Standing Next To You-Chapter 290: The Purpose of Love Triangle

Unlike the weathered exterior, which appeared old and dilapidated, the facilities inside were well-maintained and clean. The hot spring was natural, with steam rising from the pools.

Inside, there were three pools. The largest could accommodate dozens of people, while the second-largest could fit at least seven, and the smallest only two to three.

Zhong Cheng was eager and the first to dive in. Stripping down to just his shorts, he excitedly jumped into the largest pool, creating splashes and billowing steam. He waved to Bei Sangyun as he called out, "Boss, come join me and unwind!"

Bei Sangyun, still wearing her robe, hesitated. She hadn’t had positive experiences with hot springs or swimming pools before. Turning to Lin Sunji, who seemed unfazed, she suggested, "Why don’t you go first?"

Lin Sunji, arms crossed, looked disdainfully in Zhong Cheng’s direction. "I don’t want to soak with him," she declared, opting instead for another hot spring. She took off her robe and revealed a one-piece swimsuit.

Bei Sangyun turned to Fei Chuan, who was dressed in a white t-shirt and shorts, and asked curiously, "Are you really not going to join?"

Earlier, Fei Chuan had expressed his reluctance to join, preferring to stay in the lobby of the building. However, the slow internet connection there hindered his ability to work or engage in any activities on his laptop or phone.

So, he had decided to return to the hotel and sleep instead. Bei Sangyun was sad about it, but given Fei Chuan’s apparent avoidance of her after the incident on the bus, she hesitated to persuade him otherwise.

However, Zhong Cheng spoke to Fei Chuan, and although she didn’t know what was said, Bei Sangyun noticed a change in Fei Chuan’s demeanor. Suddenly, he agreed to come with them, albeit insisting that he wouldn’t soak in the hot springs.

Regardless, Bei Sangyun was just happy that Fei Chuan decided to come along. She didn’t need to resort to any tricks to convince him.

Fei Chuan shook his head. "I’m just going to stay here and watch the steam," he said, choosing a nearby bench to sit on. He stared into the air, indeed observing the rising steam.

Bei Sangyun sighed inwardly, feeling a pang of disappointment. free𝑤ebnovel.com

Meanwhile, Zhong Cheng, still eagerly waiting for them, splashed around in the pool like a kid. He extended another invitation to Bei Sangyun, "Boss, why don’t you try soaking your feet here? It’s really nice."

Bei Sangyun glanced pleadingly at Fei Chuan one last time. "How about soaking your feet? I bet it will be nice."

Fei Chuan evaded her gaze and persisted in his refusal. While he was willing to share meals with Bei Sangyun, the act of bathing with others in the same pool was something he simply couldn’t entertain.

He had been sheltered since he was young and had never used anything that the public used. He was very particular about cleanliness and sensitive to his surroundings. Even when he was the favored Young Master Fei and had many servants under him in the past, he did not allow anyone to touch him or handle his belongings and hygiene.

The only person allowed to come near him was Grandma Pei, his nanny since birth. Besides her, Fei Chuan wouldn’t permit anyone else to approach.

Despite losing favor and being relocated to a remote village, his personality remained unchanged. That’s why he wasn’t interested in attending school and mixing with crowds.

The only reason he attended school was out of curiosity about Bei Sangyun and a desire to befriend her. However, when she left, Fei Chuan also ceased attending school and resumed his daily life in the small villa.

Upon returning to the capital, his status had changed, and he only had an additional maid and a driver, which suited him best.

At school, everyone isolated him, making him feel comfortable in his solitude. In the cafeteria, he brought his own set of utensils. At first, he had a hard time adapting, but he gradually got used to enduring the noisy cafeteria and it had become a part of his daily routine.

He could tolerate it since no one used his table, and he ate alone.

However, things began to change when Bei Sangyun started pestering him. His habits and lifestyle began to change.

He could tolerate some of it, but bathing in public? He didn’t think so.

Fei Chuan had never bathed with anyone or experienced bathing in public, and he had no interest in doing so in the future. Thus, he saw no reason to try it now.

Bei Sangyun felt disappointed. She had hoped to sit beside him and watch the steam together.

If Fei Chuan didn’t want to go to the hot spring, they could walk around the town and admire the scenery here instead. Many opportunities for romantic encounters would arise then.

Just as Bei Sangyun was about to follow Fei Chuan to sit on the bench, Zhong Cheng rose up from the hot spring.

"Boss, excuse me..." Zhong Cheng rushed to Bei Sangyun and suddenly pulled her arm.

Startled, Bei Sangyun was about to scold him when Zhong Cheng whispered, "Trust me, boss. This will work."

"Trust you in what—" Before she could finish her sentence, Zhong Cheng pulled her towards the hot spring.

"Boss, leave him alone. Just have fun with me!" Zhong Cheng said loudly, then he winked at Bei Sangyun, signaling for her to agree.

Bei Sangyun hesitated for a moment, but decided to go along with Zhong Cheng. Whatever he was cooking up, she was sure it would benefit her. So she allowed him to pull her.

Fei Chuan had been watching them from the sidelines, his eyes squinting, but he remained unmoved.

Bei Sangyun sat on the corner of the pool and soaked her feet, while Zhong Cheng leaned on the same side, their backs to Fei Chuan.

Bei Sangyun poked Zhong Cheng with her feet playfully. "What are you planning?"

Zhong Cheng discreetly turned around to glance at Fei Chuan, who was silently glaring at him. He turned back immediately, pretending not to notice, but his heart raced nervously. He hoped his brother-in-law wouldn’t hold a grudge.

Leaning closer to Bei Sangyun, Zhong Cheng was almost in her lap as he spoke quietly, "Boss, did you and brother-in-law have a fight?"

Zhong Cheng was quite observant and had noticed that Fei Chuan seemed to be distancing himself from Bei Sangyun ever since they arrived in town. He even chose the room farthest from hers, as if deliberately avoiding her.

Bei Sangyun glared at Zhong Cheng. "Isn’t this your fault? I had no idea ’that’ thing was in my bag. But you brandished it in front of us, making him overthink. Now, Fei Chuan must think I was planning something for him on this trip."

She had to resort to tricks just to hold his hand for three seconds, and she had to endure his emotional turmoil after giving him a quick kiss. Fei Chuan was so conservative and sensitive. Seeing ’that’ thing must have put up all his defenses.

Zhong Cheng winced. He had only been thinking of saving himself at that moment. "Sorry, Boss. But don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you. I still believe you and brother-in-law can have a great moment on this trip!"

Bei Sangyun straightened her back, feeling hopeful. "How?"

"Boss, do you know why love triangles exist?"

Bei Sangyun blinked. She had never been in a love triangle nor any relationship. She shook her head, allowing Zhong Cheng to continue.

"It’s for the dense male lead to realize his love for the pitiful female lead and get a happy ending."

Bei Sangyun contemplated his words.

"A man can become more active if provoked. Brother-in-law is too passive. But I see that he cares for you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have bothered coming here. What we need to do now is poke his feelings and bring them out."

Bei Sangyun found his plan intriguing and leaned closer to Zhong Cheng. "So? How will you do it?"

Zhong Cheng suddenly felt a chill run down his back, despite the warm temperature around him. Goosebumps covered his body as he felt an intense gaze directed at him.

"...I don’t think I need to do much," he stammered. It seemed brother-in-law had taken the bait.

Bei Sangyun looked puzzled.

Zhong Cheng patted his chest nervously. "Boss, don’t forget my sacrifice in this moment."