Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1151: 1126: A Well-Intentioned Lie

“Okay, Dean Chen, rest easy—we'll talk it over the moment we return.” With those words, Ye Chen exited the office.

Right then, Mrs. Zhao waited outside, filled with worry.

The instant she saw Ye Chen appear, she questioned, “Ye Chen, what did the director tell you?”

“Not much, just that you mustn't push yourself too hard. You've been worn out recently, causing your stomach pain to return. With your existing gastritis, it's simply acting up.” Ye Chen offered a white lie.

Mrs. Zhao gazed at Ye Chen, torn between belief and doubt, and probed, “Ye Chen, is that the truth? You're not fooling Auntie, right?”

Before Ye Chen could respond, Director Zhou chimed in, “Ms. Zhao, you can relax—Mr. Ye speaks the truth. It's merely a gastritis flare-up; nothing grave. A few meds will sort it out.”

Director Zhou's assurance calmed Mrs. Zhao's nerves completely.

“Okay, thanks to everyone.” Mrs. Zhao smiled as she spoke.

She had feared a grave issue, yet it turned out to be just fatigue-induced gastritis.

“Great, Dean Chen, Director Zhou, we're heading out.” Ye Chen shook their hands and declared.

Dean Chen and Director Zhou saw Ye Chen and Mrs. Zhao off to the hospital gates before heading inside.

“Mr. Ye, Ms. Zhao, safe travels.”

Witnessing Dean Chen's courtesy toward Ye Chen left Mrs. Zhao stunned.

“Ye Chen, do you know the dean here well?” Mrs. Zhao wondered.

“Yeah, pretty well.” Ye Chen nodded in affirmation.

Mrs. Zhao was already taken aback—visiting this hospital marked one as elite, and knowing the dean implied even loftier standing.

But Ye Chen's following remark left Mrs. Zhao's eyes bulging in astonishment.

“I own this Ren’ai Hospital,” Ye Chen stated evenly.

No hint of arrogance or bragging showed on his features.

Ye Chen revealed this to Mrs. Zhao chiefly to ease her mind about future surgery and care here.

“Heavens, Ye Chen, so young and you own a whole hospital!” Mrs. Zhao exclaimed in awe.

“No big deal. Auntie, I'll drive you home first. Docs say rest up properly. I'll grab the results tomorrow, no need for you to tag along.”

Ye Chen fired up the engine and steered toward the Zhao family neighborhood with Mrs. Zhao aboard.

Once upstairs with Mrs. Zhao, Ye Chen fixed her some food, urging her against overexertion and to prioritize rest.

Watching Ye Chen care for her so thoughtfully made Mrs. Zhao feel guilty, even as her stomach twinged faintly.

“Auntie, I'm off now. Get plenty of rest.” Ye Chen said after getting her settled.

“Ye Chen, hold on a sec.” Mrs. Zhao called out abruptly.

“Yes?” Ye Chen turned to her with a puzzled look.

“Ye Chen, promise me—no matter what, don't let Ziwei know I went to the hospital. I don't want her fretting.” Mrs. Zhao pleaded.

This dilemma weighed on Ye Chen. Mrs. Zhao's ailment was serious, demanding family input on treatment.

Speed was crucial too—this condition brooked no delay, lest surgery become impossible.

Still, to comfort her, Ye Chen agreed with a nod, “Auntie, no worries, I won't breathe a word to Ziwei.”

Ye Chen's promise brought Mrs. Zhao immense relief.

She figured the issue was minor, fixable with rest, sparing her daughter needless anxiety.

Ye Chen drove away from the complex, bound for the hospital.

His phone buzzed suddenly—it was Zhao Ziwei. He picked up.

“Ziwei, what's up?” Ye Chen inquired.

“Ye Chen, Mom seemed off—everything alright?” Zhao Ziwei pressed, voice laced with concern.

“Ziwei, I'm en route to the hospital. We'll chat in person.” Ye Chen ended the call there.

Ye Chen's words spiked Zhao Ziwei's alarm. She sensed trouble, likely involving her mother.

Ye Chen had hoped to shield her from worry, but discussing Mrs. Zhao's diagnosis and options fell to Zhao Ziwei ultimately.

Ye Chen sped to the hospital, parked hastily, and dashed to the ward.

He hurried to prevent Zhao Ziwei from spiraling into panic.

Ye Chen burst in, prompting Zhao Ziwei: “Ye Chen, at last. What's really wrong with Mom?”

“Ziwei, steady yourself and hear me out,” Ye Chen urged breathlessly.

Zhao Ziwei nodded silently, eyes fixed on Ye Chen.

“Ziwei, brace yourself for this—it might hit hard,” Ye Chen cautioned.

Before Zhao Ziwei could respond, Ye Chen went on, “Auntie was suffering immense pain and looked extremely ill, so I rushed her to the hospital this afternoon. The initial diagnosis indicates stomach cancer.”

Zhao Ziwei's face drained of color upon hearing this, and she exclaimed in panic, “How could this happen? My mother is such a kind soul. Why must she face this terrible disease? It's so unjust! Ye Chen, you know, Mom and I have leaned on each other since I was little. After Dad deserted us, she worked tirelessly to raise me. She's all I have in this world. If she goes, I don't want to live anymore.”

As she spoke, Zhao Ziwei grew increasingly upset, with tears pouring down her cheeks.

Ye Chen had foreseen this outburst; anyone facing such news would react similarly, especially with the profound tie between Mrs. Zhao and Zhao Ziwei.

“Don't panic; hear me out first,” Ye Chen reassured her.

Yet how could Zhao Ziwei avoid fretting? This crisis struck the mother she adored most.

After Zhao Ziwei composed herself somewhat, Ye Chen proceeded, “The director recommends surgery. Right now, an operation remains viable. If postponed, it will lose all value, and they'll develop the treatment plan subsequently too.”

“Surgery?” The word made Zhao Ziwei knit her brows. She understood her mother's state demanded a major procedure.

Besides, any extensive surgery required hefty funds, which she lacked by a wide margin.

Her bonds with relatives were poor, and even if amicable, who would advance such a massive sum to one incapable of repayment?

“Ziwei, set aside concerns over the money. I'll cover that. You only need to convince Auntie to undergo the surgery,” Ye Chen stated, realizing Zhao Ziwei fretted over the cost that tallied hundreds of thousands.

With the Zhao family's plain origins, sourcing that much cash proved impossible.

“Okay, Ye Chen, thank you. We'll regard this as a loan from you,” Zhao Ziwei murmured, her lip between her teeth.

She followed up, “I'll manage persuading my mom to check into the hospital.”