Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1194 1169: Returning to School

Song Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at Ye Chen and responded, "Fine, you don't have to tell me then."

After they finished their meal and exited the establishment, they proceeded to their car and departed from the parking lot.

As it wasn't too late yet, Song Xiaoxiao expressed a desire to go sing for a while, and Ye Chen agreed to accompany her.

"Ye Chen, you're really sweet," Song Xiaoxiao exclaimed with delight.

"If this small gesture brings you joy, then you're quite easily pleased," Ye Chen remarked, gently stroking her head.

Ye Chen considered accompanying his girlfriend a normal act, whereas Song Xiaoxiao felt deeply touched.

This was because her friends often cautioned her that men were inherently selfish, always prioritizing their own needs.

Consequently, Song Xiaoxiao had harbored reservations about pursuing a romantic relationship.

However, her experiences with Ye Chen deviated significantly from her friends' descriptions.

In contrast, when they were together, Ye Chen consistently showed consideration for her, which only deepened Song Xiaoxiao's appreciation for him.

The couple arrived at a nearby KTV, but due to the considerable number of patrons at that hour, they found themselves needing to wait.

Upon observing the throng of people awaiting rooms, Song Xiaoxiao's brow furrowed. "Ye Chen, look at how crowded it is; I don't feel like waiting. Perhaps we could come another day," she suggested.

As she spoke, she let out a yawn. It seemed that due to the events with Li Mei the previous day, she had gone to bed late and was now feeling quite drowsy.

Noticing Song Xiaoxiao's fatigue, Ye Chen simply nodded. "Alright, let's head off then."

Ye Chen and Song Xiaoxiao re-entered their car, and it had only just begun to move.

Amidst the music playing in the car, Song Xiaoxiao found herself succumbing to sleepiness and gradually drifted off.

When her eyes fluttered open again, she realized that the route they were taking did not lead towards their school.

"Ye Chen, you must have taken a wrong turn. This isn't the way back to our school," Song Xiaoxiao stated, rubbing her still-sleepy eyes.

"I'm aware. This road leads to my place," Ye Chen replied calmly.

"Ye Chen, are we going to your house? Why are we going there? I actually want to return to school," Song Xiaoxiao inquired with a touch of urgency.

"Primarily because I believe it's getting rather late, and your school might already be closed for the night," Ye Chen offered, fabricating a reason.

His true concern, however, was that Song Xiaoxiao might face retaliation from Li Mei. Yet, he couldn't disclose this to her directly.

If he were to tell her the truth, she would likely dismiss it with a carefree shrug.

Song Xiaoxiao was far too innocent and certainly no match for Li Mei; she would undoubtedly find herself in trouble.

Ye Chen was determined to prevent any recurrence of such incidents; he wished to shield Song Xiaoxiao and ensure her safety.

"It's alright, Ye Chen. I know the security guards at the gate; they'll definitely let me in," Song Xiaoxiao assured him with a smile.

Before Ye Chen could respond, Song Xiaoxiao posed a question, "Ye Chen, the reason you don't want me to go back to school right now... is it because you're worried Li Mei might try to hurt me again?"

Song Xiaoxiao's inquiry was remarkably direct.

From her perspective, Ye Chen didn't strike her as the type of man who would typically bring a girl to his home for the night.

There had to be a specific motive behind such a plan, and the only possibility that sprang to her mind was Li Mei.

Following the events of the previous night, Song Xiaoxiao also felt a degree of apprehension.

However, Li Mei was her roommate, and she couldn't indefinitely evade her out of fear; a confrontation was inevitable at some point.

Song Xiaoxiao recognized that she had to confront this reality, and Ye Chen also had his own responsibilities; he couldn't be her constant protector.

The only viable path forward, she concluded, was to become stronger herself and tackle these issues head-on.

This was the conclusion Song Xiaoxiao reached internally.

Upon hearing her words, Ye Chen nodded, surprised by Song Xiaoxiao's unexpected perceptiveness.

He had initially presumed she was merely an innocent girl, oblivious to the world's harsh realities, but he now realized he had underestimated her capabilities.

"Indeed, you publicly embarrassed Li Mei in front of numerous classmates today. Given her disposition, it's highly improbable she'll simply let this matter slide. I am genuinely concerned she might seek to harm you again," Ye Chen articulated his worries.

"Ye Chen, please don't worry. I give you my word that nothing untoward will happen," Song Xiaoxiao stated sincerely.

"Very well then. I shall take you back to your school," Ye Chen declared with a smile.

Ye Chen maneuvered the steering wheel, and the car began its journey toward Song Xiaoxiao's educational institution.

Before long, they were nearing the vicinity of the school.

Ye Chen's attention was caught by several individuals loitering at a nearby corner, exhibiting suspicious behavior.

These individuals, sporting garishly colored shirts and dyed hair, were clearly not individuals of good standing.

Song Xiaoxiao, oblivious to their presence, continued her conversation with Ye Chen.

"Ye Chen, sometimes I do feel a sense of pity for Li Mei. Lacking parental affection, she never experienced the warmth of a true family," Song Xiaoxiao mused with a sigh.

Ye Chen reflected that there always seemed to be something detestable about those who invoked pity.

However, without vocalizing his thoughts, Ye Chen turned to Song Xiaoxiao and advised, "Xiaoxiao, you must be cautious of Li Mei; she isn't as innocent as she appears."

"Alright, you be careful too," Song Xiaoxiao responded, giving Ye Chen a farewell wave.

As Song Xiaoxiao exited the vehicle, she remained oblivious to the lurking peril around her.

A sigh escaped Ye Chen's lips as he helplessly shook his head, lamenting the girl's distinct lack of awareness regarding potential danger.

The assembled ruffians, observing Song Xiaoxiao step out of a sports car, hesitated to make their move.

Just as they were contemplating their departure, a stern voice sliced through the air from behind them: "Since you've all arrived, what's the hurry to leave?"

The unexpected interjection startled the assembled thugs.

Wheeling around, they found a young man standing squarely before them.

"Lad, do we know you?" inquired one of the goons, identifiable by his shock of dyed yellow hair.

"We didn't, but it appears an opportune moment has arisen for an introduction," Ye Chen answered with practiced nonchalance.

"I haven't the time for pleasantries. We have pressing matters and refuse to squander precious moments here," stated another thug, his tone laced with coldness.

He continued, gesturing for his companions, "Let's move on; we can return tomorrow. I refuse to believe we won't eventually catch that girl."

It quickly became apparent that this particular individual held a leadership position among them.

Indeed, his subordinates promptly followed his lead, preparing to depart.

"Hold on, did I give you permission to leave?" Ye Chen's voice turned sharp and cold.

The man who had spoken earlier halted, then erupted into raucous laughter. "Haha, boy, did a donkey kick your head? You dare obstruct my path! You must possess the audacity of a bear and the fearlessness of a leopard."

His cronies joined in the laughter, adding, "This kid is certainly heading for a grim fate for daring to provoke the Second Boss."

"Listen here, brat, you'd best offer an apology to the Second Boss, and perhaps we'll overlook this," the yellow-haired thug snarled, glaring daggers at Ye Chen.

"Second Boss? What is that? Where did that even come from? I've never heard of such a thing," Ye Chen responded, feigning ignorance as he shook his head.