Standing Next To You
Chapter 71: I’ll Be Your Friend

Chapter 71: I’ll Be Your Friend

"If you don’t like it, give it to me," Fei Chuan said firmly, taking the package from Bei Sangyun’s hand. He also reached for the unfinished cheesecake she was holding.

He couldn’t stand watching her eat Grandma Pei’s cheesecakes with such a disgusted expression, so he decided to take them away.

"Hey, I’m not finished yet!" Bei Sangyun protested.

Although she found the tasteless food off-putting, she forced herself to eat it because she didn’t want to waste Grandma Pei’s pastries. After all, they were made for them.

She might not like Fei Chuan, but she sincerely liked the old woman.

"You don’t have to force yourself to eat it," Fei Chuan replied, avoiding her hand and speaking in a cold tone. "Watching you eat it with that disgusted expression is disrespectful."

"I’m going to finish it so I won’t be disrespectful," Bei Sangyun insisted.

Fei Chuan’s anger flared up at her response. Did she not like Grandma Pei’s cheesecakes? Then she shouldn’t force herself!

"No need. Grandma Pei doesn’t need your approval or your opinion,"

Bei Sangyun frowned. She was sure the pastry was delicious; she just couldn’t taste it, no matter how good it might be. If the cheesecake didn’t work, what about the cookie?

"Then give me the cookie," she asked.

"No, you don’t like it anyway. I won’t let you waste any of this precious food," Fei Chuan replied firmly.

Bei Sangyun grew annoyed.

In her frustration, Bei Sangyun grabbed Fei Chuan’s wrist forcefully and finished the rest of the cheesecake in her mouth. Since she had eaten it all, he wouldn’t be able to blame her for disrespecting Grandma Pei’s pastries.

Her lips grazed his fingertips as she ate, causing Fei Chuan to involuntarily shudder. It happened so quickly that he couldn’t react in time. When the action was done, heat rushed to his face.

It was more of embarrassment and anger. This shameless woman had outsmarted him a second time!

Fei Chuan immediately backed away from Bei Sangyun, putting some distance between them as he glared at her angrily.

However, he found himself at a loss for words, completely speechless in the face of her shameless actions. All he could do was shoot her an angry glare and then storm out of the car, limping toward the school.

The car door slammed loudly as it closed behind him.

Meanwhile, Bei Sangyun remained seated, her mind consumed by the divine luxurious taste of the cheesecake.

It had a velvety texture that melted in her mouth, a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors complemented by a buttery, crumbly crust. The indulgent taste left her momentarily frozen, forgetting her surroundings as she savored every lingering bite.

It was even better than the cookie she had tasted yesterday. Bei Sangyun’s senses were bathed in the heavenly sweetness of the dessert.

She relished this newfound sensation, forgetting all about Fei Chuan for the moment.

Bei Sangyun closed her eyes as she etched this sensation into her memories.

When the sweetness faded, Bei Sangyun finally opened her eyes and realized that Fei Chuan was no longer there.

However, she was not overly concerned about him at that moment.

She was eager to try the other pastries to see if her taste buds were fully functional again. She was filled with hope that she might regain her sense of taste completely.

The thought of why it hadn’t worked earlier didn’t even cross her mind.

Bei Sangyun swiftly exited the car and began running toward the school building. She spotted Fei Chuan in the distance, who was limping along.

"Fei Chuan!" she called out, sprinting toward him.

Fei Chuan didn’t look back and continued limping along the sidewalk. As Bei Sangyun called out to him, other students in the vicinity turned around in shock at the unexpected sight of the school’s tyrant.

The distance between them quickly closed as Bei Sangyun sprinted toward Fei Chuan. He didn’t respond to her and maintained his silence, his angry expression hidden under the cover of his long bangs.

By the time Bei Sangyun reached his side, Fei Chuan remained silent, offering no response. Bei Sangyun hadn’t expected one, though. She spoke instead, explaining her actions.

"I didn’t mean to disrespect Grandma Pei’s cooking. It’s actually the most amazing dessert I’ve ever had. My taste wasn’t working earlier, but now it seems fine. Can you give me another one?"

Fei Chuan paused and gave her a sharp look. "What exactly are you doing? Are you playing games with me again?"

Her behavior puzzled him. She would seem sincere one moment and then do the exact opposite the next. It was hard to understand her.

"Do I look like I’m playing games with you? I have a unique medical condition. Anyway, just give me the pack. In return for Grandma Pei’s snack, I’ll send some gifts for her."

"No, thank you. We don’t need your gifts," Fei Chuan replied grumpily as he continued walking.

There was no point in trying to understand her.

"Grandma Pei said that she cooked those for both of us. So half of it should be mine," Bei Sangyun insisted.

Fei Chuan ignored her and kept walking.

"Fei Chuan," Bei Sangyun reached out to grab his sleeve, but he deftly avoided her touch.

She was left holding onto empty air, and a moment of awkward silence followed.

Fei Chuan squinted his eyes at her from under his long bangs and resumed walking without responding to her.

Bei Sangyun restrained herself from forcibly grabbing the package and tried a more diplomatic approach.

"How about we make a deal? In exchange for just one piece, I’ll do what you said once," she proposed.

Fei Chuan continued walking without showing much interest.

Bei Sangyun pressed on, "One favor, and you can use me as an excuse again if you want to hide things from Grandma Pei. I won’t ask for any details, and I’ll help you without questions."

Fei Chuan finally paused but remained skeptical. "And you won’t bother me ever again?"

"Yes," Bei Sangyun assured him.

"Will you handle the people who come after me?"

"I will handle them for you," she said eagerly.

Fei Chuan looked at her with a serious expression. He weighed the options in his mind. It was a tempting offer. He could get peace and protection in exchange for one cheesecake. This was a great bargain. However...

His doubts lingered. "How can I trust that you’ll keep your word?"

"You don’t," Bei Sangyun replied bluntly.

Fei Chuan raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback.

"Because from now on, I will be your friend," she added.

Fei Chuan’s face darkened as he thought she might be playing with him again. But Bei Sangyun clarified her offer.

"Of course, in name only. This way, the bullies won’t approach, and you can use me as a shield anytime. It’s an excellent cover since Grandma Pei already believes we’re friends."

Fei Chuan contemplated this proposal. He still didn’t fully trust her words, but he knew he couldn’t escape her. Besides, the other students were watching and gossiping about their interactions now. They were gaining a lot of unwanted attention by just standing here.

The cheesecake was precious, but this deal could help him greatly.

"Fine."

Fei Chuan took one cheesecake from the package and handed it to her. "Now, don’t follow me."

He walked away after giving her the cheesecake.

Bei Sangyun immediately took a bite. However, the feeling she was waiting for did not come.

It still melted in her mouth, but the delightful sweetness was gone.

What happened? How could it not work?

As she stood there wondering what had gone wrong, someone had finished taking pictures and perfectly captured their entire interaction.