The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 94 Retribution

Chapter 94 Retribution

Watching Zheng Junni foolishly fall for Ye Baoling’s trick and betray him without hesitation—choosing to return home herself while leaving him behind—Ye Kaimin was so furious he kept smacking his forehead.

Have you lost your mind? How could you fall for this? She’s trying to drive a wedge between us, can’t you see that?

Zheng Junni’s only thought was to escape this place. She shook her head: I want to go back. I need to leave here.

Ye Kaimin stared at her in disbelief: You’d abandon me here just so you can go back? Isn’t that too selfish?

Aren’t you the same? What right do you have to accuse me? If you weren’t selfish, why don’t you take my place locked up here suffering? Could you do that?

I’m trying my best to find a way to rescue you, while all you want is to drag me down with you. I finally see it now—your previous virtue and gentleness were all an act. This is your true nature! Ye Kaimin was so agitated he was spitting as he spoke.

Ye Baoling took two steps back in disgust.

Zheng Junni shook her head helplessly with a bitter smile: You know perfectly well what I was like before and what I’m like now. Don’t play dumb with me. None of us are clean!

Ye Kaimin snorted and stormed off.

Seeing him leave so boldly, Zheng Junni quickly turned to look at Ye Baoling.

He’s gone! Does what you said earlier still count?

Ye Baoling: You’re the one who’s locked up. Your choice doesn’t matter—what matters is his choice. And you’ve seen the result. That’s men for you.

Zheng Junni fell to her knees with a thud. Baoling, I know I was wrong, I truly know. I’m not even asking to return to the Ye family. Just let me rent a place outside, let me see people, let me meet Baolong—that would be enough. I beg you, please let me go?

Ye Baoling looked down at her. She felt some pity, but not much.

If possible, she would lock both Ye Kaimin and Zheng Junni—this wretched pair—in here forever.

Give me one reason why I should let you go.

Zheng Junni froze, her mind blank. What reason? She couldn’t think of anything at all.

Can’t think of one? Take your time. Come tell me when you’ve thought of something. Having said that, Ye Baoling left first.

After leaving the Mid-Levels Villa, Ye Baoling received a call from Ye Baoxin.

She was somewhat surprised.

This was their first phone conversation.

After hesitating for several days, Ye Baoxin had finally made up her mind. Hiding in her bedroom bathroom, she used Fang Shanxing’s mobile phone to call Ye Baoling.

Baoling, I have something very important to tell you. When would be convenient? I can come to your company.

Hearing Ye Baoxin’s cautious and careful tone, Ye Baoling knew it was no trivial matter. She quickly said: Don’t come to the company. Find an excuse to return to the Oldest Branch—say you’re visiting Ye Baolong. In one hour, secretly come to my room on the second floor of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony. Don’t let anyone see you.

Seeing how detailed Ye Baoling’s arrangements were in such short notice, Ye Baoxin felt slightly reassured. She nodded repeatedly: Okay. I’ll head over now. I’ll find you in one hour.

Instead of returning to the company, Ye Baoling went directly back to the Third Branch.

After returning, she went down to the Blue Brick Tunnel from her bedroom and made her way back to her own room.

She had calculated the time with plenty to spare and waited for quite a while before hearing very soft knocks on the door.

Opening the door, she found Ye Baoxin standing right outside.

Ye Baoling ushered Ye Baoxin into the room and closed the door. The two sat down on the sofa, and Ye Baoxin got straight to the point, detailing the purpose of her visit.

You heard that Sir Fang wants to kill Huaizhang? And he intends to continue?

Ye Baoxin nodded: From their tone, the car accident involving Brother Huaizhang last time was orchestrated by them. They suspect you already know he was behind it, so he wants to strike again before you retaliate.

Ye Baoling was aware of this. Why are you telling me this?

Ye Baoxin lowered her head, lightly fiddling with the bag in her hands. I used to be very foolish. I thought Grandpa never looked at me properly, that he looked down on me. The rest of the Ye family was the same—polite on the surface but actually viewing me as a burden, no one treating me as family. I just wanted… to outdo you everywhere, to win against you. Actually, when your relationship with Brother Huaizhang was discovered, it was because I reminded my mother to hire a private investigator… I’m sorry, Bao Ling. I admit I was jealous of your background. I was truly stupid.

Ye Baoling didn’t believe Ye Baoxin had suddenly turned over a new leaf; she must have encountered some trouble. Are you facing some difficulty?

Ye Baoxin looked up. I wallowed in self-pity, thinking I had a hard life. In reality, I grew up in the Ye family, and after studying abroad, I was directly arranged to work at Su Man. I had never seen the true darkness of society until I discussed marriage with Shanxing and until my mother was imprisoned. That’s when I encountered real evil.

Ye Baoxin recounted everything—how Sir Fang had threatened her to leave Fang Shanxing, tried to force her to become his mistress, and how she had resisted.

Ye Baoling was shocked. She hadn’t expected that old scoundrel Fang Dingkun to be such trash.

Seeing Ye Baoxin holding back tears, her eyes red, Ye Baoling handed her a tissue. So last time, when you said someone was loitering outside your room at night, was it Sir Fang?

Ye Baoxin wiped the corner of her eye. I’m not sure if it was him, but it was definitely someone he sent. He wanted to intimidate me; he doesn’t want me to have peace.

Ye Baoling understood. This Sir Fang is a hundred times more terrifying than the average hypocrite. Let me think about how to handle this.

After confiding in Ye Baoling, Ye Baoxin felt much lighter.

She knew Ye Baoling was clever and full of ideas. Though she couldn’t free herself from Sir Fang, Ye Baoling would surely help her find a way.

From now on, act normally. Don’t appear timid or fearful to avoid raising their suspicions. Be confident, and never stay home alone—always have someone with you. Ye Baoling wanted her to protect herself while also making use of Ye Baoxin’s identity to assist her.

I’ll do whatever you say. Just tell me what to do. Ye Baoxin knew their relationship was now one of mutual benefit.

Ye Baoling then assigned her a task.

They talked for nearly an hour. Afterward, Ye Baoxin returned to the Fang residence, while Ye Baoling went back to the Third Branch through the secret chamber.

In the evening, Sister Ju reported to Sir Fang.

Today, the young mistress visited Ye Baolong at the Ye family’s Oldest Branch and seemed to be in a good mood upon returning.

Did she see Ye Baoling?

Sister Ju: Ye Baoling wasn’t at the Oldest Branch at the time; she was at the Third Branch, so they didn’t meet. However, it was strange that Ye Baoling went to see Zheng Junni today. She had never visited Zheng Junni before.

Sir Fang put away the newspaper. Keep watching them, don’t relax. Wherever Ye Huaizhang goes, he’s surrounded by people. He’s highly vigilant and hard to target. If all else fails, we can frame him.

Having Ye Huaizhang imprisoned would also be a good outcome.

After a brief contemplation, Sir Fang said, Find a way to get Ye Huaizhang’s fingerprints using a lighter.

Sister Ju thought for a moment. This weekend is the young master’s birthday. They should be coming for dinner. I’ll figure something out then.

Sir Fang instructed, Arrange more people to monitor their gathering, in case they use this opportunity to plot something.

I’ll make sure everyone stays alert.

When Ye Huaizhang returned that evening, Ye Baoling was playing mahjong with the elderly lady. It was almost ten o’clock when she finally returned to their room.

Back in the bedroom, she told him about Ye Baoxin’s visit earlier that day.

Upon learning about Sir Fang’s despicable and filthy behavior, Ye Huaizhang was quite shocked. Even thinking about targeting his own granddaughter-in-law—this truly crossed all moral boundaries.

And this kind of person has been chairman of Nanhua Third Hospital’s charity foundation his whole life, and still holds the title of honorary chairman. Isn’t that ironic?

It was utterly disgusting.

Ye Baoling added, This weekend is Fang Shanxing’s birthday. I wonder if Ye Baoxin can get the password in advance.

If not, they would need to prepare a backup plan. After all, with Sir Fang taking action, they couldn’t afford to delay any longer.

Ye Baoxin bought a small safe and placed it in their bedroom closet.

Standing before the closet with the instruction manual, she asked, Honey, what would be a suitable password to set?

Fang Shanxing, who had just finished showering and was drying his hair, replied, Your birthday.

Ye Baoxin turned to look at him, trying to use the method Ye Baoling had taught her to extract information. Wouldn’t that be too easy to crack?

Good point. How about using your birthday plus my birthday then?

But it only allows four digits. How do we combine them?

Take the day of my birthday and the day of yours. I was born on May 15th, you on October 21st, so we can use 1521. This way the password contains both our birthdays and won’t be easy to crack. Perfect, isn’t it?

Ye Baoxin kissed him. You’re so smart, honey.

Fang Shanxing smiled proudly. Of course.

While setting the password, Ye Baoxin casually asked, Your family doesn’t use this pattern for all your safe combinations, do they?

You guessed it right.

So Grandpa’s safe uses his and Grandma’s birthdays, and your father’s safe uses his and your mother’s birthdays? Ye Baoxin laughed playfully. All using couples’ birthdays—your family is full of romantics, aren’t you?

Fang Shanxing shook his head. Not exactly. I’m the only romantic here.

Oh? What do you mean?

My grandfather’s safe combination is only known to him and my father, so it’s probably his and my father’s birthdays, not his and my grandmother’s. After saying this, Fang Shanxing stood behind Ye Baoxin and gently stroked her belly. Never thought I’d be the first among us to become a father.

He was very happy.

Ye Baoxin continued probing, You’re just guessing. How do you know it’s Grandpa and your father’s birthdays? Couldn’t it be Grandpa and Grandma’s birthdays?

Fang Shanxing chuckled. I overheard them talking about it when I was very young. It’s definitely my grandfather and father’s birthdays. But the key has always been with Grandpa—my father doesn’t have one. So only Grandpa can open that safe.

Ye Baoxin remarked, Your grandfather probably told your father the password in advance because he was afraid he might suddenly pass away, and your father wouldn’t know it otherwise.

You really shouldn’t say words like ‘death’ in front of my grandfather or my father—it’s bad luck.

She wouldn’t say it, but she wished Old Fang would drop dead right then and there.

Still, she was quite pleased to have successfully obtained the password. I’m not that foolish; I won’t speak carelessly.

After setting the password, Ye Baoxin stored all her valuable jewelry inside.

On Saturday, the day before Fang Shanxing’s birthday, they celebrated early.

Ye Huaizhang, Ye Baoling, and Gong Jiahua arrived together, while Ye Leqiong and her sister, along with Gu Man’er, Fang Haiming, and others, had come much earlier.

Ye Huaizhang presented the birthday gift first, followed by Gong Jiahua offering a bottle of wine from his personal collection.

Last year on your birthday, someone gave me this red wine—I’m just passing it on to you. But this year is different; this is a fine wine I’ve treasured for years. We must drink well today and not part until we’re drunk.

All talk and no action—when it comes to drinking, you’re no match for anyone, Fang Shanxing teased Gong Jiahua as usual.

It was a small indoor gathering with few guests, mainly young people enjoying themselves.

Sir Fang and his son Fang Xuhua stayed upstairs and didn’t come down. Sister Ju kept a close watch on Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling, trying to detect any unusual behavior.

Surprisingly, they remained in the living room chatting with others, occasionally using a camera to photograph the guests and themselves, seemingly without even visiting the restroom.

The birthday cake made by Ye Baoxin was brought out. As they prepared to light the candles, everyone noticed the lighter was placed right beside Ye Huaizhang.

A servant squeezed through the crowd. Mr. Ye, could you please pass the lighter?

Without suspicion, Ye Huaizhang picked up the lighter and handed it to the servant.

The servant, wearing work gloves, took the lighter and passed it behind to someone else, while simultaneously pulling out another lighter and rushing over to give it to Ye Baoxin.

Sister Ju, observing from a higher vantage point, saw everything clearly, but Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling, engrossed in watching Ye Baoxin light the candles, noticed nothing.

Due to the presence of an elderly person and a pregnant woman in the household, Fang Shanxing’s birthday party didn’t last late. After having cake, some drinks, and barbecue, everyone dispersed.

Sister Ju reported the situation in detail to Sir Fang.

Sir Fang asked, Was there any other unusual behavior from Ye Huaizhang today?

Sister Ju replied, None. Everything was normal. They didn’t stay long, didn’t even use the restroom, and stayed in the main hall chatting the whole time.

Did Ye Baoxin and Ye Baoling have any private conversations?

They spoke, but others were always nearby; there were no solo chats.

Sir Fang nodded slightly but remained uneasy. Keep a close watch on them. We’ll act at the slightest movement.

Understood. I’ve already coordinated with Old Ghost.

By Tuesday, Sister Ju noticed Ye Baoxin leaving the Fang residence and heading to the 30th floor of Jade Dragon Mansion.

The 30th floor housed the chairman’s office, indicating Ye Baoxin was going to see Ye Baoling.

Coincidentally, their preparations were complete, and Sir Fang instructed Sister Ju to proceed immediately.

However, when Sister Ju picked up the phone to call Old Ghost for assistance, she found the landline was malfunctioning; all fixed-line phones were out of order.

Fortunately, there was a mobile phone in the house, and Sister Ju used it to contact Old Ghost.

Despite his name containing Old, Old Ghost wasn’t actually old—he was just a small-time gang leader in his thirties.

The old ghost didn’t use his own mobile phone to make calls. Instead, he walked to a public phone booth ahead, inserted coins, and dialed the gatehouse number of the Mid-Levels Villa on Guling Mountain.

Uncle Bing, it’s Fugui. Xing Shu asked me to call you and tell you to return to the main house. The old master has some questions for you… Yes, come back immediately.

After that, he dialed the paging station: Please leave a message for the subscriber: her mother wants to meet her right away. She should bring Ye Baoling to the Mid-Levels Villa to discuss important matters. No need to return the call… Ye as in the leaf of a tree, Bao as in precious jewels, Ling as in the command radical on the left combined with the feather radical on the right.

After hanging up, the old ghost and his two subordinates drove to the vicinity of the Mid-Levels Villa. The old ghost and one of them got out, while the driver drove away.

A lookout hiding in the shadows reported that the gatekeeper Uncle Bing had already gone down the mountain.

The old ghost used a lockpick to open the outer iron gate and the inner secondary door of the villa. Then the three of them hid in the bushes by the roadside opposite the main entrance.

About ten minutes later, a sedan arrived.

The car stopped at the entrance, honked a few times, but no one came to open the gate. A middle-aged man got out, pushed the iron gate open, and went inside.

The lookout hiding in the bushes asked the old ghost, Who’s that? Why is it a man?

The old ghost wasn’t entirely sure: Seems like Ye Kaimin. I’ve seen him in the newspapers.

What should we do?

Never mind. One more dead won’t matter.

After Ye Kaimin got out of the car, he noticed the iron gate was unlocked, the secondary door was also unlocked, and the gatekeeper was absent. Muttering curses under his breath, he went upstairs.

Not long after, another car stopped. Two young women got out and pushed the door open to enter.

Are these the two? the lookout asked again.

The old ghost confirmed: Yes, it’s them. Wait until they go upstairs.

This so-called Mid-Levels Villa had a terrible environment—no large garden, no parking lot. So after they got out of their cars, the vehicles had to drive back to the foot of the mountain and wait.

Meanwhile, there were recreational facilities on the mountain, so minibuses and buses frequently passed by.

At that moment, a bus slowly drove down from the mountain. They waited patiently until the bus had completely passed before the old ghost and his men put on gloves, grabbed gasoline cans, and emerged.

The three of them quickly poured gasoline on the wooden surfaces inside the secondary door and around flammable materials surrounding the house.

Then the old ghost took out a prepared lighter and ignited the fire. They chained the secondary door and the iron gate shut, and before leaving, tossed the lighter beside a cypress tree outside the main gate.

A raging fire instantly erupted.

The old ghost called Sister Ju, then hid in the bushes again to keep watch, just in case.

Sister Ju informed Sir Fang that the fire had been set, But there’s one extra person inside.

Who?

Ye Kaimin.

Sir Fang couldn’t help but laugh, One more useless person won’t make a difference.

Meanwhile, telephone company personnel were inspecting the phone lines on the second floor when the doorbell rang. Unexpectedly, Ye Huaizhang had shown up uninvited, saying he wanted to see Sir Fang.

Sir Fang had no choice but to leave his study and go downstairs.

He greeted him warmly with a smile: Huaizhang, are you here to see Shanxing? He has an event today and hasn’t returned yet.

Ye Huaizhang smiled and said, I’m not here for Shanxing. I came to see you, Grandfather Fang.

Oh? Sir Fang felt a slight unease in his heart, What brings you to me?

Ye Huaizhang: Earlier when I was in a car accident, I investigated for a long time to find out who wanted me dead. The final result surprised me.

Sir Fang’s heart skipped a beat. Who wanted to kill you?

I found an Annamese man named Shui Gou who identified someone called Auntie Mei as the one who wanted me dead.

Auntie Mei?

Yes. Auntie Mei. Ye Huaizhang pursed his lips slightly. A few days ago, I was shocked to discover that Gong Jiahua’s mother has the character ‘Mei’ in her name. Moreover, her appearance closely matches Shui Gou’s description. When I showed Shui Gou Mrs. Gong’s photo, he said they’d only met once – she looked somewhat similar but he couldn’t be certain. I’m utterly confused now. I can’t understand why Mrs. Gong would want to kill me.

That makes no sense. Could there be some misunderstanding? Sir Fang said, then added, Perhaps someone in your family has a grudge against Mrs. Gong, and she’s taking it out on you?

Ye Huaizhang looked completely bewildered. That’s exactly why I came to you, Grandpa Fang. You’re familiar with both our families. Do you know if there were any past conflicts between our family and the Gongs?

Sir Fang clearly knew something about Gong Jinghui and Ye Jinliu’s history. He smiled meaningfully. You should go ask your aunt.

My aunt? Ye Huaizhang seemed to understand somewhat. He noticed telephone company repair workers leaving through the back door, escorted by a servant.

He asked calmly, Does Grandpa Fang know something?

Sir Fang waved his hand slightly. Some matters aren’t suitable for outsiders to discuss. Go ask your aunt, and you’ll understand.

Alright. Thank you for the advice, Grandpa Fang. Since I haven’t fully investigated this matter yet, I’ll need to trouble you to keep it confidential.

Of course.

After chatting a while longer, Sir Fang stood up and personally saw Ye Huaizhang out.

Ye Kaimin received a strange pager message from Zheng Junni, saying she needed to discuss something important with him.

When he arrived at the Mid-Levels Villa, he found both the main gate and secondary door unlocked, with no guard in sight.

Cursing under his breath, he went up to the top floor and discovered it was completely empty.

The place was deserted.

He entered Zheng Junni’s room and casually rummaged through the drawers. He found his son’s photo album with letters Zheng Junni had written to him tucked inside, which he specifically examined.

By the time he smelled the strong gasoline odor and came out, he found thick smoke and raging flames everywhere.

The doors and windows on the first floor were all locked shut.

The villa’s windows and balconies were installed with anti-theft grilles – originally meant to prevent Zheng Junni from escaping – but now they became his death trap.

He screamed desperately for help, but no one responded or could hear him.

Thick smoke choked his airways, and he coughed until he nearly lost consciousness.

His only option was to run to the rooftop.

He found a rag in the room, wet it, and covered his nose and mouth.

The flames spread too quickly. He never imagined Ye Kaimin would meet his end like this.

Just as despair set in, he discovered a small emergency exit in the rooftop’s anti-theft grille.

He rushed to the escape opening, climbed out, and tried to climb down, but there were only flames and thick smoke below with nothing to hold onto.

Forced by the raging fire and billowing smoke, he covered his nose, closed his eyes, and jumped.

Ah!

His old bones – probably all broken now.

The first-floor flames burned his body as he endured excruciating pain, struggling to crawl outside.

He ultimately lost consciousness.

A fire broke out at the Mid-Levels Villa on Guling Mountain. Fire engines arrived promptly and quickly brought the blaze under control, extinguishing it shortly after.

A middle-aged man was rescued from the scene with multiple injuries including fractures from a fall, smoke inhalation, and burns. He has been transported to Love and Harmony Hospital for treatment.

At the scene, a lighter was discovered, suspected to have been left behind by the arsonist.

When Sister Ju urgently relayed the news to Sir Fang, he asked in disbelief, Ye Baoling, Ye Baoxin, Zheng Junni, and the Filipino maid are all absent?

Sister Ju wore a helpless expression: None of them are here. During the police investigation, they claimed that Zheng Junni was taken to the hospital for a check-up the day before, while Ye Baoling and Ye Baoxin never went to the Mid-Levels Villa at all. But Old Ghost insists his men kept watch all night and didn’t see Zheng Junni being taken away. Moreover, they clearly witnessed Ye Baoling and Ye Baoxin entering the villa gates.

Someone must be lying. Either Old Ghost failed to keep proper watch, or our plan was exposed, and we’ve been deceived by a setup.

Sir Fang recalled Ye Huaizhang’s timely visit earlier. And then there’s Ye Huaizhang showing up so coincidentally—it’s very strange. The questions he asked weren’t normal either.

Sister Ju couldn’t make sense of it. If our plan was already exposed, why would Ye Kaimin still walk right into it? Ye Baoling wouldn’t just stand by and watch her own father burn, would she?

Bizarre. Utterly bizarre.

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy Sir Fang felt. He hurried upstairs and opened the safe. Finding everything inside still intact, he relaxed slightly.

Where exactly did things go wrong?

Watching the smoke and flames rise from the hillside, Ye Baoling exchanged a glance with Chen Yulan, who promptly called the police.

On her way back, she received a call from Ye Huaizhang.

The operative disguised as a telephone company employee had successfully obtained the second Plum Blossom Key.

Excellent!

Only the final step of unlocking remained to complete the mission.

She didn’t rush to meet up with Ye Huaizhang but instead returned to the company to continue her work as usual.

Later, she received a call from the police and hurried to Love and Harmony Hospital.

Standing beside Ye Kaimin, who was wrapped up like a burnt zongzi, she asked the doctor, How is my father?

Multiple fractures—he may need a wheelchair in the future. There are also extensive burns, and he’ll require skin graft surgeries. The process will be long and painful.

Good.

The Oldest Branch has money; the surgeries can take their time.

An hour and a half earlier, Ye Baoling had received a pager message from someone impersonating Zheng Junni. Shortly after, she had someone else impersonate Zheng Junni to leave a pager message for Ye Kaimin.

The previous evening, following her cooperation agreement with Ye Baoxin, Zheng Junni had been covertly transferred under the cover of a bus. Wei Zaiqiang, acting on Ye Baoling’s instructions, had also left an escape route on the top floor.

Everything was carried out without a trace.

When Ye Kaimin regained consciousness, he groaned in agony, muttering, Zheng Junni tried to harm me. She wanted me dead.

She left you an escape route—that’s quite merciful of her, Ye Baoling replied.

Ye Kaimin: Someone tried to kill me. Ah, it hurts so much.

It hurts? Endure it. The doctor said this is only the beginning. It’ll hurt even more in a couple of days, Ye Baoling softly reassured him.

Hearing that this was just the start, Ye Kaimin, immobilized and in agony, felt utterly despairing.

Ye Baoling fell silent, quietly observing from the sidelines with a cold detachment.

Watching Ye Kaimin suffer, for some reason, she felt a strangely eerie sense of satisfaction.

This was all she could do for the original host and her mother.

Author’s Note:

Ye Baoling: I’m a good person.

Ye Huaizhang: Of course. [dog head holding a rose]