Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1179: 1154: I Really Love You

Li Mei recognized Cao Yang's current expression as a clear sign of his anger, leaving her uncertain of his next actions.

Wishing to avoid entanglement due to Song Xiaoxiao, she quickly interjected, "Xiaoxiao, Brother Cao is only trying to be nice. Since we're already here, why not enjoy ourselves for a bit?"

"Meimei, let's head back quickly. We have exams tomorrow," Song Xiaoxiao urged, her voice filled with anxiety.

She couldn't fathom Li Mei's strong inclination towards frequenting places like this.

Cao Yang understood that Song Xiaoxiao was a virtuous girl, unlike Li Mei, who seemed to relish the atmosphere of bars and fraternizing with men.

Realizing that persuading Song Xiaoxiao to stay willingly would be futile, he decided to resort to trickery.

He sent a subtle wink to Li Mei, a silent cue for her to make a swift exit.

Li Mei, grasping his intention, feigned a stomach ache, clutching her abdomen as she said to Song Xiaoxiao, "Alright, alright, just wait for me for a moment. My stomach is hurting a bit. I need to go to the restroom, and then we'll leave."

She had been perfectly fine moments before, making her sudden complaint of abdominal pain seem rather suspicious.

Nonetheless, seeing Li Mei pressing her hand against her stomach, Song Xiaoxiao didn't probe further.

After all, women experience monthly discomforts, and the timing of such 'relative' visits can be unpredictable.

Song Xiaoxiao had encountered similar situations before.

"You go ahead; I'll wait for you right here," Song Xiaoxiao told Li Mei.

As she departed, Li Mei whispered to Cao Yang, "Brother Cao, I'm leaving Xiaoxiao in your care. Please look after her well."

"Rest assured, Meimei, I will certainly take excellent care of Xiaoxiao," Cao Yang responded with a smile.

With such a beautiful girl before him, he was certainly inclined to 'take good care' of her.

Li Mei cast a final glance at Song Xiaoxiao before turning away with a sly smile, reflecting, "Xiaoxiao, don't blame me. Everyone looks out for themselves. You've caught Brother Cao's attention, and there's nothing I can do about it."

Watching Li Mei's departure, Cao Yang grinned and said, "Xiaoxiao, why don't we head to a private room for a drink while we wait for Meimei to return?"

He had already devised a plan: once he lured Song Xiaoxiao into the private room, he could do as he pleased.

Cao Yang preferred to avoid unnecessary drama and complications; otherwise, he would have simply ordered someone to drag Song Xiaoxiao into the private room.

"There's no need. I'll just wait here; Meimei will be back shortly," Song Xiaoxiao declined once more.

Cao Yang was well aware that Li Mei had not gone to the restroom; she had merely used that as a ploy to deceive Song Xiaoxiao and had already slipped out the back way.

Even if Song Xiaoxiao waited until dawn, Li Mei would not reappear, a fact entirely unknown to her.

Cao Yang observed the girl before him, still blissfully unaware and deceived, and felt a pang of pity. Indeed, Song Xiaoxiao was as innocent as Li Mei had described.

Encountering a girl like her was a novel experience for Cao Yang; how could he possibly let such an opportunity slip away?

After a further period of waiting with no sign of Li Mei, Song Xiaoxiao's brow furrowed. She murmured to herself, "What could be wrong with Xiaomei? Why hasn't she returned yet? Could something have happened to her?"

Witnessing the pure-hearted girl's concern, Cao Yang couldn't help but shake his head. Song Xiaoxiao was remarkably naive, still worrying about Li Mei's well-being despite being betrayed.

"Brother Cao, could you direct me to the restroom? I wish to check on Xiaomei," Song Xiaoxiao asked, preparing to make her way towards the facilities.

Ever since they had met, Cao Yang's gaze had been persistently scanning her from head to toe, making Song Xiaoxiao exceptionally uncomfortable.

Cao Yang found it unbearable to continue watching; he didn't want Song Xiaoxiao to be further fooled and continue waiting foolishly.

"Xiaoxiao, there's no need to wait any longer. Meimei isn't coming back," Cao Yang stated plainly.

Upon hearing this, Song Xiaoxiao was initially taken aback, then seemed to process his words.

"What did you say?" she inquired, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"I said you don't need to wait anymore. Meimei isn't returning; she has already departed, leaving you to me," Cao Yang reiterated clearly.

At this point, Song Xiaoxiao finally understood that everything had been a coordinated plan between Cao Yang and Li Mei.

"Who is she to me, and by what right does she leave me to you?" Song Xiaoxiao demanded, glaring at Cao Yang.

"Meimei accidentally broke a very expensive bottle of wine, something she couldn't afford to pay for. She devised this plan as a solution," Cao Yang explained.

"How much was it? I'll pay for it," Song Xiaoxiao offered, her voice catching slightly.

Her family was well-off; settling the bill for a single bottle of wine was not beyond her means.

Cao Yang dismissively waved his hand and declared, "After meeting you, I realized money isn't the most important thing. I desire you."

He laid bare his intentions to Song Xiaoxiao without reservation.

Hearing Cao Yang's pronouncement, Song Xiaoxiao's face drained of color. The implication was undeniably clear to her.

Song Xiaoxiao's heart was already irrevocably given to Ye Chen; how could she possibly consent to being touched by another man?

"Brother Cao, if you let me go, I will pay you any amount you ask," Song Xiaoxiao pleaded.

As she spoke, she was simultaneously undertaking another action – discreetly calling Ye Chen.Aware that Cao Yang would not easily release her, Song Xiaoxiao sought assistance from Ye Chen, desperate for an escape. “Xiaoxiao, how many times do I need to say this? I don’t want your money; I only want you,” Cao Yang declared with growing impatience. After dropping Song Xiaoxiao off, Ye Chen returned home to rest, thoroughly exhausted by the day's events. Suddenly, his ringing phone jolted him from his sleep. Glancing at the clock, Ye Chen saw it was already midnight, pondering why the girl would be calling him so late. Still groggy, Ye Chen answered, asking, “Xiaoxiao, is something wrong?” Though he couldn't hear Song Xiaoxiao’s words, her desperate pleas on the other end immediately put him on high alert. “Brother Cao, please, just let me go. I am not the kind of girl you seem to think I am. I already have a boyfriend.” Upon hearing Song Xiaoxiao's panicked voice, Ye Chen knew she was in grave danger. He swiftly rose, dressed, and rushed out the door, jumping into his sports car to race towards Song Xiaoxiao's location. Concerned about the safety of the women close to him, Ye Chen had equipped their phones with tracking devices, allowing him to pinpoint Song Xiaoxiao's location instantly. Cao Yang, entirely absorbed in his attempts to coerce Song Xiaoxiao into compliance, failed to notice that she had already contacted Ye Chen for help. “Xiaoxiao, I truly like you. I promise I will treat you well, unlike my casual relationships with other women,” Cao Yang vowed earnestly. His sincerity was evident; he had been captivated by Song Xiaoxiao from their first encounter, and his feelings were genuine. “Brother Cao, I do not like you. Feelings cannot be forced. Please, just let me go, and I will be forever grateful,” Song Xiaoxiao implored desperately as she was pulled into a private room. “I don't desire gratitude. Today, I am determined to have you. This is my establishment; even if you scream until you're hoarse, it will be entirely useless,” Cao Yang stated with rising anger.