Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1123: 1098: Hot Commodity
Previously on Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group...
Since Xiaoxiao stayed close to Ye Chen all along, she understood their bond was far from usual.
The event organizers stopped holding back and revealed, “Boss Ye owns DouNet, and we're all under his employment.”
“You own DouNet?” Xiaoxiao gasped, her hand over her mouth.
Earlier on, Ye Chen mentioned securing VIP tickets for the yearly event, sparking her curiosity about his method.
Now, it all made perfect sense.
“It's no big deal, don't act so shocked,” Ye Chen dismissed with a wave.
They offered apologies, which Ye Chen accepted graciously.
The organizers and director realized they shouldn't bother Ye Chen and his companion anymore.
Politely, they added, “Boss Ye, enjoy yourselves; we won't interrupt.”
Ye Chen and Xiaoxiao left the venue by car, driving off to the mall.
“Ye Chen, how do you manage to be this incredible?” Xiaoxiao gazed at him admiringly.
“This is just the start; I've got plenty more impressive feats,” Ye Chen boasted shamelessly.
They reached the International Trade Mall, parked up, and headed directly to the eighth floor.
The eighth floor brimmed with eateries, Fish Cool included.
Xiaoxiao dragged Ye Chen inside, and fortunately, a table was free.
Seated, they ordered three pounds of Qingjiang fish in lychee spicy flavor, plus sides and two bowls of rice.
As they waited, Xiaoxiao eyed Ye Chen and inquired, “Ye Chen, you're incredible. Turns out you're DouNet's owner. I was guessing earlier how much you shelled out for those tickets.”
Ye Chen laughed lightly, “Silly girl, money alone can't snag these tickets.”
“Yeah, chatting with friends made me see it's not merely about cash. That doubt lingered for me,” Xiaoxiao said, tongue out playfully.
“Now you get it,” Ye Chen grinned.
“Yep, but I'm dying to know how you ended up owning DouNet,” Xiaoxiao pressed on.
Ye Chen felt bombarded by her endless questions.
“That's a tale for another time,” he replied on purpose.
Right then, the waiter arrived with the grilled fish.
The tantalizing scent had Xiaoxiao salivating, eager to dive in.
Chopsticks in hand, she declared, “Forget your stories; I'm eating fish now.”
They savored the meal quietly, polishing off the fish to bones, with Xiaoxiao devouring the lion's share over Ye Chen.
Ye Chen hadn't anticipated her huge appetite.
A tad shy, Xiaoxiao murmured, “Ye Chen, don't mock me. I can't resist this sweet-spicy goodness.”
“You've never witnessed a girl pack away this much, right?”
True enough, it marked Ye Chen's first such sight.
Still, he held back from commenting, sparing any discomfort.
“Devouring more builds strength; you're still developing,” Ye Chen joked.
“Ye Chen, stop babying me like that!” Xiaoxiao huffed, lips pursed.
Ye Chen rolled his eyes, “You're younger, so it's spot on.”
Speechless and flushed with annoyance, Xiaoxiao fumed.
“Fine, no more teasing. Post-meal, what's your next spot?” Ye Chen shifted gears.
Though Xiaoxiao stayed quiet, Ye Chen knew lingering wasn't an option.
“Okay, my bad, happy now?” Ye Chen quickly conceded.
He mused how she denied being childish, yet her pique was fierce.
“'My bad'? You were wrong, period,” Xiaoxiao maintained.
“Sure, sure, you're right,” Ye Chen surrendered helplessly.
Truly, women's logic evades reason, young or old.
They exited the grilled fish spot.
Ye Chen glanced at Xiaoxiao, repeating, “Where to next?”
“Somewhere exciting,” she answered.
This vague “exciting” spot stumped Ye Chen; what guy deciphers girls' fun ideas?
“Maybe I should drop you home,” Ye Chen rubbed his head.
“Hmph, clearly you want rid of me,” Xiaoxiao sulked once more.
Ye Chen proposed, “Movie time?”
“Nope.”
“Shopping then?” Ye Chen tried again.
“No way.”
Movies and shopping thrill most women, but Xiaoxiao nixed both.
At a loss, Ye Chen grew mildly irritated too.
Girls deserve spoiling, but unreasonableness has limits.
He ignored her and strode ahead.
Noticing, Xiaoxiao sensed her excess and chased after.
Passing a claw machine arcade, Xiaoxiao halted.
Ye Chen feigned anger but spotted her pause.
Approaching, he asked, “Fancy the claw machine?”
“Uh-huh, but my attempts always failed,” Xiaoxiao confirmed.
Claw machines thrill youth, prizes buyable yet the thrill unique.
“No surprise you missed; I'm a pro,” Ye Chen declared, leading her in.
Eying her, Ye Chen said, “Pick your favorite; I'll snag it.”
The arcade teemed with girls, plus guys like Ye Chen with dates.
Entering, Ye Chen's striking looks drew instant stares.
“Look sharp, hottie alert!”
“Is that a celeb?”
“Nah, stars hide more; he's not.”
“He's hotter than any star, swoon!”
Girls fixated on Ye Chen, overlooking Xiaoxiao.
Then eyes caught him holding hands with her.
Admirers deflated.
“Why pair the perfect guy off already?”
“Crushed at first sight, waaah.”
“Handsome ones always snatched; spare one for us?”
Girls lamented, but Ye Chen tuned it out.
Xiaoxiao, however, sulked, muttering, “Ye Chen, why swarm you like that?”
“Sigh, no escaping it. Born this handsome, it's a curse,” Ye Chen lamented dramatically aggrieved.