Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1222 - 1197: Soccer Match

Engrossed in a phone conversation, Ye Chen continued his journey, paying no mind to Zhang Xu's presence.

Observing Ye Chen's retreating back, Zhang Xu's fury was palpable, his teeth clenched in exasperation.

Shortly after, Song Xiaoxiao approached Ye Chen, her voice bright with excitement, "Ye Chen, can you guess what I've brought for you today?"

"What could you possibly have for me?" Ye Chen casually inquired, casting a glance at the young woman before him.

"Behold, a love breakfast!" Song Xiaoxiao eagerly presented a pink lunchbox to Ye Chen.

"I suspect it's a culinary disaster," Ye Chen remarked with a hint of indifference.

However, as Song Xiaoxiao unveiled the contents of the lunchbox, Ye Chen was astonished. The meal was prepared with such exquisite detail, clearly a significant amount of effort had been invested.

Even setting aside the taste for a moment, the presentation was incredibly appealing.

"What do you think? Surprised? This is my very first time cooking, what do you say, am I talented?" Song Xiaoxiao beamed with pride.

It was then that Ye Chen noticed the band-aid wrapped around the girl's finger, an obvious consequence of her cooking endeavors.

His gaze lingering on her hand, he asked with genuine concern, "Does it hurt?"

"Huh? What was that?" Song Xiaoxiao, still lost in her happy haze, didn't quite grasp Ye Chen's question.

"I asked if cutting yourself must have been painful," Ye Chen reiterated, his tone laced with worry.

"It's mostly because it's my first time cooking. I won't get hurt next time. Now, you must try it. I spent more than an hour preparing this; even if it's not delicious, you have to finish everything. You can't let my good intentions go to waste," Song Xiaoxiao playfully warned.

Truthfully, even without Song Xiaoxiao's insistence, Ye Chen would have devoured every last morsel.

Picking up the chopsticks that Song Xiaoxiao had thoughtfully provided, Ye Chen selected a piece of chicken and savored its taste.

He had to concede, the chicken was exceptionally well-prepared, moist and utterly delectable.

Following that, he reached for a piece of sushi, beginning to eat with a look of pure satisfaction gracing his features.

In this manner, Ye Chen found himself unable to stop his chopsticks, and before long, the entire lunchbox was emptied.

"Ye Chen, you ate it all! You didn't even leave me a little taste for improvement next time," Song Xiaoxiao pouted, a touch of disappointment in her voice.

Considering it was her inaugural culinary attempt, seeing Ye Chen finish everything so quickly made her wonder if he was merely acting.

"Such delectable food deserves to be finished promptly, especially a special love breakfast prepared just for me," Ye Chen responded smoothly.

Ye Chen's words filled Song Xiaoxiao with immense inner pride.

It seemed she truly possessed a knack for cooking; her very first attempt had been a resounding success. In the future, she resolved to hone her culinary skills further to create even more delightful meals for Ye Chen.

The old saying goes that the path to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Song Xiaoxiao was determined to secure Ye Chen's affection firmly, ensuring he would forever remain by her side.

"By the way, what made you think of preparing breakfast for me?" Ye Chen suddenly inquired.

Song Xiaoxiao's cheeks flushed a deep red, betraying her evident shyness.

She stammered, her words tumbling out, "Isn't making a love bento something girlfriends do for their boyfriends in college?"

At that very moment, Ye Chen recalled Song Xiaoxiao's earlier wish to experience a college romance.

"Not bad, not bad at all. Keep up the excellent work," Ye Chen praised.

He then added, "Are you perhaps free around noon?"

"Yes, I am. Do you need me for something?" Song Xiaoxiao inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Well, sort of. I want you to watch a soccer match," Ye Chen replied.

"A soccer match? Against whom?" Song Xiaoxiao asked, looking at Ye Chen with a puzzled expression.

She hadn't heard of any soccer match scheduled for noon, which made Ye Chen's statement quite perplexing.

"Naturally, it involves me. Who else would you prefer to watch if not your handsome guy?" Ye Chen feigned a touch of playful indignation.

This prompted Song Xiaoxiao to recall Zhang Xu's earlier challenge to Ye Chen.

"In my eyes, there's only you," Song Xiaoxiao casually quoted a lyric from a song, her heart echoing the sentiment.

The lyric perfectly captured her feelings for him.

"Hmm, you're a good girl." Ye Chen leaned in and gently kissed Song Xiaoxiao on the cheek.

Song Xiaoxiao felt a jolt, her eyes widening in surprise.

This was the first time Ye Chen had initiated a kiss, and overwhelmed by shyness, she quickly said, "Ye Chen, I have a class to attend. Let's meet at noon."

With that, she turned and hurried away.

Watching the retreating figure of the girl, Ye Chen's smile broadened.

After completing his morning classes and having lunch, Ye Chen made his way to the soccer field.

Zhang Xu was already present, awaiting his arrival. Ye Chen observed a considerable crowd gathered around, clearly assembled at Zhang Xu's behest.

Ye Chen understood Zhang Xu's intention perfectly: to humiliate him publicly.

Zhang Xu eyed Ye Chen with a smirk, remarking teasingly, "Ye Chen, this match will be rather dull without any stakes. Let's add a bet."

Ye Chen offered a light smile, "Certainly. What kind of stakes do you propose?"

"The loser must run three laps around the field, shouting 'I am a loser' with each circuit," Zhang Xu suggested.

Upon hearing Zhang Xu's proposal, Song Xiaoxiao immediately interjected, "Ye Chen, please don't agree to that."

Angrily, she warned Zhang Xu, "Zhang Xu, we're all from the same school; is this really necessary?"

Observing Song Xiaoxiao speaking up for Ye Chen only fueled Zhang Xu's irritation.

"Ye Chen, do you only know how to hide behind a woman?"

Ye Chen's expression remained unflustered.

"I accept your terms, but if you lose, you must do the same," he stated.

Upon hearing Ye Chen's words, Zhang Xu burst into laughter, "Haha, no problem, but I won't lose."

Having played soccer since childhood and currently captaining the school team, Zhang Xu was supremely confident he wouldn't be defeated by Ye Chen.

Ye Chen nodded nonchalantly, "Alright, let's begin."

Zhang Xu gestured in agreement, "We'll play one-on-one; the first to score five goals wins."

Ye Chen responded, "No problem."

In the very next instant, Zhang Xu unexpectedly kicked the ball directly at Ye Chen.

Without any prior warning, Zhang Xu sent the ball hurtling straight towards Ye Chen's face.

"Ye Chen, be careful!" Song Xiaoxiao cried out urgently upon witnessing this.

Ye Chen, spotting the approaching ball, maintained his composure. He suddenly leaped into the air and executed a powerful volley.

Bang!

The ball was sent flying back by Ye Chen's forceful kick.

"You go first."

Zhang Xu had absolutely not anticipated Ye Chen's ability to intercept the ball, leaving him completely unprepared.

The ball struck Zhang Xu squarely in the chest.

Staggering back four or five paces, Zhang Xu watched as the ball ricocheted away.

"You..."

Zhang Xu felt a disorienting surge of blood within his chest, nearly causing him to spit.

Ye Chen waved his hand invitingly, "Bring it on."

Gritting his teeth, Zhang Xu then charged at Ye Chen, dribbling the ball.

His speed with the ball was remarkable; in a mere blink, he was right before Ye Chen.

In the following moment, he expertly separated the ball from his feet, deftly maneuvering past Ye Chen.

Ye Chen remained rooted to the spot, completely stationary.

A slight smirk touched Zhang Xu's lips, "Is that all you've got?"

Having successfully bypassed Ye Chen, Zhang Xu raised his leg to take a shot.

However, the moment he lifted his foot, he realized with shock that the ball was no longer beneath it.