Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1225 - 1200: A Feeling of Meeting Too Late

Zhou Ming looked at Zhang Xu with a gaze full of disdain, declaring, "From this point forward, your presence during team training is no longer required."

This declaration, simple yet stark, unequivocally signaled Zhang Xu's expulsion from the team, directly attributed to Ye Chen.

A buzz of speculation rippled through the onlookers.

"Did I mishear that? Zhang Xu has actually been dropped from the team?"

"Indeed, what could possibly have transpired?"

"This is certainly the most sensational news of the day!"

"Weren't reports circulating that Zhou Ming held Zhang Xu in high regard? Why the sudden change?"

It was widely understood that Zhang Xu was the player Zhou Ming favored most within the team, offering him considerable support and clearing obstacles in his path.

Yet, following his encounter with Ye Chen, Zhou Ming's demeanor appeared to have undergone a radical transformation.

This abrupt shift presented a bewildering situation for those present, especially given that Zhang Xu had committed no infractions against team regulations, only to be summarily dismissed.

Upon hearing the pronouncement, Zhang Xu stood utterly stunned, frozen in place as if carved from wood.

He questioned if this was still the same Coach Zhou who had once shown him such immense favor, perceiving the man before him as an utter stranger.

Zhou Ming's words struck Zhang Xu like a blade to the heart; in that moment, the throbbing pain in his leg was entirely overshadowed.

"Coach Zhou, this action is unjust!" Zhang Xu's voice cracked, bordering on a roar.

He had never conceived of being treated in such a manner, and a sense of profound injustice welled within him.

Zhang Xu's status as a key player on the football team, boasting exceptional skills, was common knowledge.

A wave of sympathetic glances turned towards him.

At this juncture, Zhang Xu, seemingly felled by a powerful blow, sank to the ground, his face a mask of utter despair, murmuring to himself, "How could this have happened? Oh, how could this have happened?"

Disregarding Zhang Xu's plight, Zhou Ming turned his attention to Ye Chen, inquiring, "Ye Chen, are you satisfied with this outcome? Will you now agree to join the team?"

The tone of his address to Ye Chen was tinged with a palpable plea, underscoring the depth of Zhou Ming's desire for Ye Chen's inclusion.

Ye Chen, witnessing Zhou Ming's extreme measures, felt a sense of bewildered speechlessness.

To secure his joining, the expulsion of a prominent team member was an unprecedented act.

Nevertheless, Zhou Ming operated under specific justifications: firstly, Zhang Xu's excessive arrogance hindered team cohesion; secondly, Ye Chen represented his prime candidate for the Olympic competition, making Zhang Xu's sacrifice a worthwhile consideration.

Just as Zhou Ming awaited Ye Chen's affirmative nod, Ye Chen raised a hand, stating, "Please reconsider, Coach Zhou. I appreciate your high regard, but I still have no desire to join the team."

His gaze then fell upon the crestfallen Zhang Xu, seated on the ground, his expression filled with a sympathetic understanding.

In truth, Ye Chen had harbored no intention of causing Zhang Xu harm; his original aim was merely to present Zhou Ming with a dilemma, prompting him to withdraw his pursuit.

He had previously learned from Song Xiaoxiao that Zhang Xu was not only a main player but also highly esteemed within the team's hierarchy.

Consequently, Ye Chen had presumed that Coach Zhou would refrain from expelling Zhang Xu on his account.

It now appeared that this assumption was flawed, and reality had diverged significantly.

The severe blow dealt to Zhang Xu was, in fact, a consequence of Ye Chen's actions.

"Ye Chen, tell me, what is it you truly seek regarding joining the team?" Zhou Ming pressed Ye Chen once more.

Without a moment's hesitation, Ye Chen responded plainly, "Coach Zhou, I have never considered joining the team, nor do I wish to replace Zhang Xu's position."

Zhou Ming remained somewhat persistent, "Ye Chen, I earnestly hope you will give this further thought. Might I suggest a week? You can convey your decision after careful consideration."

Ye Chen declined Zhou Ming's proposal, stating firmly, "Coach Zhou, there is no necessity for me to deliberate on this matter. I can definitively inform you at this moment that I will not be joining the team."

Observing Ye Chen's repeated rejections of Zhou Ming's earnest invitations, the surrounding individuals regarded the situation with disbelief.

Countless others coveted such a rare opportunity, yet it was being deliberately forgone.

Zhou Ming had never before exhibited such humility in requesting assistance, making this an exceptional instance reserved solely for Ye Chen.

Witnessing Ye Chen's unwavering resolve, Zhou Ming could articulate no further words and could only offer a sigh, "Very well. It is indeed a profound pity that you choose not to join."

"Coach Zhou, it is simply that everyone harbors their own unique aspirations," Ye Chen replied with a gentle smile.

He then directed his gaze back to Zhou Ming, gesturing towards Zhang Xu, and added, "Through my match with Zhang Xu, I witnessed his profound passion for football and his unwavering spirit of perseverance. Is this not the very essence of football? I believe he will undoubtedly become an outstanding player in the future."

These words resonated deeply with everyone present, earning Ye Chen their sincere admiration.

For him to intercede on Zhang Xu's behalf, despite having been subjected to various attempts to be framed, demonstrated Ye Chen's magnanimity.

Such a gesture was far from commonplace; had it been anyone else, extending a hand to Zhang Xu would have been highly improbable.

Zhang Xu found himself unexpectedly touched by Ye Chen's defense. He'd previously suspected Ye Chen of arranging for Coach Zhou to kick him off the team and had harbored some resentment because of it.

However, the reality was far from his assumptions. Ye Chen not only had no interest in joining the team but had also encouraged the coach to focus on Zhang Xu's development. This genuine goodwill deeply moved Zhang Xu, making him feel a pang of regret for his earlier negative perception of Ye Chen.

Furthermore, Ye Chen's magnanimous actions improved his standing in Coach Zhou's eyes and elevated his image in the minds of everyone present.

"Ye Chen, I apologize. It was my fault earlier. I shouldn't have treated you that way. Please accept my sincere apology," Zhang Xu said, struggling to rise from the ground and stumbling towards Ye Chen.

His words carried a genuine weight, reflecting his deep appreciation for Ye Chen's actions and his regret over past misunderstandings.

"Hmm, I'll offer you a piece of advice: be a person of integrity and never harbor malicious intent. Football is a team sport, not a solo performance," Ye Chen stated with a serious expression.

He then placed a hand on Zhang Xu's shoulder. "Keep playing well, and you can undoubtedly become an excellent football player. I have faith in you."

Ye Chen's decision to act with such understanding stemmed from his belief that it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester.

After all, he would continue to attend this school, and having an ally was far preferable to having an adversary, especially given Zhang Xu's known propensity for holding grudges.

Ye Chen knew that the most effective way to handle individuals like Zhang Xu was to first earn their respect and admiration, and then to move them with kindness.

He had successfully accomplished both; his exceptional football skills had garnered Zhang Xu's admiration, while his magnanimous gesture had deeply touched him.

"Alright, Ye Chen, I will. You've gained a lifelong friend," Zhang Xu declared with a smile.

Ye Chen's words resonated deeply with Zhang Xu, subtly pointing out his flaws without causing offense. Instead, Zhang Xu felt a sense of regret for not having encountered Ye Chen sooner.