Standing Next To You-Chapter 460: May I dance with you

Having successfully exchanged contact information with the Gates couple, Bei Sangyun quickly drew the attention of other guests, who became more intrigued and eager to approach her.

Soon, she found herself surrounded. Upon learning that she was the founder of two rising companies with seemingly limitless potential, the guests grew even more welcoming. Perhaps it was also due to Mrs. Gates’s gracious introductions to her circle of friends that Bei Sangyun was warmly received.

But the surprises didn’t end there.

"I see you’ve come, Ms. Bei." A deep voice spoke from behind her. The crowd around her parted, and a tall, striking man with blond hair—almost golden—and green eyes appeared, smiling at her. "I hope you’re enjoying the evening."

William’s greeting made everyone glance at Bei Sangyun in astonishment. After all, it was William James himself who had initiated the approach.

But they weren’t the only one who were taken aback; even Bei Sangyun was stunned that the renowned William James had chosen to speak with her first.

Did this man know her?

Bei Sangyun returned his greeting politely, adding a compliment. "It is a lovely evening. Thank you for having me."

William took two glasses of wine from a passing waiter and handed one to her. "It’s our first time meeting in person. How about a toast to that?"

Bei Sangyun accepted the glass, and as they toasted, William glanced around with a subtle smile that hinted at the surrounding guests to disperse. Those who knew William well understood the look and excused themselves, politely ushering along those who didn’t catch the hint.

Bei Sangyun wasn’t oblivious; she caught their subtle exchange from the corner of her eye.

Setting down her wine glass, her expression turned solemn. She was familiar with this kind of social circle, having met all sorts of people. For William to arrange them time alone like this, he must have something important to discuss—or perhaps his intentions weren’t entirely good.

But William casually set his wine glass aside and let out an exaggerated sigh, as if he couldn’t care less about appearances.

"They’re finally gone. They weren’t bothering you, were they?" he asked with a slight smile.

Bei Sangyun: "..."

She was momentarily speechless, then shook her head. "They don’t bother me."

"Those people can be like wolves when they spot a new face. Especially one with limitless potential. They’ve been in this circle so long they sometimes come on strong. Don’t let them intimidate you."

Bei Sangyun: "..."

When had she shown any sign of being intimidated?

In fact, she had enjoyed the conversation, even the subtle exchanges of sharp-edged words were amusing to her. Contrary to his assumptions, she didn’t feel overwhelmed—rather, she felt a sense of familiarity, like a fish returning to its pond.

However, Bei Sangyun kept her thoughts to herself and listened as William continued to talk.

"Still, a few of them are worth getting to know better. It was smart to connect with the Gates first; they have a good reputation in this circle."

Bei Sangyun nodded politely, waiting for him to get to the real reason he had approached her.

William glanced at her, noting her indifference. Usually, when he approached someone, they’d be flattered, eager to impress or strengthen connections.

Pretty young women, in particular, often took his attention as a signal and eagerly played along, even if they suspected he was merely baiting them.

He raised a brow, smirking. "You don’t seem interested in me."

Bei Sangyun raised a brow back. "Should I be?"

William was momentarily taken aback, then burst into laughter.

"I see. Still feisty. No wonder... you’re hard to forget," he muttered, amused.

Bei Sangyun watched speechlessly as William laughed.

She immediately categorized William as one of ’those’—the bored elite who treated others like amusement because they stood so high above everyone else. She felt wary and thoroughly annoyed by people like him.

She looked at him directly and asked him, cutting his laughter off, "Are you the one who sent me the invitation?"

"Yes, I am," William replied with a smile.

"Why?"

"Why do you think?"

Bei Sangyun: "..."

This was precisely why she disliked these types. She was too old for games.

"Never mind. Anyway, thank you for the invitation. If the James family wants to do business with me, you know where to reach me. I’ll make you a priority."

William burst out laughing at her response.

Bei Sangyun looked at him as if he were deranged.

Seeing her expression only made him laugh harder. "Apologies... it’s just that... everyone prioritizes the James family. Who wouldn’t?"

"Then pretend I didn’t make the offer. When you come to me and others want to compete, I’ll make sure it’s a fair race."

William laughed again. The idea of other companies competing with the James family for a business from a company less than a decade old was amusing to him. But still, it made him laugh.

"I like you, Ms. Bei. Can we be friends?"

"No," Bei Sangyun replied without a moment’s hesitation.

William laughed again.

Bei Sangyun: "..."

The music began, and the atmosphere shifted as couples moved to the dance floor, swaying to the rhythm of the orchestra.

William extended his hand to her. "How about a dance to commemorate our... friendship?"

"I already told you no. I’d rather keep things strictly business."

"Really? I was just about to tell you who mentioned you to me, the reason I invited you... and maybe even a bit about someone’s life these past four years. But I suppose you’re not as curious as I thought."

Bei Sangyun narrowed her eyes at him.

William smiled. "Since you want to keep things professional, then I suppose I really shouldn’t share, should I?"

Bei Sangyun rolled her eyes and accepted his still-outstretched hand. "Fine. But make it quick. It’s been a while since I last danced, so don’t complain if I step on your toes."

William winked. "I’d never complain about a lady who’s light as a feather."

As they stepped onto the dance floor, they quickly caught everyone’s attention.

After all, it was William James—and he was dancing with a young woman no one recognized.

"Everyone’s staring at us. Isn’t that bothering you?" he asked, glancing around.

"No," Bei Sangyun replied. Though, in truth, there was one particular pair of eyes that did make her uneasy—but she’d never admit that to this gossip-loving man. "So, who told you about me?"

"We’ve actually spoken before."

Bei Sangyun paused. Could it have been that ’time’?

When Fei Chuan had gifted her the ’Tears of the Mermaid’s’ earrings, she’d done some investigating and discovered their connection to the James family—the buyer at that time. It must have been William she’d spoken to back then.

"You seem to remember," William said, observing her expression. "At that time, I wanted to gift them to him. But he insisted on paying full price—and even took on a difficult favor to ’borrow’ my name for the purchase. Quite the romantic, that one."

Bei Sangyun lowered her gaze, concealing the emotions welling up in her eyes.

"So, how could you let him go? Maybe the sweet, shy romantic type isn’t your thing? Or do you prefer someone confident, super handsome, and who has it all—like me?"

Bei Sangyun stepped on his foot. "Ouch!"

She shot him a glare. "So? Why did you invite me? Did he ask you to invite me?" Her heart swelled with a flicker of hope.

"...You’re actually heavier than you look," William muttered, rubbing his foot.

"Answer me."

"I invited you. Do you really think he’d still be interested after you left him? He’s changed. He’s no longer the sweet, shy romantic you once knew. Look at him—he’s surrounded by other women now. And there’s a long line of girls waiting for his attention. Actually, there’s one girl who—ouch!"

Bei Sangyun "accidentally" stomped on him again.

"Oops. Sorry," she said, her eyes flashing with a warning.

William: "..."

Her mood shifted. She wasn’t one to take a stranger’s words at face value, but the idea of them being true weighed on her, stirring up a pang of sadness.

From her peripheral vision, she’d already noticed Fei Chuan with someone else. Yet she hadn’t summoned the courage to face him. But William’s words sparked an urge in her heart.

She stole a glance in his direction—and there, she met his gaze.

Fei Chuan was looking at her.

Thump. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Ouch." William hissed as Bei Sangyun stepped on his foot—this time, it wasn’t deliberate.

"Hey, watch it." He pulled her closer, wrapping his arm more securely around her waist to avoid any further ’accidents.’

Across the room, Fei Chuan’s gaze darkened. Setting his wine glass down on the nearest table, he stepped onto the dance floor.

He moved through the crowd without looking away from her, and Bei Sangyun found herself unable to break their gaze, as though his eyes held her captive.

This wasn’t the detached look he’d given her in the elevator. Now, his eyes were intense, burning with a fiery energy that seemed to consume everything in its path.

Bei Sangyun’s heart raced as he approached. She barely noticed William’s hold on her—it was as if everything around her faded, and Fei Chuan was the only thing sharp and vivid in her vision.

Fei Chuan stopped just before her, his gaze heavy, almost challenging, as though he were preparing for a confrontation.

Bei Sangyun swallowed, bracing herself.

But suddenly, a smile broke across his face, and the intense aura around him vanished, as if it had all been an illusion. The fierce fire in his eyes disappeared, replaced by an alluring, captivating gaze.

"May I have this dance, Ms. Bei?" he asked, extending his hand to her.