Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1208 1183: Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, Fleeing Is Best

Witnessing Ye Chen halt his steps, Zhang Ying's countenance shifted to one of smug satisfaction.

She promptly approached him, inquiring, "Ye Chen, what caused you to stop?"

"Miss, I bear you no ill will, so why do you persistently follow me?" Ye Chen inquired, a flicker of exasperation crossing his features.

"Ye Chen, I find myself quite drawn to you," Zhang Ying declared with a smile.

"Please leave me be; I am not interested in you," Ye Chen responded with unvarnished directness.

It was at this juncture that he observed Song Xiaoxiao accompanied by two other young women, making their way towards him.

A thought crossed Ye Chen's mind: "Why is this girl not attending her classes and instead roaming the school grounds?"

The reason Song Xiaoxiao had eschewed her studies was her observation of Ye Chen's hasty departure, leading her to suspect he was involved in something noteworthy.

As anticipated, she found Ye Chen engaged in conversation, or more accurately, in a rather persistent entanglement, with Senior Zhang Ying.

The two girls accompanying Song Xiaoxiao were identified as Liu Xin and Zhang Rui.

Liu Xin gestured forward, remarking, "Xiaoxiao, look, isn't that Ye Chen, your boyfriend? And why is Senior Zhang Ying beside him?"

"It appears they are acquainted," Zhang Rui added her observation.

Without any verbal intervention from them, Song Xiaoxiao could readily comprehend the unfolding situation.

Ye Chen had been advancing rapidly, with Zhang Ying in determined pursuit.

She remained unaware of what Zhang Ying had spoken to make Ye Chen suddenly cease his movement.

Song Xiaoxiao also harbored confusion as to how Ye Chen came to know Zhang Ying, and more importantly, why he had never divulged this acquaintance to her.

Zhang Ying maintained a considerable reputation within the school, primarily due to her being, much like Li Mei, perpetually surrounded by a retinue of admirers.

The sole distinction lay in Li Mei's discretion, whereas Zhang Ying's approach was overtly conspicuous.

Furthermore, none of the gentlemen she set her sights upon ever managed to evade her affections.

Numerous young men at the school harbored feelings for her; the notoriety of her reputation did not deter their interest.

Song Xiaoxiao understood the nature of men as visual beings; attractiveness often superseded concerns about their errant behavior.

Ye Chen did not resume his forward progression; instead, he remained stationary.

His primary apprehension was that a single step forward might prompt Zhang Ying to spout baseless claims, thereby placing Ye Chen in an unfavorable position.

Song Xiaoxiao had already approached and addressed Ye Chen, stating, "Ye Chen, we meet again."

"Xiaoxiao, good morning. Shall we head to class together?" Ye Chen responded with a smile.

"Mm, let's go," Song Xiaoxiao agreed, reaching out to clasp Ye Chen's hand.

Throughout this interaction, Song Xiaoxiao offered no words to Zhang Ying. While uncharacteristic, Zhang Ying's deeply unfavorable reputation at school rendered her unworthy of Song Xiaoxiao's attention.

Moreover, witnessing this woman attempting to flirt with her boyfriend further diminished any inclination to acknowledge her.

Seizing the moment as the pair began to depart, Zhang Ying abruptly called out, "Wait, Ye Chen, did I grant you permission to leave? Have you forgotten what I just told you?"

At these words, Song Xiaoxiao cast a glance at Ye Chen, her expression clearly conveying displeasure.

Ye Chen swiftly shook his head, offering a helpless explanation, "Xiaoxiao, disregard this woman's nonsensical pronouncements."

"Ye Chen, the water you consumed was indeed delightful, and we had such a wonderful time in the car earlier," Zhang Ying proclaimed with an air of triumph.

Upon hearing this, Song Xiaoxiao's countenance darkened further.

Ye Chen found himself utterly astonished by Zhang Ying's audacious and deceitful nature; he felt he had truly encountered the epitome of guile today.

Song Xiaoxiao turned her gaze to Ye Chen, demanding, "What water, and what transpired in the car?"

Ye Chen had never before witnessed Song Xiaoxiao exhibit such a look; he recognized her immediate need for a satisfactory explanation.

He was confronting a woman like Zhang Ying for the very first time – cunning, utterly shameless, and daring to fabricate anything.

Ye Chen understood that under these circumstances, offering a clear explanation to Song Xiaoxiao would prove an insurmountable task.

He contemplated the timeless stratagem of strategic withdrawal; the world was fraught with peril, compelling him to retreat.

However, if Ye Chen so much as suggested proceeding to class, he knew this persistent young woman would not permit him to escape.

He required a plausible pretext, and for the first time, Ye Chen found himself utterly stumped.

At that precise moment, his mobile phone emitted a ringing sound, acting as an unexpected savior. A quick glance revealed an unknown number.

Previously, Ye Chen might have disregarded such a call, but now, regardless of the caller, he felt compelled to answer it to furnish an excuse for his departure.

The palpable tension simmering between Song Xiaoxiao and Zhang Ying sent a prickle of unease down his spine.

Ye Chen answered the call, and a male voice responded, "Hello, is this Ye Chen?"

"Yes, it is I," Ye Chen confirmed.

"Today is your registration day; do not forget," the man stated amiably.

Ye Chen consulted his watch; with still ten minutes remaining, he nodded and replied, "I am currently at the school and will head there immediately."

Ye Chen hastily departed after ending the call. His punctuality on the first day back was crucial to avoid Father Su's attention.

It wasn't a matter of fearing his father-in-law, but rather a desire to sidestep unnecessary complications.

Song Xiaoxiao and Zhang Ying were taken aback by Ye Chen's abrupt departure.

Originally, Song Xiaoxiao sought an explanation, but Ye Chen had vanished without a trace.

Zhang Ying had more to discuss with Ye Chen, but seeing him leave, she could only sigh with resignation. However, the knowledge that Ye Chen would also be attending classes at this institution offered some solace.

With this insight, Zhang Ying felt no unease; she was confident that future opportunities would arise.

Following Ye Chen's exit, the two young women remained silent.

Zhang Ying departed with a triumphant air, leaving a disconsolate Song Xiaoxiao behind.

Liu Xin and Zhang Rui swiftly approached Song Xiaoxiao, suggesting, "Xiaoxiao, let's head to class. We don't want to be scolded for being late."

Song Xiaoxiao followed them with a blank expression.

Upon entering the classroom, Ye Chen found it already populated.

These individuals, much like himself, had gained societal experience before returning to academia for further studies.

With all other students having already introduced themselves, the remaining task fell to Ye Chen.

As Ye Chen entered, hushed murmurs filled the room.

"I've got my eyes on him; he's all mine."

"He's the CEO of that company; talk about handsome."

"Being his girlfriend would be absolute bliss."

Naturally, these comments originated from the female students. Despite their professional achievements, the allure of a handsome man, particularly one holding a prestigious position in the business world, proved irresistible.

"Sir, would you be so kind as to introduce yourself to everyone?" the professor requested from the podium, addressing Ye Chen.

The moment Ye Chen revealed his name, gasps echoed throughout the classroom.