Standing Next To You-Chapter 469: ’Friends’

Bei Sangyun was relieved that Fei Chuan brought up this topic first. Unconsciously, she relaxed her clenched fists. At least this was something they could discuss without awkwardness.

"I’m glad too that I was with you when it happened. Does this sort of thing happen to you often?"

"Yes. That was actually the fifth time." Fei Chuan twirled the wine glass in his hand, his somber reflection shimmering in the crimson liquid.

"And I’ve been lucky so far—my friend has always been there to help me before others could intervene. But this last time... he was surrounded by guests and couldn’t make it in time. I thought they might succeed." His voice wavered slightly. "That’s why I’m truly grateful to you."

Bei Sangyun’s heart clenched painfully.

He had been drugged with that vile substance five times? She had endured it only thrice, and even then, the last time had been devastatingly successful. She knew all too well the horror and disgust it brought.

"It must have been unbearable for you." Her voice was soft, sincere. "I’m so sorry you had to go through that."

Fei Chuan smiled faintly, sadness lurking behind the curve of his lips. "Yeah... but I’ve had no choice but to get used to it. I feel better now, though, thanks to your support."

Seeing the vulnerability etched on his face, Bei Sangyun’s hand instinctively twitched, wanting to reach out and offer comfort. His hand rested on the table, close to hers—but she hesitated and ultimately held back.

Fei Chuan caught her hesitation. His gaze flickered briefly to her hand, and his own clenched into a fist on the table. He took a deliberate sip of wine, concealing his thoughts.

When the silence stretched too long, Bei Sangyun finally mustered the courage to speak again.

"Um... I know of a medicine that provides quick relief. I’ll send you some," she said hesitantly. Truthfully, the medicine wasn’t on the market yet—it wouldn’t be for another two or three years. But she could track down the pharmaceutical company that developed it in her past life and sponsor it for early production.

This could help Fei Chuan. And this could be an excuse to give him something. freewēbnoveℓ.com

Fei Chuan’s expression softened into a genuine smile. "Thank you. I’d really appreciate that."

At last, the food arrived, momentarily breaking the tension in the air.

Bei Sangyun was well-versed in Western cuisine thanks to her experiences in her previous life, so she didn’t necessarily need Fei Chuan’s recommendations. However, when he took the initiative to introduce the dishes and guide her on which utensils to use, she chose to feign ignorance, finding joy in his attention and company.

Perhaps it was the exhilaration of having Fei Chuan by her side again, but the flavors of the food seemed more vivid to her, as if she could taste them as clearly as their aromas.

Fei Chuan watched her closely, observing every bite she took.

"You seem to have regained your sense of taste. You must be doing well all these years," he remarked.

Bei Sangyun froze mid-bite, her gaze lifting to meet his. For a fleeting moment, she caught a flicker of coldness in his eyes. But when she blinked, that coldness was gone, replaced by the warmth of his smile.

She was momentarily stunned.

Fei Chuan chuckled softly. "Watching you eat well reminds me of the past. Back then, you’d insist that I take the first bite of everything you ate. You kept saying that the food I touched was the ones you could only taste. Seeing you enjoy your food now makes me happy—it seems it is no longer an issue."

Bei Sangyun lowered her gaze, trying to conceal the quickened rhythm of her heart. This was the kind of conversation she dreaded most—one that pulled the past into the present.

She wasn’t okay. She hadn’t been doing well at all. But as long as Fei Chuan was healthy and living happily, she could endure it.

Forcing a faint smile, she replied, "...That habit of mine is long gone. I’m sorry for putting you through that back then."

Fei Chuan was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable.

When she looked up, he smiled again, his tone light. "There’s no need to apologize. We dated in the past, and it’s a part of our history. But I hope it doesn’t stop us from being friends. If that’s alright with you."

Friends?!

Bei Sangyun’s eyes went wide.

The word sent a spark through her. She had never considered the possibility. To her, reconnecting with him had always seemed impossible, let alone as friends.

Yet now, with Fei Chuan extending the olive branch, it felt like a small but precious chance to rebuild their connection and slowly grow closer.

Without hesitation, she answered, "Yes. I’d like that. I want to be friends."

Fei Chuan smiled and reached for his drink, the cold glint in his eyes momentarily hidden as he took a sip.

When he set the glass down, his smile was softer this time, gentler. "I’m happy to hear that."

The rest of the meal went smoothly. The food was exquisite, and their conversation flowed naturally, focusing mostly on the Royal Banquet. Despite agreeing to be friends, neither of them broached the subject of the four years they had spent apart. That silence lingered, unspoken but palpable.

As they finished their meal, Fei Chuan extended an invitation. "Would you like to visit the garden upstairs? The view of the city at night is breathtaking. It’s a good way to unwind while digesting."

Bei Sangyun hesitated. The thought of spending more time together, especially in such an intimate setting, made her heart race. Yet she couldn’t help but think about how much time they had already shared that evening. Going to the rooftop would undoubtedly bring them physically closer, perhaps too close.

"I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to decline," she said politely. Her voice was steady, though her heart was conflicted.

Fei Chuan didn’t push. He nodded with a small, understanding smile. "That’s a pity, but I understand."

He paused, then added, "Can I drive you home, at least?"

Bei Sangyun felt a pang of guilt for turning him down again. "Uhm, my chaperone is already waiting downstairs," she explained softly, hoping he wouldn’t take it the wrong way.

But Fei Chuan’s smile remained warm. "It’s alright. I’m already grateful you accepted my invitation today. Once again, thank you for coming."