The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 87: How Could He Suffer Such Retribution?...

Chapter 87: How Could He Suffer Such Retribution?…

March in Port City was marked by continuous drizzle.

The air was damp and sticky everywhere, making people feel uncomfortable all over.

Huang Ying closed her umbrella and entered the house.

The domestic servant came forward to take the umbrella, greeting softly, Good morning, Miss Cousin.

Is Second Uncle upstairs?

Yes, he seems to be in the study on the third floor.

Huang Ying patted the raindrops off her coat before slowly making her way upstairs.

Upon reaching the third floor, she happened to meet Xing Shu coming out of the study. Xing Shu said the old master was on a phone call and asked her to wait a moment.

After waiting for about ten minutes, Huang Ying entered the study and saw Ye Qizu.

Ye Qizu glanced at her, instructing A Xing to summon Ye Baoling while asking, What were you doing in the mainland for so many days?

Huang Ying stood to the side without sitting down. This time I went to Qingyuan and Heyuan to investigate water sources.

Why investigate water resources out of the blue?

Huang Ying: Baoling suggested to our investment department that we first survey areas with high-quality water sources in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, considering investing in building a mineral water factory…

Ye Qizu questioned: Why wasn’t I reported to in advance?

Huang Ying explained: It was just routine investigation work by our investment department. Generally, Manager Yang’s side is responsible for review. Only when investment is confirmed will a written report be formed and submitted to the chairman.

Everyone had an excuse.

Ye Qizu snorted coldly: Then what about the acquisition of Jiaqi Beverage Factory? Why did you tell me it was an acquisition, but in reality, it was only a contract manufacturing agreement?

Huang Ying possessed a quality Ye Baoling greatly admired—emotional stability. She said: We were indeed negotiating an acquisition with Jiaqi Beverage Factory. It’s just that later another party offered a higher price, so we planned to hold back and see if there was room for further discussion. Meanwhile, Baoling happened to want to discuss contract manufacturing cooperation with them. Matters regarding contract manufacturing are handled by the Leaf Pure Tea branch and don’t require further follow-up from our investment department.

But Ye Qizu was not satisfied with this answer.

Why wasn’t such an important decision reported to me? I was the one who sent you to negotiate the acquisition. The price wasn’t settled, yet you didn’t give me feedback. Instead, you told everyone internally and externally that it was already settled. Huang Ying, you’re still beating around the bush with me today. You’d better answer me truthfully—why did you do this? Ye Qizu stared at his usually most trusted niece. Did Ye Baoling promise you something?

Huang Ying’s expression remained unchanged: Baoling never promised me anything.

Ye Qizu said angrily: Don’t forget, I’m your uncle! Your own uncle! I’ve treated you well, haven’t I? And you join forces with a junior to deal with me like this?

Huang Ying could only console softly: Uncle, please don’t be angry.

How can I not be angry? Tell me, what exactly did Ye Baoling promise you? Why do you obey her so unquestioningly?

Huang Ying: Baoling didn’t promise me anything. She believes that opening factories in the mainland is the long-term solution, and Jiaqi Beverage Factory carries environmental risks. She advised me to wait, and I found her reasoning sound. I highly agree with Baoling’s ideas and her capability in handling matters, which is why I chose to cooperate with her. Moreover, this choice has indeed proven correct—we’ve reduced risks for the company.

Ye Qizu understood clearly: Huang Ying would rather trust Ye Baoling than him. In other words, in her heart, he was inferior to Ye Baoling!

Huang Ying, you have deeply disappointed me. Concealing such major business decisions from the boss is a fatal mistake in the professional world! Who would dare trust you after this? Who would entrust important matters to your execution? As the boss, I don’t even have the right to be informed—you all secretly made decisions on my behalf, thinking yourselves clever for saving the company money. In reality, you’ve sentenced your own career prospects to death! One act of disloyalty, and a hundred chances lost. I might still consider reemploying Ye Baoling, but you—I absolutely will not. As an experienced manager, have you seriously considered what professional ethics mean? Think carefully: was it worth sacrificing everything to charge into battle for Ye Baoling? One impulsive decision has buried your future.

Ye Qizu finished his tirade in one breath, only to receive four words from Huang Ying: I have no regrets.

This made Ye Qizu even angrier.

He was determined to remove Huang Ying during the senior management meeting and make an example of what happens to those who betray him.

Yet he couldn’t help asking again, What did Ye Baoling promise you? What makes you so devoted to her?

Huang Ying replied softly, She said that short-term performance improvements can’t fundamentally change the company’s situation. With deep-rooted problems plaguing Ye Qingtang, only thorough reform can reverse its decline. I believe she’s right.

Deep-rooted problems? What? Does she think she’s some savior? Without you, would Ye Qingtang collapse?

Just then, Xing Shu knocked and entered. Sir, the young mistress is here.

Ye Baoling walked in just in time to hear the latter part of Ye Qizu’s remarks, while Huang Ying listened with calm composure.

She could roughly guess what had been discussed.

Ye Qizu shot a sidelong glare at Ye Baoling. Well, look who’s here—the savior!

Ye Baoling cut straight to the point. Grandfather, if you have something to say, say it plainly. There’s no need for sarcasm.

Sarcasm? Never mind that I’m your elder—did either of you consider showing respect to me as chairman? As your boss? To deceive your superior and act recklessly for the sake of internal strife—Ye Baoling, such behavior is tantamount to sidelining your boss. To put it bluntly, it’s professional misconduct! The old man grew increasingly agitated.

To be manipulated by two young women—where was his authority?

He continued berating her, If you discovered issues with Jiaqi Beverage Factory, you should have told me directly—what the problems were and their potential impact. I’m not unreasonable. But you chose to hide it from me until Ye Kaisen stirred up trouble, and only then did I learn everything was part of your scheme! I was just a pawn in your game. How outrageous! Using your boss as a pawn—did it ever occur to you that the boss can fire you?

Ye Baoling replied calmly, Grandfather, there’s no need to get so worked up. Let’s discuss this rationally.

Ye Qizu’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. You’ve sidelined me! How can I not be worked up?

Ye Baoling retorted, You ask why I didn’t tell you when I found the problems? Because you’re stubborn and wouldn’t have listened to me. When you heard about Jiaqi Factory’s vast land at such a low price, your eyes lit up—would you have listened? Back then, I advised you not to buy it and suggested opening a factory inland instead. Did you listen? No. You never accept opinions that contradict your own. You only want to call all the shots yourself.

This is no excuse!

Ye Baoling insisted, It is an excuse. Besides, you can fire us, and we can also fire you.

What, are you resigning? Ye Qizu lightly tapped the table. But only after I issue your demotion and pay cut notice. If you still want to leave after that, it would be a resignation under blame.

Even in an argument, he had to win until the very last second!

Ye Baoling and Huang Ying exchanged a glance, smiled faintly, and said nothing more.

Soon, the brothers Ye Kaimin and Ye Kais arrived first.

Ye Qizu seized the opportunity to scold the brothers, focusing mainly on Ye Kaimin for failing to discipline his daughter properly.

For every rebuttal Ye Kaimin made, Ye Qizu fired back three.

Not long after, Lin Zhong and the Investment Department’s General Manager Yang also arrived.

Only then did Ye Qizu announce, Ye Baoling, for deceiving superiors and subordinates, overstepping authority, and abusing power, is hereby removed from her position as Deputy General Manager of the group. She is demoted to Deputy Team Leader of the East Asia Team in the Marketing Department of Leaf Pure Tea.

He wasn’t confused—even now, he didn’t forget to assign Ye Baoling to expand the East Asian market.

Then, he turned to Huang Ying. Huang Ying, for the same reasons, is removed from her position as Deputy Head of the Investment Department and demoted to an ordinary employee. She is permanently barred from promotion.

Lin Zhong quietly advised, Chairman, perhaps we should calm down before making a decision?

What? Are you rebelling too?

Lin Zhong had no choice but to bring up what Ye Qizu valued most: I’m concerned it might affect the company’s stock price.

Ye Qizu paused briefly, then said, If I don’t deal with them, it won’t deter other management. Soon, everyone will dare to fool me.

Lin Zhong suggested, Then why not wait until after the executive meeting on Monday to issue the notice?

Proper procedure mattered, so Ye Qizu agreed, Fine. You handle it.

No one else dared to speak.

Seeing Ye Baoling standing calmly to the side, not confronting him to the end as he had expected, Ye Qizu finally relaxed.

Everyone, go back and reflect carefully.

Ye Kaimin protested, Dad, this punishment is really too harsh. Baoling has contributed so much to the company. Now, just because of one small incident that displeased you, you’ve demoted her to Deputy Team Leader. How can you expect people to accept this?

Ye Qizu scolded him, What would make them accept it? Should I hand over my chairman position to her? Small things reveal big issues—she went to great lengths to hide the Jiaqi Factory matter from me. If something bigger happens in the future, wouldn’t she feel even more entitled to do as she pleases?

Ye Kaimin argued, But you can’t demote her so many levels at once!

Ye Kais took the opportunity to play the peacemaker: Yes, making Baoling a team leader is a waste of her talent. At the very least, you should give her a director position.

Get out, all of you!

Ye Qizu had them all thrown out before he was satisfied.

After leaving the study, Ye Kaimin couldn’t help but complain about Ye Baoling’s lack of tact.

You overstepped right after taking power. The old man already wanted to humble you, and you handed him the knife? You’re usually so smart—this was a foolish move.

Ye Baoling snapped impatiently, Enough, stop talking. It’s annoying.

Ye Kaimin was at a loss—the old man found him irritating, and the younger one did too. There was nothing he could do. After thinking it over, he decided the only solution was to hire someone to perform a beating the petty person ritual at the Wong Tai Sin Temple.

Ye Baoling treated Huang Ying to lunch outside, where they discussed Huang Ying’s recent inspection trip to the mainland.

Both of them tacitly ignored Ye Qizu’s earlier lecture and final decision.

That evening, Ye Huaizhang came to comfort his wife.

He teased her, I heard Grandfather gave you quite the scolding today, and your position got demoted repeatedly—all the way to the bottom?

Ye Baoling was shaping her eyebrows. My father told you, didn’t he? The information isn’t entirely accurate—it wasn’t the lowest. My lowest position was as an office errand clerk, but now I’m still a deputy team leader at least.

Ye Huaizhang asked, Is there going to be a good show next week?

You think I should keep enduring?

Of course not. Gong Jiahua wants to invite us to his place for cards tomorrow. Are you going?

Absolutely. Ye Baoling didn’t want to miss any opportunity to get closer to the Gong and Fang families now.

The next day, which was the weekend, the plan was to play cards at the Gong residence. However, Fang Shanxing mentioned that his family was preparing braised eel for lunch and suggested everyone gather at his place instead for cards and a meal. So, the venue was changed last minute to the Fang residence.

They played Five-Card Draw in the game room on the first floor of the Fang house, with exactly five players.

Ye Baoxin, being pregnant, couldn’t stand the smell in the game room, so everyone accommodated her. After just two rounds, they moved to the small living room outside.

Fang Shanxing was the epitome of a devoted husband—utterly gentle, considerate, and humorous toward Ye Baoxin.

With five people playing cards, Gong Jiahua was the only single one. He sighed, When are you all going to set me up with a girlfriend?

Ye Baoxin laughed. You’re too picky—it’s impossible to find someone for you.

Then she asked Ye Baoling, I heard Grandfather was furious yesterday?

The older he gets, the more irritable he becomes, Ye Baoling remarked, then glanced at Ye Baoxin. Why do you look so pale?

Really? Ye Baoxin instinctively touched her face. I haven’t been sleeping well these past couple of days.

Fang Shanxing said, She hasn’t been sleeping well lately, always paranoid and saying she hears footsteps at the door. If this continues, I’m afraid she’ll develop neurasthenia.

Ye Baoxin immediately retorted, Everyone says pregnant women are the most sensitive. You’re just oblivious and can’t hear it.

Fang Shanxing promptly admitted his fault, Yes, yes, sometimes I do sleep too deeply.

Ye Baoling asked curiously, What kind of footsteps do you hear?

Ye Baoxin: It’s hard to describe. I just feel like someone is pacing back and forth outside my door.

Just then, Sister Ju came in with some snacks. Ye Baoxin smiled and changed the subject, Oh, Gong Jiahua, aren’t you staying in?

Gong Jiahua laughed, A wise man knows when to retreat. I’m folding this round.

In the past, Ye Baoling might not have been so alert, but now that she knew Sister Ju was Auntie Mei—Sir Fang’s executioner—she instinctively became more vigilant.

Was Ye Baoxin so afraid of Sister Ju because she knew something?

Ye Baoling didn’t show any reaction at the time. After exchanging a glance with Ye Huaizhang, she continued playing cards cheerfully.

The couple even intentionally lost some money this time.

After the game, Ye Baoling smiled and made plans with everyone to play again next week. I need to win back what I lost.

Gong Jiahua, who had rarely won, teased her, Tsk, tsk, can’t handle losing, huh? Let’s continue next week—bring it on.

Ye Baoxin also wanted to mend her relationship with Ye Baoling. After all, Ye Baoling was Ye Huaizhang’s wife and could be considered family support. With such backing, even Sir Fang would have to think twice before taking action against her.

Amid laughter and banter, everyone agreed to meet again the following week.

On Sunday evening, Ye Qizu summoned Ye Kaimin, Ye Kais, and Ye Baoshun to the third-floor sitting room to discuss matters.

Ye Qizu instructed Baoshun: Brew tea for us.

Baoshun had no choice but to obediently sit down and prepare tea for the elders.

Two playing cards were placed in front of Ye Qizu. He said, The board of directors is about to undergo reelections. Since your second uncle sold his shares to outsiders rather than to us, I won’t reserve his position on the board for him either.

Ye Kais asked, Dad, how do you plan to arrange it? We’ll definitely support you.

Ye Qizu glanced at them. In Baoshun’s generation, he’s the only boy, so he’s in. As for your generation, between you two brothers, one of you will join.

Hearing this, Ye Kaimin looked up, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

Since Ye Baoshun was already in, it wouldn’t make sense for Ye Kais to join as well—surely a father and son couldn’t both enter the board together?

Ye Qizu continued, Neither of you brothers stands out particularly in ability—neither exceptional nor particularly lacking. I’ll treat you equally: you’ll draw lots. Whoever draws the winning card gets the position. Let fate decide.

As he spoke, he pointed to the two cards on the table. Choose.

Faced with such sudden fairness from his father, Ye Kaimin could hardly believe it was real.

Afraid that Ye Kais might cheat, he quickly picked one first.

He turned it over—it was the seven of diamonds.

A bit low. Ye Kaimin regretted rushing to choose first.

The remaining card naturally belonged to Ye Kais. Ye Kais reached out and flipped it over—it was the six of spades.

Ye Kais’s card was actually lower?!

Ye Kaimin clenched his fist and pumped it excitedly, about to declare victory, but Ye Qizu cut him off.

Spades are higher.

Ye Kaimin widened his eyes. What do you mean?

Ye Qizu turned over a piece of paper lying on the table, on which was written: [Compare suits].

Furious, Ye Kaimin threw his card down. Who compares suits when playing cards? Isn’t it always about rank?

Ye Qizu scolded him, I hadn’t finished speaking, and you rushed to choose. Now you’re complaining—why compare suits instead of rank?

Realizing he had been set up by his father and brother, Ye Kaimin protested, If you really wanted to compare suits, you should have used two cards of the same rank. If his was the seven of spades and mine the seven of diamonds, I’d accept defeat. But that’s not the case—it’s the seven of diamonds and the six of spades! If I had drawn the six of spades, wouldn’t it have been naturally assumed that Ye Kais’s seven of diamonds won? Would you even have revealed this paper? So no matter what, Ye Kais wins, right?

Exposed, Ye Qizu snapped, Ye Kaimin, if you can’t handle losing, you’ll always be a loser!

Ye Kaimin stood up. With a biased father like you, of course I’ll always lose. If you had already chosen Ye Kais in your heart, there was no need to drag me into this charade. Watching you act hypocritically makes me sick!

No sooner had he spoken than Ye Qizu slapped him across the face.

Helpless, Ye Kaimin gave a bitter smile. I know why I lost—I lost because I don’t have a proper son, and I have a biased father. If Bao Ling were a son, would I end up like this today?

Ye Qizu roared angrily, Then why don’t you turn her into a son? Since you can’t, your words are useless.

In a fit of rage, Ye Kaimin swept all the teacups off the table and stormed out.

Ye Qizu slumped onto the sofa, muttering not to pay him any mind, but he was still seething.

Furious that his scheme had been exposed in public.

That evening, the old gentleman felt unwell and retired to his room early.

The next morning, when he came downstairs for breakfast and hadn’t seen Ye Baoling for two days, he couldn’t help but ask, Where’s Bao Ling? Why hasn’t she gotten up yet?

Liang Meiyun smiled and said, She’s been out having fun on weekends. She said she’s taken a few days off and won’t be going to work.

Let her be. She’ll naturally go back to work when she comes around.

He understood she was in a bit of a mood, but at least she hadn’t openly turned against him like Ye Kaimin had. Ye Qizu was quite satisfied with that.

Before he finished breakfast, Chen Jincai hurried in.

He approached Ye Qizu and reported in a hushed, urgent tone, Chairman, we just received a fax from a major shareholder demanding an early reelection of Ye Qingtang’s board of directors. They’re coming to the company tomorrow for preliminary negotiations.

Ye Qizu seemed not to comprehend, his mind going blank. What major shareholder?

Chen Jincai: It’s called Hwa Yuan Investments. They just completed their filing with the Stock Exchange last week. We don’t know how this company managed to maneuver, but they’ve acquired enough shares to become Ye Qingtang’s largest shareholder.

Ye Qingtang’s largest shareholder?

The chopsticks in Ye Qizu’s hand slipped onto the table.

Impossible. How could they quietly acquire so many shares on the secondary market? He refused to believe it.

Chen Jincai: They probably didn’t use just one or two trading accounts for the acquisition. It’s estimated they mobilized dozens, even hundreds of securities accounts to buy at the bottom when Ye Qingtang’s stock price was lowest.

Ye Qizu remembered the shares taken from the second branch and Ye Qizong.

It appeared the other party had planned this long ago.

His hands and feet turned icy cold as he felt at a loss. Who owns this investment company?

Haven’t found out yet.

How many Ye Qingtang shares do they hold?

Not sure of the exact number, but it should be at least five percent more than ours.

Ye Qizu stood up. There was still time. Immediately buy back shares to counterattack.

In the short term, there aren’t that many liquid shares available on the secondary market for us to purchase. Moreover, the other party are experts at manipulating stocks—we simply can’t buy that many.

Then there was the third branch. Ye Qizu called Ye Huaizhang, but the other party didn’t answer.

He then called Guan Lao Taijun.

But Guan Lao Taijun told him, We sold our Ye Qingtang shares long ago.

All bought by Hwa Yuan Investments?

Ye Qizu felt dizzy and unsteady on his feet. Xing Shu quickly fetched his medicine.

Xing Shu whispered, Sir, should we ask the young mistress to help?

What does she know about the stock market? Don’t be fooled by how capable she’s seemed these past six months—it’s mainly due to good marketing. She’s not competent at anything else. Ye Qizu sighed, wishing this were all a bad dream.

If the third branch had managed to overcome their difficulties before, he could certainly do the same this time.

He called Ye Huaizhang again, hoping to get his grandson-in-law to help think of a solution.

Unfortunately, Ye Huaizhang had gone to Macau and wouldn’t return until tomorrow.

None of the Ye family members could offer any assistance.

The next day, Ye Qizu and his two grandchildren arrived at the company early to wait.

Around half past ten, the representatives from Hwa Yuan Investments finally showed up.

A group of four or five people, they clearly belonged to a professional investment firm—the kind that doesn’t interfere with company operations.

As long as they didn’t meddle in operations or seek actual control, Ye Qingtang would remain in his hands.

In the main conference room, Ye Qizu waited for the other party to speak.

My name is Liu Haonan. I used to work at Ye Qingtang too.

Ye Qizu looked at Lin Zhong in surprise, and Lin Zhong quickly asked, Are you in the investment department?

Liu Haonan shook his head: No, I work in internal administration managing the company’s vehicle fleet. Thank you for Miss Ye’s high regard—she has always treated me very well.

Ye Baoling?

It was true she had worked in the internal administration department.

Ye Qizu regretted not listening to Xing Shu’s advice to summon Ye Baoling earlier—perhaps this Liu fellow would have given her some face.

After brief opening remarks, Liu Haonan presented his demand: among nine board seats, Hua Yuan required five—meaning any election for chairman would be determined by Hua Yuan.

Lin Zhong asked: Who do you want as chairman?

Our boss.

Who is your boss?

Our boss is Miss Ye Baoling.

Who?!

Seeing the stunned expressions around him, Liu Haonan repeated: Our boss is the Ye family’s eldest young lady, Ye Baoling.

Everyone exchanged glances.

This was quite the juicy scandal.

The Ye family’s eldest young lady—after becoming the largest shareholder of Ye Qingtang—had sent people to oust her own grandfather?!

Truly, only their legendary eldest young lady from Ye Qingtang could pull off something like this.

The most ironic part was that at such a critical moment, after Ye Qizu and others had anxiously waited all morning, the eldest young lady who’d become the major shareholder didn’t even bother to appear personally—she merely sent staff to communicate.

What utter contempt and disregard was this?

The executives could barely conceal their gossip-hungry expressions, whispering among themselves.

Meanwhile, reactions to the imminent leadership change varied—some were delighted, others worried.

Ye Kais and Ye Baoshun were both dumbfounded, their minds struggling to process the situation.

As for Ye Qizu, he nearly had a heart attack from the shock.

How could it be Ye Baoling?

Suddenly he understood—all of this was nothing but a scheme by the Third Branch!

No wonder when he sought help from the Third Branch yesterday, he couldn’t find any of them.

The old master ignored Hua Yuan’s representatives any further.

Summoning his last strength, he resolved to return home and settle accounts with Ye Baoling.

The Ye family entourage followed the old master as they sped back in flying cars to No. 1 Qing Tang Street.

The journey from Jade Dragon Mansion took only minutes.

Ye Baoling was leisurely squatting at her doorstep with Chen Yulan, playing with a puppy raised by Ye Baolong.

When Ye Qizu got out of the car, he staggered forward without waiting for assistance.

His cane struck the ground sharply: Just as they say—a daughter grown is no longer your own! Did Ye Huaizhang give you money? Are you helping him seize control of Ye Qingtang?

Ye Baoling had been waiting here intentionally today.

Looking at Ye Qizu’s livid, contorted face, she couldn’t help laughing: Grandfather, are you using your brain to speak to me? Which eye saw Ye Huaizhang directing me? Even you can’t command me—you think Ye Huaizhang can?

Chen Yulan also retorted: The young master’s chairman position was secured by the eldest young lady in the first place.

What? What was this about now?

The others had all disembarked and rushed over, gathering behind the old master.

Ye Kais and the rest remained bewildered—wanting to join the argument but with their minds still catching up.

They momentarily struggled to find supporting words.

The old master, trembling with complex emotions, demanded: How did you acquire so many Ye Qingtang shares?

What a pointless question.

Ye Baoling replied: With money, of course.

Where did the money come from?

Earned in the U.S. stock market.

But there’s been a stock market crash—how could you profit?

Short selling—do you understand that?

You understand short selling?

I don’t understand, but someone does. Liu Haonan was just a vehicle manager at the company before, but in my hands, he became someone who could help me make huge profits.

The implied meaning was clear: in your hands, any talent would turn worthless.

While she could transform waste into treasure.

Ye Qizu’s head throbbed with pain. He went through her words again in his mind and finally found the loophole: You short sold Ye Qingtang?!

Yes, she had indeed engaged in short selling.

Ye Baoling smiled faintly: At the critical moment, it was Grandpa who added fuel to the fire. To take the opportunity to acquire Ye Qingtang’s shares from the second branch, you didn’t hesitate to help drive Ye Qingtang’s stock price to its lowest point. I should thank you.

Upon hearing this, Ye Qizu was so enraged that he nearly lost his balance.

Ye Kais and Xing Shu hurried over to support him.

Ye Qizu couldn’t comprehend it.

How could he suffer such retribution? At his age, he had been forced out of power by his own granddaughter and manipulated like a puppet!

Author’s note: Ye Huaizhang: Those who want to watch the drama are still on their way, wait for me.

Have to end the chapter here – this segment still has at least several thousand more words to write.

Continuing tomorrow [heart]

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