Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1262 - 1237: I Accept Your Terms
Previously on Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group...
Naturally, the middle-aged man understood that opportunities like this don't just appear out of thin air. If Ye Chen offered assistance, there must be terms attached.
"What conditions are there? Please, tell me," the middle-aged man inquired of Ye Chen.
His mother's medical condition left him with no other viable options at this point.
His mother's illness was akin to a black hole, consuming vast sums of money over the years. While it sustained her life, a complete recovery seemed out of reach.
He was unsure how much longer he could sustain this financial drain.
Even though he had recently assisted a certain woman with a particular task and received some payment, his mother's upcoming surgery demanded a sum so large it was terrifying. The burden felt almost unbearable.
Nevertheless, he had to persevere. His mother depended solely on him; if he faltered, what fate would befall her?
"It's quite simple; just cooperate with me," Ye Chen stated, his expression placid.
"Cooperate? I don't grasp your meaning," the middle-aged man responded, his brow furrowed.
Ye Chen's words indeed left him bewildered. He couldn't fathom how he, a simple man, could possibly cooperate with such a wealthy individual.
"Very well, let me be more direct. Do you recall the murder that occurred in the upscale villa area about half a month ago?" Ye Chen inquired, observing the subtle shift in the middle-aged man's demeanor.
"Sir, I believe you have mistaken me for someone else. I don't understand your line of questioning," the middle-aged man replied, attempting to maintain a facade of innocence.
Hearing Ye Chen's words, he realized the reason behind this young man's approach; it was connected to that very murder case.
"I suspect you understand perfectly well, and you're merely feigning ignorance," Ye Chen remarked with a faint smile.
Ye Chen maintained his smile throughout their conversation, and the middle-aged man sensed that this young man was far from ordinary.
"Are you with the police?" the middle-aged man asked, his posture becoming more guarded.
"Certainly not. You can put your mind at ease on that front," Ye Chen answered truthfully.
"Then why do you require my cooperation?" the middle-aged man questioned, his tone laced with anxiety.
"You have the option to refuse my assistance. However, I am presenting you with an opportunity. If you wait until the authorities apprehend you, then further discussion will be moot," Ye Chen stated, shrugging slightly.
Having delivered his words, he made no move to linger, instead turning and walking away.
Ye Chen's pronouncements resonated deeply within the man's heart. He knew that eventually, he would have to face the consequences of his actions.
His personal fate was secondary; what concerned him most was his mother's well-being.
Furthermore, his actions had been driven by desperation. He had agreed to the woman's request solely to obtain funds for his mother's medical treatment.
The thought that he had done it all for his mother brought a glimmer of relief, contingent on Ye Chen's ability to truly heal her.
He was, by nature, a man of conscience. Without pressing financial needs, he would never have stooped to such a wicked deed.
Ever since taking the lives of that couple, he had been plagued by nightmares, his conscience offering no respite. Perhaps this turn of events was a path towards atonement.
"Sir, please wait!" the middle-aged man called out urgently as Ye Chen began to depart.
"Have you made your decision?" Ye Chen asked, turning to face the man.
"Yes, I have. Are you absolutely certain you are not affiliated with the police?" the middle-aged man inquired again, a touch of disbelief in his voice.
"I assure you, I am not. My name is Ye Chen, so you need not worry," Ye Chen replied with a reassuring smile.
"Very well. Tell me, how do you wish for me to cooperate with you?" the middle-aged man asked, looking directly at Ye Chen.
"Let's not be hasty," Ye Chen responded, offering no immediate explanation but instead gesturing with his hand.
He understood that regardless of the specifics, the middle-aged man would comply. His devotion to his mother and her life were paramount.
Ye Chen felt a strong sense of confidence regarding the man's willingness to cooperate.
"First, let's head to the hospital," Ye Chen suggested, looking at the middle-aged man.
"To the hospital?" The middle-aged man, watching Ye Chen walk ahead, couldn't comprehend his intention.
The middle-aged man was still uncertain of Ye Chen's true agenda. He had asked for cooperation, yet now proposed a visit to the hospital.
Seeing Ye Chen continue forward, the middle-aged man had no choice but to follow.
Upon reaching the sports car, Ye Chen motioned for him to enter.
The middle-aged man had seen sports cars before; they belonged to his former boss, a man nearing sixty.
Yet, Ye Chen, who appeared to be under thirty, already possessed such a luxurious vehicle. The middle-aged man recognized instantly that this young man was no ordinary individual.
Noticing the middle-aged man standing frozen in place, Ye Chen sighed slightly, "Uncle, can we please hurry?"
Ye Chen's gentle urging snapped the middle-aged man back to awareness, and he quickly entered the car.
"Give me the hospital's address," Ye Chen requested calmly.
The middle-aged man relayed the address and then settled into the passenger seat.
The sports car then shot towards the hospital, the middle-aged man gripping the seat in palpable nervousness throughout the journey.
If he were younger, the car's velocity wouldn't have fazed him, but circumstances were different now.
"Mr. Ye, please slow down a bit; you're about to give me a heart attack," the middle-aged man pleaded, his complexion turning ashen.
Ye Chen paid his words no heed and continued his rapid pace.
Witnessing the young man's unwavering determination to maintain speed, the middle-aged man resigned himself to silence, his knuckles white as he clutched the seatbelt.
Thanks to Ye Chen's swift driving, the journey, which normally took an hour, was completed in just over thirty minutes.
Upon reaching the hospital's entrance, Ye Chen brought the car to a halt. He turned to the middle-aged man, who was visibly sweating, and said, "Uncle, we have arrived."
Still shaken from the adrenaline-fueled ride, the middle-aged man's legs felt weak as he disembarked, nearly toppling over.
Noticing this, Ye Chen quickly offered his support.
"Uncle, take your time."
"Mr. Ye, thank you. Old age is catching up to me," the middle-aged man sighed with a sense of resignation.
As a healthier color returned to the man's face, Ye Chen began to walk away.
"Mr. Ye, hold on a moment. I have something I need to ask of you," the middle-aged man called out, addressing Ye Chen's retreating back.
"Yes? What is it?" Ye Chen stopped and turned to face him.
"Mr. Ye, when you see my mother, could you please spare her the truth? I don't want her to worry," the middle-aged man implored with genuine earnestness.
"Rest assured, Uncle. I will not mention your recent actions to her, nor will I cause her any undue concern. That would only exacerbate her current condition," Ye Chen replied with a gentle smile.
"That's a relief. Thank you, Mr. Ye," the middle-aged man exhaled a long breath.
His mother's delicate health had been his most profound worry.