Standing Next To You

"I didn't know at the time," Fei Chuan said, logging into the single, sleek computer in the corner, "but while I was breaking through firewall after firewall, William was tracking me."

As he pressed Enter, the screen lit up with the message: Welcome Back, Zero!

All the other computers in the room powered on in sync.

"Right before graduation, William came to me personally," Fei Chuan continued, "and gave me an offer no one could refuse."

"Since then, I've worked as the James family's hacker. They gave me everything I needed. When they assigned a task, I completed it. In return, they gave me whatever I asked for—money, influence, connections. Gradually, the James family began to rely on my skills, and I relied on them to grow. Eventually, I became one of their most trusted confidants."

Fei Chuan turned to Bei Sangyun with a faint smile.

"In the end, I have become their secret."

Bei Sangyun swallowed hard. She had known that Fei Chuan's role in the James family was important—they clearly valued him deeply. But this... this was on another level. No wonder the James family had almost adopted him as their own son.

But still...

"…Is it really okay to tell me all of this? These are the James family's secrets."

Fei Chuan squeezed her hand reassuringly and answered firmly, "Yes. I askede them to. As a part of the deal, they have no choice but to comply."

Bei Sangyun was moved. This was the truest definition of trust—Fei Chuan choosing not to hide anything from her. He trusted her completely.

He already had incredible skills in business, was intelligent, good-looking, a genius hacker—and most importantly, he treated her with unwavering sincerity. He was everything Bei Sangyun could have ever wished for. She truly felt lucky.

Fei Chuan's brilliance and strength made Bei Sangyun want to grow too—to become someone worthy of standing beside him.

Her eyes swirled with quiet determination. She wanted to be honest. To be someone he could trust. To be a person he would never feel ashamed of.

"There's actually something I haven't told you," Bei Sangyun said, meeting his eyes. "In my past life… six years after I died, you and Melanie got engaged."

She looked down, her voice soft. "I didn't tell you because I was afraid. But…"

She looked up again, eyes unwavering. "But I'm not afraid anymore. Even as that life fades from my memory little by little, I still remember clearly—you stayed by my side until the very end. And now, in this life, you're still here. You forgave me. You love me. And that's all I need."

The thing she couldn't say or bring up to him, were finally brought to the light.

Fei Chuan pulled her into a tight embrace. "I don't know what the Fei Chuan in that life was thinking—why he ever got engaged to someone else. But I… my heart belongs only to you. In this life… and in every lifetime."

Bei Sangyun clung to him. When would these confessions end?

Every day, every moment, she found herself falling even deeper for him. Just when she thought she'd reached the bottom of the well called love, she would discover there was still more beneath it—deeper, warmer, endless.

....

Bei Sangyun and Fei Chuan spent the evening having dinner with the James siblings. They stayed the night, and by morning, the couple had left.

William and Melanie stood in the parking lot, waving until the car disappeared from view.

William lowered his hand and glanced at his sister, who was still staring into the distance in a daze.

"What's with you? Why did you join us for breakfast and even come to see them off?"

Melanie snapped out of her daze and glared at her brother. "This is our house. Of course it's natural to join breakfast with our guests and see them off."

William raised a brow. "I wouldn't be suspicious if it were just any guest. But our guest was Fei Chuan's girlfriend."

Melanie knew exactly what her brother was implying. She rolled her eyes. "Exactly. That's why I was extra polite—because our guest was Brother Fei's girlfriend."

William narrowed his eyes. "Really? Or were you just curious and wanted to see her in person?"

Melanie started walking away, ignoring her annoying brother. But William, sensing entertainment, clung to her side like a pest.

"So? How was it? Not bad, right? Fei Chuan's taste is—"

Melanie abruptly stopped, turned sharply, and clenched her fist. In one swift motion, she punched William in the gut.

Punch!

"Ow! What the hell was that for?!" he gasped, clutching his stomach. While it didn't hurt nearly as much as a real hit from his gym instructor, it still took him by surprise.

Melanie narrowed her eyes at him. "Do you even hear yourself? Why do you—and most men—talk about women like that? 'Taste'? Brother Fei chose her for more than just that."

William stared at her, stunned. "You... You're not angry?"

"I'm starting to get angry now."

"No! I mean..." William stammered, scratching his head awkwardly. "I thought you'd make a scene or at least give them a hard time. But you didn't. And now it seems like... you approve of them?"

Melanie frowned. "Do they need my approval?"

Who was she to stand between them?

William looked at her again, as if seeing a whole new person.

"Wow. I was worried for nothing, huh? Haha!" He had only been trying to lighten his sister's mood, but it turned out that wasn't even necessary.

"I thought you wouldn't back down without a fight. You rejected every man who came to you and constantly yelled in my ear that you wouldn't marry anyone but Fei Chuan. So I thought you would throw a tantrum the moment you see Bei Sangyun. But you're more mature than I thought."

"It has nothing to do with maturity…" Melanie mumbled.

Perhaps, if she hadn't met that person back then, maybe she would be sulking in her room right now, crying over heartbreak—or worse, becoming bitter and causing trouble for the couple like William said.

Thinking about that encounter, Melanie smiled softly.When one door closes, another opens.

William, watching her expression, was relieved. His sister didn't seem bitter at all. Finally, he could relax—and maybe even start thinking about bringing her along to meet new friends.

Melanie snapped out of her thoughts and asked the question that had been bugging her."Brother, why do you think Brother Fei brought Bei Sangyun there?"

To take his date there, to that creepy underground room with no ounce of romantic vibe—what was Brother Fei thinking?

William smiled knowingly."What else? It's like showing your fiancée your treasure vault."

Melanie froze, then realization hit her.William laughed at her reaction. Only members of the James family would understand what he truly meant.

He glanced toward the distant building, eyes thoughtful.When Fei Chuan had come to him a week ago with his request, he had been surprised too.

A week ago, just as William was finishing his daily duties, he received a call from Fei Chuan. The man was already at the mansion, waiting for him.

Ever since Fei Chuan had left Country F, his visits to the James mansion had become rare. More often than not, it was William who had to drag him over just to get him to show his face. After all, it wasn't only William who liked Fei Chuan—even their parents admired him.

So when he got the news that Fei Chuan was back, he hurried to meet him with excitement. Sure enough, William thought, even if this guy always looks cold, he must've missed me!

But instead of a warm reunion, Fei Chuan handed him a folder the moment they met. With no preamble, he got straight to the point.

William opened the folder and began reading. As he scanned the contents, his expression changed to shock.

He looked up. "Are you serious?"

Fei Chuan nodded without hesitation. "I am."

"You know what you're doing, right?"

"I do."

"…Why are you going this far?"

Fei Chuan's gaze didn't waver. "Because I still think I haven't done enough."

William knew how stubborn Fei Chuan was. Once he set his mind on something, there was no turning back.

As the heir of the James family, William had been raised to prioritize the family above all else. He couldn't quite understand why anyone would go this far for another person. But even if he didn't understand, he knew there was no use trying to change Fei Chuan's mind.

"I need you to be the witness," Fei Chuan added. "Only then will the contents of that document be credible."

William picked up the pen, but before he signed, he looked at Fei Chuan once more."Are you sure you won't regret this? What if—later down the road—you change your mind? Or worse, what if she does?"

Fei Chuan replied calmly, "My heart won't change. And if hers ever does... I'm still willing."

William shook his head, thinking that maybe his genius friend—perfect in almost every way—had one glaring weakness.

It's her, he thought.

He signed the document and handed it back. Fei Chuan had other matters to attend to and didn't stay long. But just before he left, he paused at the door and glanced back at William.

"Besides," he said, "I'm confident. No matter what happens, no matter what comes our way—we'll still be by each other's side. No exceptions."

.....

As William recalled that conversation, he let out a breath and shook his head.

I wonder if one day… I'll be that crazy and devoted to someone, too.