Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1192: 1167: Confessed To

As they ambled through the parking garage, Song Xiaoxiao inquired of Ye Chen, "Are you genuinely set on journeying to purchase a crystal ball for me?"

"Is there any other option?" Ye Chen retorted.

Song Xiaoxiao’s gaze dropped, a flush coloring her cheeks. The notion of Ye Chen bestowing such a lavish gift and traveling such a distance made her feel a touch disquieted.

They settled into the car, its engine humming as they departed the parking structure.

Ye Chen piloted the vehicle towards Kerry Mall.

After an excursion lasting close to thirty minutes, a shopping complex materialized before them.

Veering into the parking lot, Ye Chen brought the car to a halt. He then guided Song Xiaoxiao towards the second floor.

Following the directions provided by the sales associate earlier, their stroll led them, after a brief while, to the establishment they sought.

To speak truthfully, the discrepancy between this boutique and the one in Wanxiang City was stark, akin to night and day.

The showroom, generously proportioned and bathed in light, showcased an array of crystalline music boxes. The variety of samples on display far surpassed that of the prior establishment.

With a burst of enthusiasm, Song Xiaoxiao ventured inside, her eyes flitting from one display to another, captivated by the exquisite craftsmanship of the music boxes.

Having neglected to pre-arrange their visit with the staff, the sales assistant perceived them merely as prospective patrons upon their entrance.

Offering a pleasant smile, she addressed Ye Chen and Song Xiaoxiao: "Sir, Miss, may I be of assistance?"

Ye Chen, in turn, gestured dismissively. "We'll peruse the selection for now. We'll signal you if we require assistance."

The sales clerk withdrew gracefully, turning her attention to other patrons arriving at the entrance.

Curiously, the store had been sparsely populated moments before.

Yet, shortly after Ye Chen and Song Xiaoxiao’s arrival, several groups of individuals, predominantly young women, streamed in from the exterior.

A flicker of delight, devoid of surprise, crossed the sales clerk's face. Such music boxes were a popular draw for young ladies.

"Welcome, please take your time exploring. I'm available to detail any styles that capture your fancy," the sales associate chirped with a smile.

Observing the influx of customers, she envisioned a surge in revenue, her spirits lifting.

Song Xiaoxiao’s gaze swept across the varied offerings, a sense of pleasant bewilderment washing over her.

"Xiaoxiao, do any of these designs resonate more with you than the previous one?"

Ye Chen approached Song Xiaoxiao, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he inquired softly.

Song Xiaoxiao offered a negative shake of her head. Her preference remained firmly with the music box she had initially favored.

Despite the extensive collection presented in this establishment, none could eclipse the single crystal ball that had captured Song Xiaoxiao's unwavering attention.

"See, I was correct in assuming such a handsome gentleman wouldn't be without a lovely lady companion."

"Alas, I had hoped to procure the handsome gentleman's contact details, but it appears opportunities are scarce."

"However, we could still attempt it; perhaps that young lady isn't his girlfriend after all?"

Murmurs from the surrounding young women reached their ears.

Their voices, pitched low and their distance from Song Xiaoxiao, rendered their conversation unintelligible to her.

Ye Chen, however, apprehended every word, a subtle vexation stirring within him – an excess of attractiveness, it seemed, came with its own peculiar drawbacks.

The hushed commentary ceased as two girls, exuding an air of youthful innocence and clad in school uniforms, advanced toward Ye Chen and Song Xiaoxiao.

Song Xiaoxiao remained engrossed in her examination of the crystal ball, oblivious to the approaching duo.

"Hello there, handsome sir. My name is Lan Ying, though you may call me Yingying. I find myself quite drawn to you," the ponytailed girl declared with a smile.

Her declaration abruptly punctured Song Xiaoxiao's reverie, pulling her from the enchanting world of the crystal balls.

With a girl directly approaching them, her focus on the glittering spheres inevitably wavered.

"Take a look, Ye Chen, this young lady is rather delightful. And she's just expressed her admiration for you – does that stir any feelings within you?" Song Xiaoxiao teased, glancing at Ye Chen.

Ye Chen's expression shifted to one of mock distress; he was entirely unacquainted with the girl.

"Xiaoxiao, we truly have never met," Ye Chen hastened to clarify.

"Indeed, handsome sir, we haven't. But wouldn't it be wonderful to exchange contact information, then we could become acquainted?" Lan Ying persisted.

Gazing at the young woman before him, Ye Chen mused on the boldness of contemporary girls, their willingness to openly profess affection for an appealing stranger – a far cry from the social norms of his own era.

"My apologies, but I am already in a relationship," Ye Chen stated, offering a polite refusal.

"It makes no difference that you have a girlfriend. You aren't married, after all, proving I still possess a chance, correct?" Lan Ying countered impassively.

Ye Chen found himself oscillating between amusement and exasperation.

"That’s true, Ye Chen. She's right, we are merely boyfriend and girlfriend, so it's hardly a binding commitment," Song Xiaoxiao chimed in, a hint of possessiveness coloring her tone.

"Given your statement, allow me to be unequivocally clear: I hold absolutely no interest in you, neither now nor in the future," Ye Chen declared, disregarding Song Xiaoxiao’s interjection and addressing Lan Ying with unvarnished directness.

He presumed that today’s young women possessed considerable emotional resilience, and his bluntness would likely cause little offense after her forward approach.

As anticipated, Lan Ying responded with a light laugh. "Handsome sir, if that is indeed the case, it appears our paths were not meant to cross. But fret not, I sincerely wish you and this young lady enduring happiness."

Song Xiaoxiao was taken aback by the girl's words, contemplating if young ladies these days moved on from affections so swiftly.

"Little sister, thank you for your well wishes. I sincerely hope you find someone who brings you joy as well," Ye Chen responded with a smile.

"Yes, I will make sure of it! In the future, I'll find a boyfriend who meets your standards," Lan Ying replied, a smile gracing her lips.

Now that she understood Ye Chen's feelings, Lan Ying felt her purpose in the store was fulfilled, having only entered because of him.

With a courteous farewell, Lan Ying resolved to continue her shopping with her companion, anticipating another encounter that might capture her heart.

"Xiaoya, my confession didn't succeed, let's go," Lan Ying announced to her friend standing nearby.

Her expression betrayed no hint of sadness; instead, a wide smile was evident.

Certainly, while rejection was never a pleasant experience, it was far from a catastrophe for Lan Ying.

Observing Lan Ying's retreating form, Song Xiaoxiao let out a sigh, remarking, "Ye Chen, the young women of today are incredibly daring. They openly confess their feelings to someone they fancy, and rejection seems to have no impact whatsoever. Just how resilient must one's heart be?"

"Who can say? I truly cannot fathom the workings of their minds," Ye Chen remarked, a frown creasing his brow.

Lan Ying's bold actions had clearly left Ye Chen surprised.

Although he had received advances from admirers in the past, never had a confession been so direct, nor delivered in such a public spectacle.