Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1143: 1118: Accepting the Rival’s Invitation

Song Xiaoxiao and Li Yan both froze in surprise upon hearing those words.

Spotting the man at the school entrance, Song Xiaoxiao beamed and asked, “Ye Chen, why are you here?”

She never imagined Ye Chen would return to campus to seek her out, and joy surged through her at the sight of him.

“I came to give you a surprise, naturally.” Ye Chen grinned, approaching Song Xiaoxiao with flowers and a cake in hand.

Even Li Yan felt astonished by the strikingly handsome Ye Chen before him. He’d always boasted about his own appearance, yet this guy looked like a movie star.

“Sir, kindly release my girlfriend’s arm.” Ye Chen requested courteously.

Far from loosening his hold, Li Yan gripped tighter, causing Song Xiaoxiao pain.

With arrogance, he declared, “Kid, better be smart and walk away from Xiaoxiao, or I won’t hold back.”

Ye Chen eyed Li Yan like a fool and challenged, “Oh? I’d love to see just how you plan to make things difficult.”

Li Yan had only meant to scare Ye Chen off, but his bluff fell flat.

“We’re all civilized folks here, talking instead of fighting. Alright, I’ll let it slide.” Li Yan hastily made an excuse.

Ye Chen found Li Yan’s antics rather entertaining, as if he were performing for an oblivious audience.

This only deepened Song Xiaoxiao’s contempt for guys like Li Yan.

Though Li Yan lacked fighting skills, his family was immensely rich. In contrast, Ye Chen’s simple attire and modest gifts painted him as some broke loser.

How could a nobody like Ye Chen steal Song Xiaoxiao away while Li Yan could only fume in jealousy?

“Xiaoxiao, what do you fancy for dinner tonight? Where to?” Ye Chen inquired smilingly.

“I’m happy anywhere, as long as it’s with you.” Song Xiaoxiao answered sweetly.

Hearing this, Li Yan suddenly grinned and said, “Brother Ye, I feel so inadequate now. No wonder Xiaoxiao turns me down. Apologies for my rudeness earlier; please forgive me.”

“No worries, long as you get it.” Ye Chen replied with sarcasm.

“Fine, Brother Ye, consider this my apology—let me buy you dinner tonight. Got the guts to accept?” Li Yan asked with feigned sincerity.

Ye Chen saw through Li Yan’s fake humility; it was all a ploy. Curious about his scheme, he decided to play along.

“No thanks, my boyfriend and I have plans; no time for dinner with you.” Song Xiaoxiao snapped irritably.

Knowing Li Yan’s true colors, she figured he wasn’t being generous and had no appetite for sharing a meal with him.

“Xiaoxiao, Brother Li’s inviting us—how can we rudely turn him down?” Ye Chen smiled.

As he said it, he gave Song Xiaoxiao a knowing wink.

Puzzled by the gesture, Song Xiaoxiao trusted Ye Chen always had reasons for his moves; this was surely no different.

What did Ye Chen care about a free meal from Li Yan?

With his vast wealth, he’d savored every luxury dish imaginable.

“Okay then, we’ll take you up on your invitation.” Song Xiaoxiao’s face eased as she agreed.

The trio reached a Lincoln limo, where Li Yan smiled, “Brother Ye, Xiaoxiao, hop in.”

His tone was now all politeness, a far cry from before.

Once Ye Chen and Song Xiaoxiao settled inside, Li Yan joined them.

The driver glanced at Li Yan and inquired, “Young Master, destination?”

“Vienna Western Restaurant,” Li Yan replied smilingly.

After some driving, the vehicle pulled up at the restaurant’s front.

They stepped out and headed in.

“Young Master Li, welcome.” The waiter greeted warmly.

“Yeah, are my friends here yet?” Li Yan asked.

“They’ve been waiting for you,”

The waitress replied, guiding Li Yan and the others to a private room occupied by three or four men already.

As Li Yan entered, the men joked, “Eldest Young Master Li, about time—you’re starving us!”

Li Yan chuckled, “Sorry, brothers, got held up earlier and kept you waiting.”

Seeing the crowded room, Song Xiaoxiao’s face soured.

She’d expected a quiet dinner alone with Ye Chen, not a bunch of strangers.

Ye Chen smirked inwardly—Li Yan was a riot, calling in buddies just to flex.

He’d focused on Li Yan before, but now spotted another man and woman trailing him.

“Young Master Li, introduce these two, will you?” one man prodded.

“Zhang Tao, meet Song Xiaoxiao, and her boyfriend Ye Chen.” Li Yan introduced with a grin.

The mention of Song Xiaoxiao sparked teasing from the group.

“Song Xiaoxiao—that’s the girl you’ve been chasing? She’s got a boyfriend already!”

Awkwardly, Li Yan admitted, “Yeah, I figured Xiaoxiao was just fooling me, but who knew she really has a boyfriend—and such a handsome one too.”

A man grinned and commented, “Young Master Li, you and Miss Song seem like the ideal pair. A good-looking guy is useless; you can't eat him after all.”

Li Yan faked a counterargument, “Zhou Kai, don't talk like that. Brother Ye might not match my wealth, but he cares for Xiaoxiao deeply, waiting for her outside school with flowers and cake.”

Zhang Tao chimed in with a sudden smile, “These days, chasing girls with flowers and cakes? Why not jewelry or luxury bags instead?”

“What do you understand? Brother Ye can't buy those, but flowers and cake work fine too—sincerity beats the gift every time,” Li Yan pressed on.

Song Xiaoxiao cut in abruptly, “I treasure anything Ye Chen gives me. I adore eating cake and getting flowers. Stuff like jewelry or bags? They're just tacky to me.”

A smile spread across Ye Chen's face, warmth blooming in his heart.

Song Xiaoxiao's words made Li Yan's supporters clamp their mouths shut.

With the girl herself declaring it, any further words would paint them as poor sports.

Li Yan's face held a smile, yet inside, fury boiled as he gnashed his teeth.

“Okay, okay, enough on this. It's the young lovers' business—leave it alone. Let's order now, order up!” Li Yan played the gracious host.

A scheme festered in his thoughts: he'd brought Ye Chen here today to humiliate him. How could he stomach a loser like Ye Chen rivaling him for a woman?