Standing Next To You
Chapter 105: How did you do it?

Chapter 105: How did you do it?

"I-impossible!" Lin Sunji exclaimed in shock as Butler Yang announced the results of the written test.

Lin Sunji had achieved a perfect score, but to her surprise, Bei Sangyun had matched her score. How was that even possible? She had been learning French before Bei Sangyun!

However, Bei Sangyun once again outperformed her in the oral test. This time, Lin Sunji couldn’t voice her complaints out loud because the oral test had been conducted in front of everyone.

Lin Sunji was fluent and pronounced every word correctly. However, Bei Sangyun spoke the language as if she were a native speaker, even using local terms.

Lin Sunji’s disbelief turned into self-doubt. Hearing Bei Sangyun’s superior performance, she, the contestant herself, knew she would lose. In the end, she had been completely defeated by Bei Sangyun.

Her admission of defeat left the fourth branch in tense despair. The area they thought they would undoubtedly win had turned into a massive disappointment.

It wasn’t just Lin Sunji and the fourth branch who were in disbelief. Lin Xiaoni and the fifth branch also didn’t expect this outcome.

After Butler Yang announced the test results, everyone, except Lin Ginxian, reluctantly applauded alongside the others.

Lin Xiaoni, who was the most disbelieving, couldn’t help but exclaim, "How could she win? She must have cheated—". Before she could say more, her mother quickly covered her mouth.

Everyone turned to look at them.

Xiao Mi, Lin Xiaoni’s mother, smiled awkwardly. "Our fifth branch congratulates the third branch. My daughter is amazed by your abilities, dear Sangyun."

Everyone: "...."

They all understood that Lin Xiaoni meant otherwise, but thanks to Xiao Mi’s quick thinking, a potential disaster was averted for the fifth branch.

Old Master Lin nodded in approval. "Sangyun’s knowledge of their culture is indeed outstanding. Her fluency is excellent, as if she has been living in that country. She must have worked hard to master the language and their culture. I applaud her for that."

The old man sincerely complimented Bei Sangyun. "Since you achieved the best result, you will be assigned as the host in a few days. Make sure to welcome the guests by then. Butler Yang will assist you, so you won’t have to worry too much."

Bei Sangyun’s mind was not focused on the upcoming visitors but on the signed agreement she had read earlier. She didn’t seem thrilled about getting the role.

Her lack of enthusiasm made Lin Sunji and Lin Xiaoni feel bitter and angrier. The one they had worked so hard for was taken away by someone else, and she seemed to get so easily.

"Father, don’t worry. I will also guide my daughter so she can perform this task perfectly," Lin Ginxian assured Old Master Lin. He wore a cheerful smile. "This girl might be rude at times, but when it comes to serious tasks, she surpasses expectations." His haughty smile and arrogant tone irritated the fourth and fifth branches.

Old Master Lin nodded. "Then I will leave this matter to you."

Lin Ginxian and the others respectfully bowed to Old Master Lin as he departed.

Lin Ginxian turned to Bei Sangyun. The fawning smile on his face vanished, replaced by a stern and domineering expression.

"You did well. Just keep it up, and we won’t have any problems. You only need to follow my instructions to leave a more favorable impression on Grandfather."

Bei Sangyun didn’t respond. Lin Ginxian frowned. "What’s your answer?"

Bei Sangyun finally raised her head and coldly met his gaze. "I will do a good job. All you have to do is sit back and relax."

Lin Ginxian narrowed his eyes. This girl still had that rude mouth of hers. He’d have to sew her mouth shut one day.

"I’ll let your impudence slide this once. Just make sure to do a perfect job."

Bei Sangyun simply rolled her eyes. She then noticed the fourth branch about to leave and hurriedly followed after them.

...

"What did you do?" Bei Sangyun asked aloud, causing Lin Sunji and the fourth branch to halt in their tracks.

Lin Sunji’s steps came to a stop, her eyes were red from holding back her tears. Seeing the source of her anger and defeat, the rage within her surged once more.

"You...! You cheated, didn’t you?"

"If you believe I cheated, why don’t you bring it up to Grandfather?"

Bei Sangyun’s counterattack question made Lin Sunji grind her teeth in frustration. How could she do that?

Even though she didn’t want to admit it, the test was meticulously supervised. With the old man personally overseeing it, no one would dare to cheat. If she raised the concern of Bei Sangyun cheating, it would only infuriate the old man. Lin Sunji wasn’t foolish enough to make a mistake like Lin Xiaoni did.

However, the result left Lin Sunji feeling bitter, dejected, and angry. She had lost terribly in front of her parents, and their disappointed gazes felt like scorching heat on her skin. This feeling was far from pleasant.

"I don’t know how you did it. But it’s impossible for you to master everything in just a few years. You must have known the questions beforehand—"

"How did you do it?" Bei Sangyun repeated her question, her eyes narrowing darkly. "Fei Chuan will never accept your apology or your compensation. Did you threaten him?"

"Why would I need to threaten him? In the first place, it’s foolish of him to reject any favors from us—"

Li Mei stepped forward to cover for her daughter before Lin Sunji made a mistake. "Why is it any of your business, Sangyun?"

Bei Sangyun’s gaze turned to Li Mei. "Is it you? What did you do?"

"I will overlook your rudeness this time. But next time you address me, do so more casually. I am still your aunt."

"What did you say to him?"

Lin Ruo, who had been standing in the background, grew impatient. He was about to step forward to chase away this rude brat. Their family had just suffered a major loss, and he thought he could recover from it by having his daughter get the role, but his hopes had been terribly defeated.

As he was on the verge of losing his temper, Li Mei signaled to him. She gestured that she would handle the situation.

Lin Ruo scoffed, "If this rude brat dared to do something, don’t hesitate to report it to Father. Such a brat should not be the host; it will only tarnish our family’s reputation. Let’s go, Sanju." He harrumphed and left.

His son, Lin Sanju, glanced at his departing figure, contemplated for a moment, and then remained motionless.

He wanted to stay and see how the drama would unfold.