Standing Next To You
Chapter 74: Pieces Coming Together

Chapter 74: Pieces Coming Together

Bei Sangyun examined the handsome teenager before her, a sense of familiarity tugging at her memory.

Where had she seen him before?

She found him familiar but she had no impression of him. Since she could not recall, he must be someone unimportant.

Her response was curt and dismissive. "No."

Jang Rui: "...."

Jang Rui was taken aback by the chilly rejection and couldn’t believe it.

Among the seniors at the school, he was undoubtedly the most popular and attractive, and his status aligned well with the prestigious Lin family. What could possibly make her reject him?

Despite the unexpected refusal, Jang Rui maintained his trademark smile and inquired further. "Is that so? Do you already have a partner in mind?"

Who could possibly outshine him in her eyes? Was there another person who was better than him?

It wasn’t just Jang Rui who was curious; the entire student body, including Fei Chuan, who appeared to be minding his own business, was eagerly awaiting her answer.

Fei Chuan, hailing from the Fei family, was well aware of Jang Rui’s standing. The Fei family had close ties with the Jangs.

Before he was sent away to the remote village, Jang Rui was one of his playmates.

But Jang Rui did not seem to remember him. Well, they were too young back then and it was unusual for the kid so young to remember so many details. Fei Chuan just had a sharp memory compared to other kids.

Fei Chuan discreetly glanced at Bei Sangyun.

He couldn’t help but be intrigued as to whom she chose as her partner. Jang Rui appeared to be the most obvious and fitting choice.

However, understanding Bei Sangyun had always been a challenge. Her actions and decisions often left people surprised. So perhaps, she had an unexpected twist in store.

Suddenly, a thought crossed Fei Chuan’s mind. The mind-boggling thought caused a subtle twitch of his brow.

Could it be...

As everyone held their breath in anticipation of Bei Sangyun’s answer, she casually delivered the unexpected blow. "I don’t need a partner because I won’t be attending."

Shockwaves rippled through the crowd.

The school tyrant, known for never missing a school event, was opting out of the homecoming? When had she ever skipped an important school function?

Lin Sunji, too, was taken aback initially. Then, her eyes sparkled with opportunity. If that bitch Bei Sangyun wouldn’t participate, she could dominate this year’s homecoming and reign as the queen of the night.

Meanwhile, Jang Rui and Fei Chuan were both caught off guard by Bei Sangyun’s decision.

Fei Chuan lowered his gaze in embarrassment, realizing he had let his imagination run wild.

"Oh, that’s unfortunate," Jang Rui recovered, offering a disappointed smile. It truly was a missed opportunity to get to know the enigmatic school tyrant.

Bei Sangyun nodded, acknowledging Jang Rui’s graceful handling of the situation. At least he was better than Lin Sunji in managing his expressions.

"Student Lin Sangyun, is it true you don’t intend to participate?" The instructor heard the whispers of the students around him and was instantly alarmed.

Bei Sangyun, still resolute, responded with a simple, "Yes."

"It can’t be. All senior students are required to attend. Your semester grade relies on this Homecoming dance, and as our model student, you’re slated to start the opening ceremony. The top-ranked student can not be absent."

Academic performance and rankings meant little to the current Bei Sangyun. As she was about to stand on her ground, she suddenly thought of something.

The PE instructor’s words triggered some memories in her mind.

She stole a glance at Fei Chuan, who appeared equally surprised by the instructor’s revelation.

After a moment of contemplation, she nodded. "It seems I don’t have a choice. In that case, I’d like Fei Chuan to be my partner."

Fei Chuan, who had been processing the PE instructor’s words about mandatory attendance, was taken aback once more. He turned to Bei Sangyun, baffled by her request.

Bei Sangyun felt his gaze and winked at him.

Fei Chuan: "...."

....

Bei Sangyun’s decision to select Fei Chuan as her partner caused a ruckus among the student body.

The three combined classes buzzed with discussions during their practice sessions, all coming to the same conclusion: Bei Sangyun had chosen her target as a partner to torment him further. Her reputation for ruthlessness preceded her.

Jang Rui, with his head slightly lowered, listened intently to the chatter around him. Could that really be the reason? Unlike the others, he had doubts.

That pretty Lin girl did not seem the type of person to do that. Although she was dominating, she did not seem like a person who would reject him just to torment someone.

So, what could her true motive be?

Jang Rui’s gaze drifted to where Bei Sangyun was seated, pondering this mystery.

Amidst the discussions, Lin Sunji was observing Jang Rui closely. Seeing him glancing at the back, her eyes flashed in annoyance.

"Are you familiar with any dances, Jang Rui?" But her voice was soft and sweet as she spoke.

Jang Rui tore his gaze away from Bei Sangyun and focused on his partner. "Yes, I’ve been taking dance lessons since I was young. So, I’m quite familiar with various types of dance, especially the classics."

Lin Sunji smiled pleasantly. "That’s wonderful. In my family, etiquette and dance lessons were mandatory. It’s good to know my partner is well-practiced in dancing."

Jang Rui responded with a polite smile but didn’t offer much more in the way of conversation.

Meanwhile, at the back of the room, Bei Sangyun sat quietly on a bench. Since her partner was injured and unable to practice, she had some idle time to contemplate.

"Why did you choose me?"

Fei Chuan finally spoke after a long silence, his gaze piercing as he locked eyes with Bei Sangyun. "We had a deal that you wouldn’t bother me."

Bei Sangyun didn’t flinch. "This isn’t ’bothering.’ Everyone needs a partner, and you were the first person who came to mind. Why? Do you already have someone else in mind?"

Fei Chuan fell silent. His initial plan was to not participate so he hadn’t considered anyone.

Yet, something bothered him.

"Why me? You could have accepted that man’s offer earlier,"

"If I had accepted, who would be your partner then?" Bei Sangyun responded, her words carrying a subtle implication.

Fei Chuan caught the underlying meaning and retorted angrily, "I can find a partner on my own. It doesn’t have to be you."

Bei Sangyun simply shrugged, not buying his words.