Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1186: 1161: Completely Dumbfounded

As Song Xiaoxiao emerged from the dormitory, a message was dispatched by Li Mei to Brother Hei, stating: “Song Xiaoxiao has departed.”

Ye Chen was already stationed at the entrance when Song Xiaoxiao came out. Upon seeing him, she inquired with a smile, “Have you been anticipating my arrival for quite some time?”

“Not long at all, I just arrived myself,” Ye Chen responded. In truth, he had remained in the vicinity, ensuring Song Xiaoxiao’s safety and had witnessed Li Mei entering a black Audi, only to be subsequently ejected from the vehicle. Two compassionate classmates had assisted her in returning indoors.

Ye Chen observed the entire spectacle but remained unaware of Li Mei’s destination or the circumstances of her peculiar predicament. He harbored no particular concern for Li Mei, considering her a non-entity as long as she posed no threat to Song Xiaoxiao; otherwise, he would assuredly intervene.

“Ye Chen, where shall we venture?” Song Xiaoxiao inquired cheerfully.

“The choice is yours entirely; any destination will suffice. However, regardless of our chosen locale, would it not be prudent to first embark on our journey in the car?” Ye Chen playfully suggested with a grin.

Song Xiaoxiao had been engrossed in conversation with Ye Chen at the school gates, neglecting to enter the vehicle. Perhaps she was overwhelmed with excitement at his presence, or possibly the morning’s events had left her emotionally charged.

She offered a playful peek of her tongue before settling into the passenger seat, and Ye Chen soon joined her.

“Ye Chen, let us indulge in some shopping,” Song Xiaoxiao proposed, her bright, doe-like eyes twinkling.

“Absolutely, whatever you wish. Consider me your dedicated chauffeur for the day,” Ye Chen replied with a smile.

The automobile commenced its journey toward Wanxiang City, a renowned commercial hub boasting an array of high-end luxury brands, a veritable paradise for any avid shopper.

“Xiaoxiao, how did you fare on your recent examinations?” Ye Chen inquired with a touch of solicitousness.

“Do you even need to ask? I am, after all, a top student. Such assessments are mere trifles to me,” Song Xiaoxiao declared with an air of bravado.

Ye Chen’s expression shifted to one of mild amusement. Song Xiaoxiao’s unwavering self-assurance was indeed remarkable.

It was peculiar, as Ye Chen had never before inquired about Song Xiaoxiao’s academic performance; this was the first instance. Since their initial encounter, her countenance had been perpetually alight with a smile, and she had even been observed humming tunes. Ye Chen surmised that something particularly joyous must have transpired.

“Xiaoxiao, you seem unusually elated today; what is the reason?” Ye Chen could not resist probing further.

“Naturally, my spirits are lifted by the prospect of seeing you,” Song Xiaoxiao responded with immediate alacrity.

“I suspect that is not the sole reason. We have met previously, and I did not observe such exuberance then,” Ye Chen remarked, casting a sideways glance, clearly discerning her subtle evasion.

“Very well, very well, you have seen through my facade. Nothing escapes your notice,” Song Xiaoxiao conceded. “My original intention was to share this wonderful news with you over dinner, but since you have inquired, I shall divulge it now. Indeed, something quite magnificent has occurred today.”

“And that is, in the presence of our entire class, I delivered a most memorable reprimand to Li Mei,” Song Xiaoxiao announced, her features alight with triumphant pride.

“You possess the capability to admonish others? This is news to me,” Ye Chen countered, feigning surprise.

He was intimately familiar with Song Xiaoxiao’s disposition. This young woman was disinclined to engage in altercations, rarely uttering even a misplaced word. Despite her father, Song Tao’s, questionable character, he had diligently instilled in Song Xiaoxiao commendable manners and politeness, embodying the quintessential image of a young lady from an affluent family.

The notion of her engaging in a verbal dispute struck Ye Chen as entirely improbable.

“Ye Chen, how could you possibly interrupt a person mid-sentence? Such behavior is exceedingly impolite,” Song Xiaoxiao pouted, affecting a semblance of indignation.

“Very well, very well, pray continue,” Ye Chen conceded, thoroughly entertained by her amusing display.

With evident satisfaction, Song Xiaoxiao proceeded to recount the morning’s classroom incident to Ye Chen in its entirety.

Nonetheless, Ye Chen’s brow furrowed slightly. He perceived Song Xiaoxiao as possessing a degree of naivety and felt a burgeoning concern for her well-being.

Noticing the subtle shift towards gravity in Ye Chen’s demeanor, Song Xiaoxiao deflated like a pricked balloon. “Ye Chen, I have become more formidable now; surely Li Mei would not dare to trifle with me further. Why do you not share in my joy?” she asked.

“Who indicated such a sentiment? My thoughts merely drifted to an unrelated matter,” Ye Chen offered as a plausible explanation.

Presently, Ye Chen found himself increasingly apprehensive about Song Xiaoxiao’s safety. He understood, given Li Mei’s temperament, that the humiliation endured before the entire class would not be readily overlooked. Such an individual, he surmised, had likely already harbored sinister intentions.

Song Xiaoxiao, he concluded, was in a position of considerable vulnerability, necessitating his complete protection to shield this pure-hearted, albeit somewhat simple, girl from any potential harm.

“What is it that occupies your thoughts?” Song Xiaoxiao inquired.

Immediately thereafter, a displeased expression settled upon her features. “Ye Chen, I am becoming vexed. I am conversing with you, yet you are clearly not attentive, your mind preoccupied with other affairs.”

“Come now, you misinterpret my intentions entirely. I was contemplating what reward to bestow upon Xiaoxiao for her exemplary academic performance and her courageous stand against her tormentor. What gift would be most appropriate?” Ye Chen protested, a hint of feigned grievance in his voice.

“Oh, my apologies, Ye Chen. It was indeed my error to have misjudged you,” Song Xiaoxiao readily conceded.

Engaging in such pleasant exchanges, they traversed the route and soon reached the vicinity of Wanxiang City.

Ye Chen guided the vehicle into the subterranean parking facility, secured the car, and thenescorted Song Xiaoxiao towards the bustling mall.

“Ye Chen, I find myself rather parched,” Song Xiaoxiao remarked, directing her gaze toward Ye Chen.

“Come on, let’s head over and buy some drinks. What do you fancy?” Ye Chen inquired.

“HeyTea,” Song Xiaoxiao responded, her voice clear.

The name brought a familiar headache to Ye Chen; the wait there was always interminable, and he couldn't fathom its immense popularity.

They joined the queue at the HeyTea establishment. The attendant, with a welcoming smile, addressed the couple ahead, “Sir, Miss, there are currently 88 patrons ahead of you. Would you like to wait?”

“Of course, we’ll wait!” Before Ye Chen could voice his thoughts, Song Xiaoxiao eagerly interjected.

She had been anticipating this treat for quite some time and would not let this chance slip away.

Perusing the menu, they selected a cheese peach tea and a snow mountain lychee beverage.

Clutching their order slip and surveying the surroundings, they found no available seating; the shop was already densely packed with individuals awaiting their orders.

“Look over there, that gentleman is incredibly handsome. Could he be a celebrity?”

“You must be mistaken. I believe he’s even more striking than any movie star.”

“I’m contemplating approaching him to inquire if he has a girlfriend. I’d absolutely love to be his girlfriend,” remarked two young women seated nearby, engaged in hushed conversation.

Song Xiaoxiao and Ye Chen had not initially been standing in close proximity, but upon overhearing the whispers, Song Xiaoxiao swiftly moved towards Ye Chen, linking her arm with his.

Startled by this abrupt action, Ye Chen turned to Song Xiaoxiao, asking with surprise, “Xiaoxiao, what is it?”

“Ye Chen, remember, you’re already spoken for, understand?” Song Xiaoxiao declared with a sense of triumph, casting a pointed look in the direction of the two girls at the nearby table.

Ye Chen was completely bewildered by Song Xiaoxiao’s declaration. He couldn’t fathom her intentions; her words were remarkably strange.