Standing Next To You

Over the next two days, Fei Chuan took Bei Sangyun all around F Country.

Aside from visiting his company, they also stopped by his seaside villa. Bei Sangyun instantly fell in love with the place—the perfect ocean view, the elegant design of the house, everything.

That's when she realized: she and Fei Chuan shared the same taste when it came to homes.

In the latter half of the day, they made their way to the James' mansion.

William was there to greet them.

"Welcome to my humble abode, My Lady." William took Bei Sangyun's hand, about to kiss it—

—but Fei Chuan immediately pulled her hand back.

"Lips are off-limits," he said flatly, with a warning glare.

"Hey, it's just a greeting. This is the James family tradition when we meet lovely ladies," William said with a playful wink in Bei Sangyun's direction.

She returned it with a look of pure disgust which earned which earned William's laughter.

"Why don't you do that to someone else instead?" Fei Chuan stepped between them, clearly displeased. "I'm starting to regret bringing her here."

William chuckled. "Relax. Ms. Bei isn't even complaining. Why are you overreacting? Don't you know women hate overly possessive men?"

Fei Chuan flinched and turned to Bei Sangyun in slight panic.

She hugged Fei Chuan's arm and raised an eyebrow at William."But I like my man possessive."

William's smile froze mid-tease.

Fei Chuan's ears turned red. He cleared his throat awkwardly, though the grin on his lips betrayed his pride."You must be talking about other women."

William shook his head. These two were hopeless—clearly a team. He didn't stand a chance.

"Alright, alright." William finally dropped his flirty act and shifted into host mode, properly welcoming Bei Sangyun. Though of course, he still threw in a few jokes and playful remarks here and there.

Bei Sangyun didn't often get the chance to spend time with William. In the few moments they had shared in the past, he had always been this playful. But she knew—William wasn't like this with everyone. Only a select few ever saw this side of him.

And the only reason she was among that handful… was because of Fei Chuan.

The James mansion looked like something straight out of a noble European lineage. Grand, authentic, and filled with priceless antiques—it was more like a museum than a home.

As they walked down one of the lavish halls, William suddenly asked Fei Chuan,

"Are you planning to take her there?"

Fei Chuan gave a slight nod in response.

Bei Sangyun noticed the shift in tone but didn't interrupt their seemingly private conversation.

As they reached a certain annex of the mansion, the sound of hooves thundered behind them, followed by a woman's excited voice calling out:

"Brother Fei!"

A moment later, a woman on horseback came to a sudden stop just behind them.

Bei Sangyun caught a flash of golden light—and instantly recognized the woman on horseback. Even though she had only seen her in photos, there was no mistaking who she was.

Dressed in riding attire, the woman was none other than Melanie James. Even in an outfit that lacked femininity, she looked stunning. Her golden hair, caught in the sunlight, seemed to glow.

Bei Sangyun's expression turned serious. She stole a glance at Fei Chuan—only to freeze when she met his gaze. Fei Chuan was frowning slightly. He reached out and gently brushed a bit of dust from her cheek.

"Be careful, you might get some dirt in your eyes," he said calmly.

The uneasiness and flicker of panic in her heart melted away. Bei Sangyun smiled. "It's fine."

Melanie had recognized her too. For a brief moment, her face flickered with shock—then a storm of emotions passed quickly behind her eyes. Almost instantly, she composed herself and returned to a neutral expression.

"Sorry, I got too excited. I didn't mean to shower you all with dust." She dismounted gracefully, patting her horse a few times before finally turning to Bei Sangyun with a polite smile. "I just saw Brother Fei and wasn't expecting another guest. I'm Melanie." She extended her hand.

Bei Sangyun took it, quietly observing the woman up close for the first time. Though she had heard many things about her, this was their first face-to-face meeting—in both lifetimes.

Just like the rumors said—she is like a ball of sunshine.

"Bei Sangyun," she replied as they shook hands.

The moment grew heavy, and William—well aware of his sister's feelings for Fei Chuan and the complicated dynamic between the three of them—quickly stepped in to break the silence.

"We're heading to Annex C. You know you're not supposed to bring Rex there." He placed a hand on Melanie's shoulder, guiding her back toward the horse."You rode him recklessly through this area. If the Captain finds out, you won't be allowed to ride Rex for a whole month."

Melanie stiffened."I was just happy Brother Fei came to visit, okay?" She brushed off William's hand and turned back to Fei Chuan.

"What kind of sister doesn't greet her brother?" she said with a smile, turning back to Fei Chuan."Right?"

Though her voice was light, her heart was uneasy.

With those words, she was trying to ease the tension—tension she herself had created. What she was really asking was: Am I still your sister?

The last time they parted, she had let her emotions get the best of her and walked away without a proper goodbye. Fei Chuan had once been her ultimate crush—the man she believed she would someday marry. But that dream had been shattered by a clear and painful rejection.

Time—and new people—had helped her move on. Even so, Fei Chuan still held a special place in her heart. Like William.At the very least, she hoped they could still be family… or close friends.

Finally, Fei Chuan's stern expression softened. A gentle, brotherly smile replaced the frown on his face.

"Of course."

Melanie smiled, relieved. She let William guide her back toward the horse.

"Alright, alright. Don't push me. I just wanted to say hi." She gave them a small wave. "I'll see you around. I'll take Rex back first. It was nice seeing you again, Brother Fei—and nice meeting you, Bei Sangyun."

Bei Sangyun returned the wave. "Same here."