Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1199: 1174: Fear of Loss and Gain

“Ye Chen, any thoughts on why that man’s wife showed up at school?” Song Xiaoxiao inquired, her voice laced with confusion. “And who do you suppose recorded that video?”

Song Xiaoxiao’s barrage of questions left Ye Chen equally bewildered. He, of course, was the mastermind behind the entire scheme, privy to the true reasons. Nevertheless, revealing the truth to Song Xiaoxiao was out of the question.

“Individuals like Li Mei undoubtedly amass a considerable number of adversaries. Considering the multitude of men surrounding her, it’s plausible that a jilted lover, perhaps driven by jealousy, orchestrated this as an act of retribution,” Ye Chen proposed.

“Yet, I harbor doubts. Something about this entire affair feels… off,” Song Xiaoxiao confessed, her delicate brows drawing together in a thoughtful frown.

Her gaze then shifted to Ye Chen, a direct question forming on her lips: “Ye Chen, was this your doing?”

The memory of Ye Chen’s palpable anger upon discovering Li Mei’s malicious intentions towards Song Xiaoxiao remained vividly etched in her mind.

Song Xiaoxiao harbored a persistent feeling that these events were intrinsically linked to Ye Chen, that he was the puppet master pulling the strings.

“Xiaoxiao, don’t be absurd. Such capabilities are beyond me. You’re attributing far too much to my abilities,” Ye Chen responded with a self-deprecating scratch of his head and a smile.

From the look in Song Xiaoxiao’s eyes, he discerned she was beginning to harbor suspicions towards him.

Despite this, Ye Chen could not bring himself to confess; engaging in such underhanded tactics hardly painted a picture of honor or gentlemanly conduct.

Furthermore, Ye Chen dreaded that this revelation might cause Song Xiaoxiao to view him unfavorably, potentially impacting their relationship.

“Hahaha, I was merely jesting. I don’t truly believe you’re capable of such actions. While Li Mei is indeed detestable, this is a rather extreme measure, pushing her to a point of no return. She was on the cusp of graduation next year, only to be forced out now. Doesn’t that strike you as rather unfortunate?” Song Xiaoxiao lamented, her expression growing sorrowful.

Song Xiaoxiao’s inherent kindness shone through, a quality Ye Chen found himself increasingly recognizing through this incident.

However, an excessive amount of kindness in this world often proves disadvantageous. Even the most benevolent heart may not receive kindness in return.

Take Li Mei, for instance; no matter how kindly one might treat her, it proved futile. She had harbored homicidal intent towards Song Xiaoxiao.

To this day, Song Xiaoxiao remained oblivious to this threat, and Ye Chen saw no reason to burden her with such distressing knowledge.

With the immediate danger averted, Ye Chen could finally exhale a breath of relief.

“Indeed, Li Mei has endured considerable hardship due to this, but such are the consequences of her lifestyle. Trouble was bound to find her eventually. This serves as a harsh lesson. You needn’t concern yourself excessively over her. After all, each individual traverses their own unique path, and no one else can walk it for them,” Ye Chen stated with casual indifference.

Song Xiaoxiao found herself agreeing with Ye Chen’s perspective. Li Mei frequently opted to spend her nights away from the dorm, engaging in unsavory activities outside the campus.

It seemed inevitable that individuals of her disposition would meet an unfavorable end.

In Song Xiaoxiao’s estimation, Ye Chen had always embodied accountability for his actions. His denial of any involvement cemented her trust in his innocence.

Song Xiaoxiao placed her complete faith in Ye Chen.

“Very well, let us cease this discussion,” Song Xiaoxiao declared abruptly, steering the conversation in a new direction.

Upon hearing this, Ye Chen released a prolonged sigh of relief. Had Song Xiaoxiao persisted with her inquiries, he would have been compelled to exhaust his ingenuity in fabricating excuses and justifications to pacify her.

Fortunately, Song Xiaoxiao chose not to probe further, allowing Ye Chen to shed his veil of tension.

“Yes, Xiaoxiao, your kindness is truly boundless. Li Mei brought this predicament upon herself, and it bears no relation to you, so cease your worries about her,” Ye Chen quickly reassured her as he noticed her shift in topic.

Song Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement. Initially, a sense of distress had settled upon her, stemming from the belief that the entire ordeal began when she publicly exposed Li Mei’s scandalous affair, which subsequently led to the video, the photographs, and the appearance of the wronged wife.

However, following Ye Chen’s comforting words, an immediate wave of relief washed over her.

Ye Chen possessed an uncanny ability to soothe her, instantly lifting her spirits.

“Xiaoxiao, where do you wish to go today?” Ye Chen inquired.

Just as Song Xiaoxiao was about to vocalize her preference, Ye Chen’s phone chimed. Glancing sideways at the screen, she noted the caller ID displaying the name ‘Wanyi’.

Recognizing it as Su Wanyi’s call, she wisely refrained from speaking.

Ye Chen, showing no hint of awkwardness, accepted the call with practiced grace.

“Wanyi, what prompts this call at this particular moment?” Ye Chen inquired with a smile.

“Ye Chen, are you available this evening?” Su Wanyi’s voice carried across the line.

“Yes, and even if I weren’t, I would certainly make the time,” Ye Chen quipped playfully.

“Excellent, would you accompany me to visit my parents’ home tonight?” Su Wanyi requested.

“Consider it done. I shall pick you up after I conclude my work.”

With the call concluded, Ye Chen turned his attention back to Song Xiaoxiao.

“Xiaoxiao, you still haven’t mentioned where you’d like to go,” Ye Chen prodded.

“I have no particular destination in mind. I simply desire your company for a stroll around the campus. Would that be amenable?” Song Xiaoxiao pleaded.

“That’s much too simple. Just a moment while I park the car,” Ye Chen said with a grin.

Song Xiaoxiao stayed by the entrance while Ye Chen drove to the nearby parking lot.

Upon returning after parking, Ye Chen found Song Xiaoxiao still waiting, her head bowed.

Without any hindrance from the security guards, the two of them proceeded towards the campus.

As they ambled along the campus pathway, Song Xiaoxiao, gazing downward, remarked, “Ye Chen, it would have been wonderful if we had crossed paths during our school days.”

“Things are good now as well, Xiaoxiao. What makes you feel that way?” Ye Chen inquired, a look of confusion on his face as he turned to Song Xiaoxiao.

This young lady seemed to have something weighing on her mind. She simply shook her head, stating, “It’s nothing.”

Song Xiaoxiao had a persistent feeling that each day spent with Ye Chen was almost dreamlike, particularly since Su Wanyi was already an established part of his life.

Even though only Ye Chen was by her side, in contrast to Li Mei’s situation with multiple entanglements.

However, considering Su Wanyi's existing relationship with Ye Chen, Song Xiaoxiao sometimes felt a sense of guilt, as if her involvement with him was somehow wrong.

Witnessing Li Mei facing the disapproval of the legitimate wife intensified Song Xiaoxiao’s own insecurity. She harbored a fear that one day, the woman named Su Wanyi might appear at the school to confront her, leaving her unsure how to handle such a situation.

Should that day ever arrive, she understood it would mark the inevitable end of her time with Ye Chen. The mere thought brought a wave of sadness over Song Xiaoxiao, to the point where tears began to flow.

“Xiaoxiao, what’s the matter?” Ye Chen asked, perplexed as to why Song Xiaoxiao, who had seemed perfectly fine moments before, had suddenly burst into tears.

“Ye Chen, I don’t want to lose you,” Song Xiaoxiao suddenly confessed, embracing Ye Chen tightly.

This abrupt display of affection took Ye Chen by surprise and immediately drew the attention of those in their vicinity.

After all, they were in a public area on campus, with numerous students around. Ye Chen responded with a touch of awkwardness, “Xiaoxiao, please don’t do this. There are many people watching.”

While Ye Chen himself wasn't particularly bothered by the attention, his primary concern was that this situation might have adverse repercussions for Song Xiaoxiao.