Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1232 - 1207: Ye Chen Is Back

~5 minute read · 1,240 words
Previously on Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group...
After enjoying a meal, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan propose a brotherhood pact to Ye Chen. Ye Chen agrees to become their sworn brother and returns to his world, receiving the skills Silence and Empathy as rewards.

Both Su Wanyi and Song Xiaoxiao were filled with apprehension, gazing at Ye Chen with concern as he fiddled with the toy train.

Abruptly, a familiar figure rushed towards them from a distance.

Even at that distance, they could immediately tell it was Ye Chen approaching.

Upon seeing Ye Chen, a sense of relief washed over Su Wanyi and Song Xiaoxiao’s faces.

At least Ye Chen had finally returned.

On his way back, Ye Chen had mused that the two women were likely engrossed in shopping, a pastime he knew they relished.

He pulled out his phone to dial Su Wanyi’s number, but in his haste and perhaps due to the earlier tension, Ye Chen failed to notice the call.

Coincidentally, Song Xiaoxiao’s phone began to ring, yet she did not answer it.

Song Xiaoxiao subtly glanced at Su Wanyi, who appeared quite distressed.

Witnessing that neither woman picked up his calls, a knot of anxiety tightened in Ye Chen's chest.

It seemed quite apparent that Su Wanyi and Song Xiaoxiao were indeed displeased with him.

Yet, he had to concede it was his fault; Ye Chen had indeed acted rather shadily by leaving the two women without a word.

Anyone would surely be upset in such a situation, especially considering that over ninety percent of women tend to get agitated over minor issues, let alone something as significant as this.

Ye Chen's heart felt heavy with worry. Appeasing one woman was challenging enough, but pacifying two simultaneously presented a true quandary.

He steeled himself and continued onward.

After a short while, he spotted two figures seated on a distant bench – could it be Su Wanyi and Song Xiaoxiao?

Ye Chen quickened his pace, approaching the two women and affectionately announcing, "Sweethearts, I'm back."

He had braced himself for their reprimands and cold shoulders, but to his surprise, they greeted him with warm smiles.

"Ye Chen, you're finally here. Do you have any idea how worried we both were?" Su Wanyi inquired.

Before Ye Chen could even respond, Song Xiaoxiao impulsively rushed into his embrace.

This unexpected action startled both Ye Chen and Su Wanyi, especially given their public location in the bustling mall.

Quickly realizing the impropriety of her gesture, Song Xiaoxiao released Ye Chen with a shy chuckle. "Ye Chen, you’re back! I was so worried about you. Sister Wanyi and I have been waiting here, afraid to move."

Hearing her words, Ye Chen felt a pang of guilt towards the two women.

Onlooking shoppers who witnessed Su Wanyi and Song Xiaoxiao by Ye Chen’s side were filled with envy, recognizing the unique charm each woman possessed.

Their envy was so potent that it transformed into outright jealous glares.

However, such sentiments had no impact on Ye Chen, as certain things were simply beyond the reach of mere envy.

For instance, having such beautiful women by his side was a privilege unattainable for the average man.

More importantly, the women beside him were not enticed by his wealth; their affections were genuinely for Ye Chen himself.

"I apologize for making you wait so long," Ye Chen offered, his head bowed as if he were a child admitting fault.

Ye Chen's contrite expression and humble demeanor brought amusement to the two women.

In truth, this was a calculated maneuver – feigning vulnerability.

Any woman with a nurturing instinct would find it difficult to remain angry when faced with Ye Chen’s pitiable act.

"Alright, we forgive you. But you must treat us to a meal," Su Wanyi declared.

Observing Song Xiaoxiao's earlier display, she understood that the younger woman harbored no resentment towards Ye Chen, so there was no reason for her own anger.

It is often said that men can be childlike at times, and Ye Chen was certainly no exception.

Ye Chen felt a wave of relief wash over him as neither Su Wanyi nor Song Xiaoxiao inquired about his whereabouts.

After all, the circumstances were difficult to explain, and he would have been forced to fabricate a story if questioned.

"Absolutely, it would be my pleasure to treat two beautiful ladies to a meal," Ye Chen responded with a broad smile.

"Now that's more like it," Su Wanyi replied, her smile matching his.

"What kind of cuisine would you two lovely ladies prefer?" Ye Chen inquired, his gaze sweeping over them.

"I know of a wonderful Western restaurant here," Su Wanyi suggested.

Throughout Ye Chen and Su Wanyi's exchange, Song Xiaoxiao remained quietly observant.

She felt that since Su Wanyi was older and considered Ye Chen's primary partner, she, as the secondary mistress, had little standing to voice her opinion directly.

Noticing Song Xiaoxiao's silence, Su Wanyi turned to her with a smile. "Xiaoxiao, what are your thoughts on Western food?"

"As long as Sister Wanyi likes it, I'm happy with anything," Song Xiaoxiao replied amiably.

"Xiaoxiao, that kind of response makes me unhappy; you're clearly holding back," Su Wanyi stated, a hint of displeasure in her tone.

"Sister Wanyi, please don't be upset. Actually, I quite enjoy Western cuisine too," Song Xiaoxiao quickly clarified.

With both women agreeing on Western cuisine, Ye Chen had no choice but to comply, even if it wasn't his personal preference.

The trio proceeded towards the Western restaurant situated on the fifth floor. However, just as they neared the entrance, a server intercepted them.

"Esteemed sir and madam, I do apologize, but our establishment requires prior reservations. Do you happen to have one?" the server inquired with a polite smile.

Ye Chen, who harbored no particular fondness for Western cuisine, found the situation somewhat amusing.

According to the server’s explanation, their dining experience would have to be elsewhere that day if they lacked a reservation.

"Let's just find another place to eat, Sister Wanyi," Song Xiaoxiao suggested, attempting to guide Su Wanyi away.

Unexpectedly, Su Wanyi responded with a smile, "I made a reservation earlier. It's under the name Miss Su."

The server then meticulously confirmed the details using the phone number provided by Su Wanyi. Indeed, the reservation had been secured that very morning.

Su Wanyi had intended to treat Ye Chen and Song Xiaoxiao to this meal, especially since it marked her initial meeting with Song Xiaoxiao.

As a more senior figure, she felt it appropriate to make a welcoming gesture.

"Gentlemen and lady, please, do come in," the server announced with a welcoming smile.

Ye Chen couldn't help but feel a touch of exasperation; it appeared Su Wanyi had anticipated this very scenario.

Following the server's lead, the three of them were escorted to a table by the window.

From their vantage point at the reserved table, they could admire the cityscape outside while partaking in their Western meal.

Perusing the menu, Su Wanyi initially invited Song Xiaoxiao to make the selections. However, the young lady exhibited a degree of shyness, prompting Su Wanyi and Ye Chen to place the order themselves.

Their choices included three steaks, foie gras, a bottle of fine red wine, a fresh salad, three individual desserts, creamy mushroom soup, and a scoop of ice cream.

As they awaited their dishes, Su Wanyi and Song Xiaoxiao engaged in lively conversation, leaving Ye Chen to his own devices.

Feeling a sense of boredom, Ye Chen resorted to browsing his mobile phone.