The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 93: A Vicious Scheme

Chapter 93: A Vicious Scheme

In the third-floor bedroom of the Residence of Inheritance and Harmony, the old Third Branch mansion, only a sleep lamp was lit.

Ye Huaizhang lay in bed examining photos of the Heavenly Book, while Ye Baoling applied fragrant body lotion before lifting the quilt and sitting on the edge of the bed.

Is your aunt definitely your grandparents’ biological child? Could she possibly be Cousin Grandmother’s daughter? she proposed her conjecture.

Ye Huaizhang set down the photos, uncertain himself. I’ve never doubted it before. But Fourth Uncle and Aunt’s birthdays are only eleven months apart—it really could be possible.

Pregnancy lasts about nine months. Unless your grandmother got pregnant again right after postpartum confinement, it’s truly suspicious. When I saw that old black-and-white photo earlier, I thought Cousin Grandmother looked familiar. I’ve been observing why she seemed familiar.

Ye Huaizhang looked at his wife. Why?

The resemblance between Cousin Grandmother’s nose and mouth is very similar to your aunt’s. Moreover, your aunt has the most Westernized features in your family—why? Because she resembles her father, the English baron. Doesn’t that explain everything? As she spoke, Ye Baoling recalled another point. Also, I don’t know if I’m being overly sensitive, but on the evening we were looking at the photo album, as soon as your aunt arrived, Grandma had someone put away that old album. Probably Grandma didn’t want your aunt looking too closely at those old photos.

These were all subtle details.

Ye Huaizhang stroked her hair. My wife remains observant as ever.

Ye Baoling raised her eyebrows slightly with a smile. Of course, I have sharp eyes.

She nestled in his arms, habitually reaching to play with his chest. He caught her hand to stop her from wandering.

Though her hands were busy with his chest, it didn’t hinder her mind from working.

The couple discussed two tasks they needed to accomplish next.

First, they needed to find a way to steal Aunt’s Plum Blossom Key and quickly make two copies.

Second, they needed to conduct a parentage test between Aunt and Grandma.

Would Grandma be one of those who knew the truth back then? If so, when encountering unsolvable puzzles, they might start with her—she should be easier to communicate with than that old man Ye Qizu.

After finishing their discussion, the couple began their enjoyable homework.

Only those who’ve tried it know the pleasure of going without protection. Both had become somewhat addicted. A man with good stamina and a talent for research truly made an excellent bed partner.

If he kept being this good, she’d be reluctant to divorce him.

After all, finding another such harmonious match would be quite difficult.

She didn’t want to waste time on that either.

Thinking this, she rewardingly kissed him, which made him work even harder.

Two days later, Ye Baoling invited Guan Lao Taijun, Yang Pinxian, Ye Jinliu, and Fourth Aunt Tang Jing out for a meal.

They dined at an expensive vegetarian restaurant where reservations were hard to get.

After being seated, Tang Jing asked Ye Baoling, When will Huaizhang arrive?

Ye Baoling replied, He’s working overtime and might not make it. No need to wait for him.

I can read between the lines—’no need to wait’ means he’s not coming?

Ye Baoling smiled. That’s what he told me. I’m just reporting truthfully. As an honest person, I don’t catch subtle hints.

Everyone laughed.

They joked that she was redefining what it meant to be honest.

The restaurant served individual portions, with dishes presented per person. The first course was a cold appetizer called Golden Broth Soaked White Jade—white bamboo shoots served with pumpkin sauce.

Ye Jinliu praised, These bamboo shoots are refreshing and delicious.

Ye Baoling seized the opportunity to steer the conversation: My grandmother said when my mother was pregnant with me, she craved bamboo shoots. But back then, it was customary for pregnant women to avoid eating bamboo shoots, so she never got to have any. After her postpartum confinement, she went on a binge and ate bamboo shoots for half a month straight. Eventually, she grew so sick of them that she never touched white bamboo shoots again.

Guan Lao Taijun took the bait: Cravings during pregnancy can be quite peculiar. It’s likely the baby’s preferences influencing the mother’s tastes. When I was pregnant with my fourth child, I couldn’t stand garlic, and sure enough, that child has never eaten garlic to this day.

Yang Pinxian nodded in agreement: That’s true. When I was pregnant with Yongqi, I secretly craved ice cream. Just look at Yongqi now—still obsessed with ice cream.

Ye Baoling asked casually, Is it always like that? Then, Grandma, when you were carrying Second Uncle and Auntie, what did you crave or avoid?

Second Uncle was just a pretext—her real target was her aunt.

As for the deceased Ye Jinsong, no one brought him up voluntarily anymore.

Ye Jinliu also smiled at her mother, seemingly awaiting the answer.

Guan Lao Taijun thought for a long moment. When I was pregnant with my second son, I disliked sweet foods. With Jinliu, I don’t recall anything particular—I’ve forgotten.

See? Mom always forgets about me, Ye Jinliu pretended to be upset.

Guan Lao Taijun laughed and explained, That year I was abroad accompanying your great-grandmother during her travels. You were born overseas too—it was all so hectic, how could I remember every detail?

Ye Baoling asked curiously, Auntie was born abroad?

In England.

Tang Jing joked, No wonder Third Sister has such a foreign-looking face. Could it be they mixed up the babies at the hospital?

Ye Jinliu also laughed, Oh dear, should I follow those TV dramas and get a blood test to confirm parentage?

Guan Lao Taijun played along, Even if the test shows you’re not mine, it’s too late to exchange you now—we’ll just have to accept it.

Everyone treated it as a joke, laughing and teasing each other good-naturedly.

The waitstaff began serving the second course: Crystal Vegetarian Abalone Rolls.

This dish was even more delicious.

Better than real abalone—the texture is softer and more glutinous, commented Tang Jing, a true foodie, savoring it with relish.

Ye Baoling finished one portion and wanted another—it was genuinely delicious.

Before the third course arrived, the soup was served, and Ye Baoling received a call from Ye Huaizhang.

He said, It’s done, but we need another two hours.

This meant the Plum Blossom Key had been successfully obtained.

Ye Huaizhang was likely having an identical copy made quickly to replace the original, requiring Ye Baoling to stall for two more hours before returning.

After hanging up, Yang Pinxian asked, Is Huaizhang coming over?

Ye Baoling’s mind raced: He said he’ll join us after finishing his work and told us to take our time eating.

Ye Jinliu chuckled, That’s hard to do when the food is this delicious.

Ye Baoling suggested, We can play mahjong while waiting for him after we finish eating.

Can we play mahjong here?

Yes, I already asked.

Tang Jing, however, hesitated. My two little monkeys will tear the house apart if I’m not back. I need to hurry home to supervise their homework.

After Tang Jing left, there were exactly four people left for a mahjong game. But Ye Baoling worried that if Tang Jing left, others might also want to head back early. She quickly persuaded, Fourth Aunt, it’s rare for you to go out. Just relax for once. The tutor is at home supervising—missing one day won’t affect their grades.

Ye Jinliu added, No leaving early. We came together, we leave together.

Tang Jing said, I’m heading back. There are exactly four of you now.

Ye Baoling replied, I’ll buy in.

Guan Lao Taijun knew Tang Jing loved playing mahjong and was just waiting for her mother-in-law to ask her to stay. So she said, My eyesight isn’t good. Bao Ling, help me keep an eye on the tiles.

Yang Pinxian also persuaded her, It’s rare to have a relaxing half-day out. Stay for a game of mahjong before going back.

Alright, alright. Tang Jing finally agreed with a smile.

After dinner, they started playing mahjong. Two hours passed quickly, and Ye Huaizhang still hadn’t arrived. Yang Pinxian suggested calling to hurry him up.

Just as they were about to call, Ye Huaizhang called.

There’s a minor issue with the craftsmanship. Try to stall for another hour.

Ye Baoling didn’t dare tell them they needed to wait another hour. She smoothly said, He’s on the way, stuck in traffic.

He should be here soon then.

They continued playing.

Soon, another half hour passed, and Ye Huaizhang still hadn’t arrived.

Tang Jing checked her watch—it was almost 10 p.m. She anxiously said, Bao Ling, take over for me. I really must go back. If I’m not home, those two little monkeys won’t go to sleep.

Guan Lao Taijun hadn’t slept well the previous night and was feeling tired too. Where is Huaizhang? How can the traffic be this bad?

Yang Pinxian said, Grandma is tired too. Why don’t we pack some food to take back for him?

Ye Baoling had no choice but to call Ye Huaizhang. Don’t come over. We’re about to head back. What would you like? We’ll pack something for you.

Ye Huaizhang said, The others can go back, but you need to keep Aunt here.

Fine. Ye Baoling turned to the others. If Fourth Aunt is in a hurry, you can go ahead. Mom, you and Grandma should head back and rest too.

Then she cooed to Ye Jinliu, Aunt, why don’t you stay and keep me company? I still need to order a few dishes to take back for Huaizhang.

Ye Jinliu laughed, Alright, I’ll stay with you.

There were few customers at that hour, so the kitchen quickly prepared and packed the dishes.

Ye Baoling had to order more dishes. She asked which ones could be prepared quickly, but after the restaurant manager listed them, she chose the one that would take the longest.

By the time everything was packed, Ye Huaizhang still wasn’t ready. Left with no choice, she pretended to have a stomachache.

Ye Jinliu urgently wanted to take her to the hospital, even suspecting, Are you pregnant?

Impossible.

But Ye Baoling still gave an awkward smile. I need to go to the hospital for a proper check-up.

At the hospital entrance, she received a call from Ye Huaizhang. He finally said, OK, it’s done.

Ye Baoling breathed a sigh of relief. Aunt, my stomach suddenly doesn’t hurt anymore. Let’s just go home.

She was eager to get back and see the Plum Blossom Key.

Ye Jinliu grabbed her. No, you need a proper check-up. What if you really are pregnant?

…

She was dragged inside. After a series of tests, the doctor gave a three-word conclusion: Food stagnation.

In plain terms: she had eaten too much.

Ye Baoling was mortified.

Ye Jinliu couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

By the time they got home, it was almost midnight.

Though the process had been exhausting, the result was good.

Ye Huaizhang sat nearby, eating the delicious vegetarian dishes she had brought back, while Ye Baoling admired the two Plum Blossom Keys before her.

One was the genuine article, the other a replica intended to replace the one in Sir Fang’s possession.

The real one had a red string tied to it to distinguish it from the fake.

She praised, The aging craftsmanship is incredible. If not for this red string, I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart.

Ye Huaizhang said, The real challenge now is how to replace the Plum Blossom Key in Sir Fang’s hands.

Ye Baoling seized the opportunity to steer the conversation: My grandmother said when my mother was pregnant with me, she craved bamboo shoots. But back then, it was customary for pregnant women to avoid eating bamboo shoots, so she never got to have any. After her postpartum confinement, she went on a binge and ate bamboo shoots for half a month straight. Eventually, she grew so sick of them that she never touched white bamboo shoots again.

Guan Lao Taijun took the bait: Cravings during pregnancy can be quite peculiar. It’s likely the baby’s preferences influencing the mother’s tastes. When I was pregnant with my fourth child, I couldn’t stand garlic, and sure enough, that child has never eaten garlic to this day.

Yang Pinxian nodded in agreement: That’s true. When I was pregnant with Yongqi, I secretly craved ice cream. Just look at Yongqi now—still obsessed with ice cream.

Ye Baoling asked casually, Is it always like that? Then, Grandma, when you were carrying Second Uncle and Auntie, what did you crave or avoid?

Second Uncle was just a pretext—her real target was her aunt.

As for the deceased Ye Jinsong, no one brought him up voluntarily anymore.

Ye Jinliu also smiled at her mother, seemingly awaiting the answer.

Guan Lao Taijun thought for a long moment. When I was pregnant with my second son, I disliked sweet foods. With Jinliu, I don’t recall anything particular—I’ve forgotten.

See? Mom always forgets about me, Ye Jinliu pretended to be upset.

Guan Lao Taijun laughed and explained, That year I was abroad accompanying your great-grandmother during her travels. You were born overseas too—it was all so hectic, how could I remember every detail?

Ye Baoling asked curiously, Auntie was born abroad?

In England.

Tang Jing joked, No wonder Third Sister has such a foreign-looking face. Could it be they mixed up the babies at the hospital?

Ye Jinliu also laughed, Oh dear, should I follow those TV dramas and get a blood test to confirm parentage?

Guan Lao Taijun played along, Even if the test shows you’re not mine, it’s too late to exchange you now—we’ll just have to accept it.

Everyone treated it as a joke, laughing and teasing each other good-naturedly.

The waitstaff began serving the second course: Crystal Vegetarian Abalone Rolls.

This dish was even more delicious.

Better than real abalone—the texture is softer and more glutinous, commented Tang Jing, a true foodie, savoring it with relish.

Ye Baoling finished one portion and wanted another—it was genuinely delicious.

Before the third course arrived, the soup was served, and Ye Baoling received a call from Ye Huaizhang.

He said, It’s done, but we need another two hours.

This meant the Plum Blossom Key had been successfully obtained.

Ye Huaizhang was likely having an identical copy made quickly to replace the original, requiring Ye Baoling to stall for two more hours before returning.

After hanging up, Yang Pinxian asked, Is Huaizhang coming over?

Ye Baoling’s mind raced: He said he’ll join us after finishing his work and told us to take our time eating.

Ye Jinliu chuckled, That’s hard to do when the food is this delicious.

Ye Baoling suggested, We can play mahjong while waiting for him after we finish eating.

Can we play mahjong here?

Yes, I already asked.

Tang Jing, however, hesitated. My two little monkeys will tear the house apart if I’m not back. I need to hurry home to supervise their homework.

After Tang Jing left, there were exactly four people left for a mahjong game. But Ye Baoling worried that if Tang Jing left, others might also want to head back early. She quickly persuaded, Fourth Aunt, it’s rare for you to go out. Just relax for once. The tutor is at home supervising—missing one day won’t affect their grades.

Ye Jinliu added, No leaving early. We came together, we leave together.

Tang Jing said, I’m heading back. There are exactly four of you now.

Ye Baoling replied, I’ll buy in.

Guan Lao Taijun knew Tang Jing loved playing mahjong and was just waiting for her mother-in-law to ask her to stay. So she said, My eyesight isn’t good. Bao Ling, help me keep an eye on the tiles.

Yang Pinxian also persuaded her, It’s rare to have a relaxing half-day out. Stay for a game of mahjong before going back.

Alright, alright. Tang Jing finally agreed with a smile.

After dinner, they started playing mahjong. Two hours passed quickly, and Ye Huaizhang still hadn’t arrived. Yang Pinxian suggested calling to hurry him up.

Just as they were about to call, Ye Huaizhang called.

There’s a minor issue with the craftsmanship. Try to stall for another hour.

Ye Baoling didn’t dare tell them they needed to wait another hour. She smoothly said, He’s on the way, stuck in traffic.

He should be here soon then.

They continued playing.

Soon, another half hour passed, and Ye Huaizhang still hadn’t arrived.

Tang Jing checked her watch—it was almost 10 p.m. She anxiously said, Bao Ling, take over for me. I really must go back. If I’m not home, those two little monkeys won’t go to sleep.

Guan Lao Taijun hadn’t slept well the previous night and was feeling tired too. Where is Huaizhang? How can the traffic be this bad?

Yang Pinxian said, Grandma is tired too. Why don’t we pack some food to take back for him?

Ye Baoling had no choice but to call Ye Huaizhang. Don’t come over. We’re about to head back. What would you like? We’ll pack something for you.

Ye Huaizhang said, The others can go back, but you need to keep Aunt here.

Fine. Ye Baoling turned to the others. If Fourth Aunt is in a hurry, you can go ahead. Mom, you and Grandma should head back and rest too.

Then she cooed to Ye Jinliu, Aunt, why don’t you stay and keep me company? I still need to order a few dishes to take back for Huaizhang.

Ye Jinliu laughed, Alright, I’ll stay with you.

There were few customers at that hour, so the kitchen quickly prepared and packed the dishes.

Ye Baoling had to order more dishes. She asked which ones could be prepared quickly, but after the restaurant manager listed them, she chose the one that would take the longest.

By the time everything was packed, Ye Huaizhang still wasn’t ready. Left with no choice, she pretended to have a stomachache.

Ye Jinliu urgently wanted to take her to the hospital, even suspecting, Are you pregnant?

Impossible.

But Ye Baoling still gave an awkward smile. I need to go to the hospital for a proper check-up.

At the hospital entrance, she received a call from Ye Huaizhang. He finally said, OK, it’s done.

Ye Baoling breathed a sigh of relief. Aunt, my stomach suddenly doesn’t hurt anymore. Let’s just go home.

She was eager to get back and see the Plum Blossom Key.

Ye Jinliu grabbed her. No, you need a proper check-up. What if you really are pregnant?

…

She was dragged inside. After a series of tests, the doctor gave a three-word conclusion: Food stagnation.

In plain terms: she had eaten too much.

Ye Baoling was mortified.

Ye Jinliu couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

By the time they got home, it was almost midnight.

Though the process had been exhausting, the result was good.

Ye Huaizhang sat nearby, eating the delicious vegetarian dishes she had brought back, while Ye Baoling admired the two Plum Blossom Keys before her.

One was the genuine article, the other a replica intended to replace the one in Sir Fang’s possession.

The real one had a red string tied to it to distinguish it from the fake.

She praised, The aging craftsmanship is incredible. If not for this red string, I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart.

Ye Huaizhang said, The real challenge now is how to replace the Plum Blossom Key in Sir Fang’s hands.

Ye Baoling was also troubled: Last time I heard Fang Shanxing say that the key should be kept in the safe. First, we need to locate the safe, and second, how do we open it? The mechanical lock is easy to handle, but what about the code? This code won’t be easy to crack.

Ye Huaizhang: The safe is either in Sir Fang’s room or the study. Finding its location shouldn’t be too difficult. The real issue, as you said, is how to crack the code.

They needed to think of a solution carefully.

After obtaining the uncertain Plum Blossom Key from Ye Jinliu, Ye Baoling felt much calmer.

Now she still had over half a year to slowly figure out how to solve this problem.

If all else failed, creating a fire or some other chaotic incident to forcibly blast open Sir Fang’s safe was also an option.

If only they had a pinhole camera.

Unfortunately, such things didn’t exist in this era.

All they could do was have someone secretly monitor all of Sir Fang and Sister Ju’s movements.

Have someone disguised as a telephone company employee go to their house to install wiretaps.

Since video surveillance wasn’t possible, audio surveillance would have to do for now.

They were sure to gather more information this way.

After preliminary screening, two names were selected for the bottled water brand.

Ice SpringandSnow Treasure.

Ye Baoling personally voted for Ice Spring, but the rest of the company ultimately chose Snow Treasure.

She didn’t have strong feelings about the brand name, so since everyone chose Snow Treasure, Snow Treasure it was.

The logo designed based on this name was finally selected as a cute version suitable for younger demographics.

After finalizing the name, other tasks began to proceed in an orderly manner.

Since Qingyuan had relatively convenient transportation, the bottled water factory in Qingyuan started construction first. It was expected to begin production before the New Year and enter the market next year.

Meanwhile, Ye Qingtang’s eastern and western expansion routes were both progressing smoothly.

Starting in May, they began distributing Jasmine Iced Tea and Ice Black Tea in South Korea and Japan. Agents had already been selected, and promotions were being prepared.

As for the western expansion route, they began soliciting agents.

During a meeting in Ye Qingtang’s tenth-floor conference room one day, Qu Zhengming spoke up: We now want to enter the Western European market. It’s quite complex there—many countries, many regulations. Fortunately, they’re relatively wealthy and can afford various beverages. Since our North American expansion has been quite successful, we’re receiving many agent applications from Western Europe. Selecting the right agents is currently the most important task for the marketing department.

With the EU not yet established, market expansion was indeed complicated and troublesome.

Looking through the documents in her hand, Ye Baoling noticed L&D’s name and asked: L&D also wants to be our European agent?

Qu Zhengming: Yes, they want to secure Ye Qingtang’s European distribution rights too. However, their resources in Europe are average, and since we’re already cooperating with them in North America, putting all our eggs in one basket by working with them in Europe too would pose significant risks.

Ye Baoling agreed with Qu Zhengming’s perspective: Right, let’s not consider L&D for now.

Qu Zhengming said, Currently we have two companies that are difficult to choose between. One is Europe’s largest agency with the most abundant resources, offering three-year contracts. The other is a mid-sized company called Andar. Though smaller in scale, Andar offers higher agency prices and has promised to concentrate all their company resources to build our brand. However, Andar requires an agency agreement of at least ten years.

Ye Baoling asked the group, What are your thoughts?

The conservatives preferred the large company.

The more radical ones leaned toward the mid-sized company, mainly because of the higher price offered and the promise to dedicate all resources to building the Ye Qingtang brand.

If they’re investing so many resources, they naturally require a long-term contract; otherwise, it wouldn’t be worthwhile for them.

Ye Baoling was also inclined toward Andar. After all, L&D had successfully helped Ye Qingtang break into the market precisely because L&D was at a bottleneck and urgently needed a new product to capture market share.

The large European company might not be as committed. As an established agency with many clients, they likely wouldn’t allocate as many resources.

It would be better to go with a mid-sized company that could dedicate all its resources to them.

However, Ye Baoling didn’t confirm the choice immediately. She said, Invite both for face-to-face meetings to understand each other’s situations better.

The marketing department promptly acknowledged.

*

The parentage test results for Ye Huaizhang’s aunt and grandmother came back—they were not biological mother and daughter.

Therefore, it was almost certain that the aunt, Ye Jinliu, was the daughter of their grandaunt, Yan Yujun.

Their earlier speculation had been correct.

As for why the Plum Blossom Key was given to Yan Yujun’s daughter, that remained a mystery for now.

Soon, Ye Jinliu’s plum blossom exhibition opened as scheduled.

There weren’t many visitors, but Ye Jinliu was still very happy because the exhibition led to her appearing on a radio program and being interviewed by a fashion magazine.

For her, this was a success.

During this time, Sister Ju sent people to check the exhibition hall several times before reporting back to Sir Fang.

We didn’t see the Plum Blossom Key at the exhibition.

Were there any related calligraphy or painting reproductions?

None either.

Sir Fang breathed a slight sigh of relief. That’s good. Check again in a few days, just to be safe.

Understood. After a pause, Sister Ju added softly, Sir, that Annan assassin we hired earlier, the one named Shui Gou, suddenly disappeared some time ago.

Sir Fang, who was copying a landscape painting, looked up at Sister Ju. What do you mean?

Sister Ju replied, I made some inquiries. It’s said that the Bamboo Head Gang has been searching for Shui Gou since last year, and the Bamboo Head Gang is closely connected to Xiao Dahai, who works under Ye Huaizhang. I’m a bit worried that Shui Gou might have fallen into Ye Huaizhang’s hands. If that’s the case, our previous assassination attempt on him would definitely be exposed.

The old man reacted quickly, No wonder Ye Huaizhang and his wife Ye Baoling have been visiting our house so often to play cards recently. Are they trying to find out something?

Ye Baoxin, who had been eavesdropping at the door, was startled.

Did Fang Dingkun, that old scoundrel, attempt to assassinate Ye Huaizhang?

She had never heard anything so frightening and immediately didn’t dare listen any longer, quickly turning to leave.

As she turned, her clothes brushed against the wall, making a faint rustling sound.

Alert, Sister Ju hurried to the doorway just in time to catch a glimpse of a pale yellow figure turning the corner.

Only Ye Baoxin wore pale yellow at home today—she understood immediately.

Returning to the study, Sister Ju reported softly, It was the young madam.

Sir Fang frowned slightly, setting down his brush. She must have overheard something. From today onward, monitor Ye Baoxin’s every move. If necessary, arrange an accident to eliminate her along with Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling in one sweep. Eliminate the root of the trouble.

Sister Ju hesitated, But the young madam is pregnant…

Sir Fang remained cold as iron, An unborn child doesn’t count as a Fang family descendant. Shanxing is still young—he can remarry and have more children later.

Sister Ju pressed, But doesn’t the young madam still have the recording?

Sir Fang hadn’t forgotten, I suspect she hasn’t given it to anyone else. She has few friends—most likely she entrusted it to her mother. When the time comes, we’ll eliminate her mother along with her. Let me think this through and plan carefully.

Understood.

Meanwhile, Ye Baoxin returned to her room filled with unease. She had a nagging feeling she’d been too hasty in her retreat—perhaps Sister Ju had followed to investigate.

Had Sister Ju spotted her?

She might have indeed noticed.

Agitated, she paced back and forth, occasionally gently stroking her belly.

She wavered over whether to share this information with Ye Baoling.

Ye Baoling was in her office listening to the financial director’s report when her secretary called to say her father had arrived.

Ye Kaimin barged in without announcement—Chen Yulan happened to be absent, leaving the secretary at the door helpless.

Your secretary insisted I wait—am I, the chairman’s father, supposed to wait too?

The secretary apologized profusely to Ye Baoling, I’m sorry, Chairman.

Ye Baoling closed the file in her hands and told the financial director, We’ll continue this tomorrow.

The financial director tactfully gathered his materials and left.

The secretary closed the office door as Ye Kaimin pulled out a chair and seated himself.

What is it? she asked.

Ye Kaimin grinned cheerfully, Two matters—one business, one family. Let’s start with business. I am your father, correct?

Ye Baoling glanced sideways at him, How is you being my father considered business?

There used to be a seat for me on the company board. After the company went public and the board restructured, I lost my position. Yesterday I heard Grandfather’s shares will also be temporarily managed by you. With both major and secondary shareholders under your control, you must have plenty of board seats—can’t you arrange one for your father? It would give me a proper title when I attend various events. This way I save face, and you save face too, don’t you agree? Ye Kaimin continued with an ingratiating smile.

Ye Baoling refused, Grandfather hasn’t given me his shares yet. He said temporary management—who sits on the board is still his decision. Go plead with him.

Ye Kaimin retorted, I asked your grandfather—he told me to ask you.

That cunning old man was good at passing the buck.

Ye Baoling smiled faintly, If you’re asking me, the answer is no.

Faced with his daughter’s heartlessness, Ye Kaimin stood up angrily, Without me, would you be where you are today? I fought for your interests at every turn before, and now you just cast me aside like this?

Ye Baoling withdrew the smile from her face. When have you ever fought for my interests? Before, you were worried that my poor performance would implicate you, so you had no choice but to speak up for me. Later, you saw that I was about to gain influence and wanted to latch onto my coattails, so you selectively supported me. You did it all for your own benefit, not for mine. Besides, I never needed your help in the first place—you forced your way in without even asking for my consent.

Ye Kaimin sighed in frustration. This is a classic case of burning bridges after crossing the river. I am your father—that’s an unchangeable fact until the day I die. When you show me respect, aren’t you essentially respecting yourself?

Ye Baoling: Why should I give you face? When you chose to have an affair and abandoned my mother and me; when you seized my bank card and refused to give me pocket money; when you raised someone else’s daughter, arranged jobs for her, and completely ignored me… did you ever consider that I am your biological daughter? Have you lost your memory, or do you think I’ve lost mine?

Ye Kaimin was left speechless.

He was indeed in the wrong about the past.

If he had known his daughter would become so accomplished, he would have treated her better.

But there are no if onlys in life.

Don’t force me to take time out to deal with you. If there’s nothing else, get out. I have a lot to attend to. The fact that Ye Baoling didn’t say get lost was the utmost politeness she could muster.

Ye Kaimin refused to leave. There’s one more thing… Your grandfather asked me to bring this up.

Speak.

Ye Kaimin cautiously said: Baolong’s birthday is coming up. Could his mother come back to celebrate with him and stay for a while?

This time Ye Kaimin had learned his lesson – he didn’t dare mention giving Ye Baolong a complete family, afraid of triggering Ye Baoling’s anger.

Ye Baoling knew perfectly well that the birthday was just an excuse. Once Zheng Junni returned, she would find ways to stay permanently.

She asked curiously: Zheng Junni deceived you, yet you still want her back?

At least he’d have a wife if she returned.

Ye Kaimin: She had no choice but to lie to me. It’s my fault – even my son has problems. I can’t blame her.

Who would have thought Ye Kaimin’s only shred of conscience would be given to Zheng Junni.

Ye Baoling nodded slightly: Fine.

Just as Ye Kaimin thought his daughter had agreed and was about to rejoice, she stood up and said: Let’s go see her together. I’ll ask if she wants to return to the Ye family.

She definitely wants to! Why not just send someone to bring her back?

Ignoring him, Ye Baoling brought Chen Yulan along to the base of the Mid-Levels Villa where Zheng Junni lived.

The guard opened the door for them.

Zheng Junni was confined to the top floor. Due to poor food, sleepless nights, isolation, and lack of sunlight, she had become thin and haggard.

Seeing them enter, Zheng Junni stared blankly for a long moment before hurriedly standing up.

She never expected them to visit.

Ye Baoling didn’t beat around the bush: Zheng Junni, do you want to reunite with your son?

Reunite with Ye Baolong?

Zheng Junni nodded repeatedly, full of hope. Yes.

I’ll give you a chance. Only one of you can return to the Ye family to accompany Ye Baolong. The other must remain here to atone. Will you go back, or will he? Ye Baoling pointed at Zheng Junni and Ye Kaimin.

Ye Kaimin stared in disbelief. Wait, Ye Baoling, what do you mean?

Choose one?

She was making husband and wife choose between themselves?

What a vicious move!

How could he have such a daughter, capable of devising such cruel tactics.

Perhaps Zheng Junni had been driven mad by confinement – without hesitation she chose: I’ll go back. I want to return.

Ye Kaimin nearly coughed up blood in fury.

Author’s note: Ye Baoling: I’m being quite gentle already.

Ye Huaizhang: There’s good drama and you didn’t invite me? [Let me see]