Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1155: 1130: Father and Daughter Reunited

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Previously on Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group...
Ye Chen checked on Princess Snow White after bringing her food, relieved she was unharmed. An old woman arrived with a basket of apples, which Snow White nearly ate until Ye Chen snatched one away, exposing it as poisoned and revealing the seller as her evil stepmother in disguise. The empress fled in panic, and Ye Chen offered to help Snow White confront her despite the dangers ahead.

To proactively deal with potential issues has always been Ye Chen's modus operandi.

Considering that the adversary operates from the shadows while Princess Snow White remains in plain sight, Ye Chen understood that the Evil Empress would likely hold back for a period following their exposure.

With his system-assigned mission nearing completion, Ye Chen's departure back to the real world loomed. Consequently, his time in this realm was finite, necessitating a swift resolution to Princess Snow White's predicament.

"Princess Snow White, we must go to the palace and confront your wicked stepmother," Ye Chen declared, addressing the princess. The palace, a place laden with sorrowful recollections for her, held painful memories. Following her mother's demise, her father’s remarriage to a malevolent woman resulted in extreme cruelty towards her.

The princess, heartbroken by her father's choices, had once sworn never to set foot in the Imperial Palace again.

As if perceiving her inner turmoil, Ye Chen reassured her, "What kind of father doesn't cherish his child? He was merely manipulated by your stepmother."

Princess Snow White's eyes widened in surprise at his words, astonished by how deeply this man understood her plight.

The strategic advantage of having Princess Snow White accompany him was to circumvent considerable obstacles. As a royal princess, her presence alone would grant them passage, even past the soldiers.

Should Ye Chen have proceeded alone, his foreign attire would undoubtedly have marked him as an anomaly, an outsider perceived as an evildoer.

"If that is your wish, then I shall accompany you. I do miss Father, after all," Princess Snow White replied with a gentle smile. For reasons unknown, Ye Chen's presence instilled a profound sense of security within her.

"There is no moment to spare; let us depart immediately," Ye Chen urged.

The dwarfs, through some unknown means, managed to procure two horses. Princess Snow White had initially suggested that the dwarfs remain behind while she and Ye Chen proceeded together.

However, the dwarfs vehemently refused, insisting on joining them. Faced with their resolve, she had no choice but to consent.

With only two horses available, the seven dwarfs made do by sharing one. Consequently, Ye Chen and Princess Snow White had to share the other.

"Princess Snow White, please forgive my forwardness."

Ye Chen assisted the young woman onto the horse's back before mounting himself, positioning them in close proximity. For a fleeting moment, Princess Snow White's delicate cheeks flushed crimson. Apart from her father, she had never been this close to another man.

As Ye Chen's arm encircled her, he was enveloped by her delicate fragrance and the feeling of her soft form, his heart stirred by an unfamiliar sensation.

Furthermore, with the horse galloping forward, the surging desires within Ye Chen intensified. He found himself in a state of intense discomfort, compelled to endure it silently.

Princess Snow White, too, sensed the unusual closeness from behind, unable to articulate her own burgeoning unease.

The horse's rapid pace caused Princess Snow White considerable distress, her stomach churning uncomfortably.

"Ye Chen, could you please slow the horse down? I feel quite unwell," Princess Snow White murmured. Ye Chen, however, seemed not to hear her, his focus entirely on maintaining their swift progress to avoid potential complications.

Had Ye Chen heard her plea, he would not have relented, as his sole desire was to reach the palace and dismount as quickly as possible.

Observing Ye Chen's apparent disinclination to slow down, Princess Snow White's brow furrowed slightly. Yet, she did not fault him, attributing his perceived inattention to the swiftness of their ride and the ambient sounds of the forest, which could reasonably obscure her soft voice.

Both individuals endured their internal struggles as the horse continued its rapid journey. In contrast, the dwarfs trailing behind seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.

After some time, a castle came into view in the distance. Even from afar, its majestic and imposing presence was palpable.

As they drew nearer to the castle, Princess Snow White's heart pounded with trepidation, her palms growing clammy with nervousness. This castle held the echoes of her joyful childhood, intertwined with memories she preferred to keep buried.

"Princess Snow White, we have arrived."

Ye Chen brought the horse to a halt, drawing back on the reins. He dismounted first, then gently assisted Princess Snow White to the ground.

Noticing the apprehension etched on her face, Ye Chen offered words of comfort, "With me beside you, there is no need for fear. I will protect you and ensure no harm comes your way."

Princess Snow White nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips. It was as if this man exuded an aura of protection, and his presence made her feel immensely secure.

Ye Chen led the horse forward, with Princess Snow White walking beside him. The seven dwarfs, having a more challenging time, managed their passage on the remaining horse.

The castle guards, spotting the approaching figures from a distance, were on high alert, prepared to intercept any potential threats. Upon closer inspection, they recognized the young woman as none other than Princess Snow White herself.

"Your Highness, is it truly you? We feared we would never see you again."

The two gate guards, overcome with emotion, shed tears upon seeing the princess before them. Princess Snow White, possessing a kind and compassionate heart, held no regard for social hierarchies, treating all palace staff with warmth and respect. Consequently, she was genuinely beloved by everyone in the palace.

Earlier, the Empress had delivered the news of the princess's demise, plunging them into sorrow. The prospect of seeing Her Highness again was a joy they hadn't dared to anticipate.

Upon hearing the guards' words, Princess Snow White instantly grasped the machinations of her stepmother. Her stepmother had orchestrated her expulsion from the palace, subsequently informing her father and the court of her supposed death.

Deprived of the King's protection, her wicked stepmother could easily enact her harmful intentions.

Just as Ye Chen had surmised, her father had been utterly deceived by this malevolent stepmother.

Observing Ye Chen and the seven dwarfs mounted on horseback, the guards inquired, "Your Highness, who are these individuals?"

"They are my saviors. Without their intervention, you would not be beholding me at this moment," Princess Snow White replied with a smile.

Consequently, the guards ceased their obstruction, granting Ye Chen and the assembled dwarfs unimpeded passage.

The castle's grand gate creaked open, and Princess Snow White, stepping back into the realm of her birth, was overcome with emotion.

As they proceeded, a resplendent palace came into view, its architecture imposing and magnificent.

Princess Snow White quickened her steps, her heart pounding as she spotted the figure whom she had grievously misunderstood.

"Father," Princess Snow White approached the King, her voice choked with emotion.

"Snow White, my child, is it truly you?" The King's visage was alight with pure joy.

"Yes, it is truly me," Princess Snow White affirmed, her fingers gently caressing the King's face.

In the mere span of a few days, her father appeared to have aged considerably; streaks of gray now adorned his temples, far beyond what his years would suggest.

Ever since receiving the devastating news of Princess Snow White's passing, the King had been consumed by profound melancholy and grief.

The sight of Princess Snow White now brought a spark of life back into his weary eyes.