Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1202 1177: First Time a Girl Treated Me to a Meal

Ye Chen offered a smile to her, an action that Zhang Xu did not miss.

A sense of resentment simmered within Zhang Xu—why did Ye Chen possess Song Xiaoxiao, while he was relegated to observing their affectionate moments from the periphery?

Despite his inner turmoil, Zhang Xu maintained a composed facade.

His mind was already set on the upcoming match against Ye Chen; he intended not only to trounce his rival but also to reclaim Song Xiaoxiao's affections.

As he watched Song Xiaoxiao and Ye Chen depart, Zhang Xu's fists clenched, his expression contorted with suppressed fury.

This long-simmering emotion finally found an outlet.

Song Xiaoxiao steered Ye Chen away from the soccer field, her face etched with concern.

The moment Zhang Xu appeared, the smile vanished from the young woman's countenance.

Ye Chen lightheartedly teased, "Xiaoxiao, why do you look like someone owes you money? You seem so unhappy."

"Ye Chen, how can you joke at a time like this? Do you even know how skilled Zhang Xu is at soccer? Why did you agree to the match?" Song Xiaoxiao inquired with a hint of exasperation.

"Alright, alright, I thought it was something serious. It turns out it's just about this," Ye Chen said soothingly.

"It's not a trivial matter; you clearly don't understand Zhang Xu's nature. I know him quite well."

Song Xiaoxiao realized she had spoken too much and fell silent.

"You know Zhang Xu well?" Ye Chen feigned a touch of anger.

Alarmed that Ye Chen might misunderstand, Song Xiaoxiao hastily explained, "It's not what you're imagining. I have no connection with Zhang Xu. He's merely been pursuing me and even pursued one of my close friends. His character is quite disreputable. I'm worried that seeing us together might incite his resentment, and he'll use the match to humiliate you."

Naturally, Ye Chen was aware of the truth in Song Xiaoxiao's words and recognized her concern for him.

He responded with a smile, "Xiaoxiao, please don't fret. Whatever Zhang Xu schemes will not come to fruition. My intention is simply to make him realize that challenging me is an exercise in futility, thereby deterring him from bothering you further."

"Ye Chen, soccer is Zhang Xu's forte—there's no way you can defeat him," Song Xiaoxiao continued to voice her worries.

"Xiaoxiao, the match hasn't even begun. Why undermine our morale while boosting his? Furthermore, how can you be so certain that my skills are inferior to Zhang Xu's?" Ye Chen countered.

Hearing Ye Chen's words, Song Xiaoxiao's unease did not dissipate, but she refrained from further comment.

After all, Ye Chen was a man, and persistently praising Zhang Xu's soccer prowess would undoubtedly displease him.

There was no need for the two of them to bicker over this particular issue.

Before meeting Ye Chen, Song Xiaoxiao had been cherishing every moment with him, rendering it pointless to distress herself over minor concerns.

Ye Chen halted his steps, looking at Song Xiaoxiao with genuine seriousness. "Xiaoxiao, place your trust in me. Since I accepted Zhang Xu's challenge, I am confident in my ability."

Song Xiaoxiao nodded, a smile gracing her lips. "Very well, Ye Chen. When we're together, why dwell on others? Come, let me guide you to experience university life elsewhere."

"Certainly, Tour Guide Song. I appreciate it," Ye Chen replied.

Song Xiaoxiao led Ye Chen towards the library, though they merely caught a glimpse of it and did not enter for a study session.

It was undeniable that the school's library was impressively large, teeming with students engrossed in reading or assignments, fostering an intensely studious atmosphere.

Having been away from academia for several years, Ye Chen felt a rekindled yearning for campus life upon witnessing the scene.

As they exited the library, the clock had just struck noon.

"Xiaoxiao, I must depart now. You should also have lunch," Ye Chen announced.

Just as he was about to turn away, Song Xiaoxiao called him back.

"Ye Chen, I'd like for you to have lunch with me."

Ye Chen turned around, inquiring, "At the school cafeteria?"

"Yes, at the school cafeteria," the young woman affirmed.

"Very well, I'm feeling hungry too," Ye Chen readily agreed.

He hadn't dined in a school cafeteria since his graduation, and the prospect brought a sense of nostalgia.

Song Xiaoxiao beamed with happiness, linking her arm with Ye Chen's as they proceeded into the cafeteria.

The cafeteria was not particularly crowded at that moment.

However, upon observing Song Xiaoxiao and Ye Chen enter, the students present cast envious glances their way.

Ye Chen and Song Xiaoxiao had long grown accustomed to such attention.

Their presence on campus invariably drew the notice of those around them.

Ye Chen possessed undeniable good looks, and Song Xiaoxiao radiated pure beauty. Together, they presented a striking pair on campus.

"Wow, it's the first time I've seen a guy this close to Song Xiaoxiao."

"I suppose that handsome guy is Song Xiaoxiao's boyfriend."

"That girl is really low-key; her boyfriend is quite remarkable."

Unsurprisingly, Song Xiaoxiao overheard the hushed conversations of the nearby female students.

Without a hint of embarrassment, she turned her gaze to Ye Chen, her expression open as she inquired, "Ye Chen, what would you like to eat? I'll treat you."

Though Ye Chen had intended to treat Song Xiaoxiao, he lacked a meal card for this particular school, leaving him no choice but to accept her offer.

This marked the first occasion Ye Chen had allowed a girl to pay for his meal, a situation that caused him a slight twinge of awkwardness.

"Xiaoxiao, you're likely a regular here—you'll definitely know the best dishes. I'll have whatever you're having," Ye Chen replied.

"Understood, leave it to me," Song Xiaoxiao said, proceeding towards the food counter.

Ye Chen opted for a seat tucked away in a corner. This wasn't out of fear, but rather a measure to shield Song Xiaoxiao from potential trouble.

After all, he was not a student of this institution, yet Song Xiaoxiao had brought him to the cafeteria.

Should any envious individuals who harbored feelings for Song Xiaoxiao notice them, they would undoubtedly report her.

Before long, Song Xiaoxiao returned, a tray laden with food in her hands, making her way towards Ye Chen.

The tray held two bowls of rice, accompanied by sweet and sour ribs, fish-flavored shredded chicken, pineapple chicken pieces, eight treasure tofu, and a bowl of seaweed egg drop soup.

"Ye Chen, how do these dishes look? Do they appeal to your palate?" Song Xiaoxiao inquired as she settled into her seat.

Feasting his eyes on the appetizing spread, Ye Chen nodded in approval, inwardly acknowledging the girl's understanding of his preferences.

"They look wonderful, though you really shouldn't have spent so much," Ye Chen jested.

"Consider this meal a token of my gratitude for saving my life," Song Xiaoxiao responded with a smile.

"You didn't mention it—otherwise, I would have remembered you still owed me a meal. This one doesn't count," Ye Chen countered, shaking his head.

Song Xiaoxiao's expression turned crestfallen. "I wanted to treat you to lunch, but..."

Ye Chen cut her off, sensing that anything she said next would only stir up her existing concerns.