Standing Next To You
Chapter 126: Under the Setting Sun

Chapter 126: Under the Setting Sun

A/n: This Chapter is now fixed. Thank you for waiting.

***

Previously, Sophia had made an arrangement with Lin Sunji under a friendly gesture. From her, they were able to gather more information about Bei Sangyun. Aside from Bei Sangyun’s inferior background and her set of skills, they also learned about her reputation at school.

A model student whom everyone at the school considered a tyrant. It was a very confusing image. But the word ’model student’ caught their attention.

"Don’t forget that she also has an interest in a particular person. What was that person’s name again?" Sophia asked, recalling Lin Sunji’s words about the individual the tyrant seemed particularly focused on.

"Should we investigate him? Perhaps he’s related to that woman’s weakness."

Richard considered Sophia’s suggestion. After a moment of thought, his eyes lit up as an idea crossed his mind. "Grandpa mentioned that he wanted us to stay here for a month, right? How about attending school?"

"School? I’ve had enough of it. Weren’t we here to have some fun?" Sophia shot her brother a glare. How could he suggest such an outrageous idea?

"We are going there to have fun. What do you say we tarnish her image as the model student?" Richard proposed.

Sophia’s eyes lit up. "I think we just found a way to get back at her."

Richard smiled. He hadn’t given up on the idea of making Bei Sangyun fall into the palm of his hand.

...

Sunday, 5:00 PM.

The person who was supposed to be recuperating from her injuries found herself in a dance studio on the top floor of a high-rise building in the heart of a bustling city.

The studio’s walls were adorned with grand floor-to-ceiling mirrors on one side, reflecting the graceful movements of the dancers as they twirled and glided across the polished wooden floor. On the opposite wall, a breathtaking expanse of glass windows offered a panoramic view of the entire city below.

Bei Sangyun had chosen this place for the beautiful view it provided, especially around 5:05-5:30 PM.

In her past life, when she had purchased the entire building, Bei Sangyun had selected this floor to be her office.

She had been drawn to it because of the breathtaking view it offered of the sunset. For a few minutes, the spectacle would momentarily halt her world, bringing relaxation and comfort.

It was her only escape from the sinking world.

Bei Sangyun faced the window, eagerly awaiting her favorite view.

There was still time before the appointed meeting. Perhaps she had been overly excited about her appointment with Fei Chuan and arrived too early. Knowing that man, he would surely come at 6pm sharp.

Bei Sangyun did not mind waiting for an hour as she enjoyed watching the sunset alone.

Suddenly, at this very moment, the door swung open.

In the empty and quiet dance studio, with Bei Sangyun the sole occupant, the sound of the door’s opening reached her ears.

Instinctively, she turned her gaze toward the door.

Fei Chuan stood there, behind the door. When he raised his head and met Bei Sangyun’s eyes, he appeared astonished.

"You’re here already?" He checked his watch. It was only 5 PM. He had arrived an hour ahead of schedule, but Bei Sangyun had beaten him to it?

Bei Sangyun was equally surprised. Wasn’t Fei Chuan renowned for his golden rule of time?

Fei Chuan held a significant reputation in the business industry. He was known as the most formidable enemy to have and the strictest business partner. He had a habit of arriving on time for appointments- not a second earlier or a second late- and expected the same punctuality from his business partners. Even a slight delay of a few seconds from them would result in an immediate cancellation of their plans, regardless of the project’s magnitude.

After experiencing numerous failed business deals due to his unwavering punctuality standards, companies wishing to partner with him started arriving well in advance of their appointments just to avoid conflicts with Fei Chuan.

But it seemed that the current Fei Chuan hadn’t yet developed that habit.

A gentle smile graced the corner of Bei Sangyun’s lips. She was rather pleased that he had arrived earlier than the appointed time.

"I got quite excited, so I came early. Besides, I wanted to watch the sunset from here," Bei Sangyun explained.

She turned her head to gaze at the scenery outside.

The setting sun bathed the urban landscape in a rich tapestry of warm, golden hues. The city’s towering skyscrapers cast long, dramatic shadows, while the shimmering glass facades reflected the brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples of the descending sun.

Bei Sangyun couldn’t help but smile at the breathtaking view. It was at this moment that time seemed to stand still for her.

"It’s a good thing you came early. I get to share this beautiful scenery with you," Bei Sangyun said, her smile genuine and reaching her eyes.

The golden hues of the setting sun streamed through the glass windows, casting long, dramatic shadows on the floor. One of the beams of light fell upon Bei Sangyun, creating the illusion of a golden halo surrounding her.

The warm hues softened Bei Sangyun’s features, and the cold, unfeeling exterior that she always seemed to have disappeared at this moment.

The girl standing in the warm light, watching the sunset with a smile in her eyes, was simply someone who appreciated the beauty of the world.

At that moment, Fei Chuan witnessed a side of Bei Sangyun that no one had ever seen before.

His heart skipped a beat as he fell into a daze, captivated by her.

****

Additional Scene:

Fei Chuan at Six Years Old:

His innocent eyes stared at his tutor, who arrived ten minutes late. A hint of displeasure graced his little chubby face. He had been there at 10 AM sharp, but his teacher was tardy.

"Teacher, our schedule was supposed to start at 10 AM sharp. You are ten minutes late."

Fei Chuan at Ten Years Old:

He sat in his courtyard, engrossed in a book when Cheng Li and the others came running. They spotted him reading peacefully.

"Fei Chuan! We’re here! We made it on time, right?"

Fei Chuan glanced at his watch. "You are one minute and three seconds late."

"Oh, it’s just one minute! We’re still on time. Can we go, please?"

Fei Chuan didn’t lift his head from his book. "No, you guys are late. Our plan for today is canceled."

The boys exclaimed in disappointment. "We’re only one minute late! You didn’t even wait that long!"

Fei Chuan raised his eyes and glared at them. "You’re one minute and three seconds late. I won’t repeat myself." He stood up with his book. "Make sure to arrive on time next time." He then returned inside the villa.

Fei Chuan at 18 Years Old: Sunday, the appointed day.

He checked the time: 4:00 PM.

There were still two hours before the appointed time. He was already dressed and prepared, but it wasn’t yet the designated time. He had to wait.

A while later, he glanced at the clock again: 4:30 PM. He frowned. Why time seem so slow?

Fei Chuan stood up, persuading himself that he was leaving early to avoid traffic.

At 5:00 PM, he arrived on the floor that Bei Sangyun had mentioned. He was an hour early.

He checked his watch. Should he wait until 6?

At 5:03 PM, he decided to enter and convinced himself to wait inside.