The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 86 Everyone Seems to Be Against Him...

Chapter 86 Everyone Seems to Be Against Him…

In the small living room on the first floor of Orchid Pavilion Residence, Ye Qizong sat with his two eldest sons discussing countermeasures.

Feng Yufang had been sitting quietly without speaking for quite some time.

Before long, the Jiang lawyer exclusively retained by the Oldest Branch arrived.

Feng Yufang quickly stood up and asked, Lawyer Jiang, how did it go?

Lawyer Jiang had just met with Ye Kaisen. He said, Mr. Ye Kaisen admits that he indeed purchased over 200 grams of cocaine, which he later had Cai Yongming place into the Jasmine Iced Tea Christmas gift boxes.

Ye Qizong asked puzzled, But Ye Baoling said those drugs had been dumped into international waters.

Lawyer Jiang replied, Mr. Ye Kaisen suspects… Miss Ye didn’t actually dump the drugs into international waters, but instead had someone place them in his car to set this trap for him.

That Ye Baoling is utterly vicious! Feng Yufang exclaimed angrily, pounding her leg in frustration.

Ye Kaisen’s two older brothers, however, couldn’t agree with this perspective.

He brought this upon himself by plotting against others first. You can’t blame someone for retaliating.

Of all people to provoke, he had to go after Ye Baoling!

Knowing her husband was in the wrong, Feng Yufang felt resentful but couldn’t argue further. She only asked, What should we do now?

Ye Qizong also inquired, Yes, Lawyer Jiang, what’s our course of action now? Would it help if he tells the police the complete truth?

Lawyer Jiang shook his head honestly. It won’t help. There’s no evidence whatsoever to prove that Miss Ye framed him. Moreover, Ye Kaisen’s fingerprints are on the drug packaging. The only thing Mr. Ye Kaisen can do now is truthfully disclose where and from whom he purchased the drugs. He needs to prove that he wasn’t involved in drug trafficking, but merely purchased and kept the drugs for himself.

What’s the difference?

Lawyer Jiang explained, Drug trafficking could lead to a life sentence, but purchasing and possessing for personal use carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

Then we can only advise Third Brother to truthfully reveal the drug dealer.

Indeed. Since there’s no other choice, this is our only option. Third Brother dug his own grave with his clever schemes—he has no one else to blame.

Ye Qizong sighed. There’s no other way. We can only persuade him to expose the drug dealer. Trying to drag Ye Baoling into this now is completely pointless.

Feng Yufang asked again, Can he be released on bail?

Lawyer Jiang replied, It’s very difficult to get bail for drug-related crimes, but I will try to apply and negotiate.

While they were still discussing, Ye Qizu sent someone to summon them for an update on the situation.

Although Ye Qizu already knew the basic facts, he wanted to hear the details firsthand.

Ye Qizong had no choice but to report truthfully.

Before he could even finish speaking, Ye Kaimin jumped up. Third Uncle, what do you mean by that? At a time like this, is Ye Kaisen still refusing to admit his mistake? Still trying to drag our Bao Ling into this? Is he even a descendant of the Ye family?

Ye Qizong argued back, Bao Ling claimed the drugs were dumped into international waters, but what actually happened? They weren’t. She placed the drugs in Kaisen’s car trunk instead.

The police investigation is clear and definitive—Ye Kaisen’s fingerprints are on that drug package. Are Bao Ling’s fingerprints on it? No. That can only mean that after his first attempt to frame her failed, Ye Kaisen bought another batch of drugs and planned a second scheme! Ye Kaimin had never thought so clearly before. He’s done plenty of these shady deeds—getting caught is exactly what he deserves! A few years ago, this would have been punishable by execution!

Ye Qizong was about to retort when Ye Qizu cut him off: Third Brother, you’ve truly spoiled Ye Kaisen! All along, everyone said he was the most capable among all our brothers, but what happened? He never puts his mind to proper business. Buying drugs to frame our own company and his own niece—is this something a decent person would do?!

Seeing his second brother’s fury at its peak, Ye Qizong had no choice but to lower his head.

Where does he place the company’s interests? And where does he put the family’s interests? As an elder, framing a junior—is this something our Ye family would do? If the other branches find out, I’ll have nowhere to hide my face! Ye Qizu slammed the table hard, his beard bristling with anger.

Ye Qizong apologized softly: It’s my fault for not disciplining him properly. He’s over forty, has his own ideas—I can’t control him.

Then we’ll just have to let the judicial system control him, let prison control him.

Ye Qizong froze, not daring to reply.

After a long while, Ye Qizu finally asked: Did the lawyer say how many years he might get?

Lawyer Jiang said if he admits to possession and gives up the drug dealer, he might get up to seven years maximum.

What about his embezzlement and bribery? As he spoke, Ye Qizu threw out a document. The transactions with Phillips over the years amount to hundreds of millions—he pocketed at least 30 million from it. I have to answer to the shareholders too.

Ye Qizong looked utterly miserable: But he’s already been arrested…

Does being arrested mean he’s no longer responsible? Now that he’s arrested, the ICAC investigation will be even easier. Discuss with him—voluntarily return the 30 million and compensate another 10 million, or I can’t explain this to the shareholders.

That’s way too much! Seeing his second brother making such exorbitant demands, Ye Qizong quickly pleaded poverty: I just asked Feng Yufang—they only have one or two million in their accounts. How could he have embezzled that much?

Ye Qizu didn’t believe it: Then let the ICAC investigate. When they do, it won’t just be seven years. Let him prepare to serve ten to twenty years in prison. Anyway, I won’t live to see him released—I don’t know if you’ll live long enough to wait for him.

From his second brother’s words, Ye Qizong understood he was forcing them not only to cover Ye Kaisen’s embezzlement shortfall but also pay an extra 10 million in compensation—otherwise, he’d let the law take its course and make Ye Kaisen serve more prison time.

He was furious, yet helpless.

He could only plead in a low voice: Second Brother, at this critical moment, we can’t gather that much money so quickly. Can you give us some time?

How can I give you time? So many people heard in the office just now—can we delay? Cai Yongming is under police investigation—do you think he’ll stay silent? I’m only doing this for family’s sake, taking legal risks to help you find a solution privately. If Ye Kaisen weren’t my nephew, would I bother with all this? Wouldn’t it be easier to just hand it over to the ICAC and let the law handle everything? Ye Qizu spoke with righteous authority. Go back and discuss with them. If you really can’t manage, mortgage your Ye Qingtang shares to me—I’ll advance you the money.

To Ye Qizong, his second brother’s move was clear—kick them while they’re down.

He wanted to buy his shares at a low price.

The closer the relative, the colder the heart.

Returning to Orchid Pavilion Residence, Ye Qizong explained the situation to his two sons and Feng Yufang.

Everyone then turned to Feng Yufang for money.

At this point, how could Feng Yufang possibly cough up any money? She adamantly insisted she had none: He embezzled so much money, but I haven’t seen a single cent of it. I’d like to ask him exactly which vixen he spent it all on!

Everyone fell silent.

After a while, the eldest brother asked her, How much do you have on hand? It can’t be nothing at all.

Feng Yufang replied, There’s over a million in our joint bank account. Beyond that, there really isn’t any more.

The only one truly anxious in the room was Ye Qizong. Even if he could scrape together over 10 million, it still wouldn’t be enough. If he used all of it to fill Ye Kaisen’s financial hole, his other sons would certainly object.

The only solution now was to divide the family assets.

They would split the family property, and the portion allocated to Ye Kaisen would be used to repay the company.

How should we divide it? The bulk of the assets were the Ye Qingtang shares in Ye Qizong’s possession.

Ye Qizong held no shares in Su Manzhu Jewelry, and while his Ye Qingtang shares weren’t substantial, they still amounted to over ten million shares, worth more than eighty million.

Second Uncle’s intention is clearly to have Father mortgage all his Ye Qingtang shares to him at a low price.

In critical moments, Ye Qizu was the one who struck the hardest.

Father, selling to an outsider would be better than selling to a Ye family member. With Ye Qingtang’s stock price recovering now, we could get a good price.

Ye Qizong naturally knew selling to his second brother would mean greater losses. He worried, With so many shares, how could we sell them off immediately on the market?

His eldest son said, Earlier, a friend introduced me to a stockbroker named Liu. He has connections and can help us quickly sell the shares to recoup funds. If it’s feasible, should I contact him?

Ye Qizong frowned slightly and after a long pause said, You can inquire first.

*

In the bedroom of Ye Kais and his wife on the second floor of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony.

Ye Kais used to scold and hit Ye Baoshun in the study, but since Ye Baoling moved in next door, he had become somewhat cautious.

Ye Baoshun stood by the tea table, playing with a lighter.

Ye Kais berated him, Do you have any brains? You knew perfectly well that Ye Kaisen is on our side. Yet you helped Ye Baoling go against our own people.

Ye Baoshun retorted, I side with what’s right, not with relatives. Wait, that’s not accurate. If we’re talking about relatives, my sister is closer to me anyway. What does Ye Kaisen amount to?

Can you understand human language? Then who is closer to you, me or Ye Baoling? What nonsense are you thinking?

Dad, someone like Ye Kaisen has done every bad deed imaginable. If Big Sister hadn’t stepped in to deal with him, you’d never have been able to control him in the future. For once, Ye Baoshun was surprisingly clear-headed.

Ye Kais spoke with grave concern, There’s an order of priority in everything. Our main competitors now are your eldest uncle and his foolish son. Don’t think that just because he’s foolish, he’s useless. He’ll still marry, have children, and carry on the family line. With a foolish younger brother like that, why would Ye Baoling help you? Wouldn’t it be better for her to rule from behind the scenes through him?

Liang Meiyun also chimed in to persuade him, Yes, I used to think Ye Baoling genuinely wanted to help us. But look how fiercely your eldest uncle jumped into action this time. Even without Zheng Junni stirring up trouble, blood ultimately runs thicker than water. Ye Baoling knew full well that Ye Kaisen is on your father’s side, yet she openly targeted him. Doesn’t that mean she’s targeting your father? Don’t you understand this logic?

Ye Baoshun fell silent but still refused to admit he was wrong.

Ye Kais warned him, Lay low recently and stay out of trouble.

I haven’t caused any trouble lately.

Ye Kais shot his son a glare and shooed him away. Go study in the library.

Only then did Ye Baoshun leave.

Ye Kais sat by the window smoking. He saw his eldest brother Ye Kaimin go out, while on the other side, in the corner of the garden, Ye Baoling was chatting with A Xing about something.

Stubbing out his cigarette, Ye Kais went upstairs to find the old man.

Ye Qizu had just finished having his blood pressure measured. Seeing Ye Kais enter, he couldn’t help but ask, Where’s Baoshun?

In his room studying.

Ye Qizu didn’t believe it. He’d actually study on his own initiative?

Miss Lan is keeping an eye on him.

Tell Miss Lan to keep a close watch. He’s been having quite a few ideas lately.

Like teaming up with Ye Baoling to deal with Ye Kaisen just to escape his supervision.

Ye Kais smiled and retorted, Dad, why don’t you ask what Baoling is up to?

Just say what you want to say.

She’s been pulling Xing Shu into a corner of the garden, talking about who knows what for quite a while now. Come take a look. Ye Kais stood by the window and waved his father over.

Ye Qizu walked over and indeed saw Ye Baoling discussing something with Xing Shu.

The old man had always been suspicious by nature. Previously, Xing Shu had repeatedly praised Ye Baoling’s decisiveness in front of him, which had put him on guard.

But he couldn’t show it openly, so he only said, Is them having a conversation worth you making such a fuss and running here to tattle?

Ye Kais: Dad, this time Ye Kaisen got what he deserved. No punishment is too harsh for him. But what Ye Baoling did isn’t much better than Ye Kaisen. In fact, the impact is worse and more severe! She acts on her own authority, makes arbitrary decisions, conceals transactions—where does that leave you as chairman? She’s practically sidelined you! Think about how terrifying that is!

Ye Qizu certainly knew. He had just been thinking, pondering how to deal with Ye Baoling.

Ye Kais followed his father back: If this were ancient times, what she committed would be the crime of deceiving the emperor, punishable by beheading. Dad, while Baoling’s wings aren’t fully grown yet and she can still be shaped, you really need to teach her properly how to behave and how to do things.

Ye Qizu sat down on the sofa. No matter who inherits the family business in the future, I believe Baoling is the most suitable assistant minister.I’m afraid she’s not aiming to be an auxiliary minister, but a regent who wants to defy the heavens.

How would she defy the heavens? You’re just afraid she’ll help her own blood brother in the future instead of you, aren’t you?

Caught off guard, Ye Kais paused slightly. So you’re not going to punish her?

Of course she must be punished. Ye Qizu warned: I just want to tell you, learn from Baoshun and take the initiative to build a good relationship with Baoling. We’re family—don’t make everything so tense.

Ye Kais: Haven’t I been good enough to her? Even her own father, eldest brother, hasn’t been as attentive to her as I have, her uncle. But now I’m afraid she thinks Baolong is easier to manipulate than Baoshun…

The implication wasn’t lost on Ye Qizu.

The old man asked: Then what do you think would be an appropriate way to handle this?

Ye Kais seized the moment to voice his idea: Dad, you need to make a harsh move. You play the villain, and let me be the good guy for once. Demote her, all the way to the bottom, then give me the chance to promote her. Let her know that I have her best interests at heart, so she’ll at least align with me and Baoshun. I won’t deny that Baoling is truly talented, but she needs to be genuinely convinced by me too. Otherwise, none of us will be able to control her in the future.

Ye Qizu pondered briefly before asking, Now that Ye Kaisen is in trouble and Bao Ling has been demoted, who will take over?

Ye Kais: Can’t I step up? Lin Zhong and I can work closely together to manage both companies well. Just because I didn’t perform well when I was young doesn’t mean you should dismiss my current capabilities. Even Bao Ling gave her good-for-nothing uncle a chance. Why can’t you give me one?

Ye Qizu glanced at his son. Let me think about it.

Dad, this isn’t something to hesitate over. You need to make Ye Baoling understand how angry you are—she must take full responsibility for acting on her own accord.

I don’t need you to tell me how to handle things. Do you think you know better than I do? Ye Qizu was irritated.

That’s not what I meant.

That’s exactly what you meant. Do you think I should step down sooner and hand the chairman position to you earlier?

Ye Kais explained helplessly, If you want to arrange a successor, there should be a process. If you don’t let me step up, I’ll never get the opportunity.

The father and son were on the verge of another argument.

Ye Qizu snorted coldly, Look how impatient you are. Let me tell you, I won’t relinquish the chairman position until I see concrete results from you.

Knock knock knock!

Chen Jincai entered after knocking.

Chairman, Huang Ying isn’t in Port City—she’s gone to the mainland.

Ye Qizu looked up, Why is she in the mainland again? What is she doing there?

Chen Jincai: It’s said the young mistress sent her.

It was Ye Baoling again.

Ye Kais immediately seized the point, Dad, you see!

The implication was clear: they’re listening to Ye Baoling instead of you.

Ye Qizu shot his son a glare, signaling him to shut up, before asking Chen Jincai, When will Huang Ying return?

This Friday.

Call and urge her to come back immediately.

We’ve already tried, but there’s no response yet.

Left with no choice, Ye Qizu could only wait for Huang Ying’s return before deciding how to deal with Ye Baoling.

Although he already had a general idea in mind, for now, he could only wait.

In the morning, Ye Baoling returned with the main group. The moment she arrived home, she heard about Ye Kaisen’s arrest.

She had arranged for Chen Weiqiang to handle it—cleanly executed.

The household was in chaos, and for the time being, no one was paying attention to her affairs.

She had lunch at home and, before heading out in the afternoon, chatted briefly with Xing Shu. Afterward, she went to work as usual to handle official duties.

In the evening, she had dinner at her grandmother’s house and didn’t return to the Oldest Branch until after eight.

When she opened her bedroom door, she found Ye Huaizhang writing something at the bar in the living area.

She smiled, Using my place as your office?

Ye Huaizhang was also somewhat resigned. Ye Kaimin had summoned him, and as a son-in-law, he had to show some respect.

Your father called me over. He insisted I must support you two. Your father doesn’t realize how capable his daughter is—he still thinks you need my backing.

Just ignore him. Ye Baoling chuckled as she set down her handbag. She couldn’t be bothered to discuss the messy affairs of the Oldest Branch with him—they weren’t worth her time.

He asked, Have you eaten?

I had dinner at Grandma’s. Did you eat here?

Sister Ping prepared a meal. It was quite lavish. He quite enjoyed having her room to himself.

No disturbances, just peace and quiet to focus on his own tasks.

She teased him, Comfortable being a live-in son-in-law, aren’t you?

Ye Huaizhang smiled and nodded, Are you going to support me?

Can you bear children? And you expect me to support you?

Ye Baoling went in to take a shower. After finishing, she wrapped herself in a thick bathrobe and began her facial skincare routine.

The phone rang, and Ye Huaizhang brought her mobile phone to her.

It was Liu Haonan calling.

Hearing that Ye Qizong wanted to sell his shares in Ye Qingtang, Ye Baoling wasn’t particularly surprised.

Previously, she had wanted to buy the shares from Ye Qizong, so she had tried every means to have Liu Haonan approach their elder uncle. However, at that time, the other party had no intention of selling the shares, so the deal didn’t go through.

Now that she already had enough shares in Ye Qingtang, whether she bought more or not didn’t matter.

But the price wasn’t high, so buying them would still be a good deal.

It would motivate her to work harder in the future.

She asked Liu Haonan, Do we have enough money in our account?

Liu Haonan replied, We’d have to sell all our US stocks.

Without hesitation, Ye Baoling said, Then sell the US stocks and buy Ye Qingtang shares.

After all, she wasn’t a stock market genius; she wanted a sure business.

She was confident she could develop Ye Qingtang well, but she wasn’t confident she wouldn’t end up buying a black swan stock next time.

Liu Haonan said, Selling US stocks takes time to settle, and the other party is now asking for a 10 million deposit.

We don’t have 10 million in our account? Ye Baoling was surprised to find herself so short on funds.

Liu Haonan explained, The money was transferred to a mainland account, and it’s not easy to move it back.

If they waited for the US stock funds to clear before paying the deposit, Ye Baoling worried that the sellers might back out once they found out she was the buyer.

She glanced at Ye Huaizhang, who had finished his tasks and was reading a magazine nearby, and replied, Understood. I’ll figure something out.

After hanging up, Ye Huaizhang looked up at her and asked with a smile, Need money?

Just for a few days. I’ll pay you interest, she said, sitting beside him and unusually obediently massaging his legs.

Ye Huaizhang raised an eyebrow, smiling. What if I say no?

Ye Baoling immediately pinched him hard. Have you forgotten so soon how you got your chairman position? No gratitude at all. It’s just bridge financing—I can afford the interest. I could borrow it anywhere. Don’t act all high and mighty with me.

Gritting his teeth against the pain, Ye Huaizhang said seriously, No interest needed. Just use your mouth for that.

As soon as he finished speaking, he barely suppressed a cry of pain.

You’re being too rough, he complained.

She held his manhood in her hand, speaking softly with a smile, Will you give it to me or not?

No.

He caught his breath. Yes.

Only then did she release him with a smile. Thank you, hubby.

But before she could finish, he seized the opportunity to pounce on her like a hungry tiger, flipping her over and pinning her down, then slipping his hand inside her robe.

Soft. Comfortable.

He pushed into the familiar warm nest, moving vigorously in and out.

Soon, the sound of wetness filled the air, accompanied by soft sighs.

He whispered in her ear, When can we go without a condom?

She also wanted to try it without—very much so. But she didn’t want to have a child right now.

Whether to have one in the future was a matter for later.

It was definitely impossible now.

Not this year, she said.

Next year?

We’ll think about next year when it comes.

Who knew what next year would bring?

What if she didn’t complete her mission and returned to her original world? What would happen to the child?

What if she stayed, but they ended up divorcing?

Anything was possible.

Thinking this, she kissed him as a reward. You were really amazing today.

Hearing this praise, he redoubled his efforts.

No matter what, at this moment, their hearts were connected, each within the other, inseparable.

After moving from the couch to the bed, he gently stroked her back and said, That day you came to my office, if I had brought condoms, I would have laid you on the desk and had you right then and there.

Ye Baoling rubbed against his chest, recalling his righteous gentleman demeanor that day, and couldn’t help teasing him: Who would’ve thought, Ye Huaizhang? Outwardly a modest gentleman, but actually full of filthy thoughts.

How is anything between husband and wife considered filthy? Then does this mean I’m defiling you every day? He began thrusting against her again.

Her genuine thought at this moment: I must maintain my figure diligently.

Ye Qizu had the company accountant call Ye Qizong twice, pressing him to fill the financial gap.

He waited for Ye Qizong to come begging him to buy his shares, but the expected visitor never appeared.

After two days, he summoned Ye Qizong and couldn’t resist asking: How’s your fundraising going?

The funds will arrive on my end tomorrow. When they do, eldest brother, please come oversee the family division for us.

That Ye Qizong’s three sons wanted to divide the family assets was within Ye Qizu’s expectations, but he didn’t understand the first part.

What funds are arriving tomorrow?

Second brother, I sold Ye Qingtang’s shares.

What?! Ye Qizu shot to his feet. You’re selling Ye Qingtang’s shares without telling me? I’m the major shareholder—I have preemptive purchase rights!

Ye Qizong feigned ignorance: Eldest brother, you never said you wanted to buy them. You only told us to pledge the shares to you. But I need immediate cash—the company keeps pressing me, and with the others demanding the family division, pledging shares won’t solve the urgent need. Selling was the only option.

This was deliberate ignorance—intentionally not selling to him.

Ye Qizu was furious!

He demanded: Who did you sell to?

Ye Qizong: A broker named Liu helped connect us with an investment company.

What price did you sell for? I’ll offer higher—I’ll buy them.

Ye Qizong sighed helplessly: The contract’s already signed. It’s too late. Breaking it would cost 20 million in penalties.

Ye Qizu: !

Everyone, one after another, was opposing him.

He was so angry he nearly flipped the table. Since the New Year, nothing had gone his way.

Author’s Note:

Ye Baoling: Even greater troubles await tomorrow

Xing Shu: Quick-acting heart relief pills, prepared and ready.

Ye Huaizhang: Looking forward to watching the drama [wicked grin]