Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1158: 1133: The Magic Mirror Is Obsessed with Looks
Previously on Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group...
Upon seeing the inscription that followed, Ye Chen was instantly disheartened.
“This Magic Mirror can only be used thrice before it reverts to a common looking glass.”
It was a pity, Ye Chen mused to himself, that such a valuable item came with a usage restriction.
He recalled telling Su Wanyi he was stepping out for takeout earlier, before his departure. Now, he couldn't possibly roam the streets with a mirror in tow, so Ye Chen promptly stowed it away in his spatial dimension.
Given the limited options at that late hour, he found a 24-hour KFC and procured some fried chicken and beer for takeaway. The combination of fried chicken and beer was, in his opinion, truly unbeatable.
Carrying his order, Ye Chen drove back home.
Su Wanyi, still awake upon his return, offered an apologetic smile. “My dearest, I am so sorry. Had I not finished the noodle soup you prepared, you wouldn’t have had to venture out again.”
“It’s quite alright; I just saw it as an opportunity for a little drive,” Ye Chen replied with a grin. He considered the trip far from a waste, having acquired the Magic Mirror in the process.
Noticing the smile gracing Ye Chen’s face, Su Wanyi inquired, “Darling, did you happen upon something fortunate?” A sudden chill ran down her spine as a thought occurred: perhaps he had encountered another attractive woman.
Before Ye Chen could respond, Su Wanyi voiced her suspicion, “Did you, by any chance, run into another beautiful lady?”
Her words caused Ye Chen to sputter the beer he had just taken a sip of. “Goodness, what occupies women’s minds all day? Where would I possibly encounter a beauty at this hour?” he thought, feeling rather indignant.
To Su Wanyi, Ye Chen declared with a wounded tone, “Wife, you’re unjustly accusing me. My happiness stems from seeing you upon my return. Consider how long it’s been since we last laid eyes on each other.”
Su Wanyi pondered his words and agreed with his sentiment.
“You should eat; I’m going to sleep now,” Su Wanyi stated, stifling a yawn. She had been feeling exceptionally weary lately, and the ongoing issues with the Xiao Family had taken a significant emotional toll.
She then proceeded towards the bedroom.
Ye Chen, meanwhile, relished his fried chicken and beer in the dining room, thoroughly content.
After finishing his meal, he took a shower before entering the bedroom. He noticed Su Wanyi was still not asleep. He suspected she was likely troubled by the recent leak of the perfume formula.
Approaching her, Ye Chen gently caressed her, intending to rekindle their intimacy. “Darling, I’m truly exhausted; perhaps another time?” Su Wanyi politely declined.
As such matters always depended on her willingness, Ye Chen never pressed the issue. He retreated to his side of the bed, feeling a pang of disappointment, and soon fell into a deep sleep.
The following morning, Ye Chen awoke to find Su Wanyi absent from his side. This was not an unprecedented occurrence; Ye Chen had grown accustomed to it.
After completing his morning ablutions, he had breakfast at a local eatery before returning home. Ye Chen’s schedule was relatively light, involving occasional food deliveries, a stark contrast to Su Wanyi’s demanding professional life.
Once back, he retrieved the mirror from his spatial dimension. The ancient, bronze-hued mirror, radiating an aura of antiquity, materialized before him.
“Greetings, Master! Oh my, it seems I have a handsome young man before me,” the Magic Mirror quipped playfully.
Ye Chen was rendered speechless by its greeting.
Before he could utter a word, the mirror continued, “Handsome young sir, you were initially granted three inquiries. However, seeing as you possess such remarkable good looks, I’ve decided to bestow upon you an additional chance, making it a total of four.”
Ye Chen felt a surge of delight. It appeared an appreciation for aesthetics was a factor. After all, an extra opportunity was always welcome.
Ye Chen nodded with a smile. “After four inquiries, my mystical powers will dissipate, and I shall become an ordinary mirror. I implore you not to forsake me.”
“Understood, no issues at all,” Ye Chen responded.
“Handsome young sir, you may now pose your question,” the mirror prompted again.
“Magic Mirror, I wish to know who was responsible for leaking the newly developed perfume formula for the Yaqi Group,” Ye Chen inquired directly.
“My dear handsome boy, sometimes the person closest to you might also be the one who betrays your trust,” the Magic Mirror replied enigmatically, its surface twinkling.
Ye Chen pondered deeply but could not pinpoint anyone, his brow furrowing in thought.
“Very well, I shall cease my teasing. I always honor my promises and answer every question. The individual who leaked the perfume formula is the personal secretary to the president of the Yashi Group,” the Magic Mirror declared with newfound seriousness.
“Su Qing? How could it be her?” A look of bewilderment crossed Ye Chen’s face. It was common knowledge that Su Wanyi treated Su Qing with the affection of a sister, never once mistreating her.
Observing Ye Chen’s reaction, the Magic Mirror offered a knowing smile. “Indeed, remember this: one may know a person’s countenance, but never their heart.”
The mirror’s wisdom resonated; truly, no one could fully perceive the depths of another’s heart.
“Alright, as you have no further inquiries, I shall retire for the evening,” the Magic Mirror declared with a yawn.
Ye Chen carefully placed the Magic Mirror back into storage, his mind burdened with the dilemma of how to break the truth to Su Wanyi.
The revelation would undoubtedly be agonizing for Su Wanyi.
However, Ye Chen harbored a persistent suspicion that Su Qing's involvement in leaking the perfume formula was more complex than it appeared – a complexity that wouldn't necessitate consulting the Magic Mirror.
After all, the remaining three opportunities were incredibly valuable to Ye Chen.
Ye Chen happened to possess considerable expertise in hacking, allowing him to access others' mobile devices.
“Su Qing, how could it possibly be her who leaked the perfume formula?” Ye Chen mused aloud.
Su Qing was an individual whom Su Wanyi had single-handedly championed, consistently aiding her through familial hardships.
Over time, their bond had blossomed into a sisterly connection, with Su Qing demonstrating unwavering loyalty to Su Wanyi.
Despite enticements of substantial financial rewards from the Group's high-ranking executives, she had remained steadfast, continuing her allegiance to Su Wanyi.
No matter how deeply Ye Chen pondered, he could not fathom Su Qing’s motivation for such an act.
Was she unaware of the profound damage this incident would inflict upon Su Wanyi?
And furthermore, could there be a hidden orchestrator behind Su Qing's actions?
These pressing questions continued to revolve ceaselessly within Ye Chen's consciousness.
A sudden, piercing ring from his phone jolted Ye Chen back to the present reality.
A quick glance at the caller ID revealed it was Su Wanyi on the line, a fact that caused Ye Chen’s brow to furrow.
He was acutely aware of the precise reason for Su Wanyi's call.
Answering the call felt awkward, yet not answering it also seemed untenable.
Ye Chen reasoned that if Su Wanyi was already anxious about the matter, her unease would only escalate with his silence.
Taking a deep breath, he resolutely braced himself and answered the call, “Wanyi, were you perhaps missing me?”
“Ye Chen, please dispense with the pleasantries. Have you identified the individual responsible for leaking the perfume formula?” Su Wanyi inquired directly.
“Not yet, but I have acquired some initial leads,” Ye Chen replied.
“Oh, very well then,” Su Wanyi responded, her voice laced with disappointment, much like a deflated balloon.
Ever since arriving at the company, an unshakeable restlessness had gripped her; without apprehending the culprit behind the leaked perfume secret, true peace remained elusive.
After concluding the call, Ye Chen let out a sigh, finding himself truly unable to convey the bitter truth to Su Wanyi.
For the truth, indeed, would be profoundly unbearable for Su Wanyi to confront.
Ye Chen resolved to infiltrate Su Qing’s phone, hoping to unearth some underlying reasons.
However, upon reviewing the transaction and conversation logs, Ye Chen was utterly astonished.
“How could this possibly be?”