Standing Next To You-Chapter 574: I’m sorry

Fei Chuan remembered every detail.

Unlike the events from the past that remained blurry, last night was crystal clear—the sight of Bei Sangyun beneath him, her moans, the feeling of their bodies intertwined...

He felt a sudden tightness in his lower body.

Fei Chuan froze. Seeing the tent beneath the blanket made his ears burn red.

He turned to his side—Bei Sangyun was already gone.

He hadn’t even heard her leave.

Fei Chuan ruffled his hair in frustration. He shouldn’t have overslept. He should’ve made sure she stayed, so they could talk things through this morning.

He hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in a long time. But after last night’s intensity, he’d slept like a log. Because of that, he missed the perfect chance to talk to her.

He still hadn’t apologized or tried to make things right.

His gaze landed on his suit lying crumpled on the floor—and he remembered the necklace.

He hadn’t asked her about that either.

Fei Chuan stood and took a cold shower. Afterward, he called Assistant Cheng. The latter gave him a full report on what had happened with Wei Lang and his companion.

"And Bei Sangyun?"

"She left a while ago. I called Driver Cheng, and he said Ms. Bei is already home."

"I see. Pick me up—I want to get some things for her."

Fei Chuan consoled himself. He had lost the opportunity this morning—but he would create another one. And another, if needed.

Something had happened between them. Maybe the drug played a part, but the fact that Bei Sangyun accepted his touch... that meant everything.

She still had room for him in her heart.

There was no time to waste. He needed to strike while the iron was hot.

He was willing to accept anything from her—her anger, her hatred, her disgust, her blame... anything and everything. And he was ready to make up for it, even if it took a lifetime.

Soon, Assistant Cheng picked him up, and they headed out. First to the clinic, then to a store, followed by a flower shop and a cake shop. They stopped by various places before finally making their way to Bei Sangyun’s villa.

.....

When Bei Sangyun arrived home, she went straight to the bathroom to take a quick shower. She had left the hotel room the moment she woke up. She didn’t even wash her face before leaving—afraid that Fei Chuan would wake up before she was gone.

She was terrified of seeing an expression of regret on his face.

As the water droplets fell over her, she slowly calmed down.

Last night had been... an intense, passionate night where she had risked everything.

She still hadn’t figured out why Fei Chuan had been there, why he had protected her. But her longing and desire had only grown, amplified by the need for his touch.

Bei Sangyun closed her eyes, recalling every moment with him.

When she stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed, she picked up her phone while drying her hair.

Soon, one of her subordinates answered. She asked about Wei Lang, and her subordinate informed her that Assistant Cheng had taken care of everything—including filing a lawsuit against Wei Lang and his accomplice.

"The other side showed no mercy and went all out with the evidence. They even handled the confidentiality of the case. We don’t have to worry about anything leaking. They pretty much did everything."

Bei Sangyun went silent. Even her subordinate was impressed with how thoroughly everything had been handled. Fei Chuan had been serious about helping her.

"Alright. Leave it to them then. Also, tell the researchers the infusion isn’t entirely counter-effective." After all, if it were, she and Fei Chuan wouldn’t have lost themselves to that night of lust.

Bei Sangyun admitted to herself that her longing for Fei Chuan had played a major role in what happened. The drug had merely been a nudge, weakening her restraint. Fei Chuan, on the other hand, had been given a double dose. If not for that, would he have acted so passionately toward her, kiss her with so much intensity—to someone he claimed to hate?

She lowered her gaze. She had left him alone in that room without any explanation or goodbye.

But that was better... wasn’t it?

She didn’t want to see his face twisted in regret or disgust. She didn’t want to hear him say that last night was a mistake and that they should forget everything.

She didn’t want to forget. She wanted to treasure what happened between them, even if it was drug-induced.

She then asked about the necklace.

"It’s a counterfeit. Although the gemstone is authentic, the piece itself isn’t the original."

Bei Sangyun glanced at the necklace on her bedside table. No wonder it had felt strange in her hand. It didn’t feel quite like the one she remembered.

"I see. Then continue the search for the real one."

The call ended, and Bei Sangyun laid down on her bed. Her body ached—her legs sore, her back stiff from the night’s activities. She just wanted to rest and sleep.

Bei Sangyun closed her eyes, and the whole afternoon passed in peaceful slumber.

When she woke up, the sun was already setting, dyeing the sky a warm orange. She yawned and glanced at the clock. She had slept the entire day—yet her body still felt sore, especially her thighs.

Then her stomach growled loudly. She was starving. It felt like she could eat an entire pot of rice. Without bothering to wash her face or brush her teeth, and with her hair a tangled mess, Bei Sangyun headed downstairs in search of food.

As she descended the stairs, she spotted Maid Ye Zhai standing in the living room, facing the couch.

"What’s for dinner?" Bei Sangyun asked, rubbing her stomach. "I got super hungry as soon as I woke up. I think I can eat anything right now."

Maid Ye Zhai flinched at her voice, clearly startled. "...Young Miss, you’re awake."

Something about her reaction felt off.

Bei Sangyun scratched her head. "Did something happen?"

Maid Ye Zhai glanced to the side, subtly signaling with her eyes. "...You have a visitor."

Bei Sangyun followed her gaze—and froze when she saw the person sitting on the couch.

Maid Ye Zhai gave her an awkward smile. "He’s been here since this morning. I didn’t wake you because he said he didn’t want to disturb your rest."

Fei Chuan stood up, picking up the bouquet of flowers from the table. Bei Sangyun’s eyes followed him and noticed the table was full of items—cake, snacks, makeup, jewelry, flowers, and a bag that looked like it was from a clinic.

"Sorry for dropping by unannounced," Fei Chuan said. "We didn’t get to talk this morning, so I thought I should come and see you. I hope you don’t mind."

He noticed her staring at the table, stunned. He picked up the cake and added, "I brought a few things. I wasn’t sure what you’d like... so I just picked whatever looked good."

Even though he claimed it was random, Bei Sangyun could tell—everything on that table was exactly what she liked. Her favorite foods, her preferred flavors, the brands she used... all of it matched her tastes perfectly.

Bei Sangyun pinched her arm. She felt a slight sting.

She wasn’t dreaming... right?

Fei Chuan was really here, in front of her—holding gifts, wearing a hesitant smile, trying to win her over.

"...Why?" Bei Sangyun asked, bewildered.

Why had he come?

Wasn’t he supposed to regret what happened?

Wasn’t he supposed to be angry with her?

Or was this... a continuation of his revenge?

If that were the case—if it meant she could spend time with him again, even if it was all a lie—then she would gladly accept his revenge.

Fei Chuan stepped forward, his expression solemn."...I’ve come to apologize."

He swallowed hard, his eyes filled with sincerity, hoping Bei Sangyun would believe him."Actually, I’ve been trying to talk to you since yesterday. But I lost the chance again. After what happened last night... I realized I shouldn’t waste any more time. I hope you can give me a moment—just a bit of your time—so we can talk."

Bei Sangyun bit her lip, her heart racing."...Are you sure? If this is about last night..."

Before she could finish, Fei Chuan suddenly dropped to his knees, making her eyes widen in shock.

Maid Ye Zhai immediately realized she shouldn’t be there. She quietly left the living room, dragging Grandma Bei, who had been sneakily peeking from the kitchen.

Bei Sangyun’s breath caught in her throat. She rushed over to help him up."Why are you kneeling? The floor is cold!"

"I deserve to be punished," Fei Chuan said stubbornly, refusing to stand."To be honest... I’ve been thinking of how I could ever apologize to you properly. But no words seem enough to heal the pain I’ve caused you..."

He thought of the harsh words he’d said to her in the past, of the pain she’d endured silently all this time. His heart ached.

"I’m truly sorry, Bei Sangyun. I didn’t know anything... I was blind."

"Alright, alright. I forgive you," Bei Sangyun said quickly, her voice soft. "Now stand up. Let’s not do this here." She tugged at his arm to pull him up.

Fei Chuan was taken aback. Just like that?

No, he couldn’t accept it. He shook his head solemnly. "You should beat me up." For all the pain he made her through.

"I really will beat you up if you keep kneeling. We can’t talk like this," she said with a mix of exasperation and tenderness.

Fei Chuan: "...."

He stood up immediately.