Standing Next To You-Chapter 468: First Dinner Together

Bei Sangyun’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Dinner with Fei Chuan?!

Her heart leapt at the thought. She wanted to say yes immediately, but the initial burst of excitement was quickly tempered by doubt.

She paused, taking a deep breath to calm herself. No, she couldn’t... could she?

Fei Chuan’s voice interrupted her thoughts, gentle but firm. "But if you’re uncomfortable because of our past relationship, I completely understand. I won’t pressure you. I just wanted to express my gratitude for what you did back then."

Bei Sangyun bit her lip, conflicted. Turning down his invitation might sever the fragile connection they had just begun to rebuild. If that happened, they would be back to where they started—strangers, separated by time and unresolved emotions.

Her gaze shifted to Maid Ye Zhai, silently pleading for guidance.

Maid Ye Zhai, ever the composed and resourceful companion, quickly wrote a message on her phone and held it up:

[It’s just dinner. You’ll be sitting across a table. You can always excuse yourself early if it feels uncomfortable. This is the best opportunity to reconnect.]

A moment later, she added another note:

[Follow your heart, Young Miss.]

The second message struck a chord. It was the nudge Bei Sangyun needed—words that silenced the doubts swirling in her mind. With those simple yet affirming lines, her apprehension faded, leaving behind a quiet determination.

Bei Sangyun mouthed a silent thank you to Maid Ye Zhai before turning her focus back to the phone.

"...Alright," she said, her voice steady and calm. "I will gladly accept your invitation."

Fei Chuan’s relief was evident in his tone. "Good. I’ll send you the details—the place and time. If it’s not convenient, we can reschedule to a time that works better for you."

Bei Sangyun didn’t need to consider. In her mind, any time, any place would be perfect as long as she could see Fei Chuan again. She felt as though she were walking on clouds, the possibility of spending time with him brightening her entire outlook.

The rest of their conversation remained light and casual. It was cautious, as though both were treading carefully, like old friends reconnecting after years of distance. The call ended soon after, leaving Bei Sangyun in quiet reflection.

The room was silent for a moment, her emotions still swirling. Then, she looked at Maid Ye Zhai, her expression a mixture of joy and relief, as though she might cry.

Maid Ye Zhai responded with a reassuring smile and a thumbs-up. "Good job, Young Miss."

.....

The day of the dinner approached slowly, each hour stretching unbearably. Bei Sangyun wished she could fast-forward time just to reach the appointed moment. Finally, the day arrived.

The restaurant was one she knew well—a five-star western establishment that typically required two months’ notice for a reservation.

She couldn’t fathom how Fei Chuan had managed to secure a booking with only a week’s preparation, but she was glad he did.

The venue was ideal—not too private, yet not overly intimate. Its biggest draw was the breathtaking view, offering a sweeping panorama of the city below and the winding Y River in the distance.

After finishing her preparations and dressing for the evening, the butler entered to inform her that a car was waiting downstairs.

To her surprise, it was a limousine.

She hadn’t expected Fei Chuan to send a chauffeur, much less one with such grandeur. Peeking inside, she was relieved to find the vehicle empty—Fei Chuan wasn’t accompanying her on the ride, allowing her a moment to collect herself.

The journey to the hotel passed quickly, her thoughts a whirl of anticipation and nerves. Upon arrival, a staff member was already waiting, ready to guide her to the top floor where the renowned restaurant was situated.

As she stepped inside, her eyes swept over the extravagant interior. The elegant furnishings and glimmering chandeliers exuded sophistication, and a handful of finely dressed patrons occupied the tables scattered across the room.

And then, across the space, she saw him.

Fei Chuan.

Perhaps because he was alone, the polite smile that had graced his face throughout the Royal Banquet and the Lin family’s banquet was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, the aloofness Bei Sangyun remembered—the quiet dominance that defined him in the past—seeped through, unguarded. This was the Fei Chuan she knew.

As if sensing her gaze, Fei Chuan looked up. Their eyes met, and for a moment, he froze. Then, a warm smile appeared on his face, softening the edges of his aloof demeanor. The reserved, seemingly approachable Fei Chuan took the place of the man she had just seen.

He rose from his seat and pulled the chair out for her. "Was the car comfortable?"

Bei Sangyun’s heart raced, her nerves barely hidden behind a forced smile. "Yes, thank you for sending it."

"I’m thrilled you accepted my invitation. I wanted to ensure everything was perfect. Forgive me for not coming to pick you up personally—I was caught in a business meeting just before this."

She glanced at his meticulously styled hair and the sharp elegance of his attire. It was evident the meeting had been important.

"It’s fine," she replied. "You even arrived earlier than I did. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long."

As she sat down, the waiter arrived with the menus, placing them gently before retreating to leave them alone.

The silence that followed was palpable. Bei Sangyun pretended to study the menu, though her thoughts were entirely preoccupied with the man across from her.

Unable to resist, she stole a glance at him. To her suprise—and embarrassment—he was already looking at her.

When their eyes met, Fei Chuan smiled.

Bei Sangyun’s heart skipped.

Her head shot back down to the menu as she fought to maintain composure, though inwardly, she was screaming.

"I actually have something to recommend," Fei Chuan said, breaking the silence.

Fei Chuan leaned slightly forward, holding his menu out toward Bei Sangyun. She caught the scent of his cologne—musky, sensual—and it instantly took her back to that moment when she had helped him walk during the incident.

His fragrance, mingled with his warmth, stirred something deep inside her, making her heart race as it had before.

Fei Chuan pointed to a section of the main course, his voice breaking through her thoughts.

"I’ve been here before. Their Beef Wellington is exceptional," he said, pulling her attention back to the moment.

"Oh." Bei Sangyun nodded absentmindedly, still feeling overwhelmed. "Then I’ll have it."

"This pairs well with this wine," he added, tapping another section.

"...I’ll have that too," she replied quickly.

"And perhaps this side dish as well..." Fei Chuan continued, listing a series of recommendations. Each time, Bei Sangyun simply nodded and agreed without hesitation.

Fei Chuan’s lips curved into a soft smile as he set the menu down. "It seems the years have changed you as well. I didn’t expect you to agree with everything like a perfectly behaved young lady."

Bei Sangyun blinked, momentarily captivated by his smile.

The warmth in it seemed to dissolve some of the uneasiness in her heart. She had feared Fei Chuan might be cold and distant after everything that had happened between them four years ago. Yet here he was, welcoming and kind, as though they were old friends reconnecting after time apart.

She managed a smile of her own. "Well, I trust your recommendations. I’m sure everything you’ve chosen will be delicious."

Fei Chuan chuckled softly, then signaled the waiter to finalize their order.

Moments later, the wine was served, and soft, soothing music played in the background, filling the quiet of the restaurant.

The silence at their table, however, grew heavier.

Bei Sangyun twirled her wine glass in her hand, her mind racing to come up with a topic of conversation.

Fortunately, Fei Chuan initiated to break the silence. His voice was low and sincere.

"I’d like to thank you again for your help the other day. If you hadn’t been there..." He hesitated, his gaze steady on her. "I can only imagine how much worse things might have been."

His words struck a chord in Bei Sangyun. His gratitude felt genuine, and for a fleeting moment, she thought she caught a glimpse of vulnerability in his otherwise composed demeanor.

"I’m just glad I could help," she said softly, her fingers gripping the stem of her glass. "I happened to be there at the right time."