Standing Next To You

The couple stayed in Country F for one more day before heading back to Country C.

Throughout the flight, Bei Sangyun leaned on Fei Chuan, fast asleep. During her trip with Grandma Bei, she had been the one handling everything. Although Maid Ye Zhai was there to assist, without Butler Xin—who usually managed all the details—Bei Sangyun had been busy left and right.

But on this trip, it was Fei Chuan who took care of everything—from their flights, to accommodations, even down to where they would eat. All Bei Sangyun had to do was tell him what she was craving.

With Fei Chuan around, Bei Sangyun could completely shut off her mind and rely on him. She felt deeply loved and cared for. With him by her side, she was like a child—free to lower her guard, to be careless, spoiled, and even a little childish. And the man beside her would treasure her just the same.

Bei Sangyun opened her eyes and glanced up, her gaze landing on his sharp jawline. She leaned against him comfortably. So this is how it feels… to have a loving and reliable boyfriend.

As she thought about how thoughtful, dependable, and loving Fei Chuan was, she suddenly thought something important—the watch in her purse. Bei Sangyun abruptly sat up straight.

Right! The watch! I haven't given it to him yet!

There had been so many romantic moments and perfect opportunities to give it to him during their trip to Country F, but she had been too caught up in the emotions—too moved, too distracted. All she'd wanted to do was hug and kiss him. Now the gift she supposed to handed over was still in her bag.

"What's wrong?" Fei Chuan noticed her sudden movement and gently asked.

Bei Sangyun paused to think. "Are you going back to work as soon as we arrive in Country C?"

Fei Chuan noticed a strand of hair stuck to her cheek. He reached over and tucked it behind her ear. "There's one more place I'd like to visit with you. Is that alright?"

Bei Sangyun's eyes lit up. There's still a chance!

"Of course! Zhong Cheng and Xu Tian are doing well at the company. They don't need me right now."

Fei Chuan smiled. "That's great. I get to have you all to myself for one more day."

Bei Sangyun's heart soared. Both of them were busy people with tight schedules. After this trip, who knew when they'd next have a full day to spend together like this? When would they get the chance to simply enjoy each other's presence?

Only now.

She wouldn't waste this moment.

Bei Sangyun made up her mind: she would give him the gift on that date.

When they arrived in Country C, Fei Chuan had already booked a hotel room for them. As usual, he reserved a two-bedroom suite. Bei Sangyun was already used to Fei Chuan's "conservative ways."

Back in Country F, when Fei Chuan first booked a hotel with separate bedrooms, Bei Sangyun had complained.

They were already a couple—and adults at that. Sharing one bed shouldn't have been an issue. Besides, something had already happened between them before, even if it was an accident. Being shy with each other shouldn't be a problem anymore.

In truth, she wanted to share a bed with Fei Chuan—to cuddle with him and wake up beside him.

But Fei Chuan had insisted firmly that they couldn't sleep in the same bed. Bei Sangyun was hurt at first and pretended to be angry.

But then Fei Chuan hugged her and gently explained, "I promised Grandma Bei that I would respect your boundaries and your body. I don't want to break that promise. So this is the only way."

Bei Sangyun couldn't stay mad after hearing that. So she reluctantly slept in the other bedroom.

But when she woke up the next morning, she found Fei Chuan in her room. At some point during the night, he had quietly laid a blanket on the floor beside her bed and slept there.

She instantly felt happy. The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Fei Chuan. Even though he was on the floor and she was on the bed, watching him sleep was enough to light up her day.

But she could only watch for a few minutes, because Fei Chuan woke up soon after. She quickly pretended to still be asleep. Then she felt a soft kiss on her forehead and heard a gentle morning greeting.

Moments later, he left the room, carrying his blanket and pillow—erasing all evidence that he had slept there.

After that, Bei Sangyun never complained again about the two-bedroom suites. Because every morning, without fail, she woke up to find Fei Chuan sleeping beside her bed.

This time was no different.

However, tonight, Bei Sangyun didn't fall asleep before him. She stayed awake, listening.

She heard the soft click of her door opening, the rustle of a blanket being laid out. Fei Chuan was settling down on the floor beside her bed again.

After a while, she felt a quiet presence near her. A gentle kiss landed on her forehead, followed by a deep, loving voice full of warmth:

"Sleep well, Bei Sangyun."

Bei Sangyun couldn't hold back any longer. She opened her eyes, hooked her arm around his neck, and pulled him closer, trapping him.

"Why are you being so sneaky, my prince?" she whispered with a teasing smile. "If you keep kissing me in my sleep, this Sleeping Beauty is bound to wake up."

Fei Chuan's eyes widened for a moment, then darted away. His ears turned red. "…When did you notice?"

"From the very first night you booked us a two-bedroom suite and dragged your blanket into my room."

Fei Chuan: "…"

He thought he'd been subtle. He always waited until she was asleep, and woke up earlier to leave unnoticed. But apparently, he had been obvious all along.

"…I can't sleep in the other room knowing you're here," he admitted, guilty. "There's this gnawing feeling in my chest… I feel restless. Only when I'm near you can I really relax and sleep."