Standing Next To You
Chapter 73: Partner for Homecoming Dance

Chapter 73: Partner for Homecoming Dance

The sharp, sour scent of vinegar hit Fei Chuan’s nose, causing his face to darken with irritation.

He stared at the contents of his locker, which were now drenched in vinegar. Someone had maliciously opened his locker and poured vinegar all over his belongings.

His PE shirt and pants were both half-soaked, rendering them unusable unless he wanted to spend the day reeking of sourness and attracting the attention of everyone at school.

It was apparent that the culprits behind this act had big guts. To attack him right after the incident with the repeaters showed they weren’t afraid of the consequences. Hadn’t they seen what happened to those bullies who tormented him this past week?

Were they just unaware of it or were fully aware but did not care about it one bit? If it was the latter, then they must have a big backer.

The thought crossed his mind that Bei Sangyun might have been involved, but he couldn’t be certain.

"I have to change my padlock again," Fei Chuan muttered to himself as he closed his locker.

In any case, he wouldn’t have been able to participate in the PE activities today due to his injury, so there was little point in changing into his PE clothes.

Fei Chuan returned to the PE class in his regular uniform and politely excused himself to join the activity to the teacher.

The teacher was already aware of his injury, as it was plainly visible, and allowed Fei Chuan to stay at the back of the class while the other students carried on with their activities.

The PE class that day was unlike the usual routine.

It was a rare occasion when the top three senior classes, Class 3-1A, 3-1B, and 3-1C, had gathered together in the gymnasium. Their instructors stood at the front, having a short meeting among themselves.

Such a gathering of the three classes was a rare occurrence, typically reserved for major events. The students were visibly more animated with the presence of other classes, and chatter filled the air.

"Hey, we get to have class with the school tyrant today."

"I’m just thrilled to be in the same class as 3-1A. There are so many gorgeous girls in their class. Lin Sunji looks stunning as always. My role model, Lin Sunji, please notice me!"

"Isn’t the school tyrant the school’s model student?"

"The school tyrant is the widely recognized model student among the teachers and the school body, but Lin Sunji is a model student too," a classmate explained patiently.

"There are pretty girls in our class and others, especially in 3-1A. Why haven’t they chosen a school goddess yet?"

"Would a school goddess really outshine the school tyrant? We already have the school tyrant, who’s both a model student and stunningly beautiful. She’s essentially our goddess. Although, we prefer to call her the tyrant."

Many students nodded in agreement. There seemed to be no need to designate a school goddess when the tyrant was such a dominant presence that the concept of a school goddess would pale in comparison.

Moreover, Bei Sangyun herself was undeniably beautiful. If she hadn’t been known as the tyrant, she’d likely have been a top candidate for the school goddess title.

The two classes were particularly excited about being in Class 3-1A, the top-ranking class. Simultaneously, Class 3-1A was also abuzz with gossip about the other classes.

"Hey, isn’t that handsome guy the popular male heartthrob?"

"I saw him during the entrance ceremony. He seems to have grown taller."

"Does he have a girlfriend?"

Jang Rui, who was accustomed to being the center of attention, was casually tying his shoelaces. Although his gaze was directed at his shoes, he discreetly listened to the whispers circulating around him.

He had transferred to this school a year ago and had immediately been anointed as the "male god."

Prior to his arrival at this school, he had always been popular and frequently the subject of adoration. Not only because of his background but because of his charming appearance.

Regardless of whether he was in another country or here, his striking good looks had always garnered attention.

Naturally, he had expected the same reception at this school. However, there was a formidable presence here that could overshadow even the prestigious "male god" and "goddesses" — the school tyrant.

Like others, he found himself living in the shadow of Bei Sangyun’s popularity, usually ranking second or third on the school’s forum. The most-discussed topics were unquestionably the tyrant and, somehow, him or the so-called "target."

Jang Rui rose to his feet, his towering height of 6’7" making him one of the tallest students in the gym. Whispers grew louder as many female students couldn’t resist sneaking glances at him.

However, most of the chatter still revolved around the tyrant, who stood in line with Class 3-1A. Most gazes were fixated on her.

Jang Rui surreptitiously stole a glance at Bei Sangyun.

She had her head lowered as if engrossed in her shoes, her profile and long hair looking perfect. She exuded an air of calm and collectedness, resembling an obedient student patiently waiting for instructions. However, everyone knew she was a walking bomb, capable of annihilating anyone with a single glance.

But Jang Rui didn’t necessarily share that view.

He had never personally interacted with her and hadn’t witnessed her infamous "tyranny." As the designated male god, he was also curious about this enigmatic figure. From his distant observations, she seemed mostly reserved and only became active during school activities. So why did everyone label her a tyrant?

Bei Sangyun seemed to notice his gaze and she looked up in his direction. Jang Rui quickly averted his eyes, but his heart raced uncontrollably.

He had nearly been caught staring.

The PE instructors had concluded their discussion and moved toward their respective classes to quiet down their students.

"Alright, Class 3-1A. The school’s homecoming dance will take place in a month and two weeks from now. You have ample time to prepare and practice your dance. I understand that this is a significant event for you as it serves as practice for your future in society. I expect everyone to participate and attend the homecoming dance—"

The students erupted in cheers, drowning out the instructor’s words.

"Now, settle down. We need to finish," the instructor bellowed.

In the back of the gym, Fei Chuan listened to the excited chatter of his classmates regarding the homecoming dance. He quickly lost interest.

He hadn’t participated last year since it wasn’t mandatory for juniors. He had no intention of attending this year either.

Bei Sangyun was also listening, and the word "homecoming" triggered memories in her mind.

The first homecoming with a retro theme had been dull. The second homecoming she had attended hadn’t been much livelier, except that she became a hot topic because of her partner (whom she couldn’t recall) and a minor incident involving Lin Sunji.

In other words, both events had been uneventful and unexciting. Bei Sangyun had no desire to participate this time.

"This year’s homecoming party will have a theme of—" The PE instructor began to speak, and two words flashed into Bei Sangyun’s mind.

’Masquerade Ball.’

"-a masquerade ball. I’ll allocate PE time for you to practice the dance with your partner. You’re free to choose your partner, and the three classes can mix and match. If you don’t have a partner, come see me, and I’ll assign one for you from other classes."

The students cheered with excitement as they began choosing their partners for the upcoming dance.

Determined to avoid participating in the event, Bei Sangyun made her way to the back of the gym, where Fei Chuan was seated, planning to stay out of the activities.

However, her number one lackey, the leader of her gang, appeared before her.

"Boss, do you have a partner? If you haven’t chosen one yet, I’ll be your partner!"

His words sparked a flurry of offers from her lackeys, all bravely volunteering their services.

"How about me, boss? I’m a great dancer!"

"I’m an even better dancer than him. I’ve won dance competitions!"

"Boss, you’ll need someone to handle things at the party, right? I can hold your purse, fetch drinks, and snacks. If you don’t want to dance, I’ll be perfectly fine with it!"

"Boss, I’m like a dependable wall you can lean on when you’re tired..."

Bei Sangyun couldn’t help but sigh.

She was instantly surrounded by her eager lackeys, blocking her path to the back.

With a cold stare and a lowered voice, she warned them, "You’re blocking my way."

Her icy demeanor silenced her lackeys, and they quickly cleared a path for her, reluctantly watching her walk away before dispersing with dejected expressions.

Bei Sangyun settled one bench away from Fei Chuan, and both of them remained silent as the students in front of them scurried to find partners.

Unexpectedly, a student from Class 3-1B approached them.

Jang Rui had a knack for capturing people’s attention, so when he walked in the direction of Bei Sangyun, many students, particularly girls, widened their eyes in astonishment and exclaimed in shock.

"The male god is heading towards the tyrant!"

"Is he going to ask the tyrant to be his partner?!"

Meanwhile, Lin Sunji was busy declining numerous requests from students hoping to partner with her. She heard a female student beside her also gasping in shock.

She turned around hastily and was utterly shocked to find that the man she had been waiting for, the one she hoped would ask her, had already approached that tyrant!

Jang Rui approached Bei Sangyun with his trademark smile that never failed to make girls swoon.

"Hi, I’m Jang Rui from Class 3-1A. If you don’t have a partner yet, would you be my partner?" he asked, while showing his adorable dimples.