Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1174: 1149: Framed on Purpose

Chapter 1174: Chapter 1149: Framed on Purpose

Song Tao, astonished, nodded, confirming, “That’s correct, he is indeed my daughter’s friend.”

The attending physician, filled with excitement, inquired, “Mr. Song, could you perhaps introduce me to your daughter’s boyfriend? I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss some medical techniques with him.”

“Did you know? Ms. Zhang’s condition, even with the intervention of experts, holds only a twenty percent success rate for brain surgery. Yet, he managed to clear the blood clot using acupuncture directly. Mr. Ye’s medical skills are truly astonishing,” the attending doctor elaborated, his voice laced with admiration.

Lost in his own thoughts, Song Tao remained oblivious to the doctor’s praises.

“Dr. Chen, I have some urgent matters to attend to, so I must take my leave now.”

Upon returning to his residence, Song Tao accessed the villa’s surveillance footage.

As expected, the video clearly depicted Zhao Kai intentionally pushing Ye Chen, leading to Ye Chen inadvertently colliding with Zhang Xiuhua.

“I never imagined we had all misjudged Ye Chen,” Song Tao uttered with a heavy sigh.

Nevertheless, he proceeded to casually delete the surveillance footage.

Subsequently, he retrieved his phone and dialed Ye Chen’s number.

“Ye Chen, I wish to speak with you.”

“Alright, I’ll head over after I finish this delivery.”

Having just completed an acupuncture session, Ye Chen felt a profound sense of weakness, prompting him to seek rest at a nearby budget hotel.

“Tell me your address, and I will come to find you.”

Arriving at the budget hotel, Song Tao knocked on Ye Chen’s room door.

“Dad!”

Song Tao entered the room, his gaze settling on the clearly fatigued Ye Chen, and offered a slight nod.

“Ye Chen, I’ve just reviewed the surveillance video; it was Zhao Kai who pushed you. You were framed,” Song Tao stated after a moment of solemn silence.

“I also just saw the hospital’s surveillance footage, which showed you using acupuncture to save Xiuhua.”

Ye Chen released a long, drawn-out breath, “Uncle, now that this misunderstanding has been clarified, please quickly explain things to your family on my behalf.”

“Explain? Ye Chen, do you truly believe there is still a need for an explanation?” Song Tao responded, shaking his head.

“Why wouldn’t we explain? Are you content to let everyone be deceived by Zhao Kai and watch me be wrongly accused?” Ye Chen asked, a note of confusion in his voice.

Ye Chen’s eyes began to assume a colder demeanor.

“Ye Chen, you are far too naive. Do you truly believe you will find happiness with Xiaoxiao? The Song Family has no need for a delivery person. Zhao Kai represents the most suitable choice for Xiaoxiao. Your life will inevitably remain as it is. Even if you were to join our family, what tangible benefits could you possibly bring us?”

“If you choose to part ways with Xiaoxiao, I will provide you with a substantial sum of money to secure your future. We will then arrange for Xiaoxiao’s marriage to Zhao Kai, which, in my view, is the most advantageous outcome for everyone involved.”

“Ye Chen, do not hold me accountable; this is simply the way of fate. Who declares that poverty dictates your worth? Zhao Kai, despite his character flaws, hails from a prominent family. You cannot defy destiny; you must accept your predetermined path.”

“Only through an alliance with Zhao Kai can both families maximize their collective interests. He stands as the most suitable candidate for Song Xiaoxiao.”

“Ye Chen, seize this very moment to end your relationship with Xiaoxiao. I will then orchestrate the marriage between Zhao Kai and Xiaoxiao.”

Upon hearing Song Tao’s pronouncements, Ye Chen’s eyes flared with intense rage, and he could not suppress a roar, “In your estimation, Zhao Kai is the perfect son-in-law, thus necessitating the protection of his image. I, however, am deserving of being wronged and taking the blame, is that it?”

“From your perspective, no matter how reprehensible Zhao Kai actually is, as long as he can generate profit for you, it is deemed acceptable. So, what does that make me? And what about Xiaoxiao? Are you truly willing to hand your daughter over to someone like Zhao Kai?”

The fury in Ye Chen’s eyes was palpable, his vision turning red as if threatening to bulge from their sockets.

Song Tao responded with an impassive expression, “Family interests invariably take precedence; therefore, I am left with no alternative.”

“Ye Chen, individuals are inherently categorized by their status; you are destined to remain a person of humble origins.”

Abruptly, Ye Chen let out a laugh, a sound devoid of mirth.

He had always held Song Tao in high regard as a decent individual.

The realization that Song Tao was so utterly short-sighted struck him with unexpected force.

“Ye Chen, do not allude to this conversation or any of my words to anyone. You are well aware of the potential repercussions.”

Having delivered this warning, Song Tao rose from his seat, cast a frigid glance at Ye Chen, and turned to depart.

Ye Chen’s voice, laced with coldness, followed him, “Song Tao, you will come to regret the words you have spoken today.”

At that very moment, Ye Chen’s phone vibrated with an incoming call from Xiaoxiao.

Upon answering, he was met with the sound of an anxious young woman’s voice, “Ye Chen, where are you? Can we meet?”

“Certainly, Xiaoxiao, is there something amiss?” Ye Chen inquired with a gentle smile.

He understood that Song Xiaoxiao differed greatly from her father; Song Tao, functioning purely as a businessman, would not hesitate to sacrifice his daughter’s happiness for his own gain.

Song Xiaoxiao, in his eyes, was merely an unfortunate victim ensnared in this manipulative scheme, a realization that stirred a pang of compassion within him.

Ye Chen was aware of Song Xiaoxiao’s inherently kind nature; if she were to discover that Song Tao had approached him with such a request, she would undoubtedly confront her father.

Naturally, he had no intention of divulging the details of their meeting to Song Xiaoxiao, as it would only serve to complicate her already troubled situation.

“Ye Chen, there are matters I need to discuss with you. Let us meet at the coffee shop situated by the school gate,” Song Xiaoxiao proposed.

“Very well, I am en route. If you happen to arrive earlier, please await my arrival there,” Ye Chen responded.

Following the phone call's conclusion, he made his way swiftly towards the coffee shop that Song Xiaoxiao had indicated.

A wave of relief washed over Song Xiaoxiao upon hearing Ye Chen's affirmative response. She was well aware of Ye Chen's character and understood the ulterior motives behind her father's actions.

It became clear that this entire situation was a scheme orchestrated by her father, intended to frame Ye Chen unjustly and compel her into a marriage with that scoundrel, Zhao Kai.

Ye Chen, she realized, must surely grasp the underlying truth of the matter.

Song Xiaoxiao's primary concern was that Ye Chen might reject her plea, but his agreement to meet brought a much-needed sense of peace to her heart.

By the time Ye Chen arrived at the designated coffee shop, Song Xiaoxiao was already present, awaiting his arrival.

Upon spotting Ye Chen, she offered a welcoming wave, beckoning him closer.

Ye Chen proceeded towards Song Xiaoxiao's table and took a seat directly across from her.

"Ye Chen, what beverage would you prefer?" Song Xiaoxiao inquired.

"I'll have the same as you, an iced latte, please," Ye Chen replied, gesturing towards the coffee cup positioned in front of Song Xiaoxiao.

The oppressive heat outside was nearly unbearable, making it feel as though the sun itself was intent on melting everything it touched. A chilled drink was precisely what was needed to combat such intense warmth.

Song Xiaoxiao signaled for the waiter and placed an order for an iced latte.

Once the waiter had departed, Song Xiaoxiao lowered her gaze, nervously nibbling her lower lip, her expression conveying a deep hesitancy to speak.

Abruptly, she took a sip of her coffee, seemingly gathering her resolve, before saying, "Ye Chen, I wish to offer an apology on behalf of my father."

This unexpected declaration from Song Xiaoxiao left Ye Chen momentarily stunned.

It appeared she was privy to the genuine circumstances and understood that the entire deception was the work of Zhao Kai, and that Song Tao had indeed wronged Ye Chen to favor Zhao Kai.

"Xiaoxiao, there's no need for such words. I wasn't particularly bothered by it," Ye Chen stated, dismissing her apology with a casual wave of his hand.

Hearing Ye Chen's magnanimous words, Song Xiaoxiao felt an immense burden lift from her shoulders.

Her initial fear was that Ye Chen might harbor anger, possibly even choosing to ignore her altogether. After all, nobody appreciates being unjustly treated, particularly when the offense is deliberate and malicious.