baoling retorted, Why can’t I?

Who gave you permission to do this? You’ve only been the group’s vice president for a few days, and you’re already thinking about lining your own pockets? Ye Qizu slammed the table in anger. If this gets out, how are we going to explain it to the major and minor shareholders?

Ye Baoling: As long as my prices are reasonable, my efficiency high, and my quality good, there’s no reason why I can’t. I’m willing to accept fair competition. Besides, it’s common practice in the industry for company management to designate agents. Is it really worth making such a fuss about?

Third Uncle Ye Qizong said sarcastically, If someone reports this to the ICAC, you could go to jail!

Really? That serious? Ye Baoling looked at Ye Kaisen. Uncle Shen, is it really that serious?

Ye Kaisen guessed that Ye Baoling was about to attack him. He hadn’t expected the old man to not immediately hold Ye Baoling accountable for the Evercrown Beverage matter.

Instead, he had discovered that Ye Baoling had bought land to open a factory.

He somewhat regretted having passed the leverage to her through Ye Baoshun earlier. He even suspected that she had learned from their example after seeing the evidence he provided, leading to her buying land and building a factory on the mainland.

But it was too late for regrets now. Ye Kaisen could only smile awkwardly and try to smooth things over: Yes, it’s not that serious. Second Uncle, Dad, if it’s Baoling’s own factory, using it for our family business might actually be safer and more reliable.

Everyone was stunned that Ye Kaisen would say such a thing.

Ye Qizong scolded his own son: Since when do we protect younger generations like this? Second Brother, don’t pay attention to what Kaisen said. Baoling’s matter is very serious. Fortunately, we discovered it early before any financial exchanges occurred, otherwise it would be difficult to explain to the shareholders.

Ye Baoling: Then I’d like to ask, how do you plan to explain the matter of Su Manzhu’s jewelry factory to the shareholders?

As she spoke, she nodded to Ye Baoshun.

Ye Baoshun took a stack of documents from his file folder, clearing his throat deliberately before speaking.

It seemed that for the first time in his life, he was having a moment in the spotlight with everyone’s attention on him.

I found this document in Uncle Shen’s office.

Everyone looked at Ye Kaisen, who remained calm. He had dared to leak the document to Ye Baoshun precisely because it posed no real threat to him.

He just hadn’t expected Ye Baoling to use this same document to clear her own name.

Ye Baoshun: This is an outsourcing contract. For the past few years, Su Manzhu’s cutting and polishing work has been outsourced to Yongxing Jewelry. And the shareholders of Yongxing Jewelry—this is interesting—the major shareholder is Uncle Shen’s brother-in-law, and the minor shareholder is my uncle. Which means the real owners behind the scenes are Uncle Shen and my father.

Upon hearing this, Ye Kais wished he could tear his son’s mouth apart and then beat him up.

Ye Baoling added, Most importantly, the outsourcing prices Su Man offered to Yongxing were far above market rates. I just mentioned that my factory could provide more affordable and efficient services in the future, and you accused me of illegal activity, saying the ICAC would investigate me. So let me ask you—will the ICAC investigate Uncle Shen and Second Uncle?

Ye Qizu, Ye Qizong, and Ye Kais all fell silent, their faces cold.

Uncle Shen, look—my grandfather and Second Uncle are practically fuming, but you seem remarkably calm.

Ye Kaisen smiled and explained, Baoling, my thoughts align with yours. These are all businesses of our Ye family’s Oldest Branch. There’s no need for insiders to scrutinize each other so harshly.

Ye Baoling shook her head. You intentionally let Baoshun obtain this document and deliver it to me. You’ve been hoping I’d use it to confront you.

At this, Ye Kaisen’s expression shifted slightly before he retorted, Ye Baoling, must you bite anyone within reach? How could I possibly leak such a document to Baoshun on purpose? Meanwhile, you exploited your own cousin to steal confidential files—your intentions are deplorable!

Ye Baoling turned to her cousin. Baoshun, did I ask you to steal documents from Uncle Shen’s office?

Ye Baoshun hurriedly shook his head. I couldn’t stand it anymore and volunteered to take them.

How infuriating—this son of his!

Ye Kais could no longer restrain himself and moved to strike Ye Baoshun, but the latter nimbly dodged behind his grandfather.

Ye Qizu snapped impatiently, Enough! Do you think this is a marketplace?!

Ye Baoling said, Second Uncle, if you want to discipline your son, do it at home. I haven’t finished speaking. Why is Uncle Shen so composed? Why did he deliberately hand me leverage? Because he wanted me to trigger this powder keg. On the surface, the major shareholder of Yongxing Jewelry is Uncle Shen and Second Uncle’s brother-in-law, but the actual major shareholder is you, Grandfather!

She looked directly at Ye Qizu. Otherwise, who would dare engage in such blatant profit transfer at prices so far above market rates? Don’t ask me for evidence—if you want proof, let the ICAC investigate.

Ye Qizu, who had earlier only looked pale, now turned as dark and rigid as an iron barrel, his gaze chillingly cold.

Ye Baoling paid no heed. Years ago, before Su Manzhu Jewelry went public, all craftsmanship was handled in their own workshops. After the IPO, the Oldest Branch’s profits were diluted. To secure richer returns, you started shifting funds between your own entities—setting up outsourcing companies to charge exorbitant prices for internal orders. No wonder Su Manzhu Jewelry’s profits are so low.

Everyone remained silent, their faces stern.

Ye Baoling swept a glance across the room. Your actions are the illegal profit transfers that should be investigated by the ICAC. Is my yet-to-be-built factory really worth this exaggerated uproar and accusation? Or are you allowed to feast lavishly while I’m denied even a basic meal?

Ye Qizu, thoroughly humiliated, pressed his lips together without a word.

The others were rendered speechless by her questions.

Ye Baoling pressed on, Or is this merely an excuse to target me?

Ye Qizong attempted to explain, Baoling, don’t overthink it. This was a collective decision. We were unaware of your plans, so as elders, isn’t it reasonable for us to inquire?

Ye Baoling replied, You may ask, but your approach feels like an inquisition—not a simple query or a request for transparency.

Ye Baoshun added, Uncle Shen deliberately leaked this matter. Uncle Shen has serious issues.

Ye Kaisen complained, trying to shift the blame: Second Uncle, Baoshun wants freedom, wants to go out and fool around whenever he pleases. He doesn’t want me to control him and keeps finding ways to stir up trouble.

Who’s stirring up trouble? Ye Baoshun retorted unhappily. Aren’t you the one causing trouble?

Ye Qizu waved his hand: Enough, enough, let’s not discuss this for now. We’ll figure out who’s responsible later.

He turned to Ye Baoling, You know about the landfill being built in the valley next to Jiaqi Beverage Factory, right?

I didn’t know, Ye Baoling shook her head. Jiaqi Beverage Factory was recommended by Cai Yongming. We should call Cai Yongming here.

Ye Kaisen said, What does this have to do with Cai Yongming? He recommended it, but you were the one who approved the purchase.

Ye Baoling also shifted the blame: Grandfather approved the purchase. Have you forgotten, Grandfather?

Ye Qizu replied, I only signed off in the end, but the premise was that you should have investigated thoroughly before submitting the acquisition of Jiaqi Factory to me.

Ye Qizong chimed in, Yes, Baoling, as the person in charge, you should have investigated clearly. Now that we’ve spent a fortune to buy Jiaqi Factory, how can we possibly use it to produce herbal tea if a landfill is built next to it? If the media exposes this, not only will our stock price plummet, but it will likely affect our herbal tea sales as well. We won’t be able to resell the factory either.

Ye Baoling fell silent. She calmly glanced at everyone and then asked, So, how do you plan to deal with me?

Thinking his granddaughter had finally yielded, Ye Qizu breathed a sigh of relief inwardly.

His intention was simple: he wanted to emulate Empress Dowager Cixi’s suppression of Prince Gong, making Ye Baoling learn to submit to authority first, so she could be useful to him again later.

Ye Qizu said, You’re my granddaughter, and of course, I want you to succeed. As for the Jiaqi Factory matter, first, find a way to resolve it properly. Once it’s resolved, you can temporarily return as deputy general manager of Leaf Pure Tea. After you’ve gained enough experience, you can become the group’s deputy general manager again.

And if it’s not resolved properly?

If it’s not resolved properly, then step down another level and return as the marketing director.

No matter what, Ye Qizu still hoped that Ye Baoling would continue to help Leaf Pure Tea expand its market.

Ye Baoling nodded slightly and smiled, That’s fine.

Everyone thought she had agreed and breathed a sigh of relief.

Only Ye Baoshun was dissatisfied: What about Uncle Shen? Shouldn’t he be dealt with?

Ye Kais snapped, Ye Baoshun, get out of here!

I’m not leaving.

Ye Kais immediately went out and asked his secretary to call security. Coincidentally, some security guards were nearby.

As soon as the security guards entered, Ye Baoling gave them a look.

You may leave first.

The security guards were well aware that the Security Section was under the young lady’s control. They promptly and tactfully withdrew.

Fuming, Ye Kais widened his eyes. He had no real authority in the company. Compared to his influential niece, he couldn’t even command a security guard. But he was tactful enough to save face immediately: Ye Baoshun, wait until we get home tonight. See if I don’t teach you a lesson!

Ye Qizu said, Now we need to think of a way to resolve the Jiaqi Beverage Factory issue.

Ye Baoling looked at Ye Kaisen: Ask Uncle Shen. Uncle Shen must know how to resolve it.

Ye Kaisen smiled and gently waved his hand: How could I have such ability?

Why not? Isn’t the person in charge of the landfill site selection your best friend?

Ye Kaisen froze. How did she know?

He quickly distanced himself: What best brother are you talking about?

Just then Cai Yongming was summoned. Ye Baoling slightly raised her head: Cai Yongming knows about this. Right, General Cai?

Cai Yongming looked completely confused: What matter?

Ye Baoshun asked: Wasn’t the person responsible for the landfill site selection Ye Kaisen’s good brother?

Cai Yongming pretended ignorance and shook his head: I don’t know about that.

You don’t know?

I really don’t know.

Ye Baoling looked at Cai Yongming and said: After Ye Kaisen learned through his good brother Councilor Qin that the landfill was chosen near Jiaqi Beverage Factory, he had you recommend the Jiaqi factory to me at an opportune moment, intending to frame me with it. Isn’t that right?

Cai Yongming immediately refuted: Of course not.

Ye Kaisen instantly cursed: Nonsense! Ye Baoling, don’t talk recklessly just to shift responsibility.

Ye Qizong, unaware of the full situation, defended his son: Cai Yongming is the general manager of Leaf Pure Tea. He and Kaisen hold equivalent positions. What reason would he have to take orders from Kaisen?

That’s something we should ask General Cai. Why would General Cai be so obedient to my Uncle Shen? Does my Uncle Shen have some leverage over you? Ye Baoling said these words with a smile on her face.

Cai Yongming, who had witnessed the young lady’s Havoc in Heaven tactics last time, felt uneasy inside. Since Ye Baoling could say this, clearly she knew some inside information. All he could do now was not easily admit defeat and not voluntarily provide evidence.

Therefore, he forced a smile: Young lady, you must have some misunderstanding.

Ye Baoling: I’m not mistaken. Since you won’t confess, don’t blame me for exposing your scandal publicly.

After speaking, Ye Baoling walked to her grandfather’s desk and pressed the intercom to the secretarial office: Have them come in.

Soon Chen Yulan entered with HR Manager Li, Lin Zhizhi, and Gao Lizhen.

The security guards who escorted them didn’t enter, only stood guard at the door.

Seeing them, Cai Yongming’s face instantly turned ashen.

Ye Kais asked uncertainly: What’s going on?

This is Manager Li from HR, who was once Cai Yongming’s trusted subordinate. To curry favor with Cai Yongming, Manager Li specifically recruited female employees who were either pure or beautiful, but definitely from respectable families, to serve Cai Yongming. As she spoke, Ye Baoling looked at Manager Li. Right, Manager Li!

Manager Li stammered in response: Yes.

Cai Yongming immediately denied: This is slander!

It’s not slander. I can testify. Gao Lizhen said bravely: Manager Li is my sister’s classmate. He knew my family was in financial difficulty and needed money. After actively recruiting me, he blocked my probation period conversion and forced me to serve General Cai. I… I had no choice but to go, but… when he took off his clothes, I got scared and ran away. Later Manager Li wanted to fire me, but was afraid I would expose them, so he kept demoting me from the secretarial office through several departments.

Lin Zhizhi also said: I had the same experience. Except I didn’t manage to escape that day, and since then I became… General Cai’s person. Later General Cai assigned me to be the young lady’s secretary, having me monitor her every move daily.

Of course Cai Yongming wouldn’t admit it: You’re all conspiring to slander me.

Ye Baoling took the documents handed by Chen Yulan and placed them on Ye Qizu’s desk. Here is the evidence provided by Manager Li and Lin Zhizhi.

Ye Qizu picked up the documents to examine them carefully, while Ye Kais and Ye Baoshun also gathered around to look.

The old man’s expression grew increasingly grim. He never expected such scum to exist among the company’s senior management, capable of such disgraceful acts!

He threw the documents on the table. Call the police later and let them handle this.

Upon hearing this, Cai Yongming felt as if he’d lost three parts of his soul.

Ye Baoling first asked Manager Li, Gao Lizhen and others to leave the room before speaking: Ye Kaisen seized this leverage over Cai Yongming to force him into collaborating against me.

Ye Kaisen retorted: Why would I want to deal with you!

Why? Ye Baoling stood in the center of the office. First, because I removed you from your position as Group Vice President; second, you don’t want me interfering in Su Man’s affairs. You’re afraid I’ll uncover your messy accounts at Su Manzhu, afraid my presence will make it harder for you to continue embezzling and committing fraud.

Ye Kaisen immediately seized on what he perceived as a flaw in Ye Baoling’s argument: Wasn’t this just settled? The so-called embezzlement and fraud were collective decisions by the Oldest Branch. I’m not afraid of you exposing anything. Your reasoning doesn’t hold water.

Ye Baoling responded: Yongxing Jewelry involved collective benefit transfers. But your relationship with gold supplier Phillips—that wasn’t a collective benefit transfer, was she?

At these words, Ye Qizu’s gaze abruptly shifted to Ye Kaisen.

Ye Kaisen hurriedly explained: Phillips was a supplier your grandfather personally negotiated with. Moreover, the prices Phillips gives us have always been lower than the London gold exchange market.

Phillips’ prices are indeed lower than the London exchange, but that doesn’t change the fact that they secured large contracts with Su Man by bribing you. And their bribes have been continuous, given as percentage-based commissions.

Phillips is an American company. Westerners never engage in bribery like Chinese do, Ye Kaisen said heatedly.

Ye Baoling laughed: So the Anglo-Saxons who built their wealth through piracy have become so noble in your eyes? Should we visit the British Museum to clear your head?! Americans openly bribe during presidential elections—are you saying they don’t engage in bribery? When you were counting the money, weren’t you fully aware?

As Ye Kaisen tried to rebut, Ye Baoling took a second set of documents from Chen Yulan.

Here’s evidence of Phillips bribing Ye Kaisen. Not much, but enough. If you want more evidence, as I said before, we’ll have to let the ICAC investigate.

Ye Baoshun quickly took the documents and presented them to their grandfather.

Ye Qizong attempted to defend his son: Second Brother, this evidence could be fabricated.

True or false, I can see for myself, Ye Qizu shot them a disdainful look.

Ye Baoling stated: Whether it’s true or false isn’t important right now—the ICAC can verify that later. What I want to address now is how Ye Kaisen colluded with Cai Yongming to disregard company interests and commit numerous evil deeds!

The accusation of disregarding company interests and committing numerous evil deeds was no small matter.

The door suddenly opened. Ye Kaimin, having heard that the old man was judging Ye Baoling, had rushed from home to see what was happening.

Now Ye Baoling was his only hope, and he felt compelled to protect her.

All of you ganging up on our family—

Dad, shut up and don’t speak, Ye Baoling cut him off.

Ye Kaimin immediately fell silent.

Everyone’s expressions grew increasingly sour—it appeared his daughter was gaining the upper hand.

Ye Kaimin quickly nodded with a smile. I won’t say anything.

Ye Baoling continued, The term I used was ‘disregarding the company’s interests.’ Let’s not dwell on distant matters; we’ll start with recent ones. As I mentioned earlier, Jiaqi Beverage Factory was recommended to me by Cai Yongming under Ye Kaisen’s instructions. The goal was to saddle me with the blame for poor investment decisions, forcing me to leave the company eventually.

As she spoke, Ye Baoling unfolded a newspaper and pointed to the cover figure. This Councilor Qin, Ye Kaisen’s closest friend, has visited our Ye family as a guest. I believe Third Granduncle must remember him.

Ye Qizong glanced at it but remained silent.

It was this Councilor Qin who was responsible for selecting the landfill site. Last year, he leaked the location to Ye Kaisen. Upon discovering that a beverage OEM factory near the site was up for transfer, Ye Kaisen instructed Cai Yongming to find an opportunity to inform me about it. Isn’t that right, Cai Yongming?

Cai Yongming, still reeling from the earlier exposure of his misconduct, hadn’t yet regained his composure.

Ye Baoling attempted to manipulate him psychologically: Compared to your harassment of a female subordinate, this matter is trivial. If you reveal the mastermind behind the Jiaqi Factory acquisition scheme, you might not even bear any responsibility. After all, our company suffered no losses from this. Of course, if you refuse to confess, it doesn’t matter—we have solid evidence either way. I’m just trying to save time today…

Ye Kais interrupted, What do you mean the company suffered no losses?

Because another company has been handling the transfer agreement with Jiaqi Beverage Factory all along. We withdrew from the deal early on.

Ye Qizu was stunned. How was that possible? Huang Ying had already told him the deal was settled, the investment department had signed the contract, and the first payment had been made.

Ye Kaisen questioned, Wasn’t it purchased? We were just waiting for the announcement.

Ye Baoling explained, What we negotiated with Jiaqi Factory was an OEM contract. Over the next year, Jiaqi Beverage Factory and its branch plants in mainland China will handle OEM production for Ye Qingtang. Changguan is one of Jiaqi’s branch plants. My uncle only went there as deputy plant manager to gain experience.

Everyone was shocked! This was far from standard practice.

Deceiving everyone, even the boss—if it were something else detrimental to the company, the consequences would be unthinkable. This was a severe overstep, akin to rebellion in ancient times.

Although it was a relief that Jiaqi Beverage Factory wasn’t purchased, saving the company a significant amount of money—a great outcome—it did little to quell the rage boiling inside Ye Qizu. However, given the current situation, it wasn’t the time to direct his anger at Ye Baoling. The old man forcibly suppressed his temper.

Seeing the old man struggling to vent his frustration, Ye Baoling smiled faintly and turned to Cai Yongming. That’s why I said the company suffered no losses. Even if you admit it, General Cai, the company won’t demand compensation from you. But if you refuse…

Ye Kaisen cut in, Ye Baoling, you’re coercing Cai Yongming to target me!

Uncle Shen, feeling guilty? Ye Baoling smiled and shifted her focus to Ye Kaisen. You’re not going to tell me you and Cai Yongming usually have no contact, are you? Your frequent call records, visits to dance halls together, mahjong games—there are eyes everywhere. General Cai, have you seen what happened to Qi Yuxiu after sharing a bed with Ye Kaisen? Someone who blackmails you into wrongdoing—what help can they really offer? Think carefully.

Speaking softly as she approached Cai Yongming, Ye Baoling said, Your secret might never have been exposed. Who was it that brought you to this state? If it were me, I would never let them get away with it. Even if I’m going to hell, I’ll drag someone down with me.

Recalling how Ye Kaisen had blackmailed him back then, Cai Yongming instantly clenched his fists.

Ye Kaisen could clearly sense the change in Cai Yongming’s expression. Ye Baoling, what are you muttering about? Conspiring right in front of us like this—anything Cai Yongming says from now on can’t be considered valid.

This provoked Cai Yongming. It was Ye Kaisen who held leverage over me and forced me to act against the young mistress.

You’re talking nonsense! Ye Kaisen snapped. You’re conspiring right in front of everyone, trying to frame me.

Ye Baoling mocked, Uncle Shen, your trick of using others’ secrets to blackmail them is nothing new. The former Leaf Pure Tea general manager Shen Wanjie was coerced by you into becoming your pawn. You’re just repeating the same old tactics.

Ye Kais asked Cai Yongming, You claim Ye Kaisen blackmailed you—do you have proof?

Cai Yongming replied, Manager Li can testify for me; he knows about Ye Kaisen’s blackmail. My wife can also confirm it. Ye Kaisen called our home several times to give me orders, and she heard everything clearly.

Ye Qizong stepped in again to defend his son: Whether Cai Yongming’s accusation against Kaisen is true or not, even if it were, has it caused any actual loss to the company? You just said there was no loss.

Ye Baoling responded, Correct. This incident hasn’t caused any financial loss to the company so far, but attempted murder is still a crime even if it fails. Although Ye Kaisen’s scheme ultimately didn’t harm the company, that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be held accountable.

Ye Qizong retorted, I see what you’re doing—you just want to force Kaisen out of the company. You’re colluding with outsiders to target him. This Cai Yongming, who preys on decent women—what kind of respectable person is he? How can his words be trusted as testimony?

Cai Yongming angrily shot back, I may not be a good person, but what about Ye Kaisen? The young mistress described him as ‘disregarding company interests and committing numerous evils’—she’s absolutely right. To drag her down, he ordered me to plant drugs in the first batch of Leaf Pure Tea’s Jasmine Iced Tea Christmas Gift Packages bound for the U.S.

The room fell into stunned silence at this revelation.

Using drugs to frame their own family?

Wow! Ye Kaimin immediately exclaimed. Ye Kaisen, I never thought you’d be this vicious! How could you do such a thing? You’re harming the company and your own cousin’s daughter—your methods are downright malicious!

Ye Kaisen denied it vehemently: Stop spreading these lies. Where’s the evidence? If drugs were planted, why didn’t the American police find them?

Ye Baoling replied coolly, What a coincidence—that’s exactly what I was about to address. Ye Kaisen, did you really think your scheme was so clever that we’d all be kept in the dark? The American police didn’t find anything because we discovered it beforehand and dealt with it.

So that was why the U.S. authorities hadn’t found drugs in the dolls—they had been removed.

Ye Kaisen insisted on his innocence: Ye Baoling, you’re going too far. Do you realize that falsely accusing someone of drug trafficking could land me in prison?!

Oh, so you understand that being framed for drugs leads to jail time? Then why didn’t you consider that when plotting against me? Of course, you wouldn’t care—you wanted me behind bars! For your own selfish gain, you dared to sabotage our very first shipment to the U.S. Where do the company’s interests factor into your actions?

Ye Qizong stood up, visibly anxious—after all, this matter could indeed lead to imprisonment if proven. Evidence? Show me the evidence.

Chen Yulan handed over a videotape. Ye Baoling stated, The proof is in this recording.