Standing Next To You-Chapter 307: A picnic

Fei Chuan ignored her and kept walking.

"Hey, when did I start smelling like lavender to you?"

"...It’s not you who smells that way. It’s your shampoo," Fei Chuan replied in annoyance.

"But my shampoo isn’t lavender flavored."

Fei Chuan paused for a moment, then resumed walking.

As if he believed that.

Whenever she was with him and stood close, he always smelled that scent from her. That’s why even if he closed his eyes, as long as he remembered that scent, he would be reminded of her.

Bei Sangyun tried to tease him more, but Fei Chuan had recovered his composure and ignored her.

"So, why did you ask to meet me here? What did you want to tell me?" Bei Sangyun asked suddenly.

Fei Chuan finally stopped in his tracks. He looked back at her.

Right. Why did he bring her here?

He remembered his reason and his ears started to turn red. He had to say it, but the words wouldn’t come out easily.

Meeting Bei Sangyun’s gaze, he stammered, "Um... I... I..."

Fei Chuan struggled to find the right words.

Bei Sangyun watched him intently, waiting for an answer. Under pressure, Fei Chuan blurted out, "I... I like... flowers."

Bei Sangyun was stunned. Fei Chuan liked flowers? That was unexpected.

Fei Chuan slapped his forehead, realizing the absurdity of his statement. What was he even saying?

He glanced around and realized they were near that familiar spot. He closed his eyes, counted silently, and took a deep breath before facing Bei Sangyun again.

"I have something to show you. Can you close your eyes?"

Bei Sangyun’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

Fei Chuan pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.

"Could you put this on?" Fei Chuan asked awkwardly, holding out the handkerchief.

Bei Sangyun: "...."

The sudden handkerchief caught her off guard.

Isn’t this the kind of thing seen only in romantic movies? A boyfriend blindfolding his girlfriend to prepare a surprise for her. A romantic surprise.

Why was Fei Chuan doing it? What was going on?

Bei Sangyun was so taken aback that she couldn’t respond in time.

Fei Chuan gulped nervously, his hand holding the handkerchief trembling slightly. A couple of seconds passed, and his confidence was slowly dwindling.

Perhaps it was too strange to suddenly act like this. Fei Chuan began to withdraw his hand and was considering plan B when Bei Sangyun suddenly took the handkerchief.

"Why are you taking it back? I haven’t said anything yet. Can you help me put this on?"

The look in Fei Chuan’s eyes brightened. A small smile formed at the corner of his lips as he gently but clumsily tied the handkerchief behind her head.

Bei Sangyun was unsure what Fei Chuan wanted to do, but she was looking forward to it, especially seeing him fumbling nervously.

"I’ll guide you, so please hold my hand." His voice trembled slightly.

His grip was slightly cold and stiff.

Bei Sangyun noticed his nervousness and held his hand tighter. She squeezed his palm reassuringly, feeling him pause for a moment before resuming their journey.

Bei Sangyun wondered who might have given Fei Chuan this idea and silently thanked them. There was no doubt Fei Chuan wouldn’t have come up with this alone.

Whatever the surprise was, she was sure she would love it.

The two walked silently. Fei Chuan held her hand as he guided her carefully.

Bei Sangyun couldn’t see anything, but she could smell the sweet and refreshing breeze and could hear the sound of running water.

"We’re here," she heard Fei Chuan say. Then he removed the blindfold.

The light blinded Bei Sangyun for a few seconds.

When her sight adjusted, the first thing she saw was a huge waterfall. The waterfall cascaded down the moss-covered rocks, its gentle roar harmonizing with the symphony of nature.

A small, crystal-clear lake lay at the base of the waterfall, its surface glistening under the sunlight, reflecting the vibrant colors of the surrounding landscape. Lush, emerald-green grass carpeted the ground, interspersed with wildflowers, their delicate petals dancing in the breeze.

In front of her was a small picnic setup with a basket of food, a checkered blanket spread out invitingly. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming jasmine and roses, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Nearby, willow trees dipped their graceful branches into the lake, creating a canopy of shades.

This place was beautiful and romantic, a hidden paradise where time seemed to stand still, and a separate world that was only for the two of them.

Bei Sangyun was speechless.

Did Fei Chuan prepare all of this? Why?

She couldn’t help but look up at him with a dazzled expression.

Could it be...

Fei Chuan saw her expression and thought she was speechless due to the beautiful scenery. A slight smile appeared on the corner of his lips.

"This is a new feature added to this park. It’s a man-made waterfall and lake. It hasn’t been opened to the public yet. In fact, we are the first to use this place after its completion." There was a hint of pride in his tone as he explained.

Bei Sangyun swallowed the questions she wanted to ask. After taking a deep breath, she recovered and even teased him, "No wonder. With such a beautiful place, this spot will surely be crowded. You sure are capable to be the first to use it."

Being praised like this, Fei Chuan felt a bit embarrassed. He wanted to add that he was one of the investors- named under his client- which was why he had such privilege. But saying that might make him seem like he was bragging, right?

*****

Additional Scene:

In the deep of the night, Fei Chuan sat at his computer, searching the internet.

[How to appease someone who is angry?]

Various responses filled the screen:

[Give them a gift.]

[Offer them money.]

[Surprise them with things they like...]

Surprise...?

Fei Chuan pondered. What did Bei Sangyun like?

She enjoyed food he made. Perhaps he could bake something.

What else?

She also wanted to spend more time together.

Fei Chuan typed again.

[Food. Spending time. A nice location.]

Several results appeared, all suggesting ideal settings for a ’romantic date.’

Fei Chuan: "...."

A date....

Indeed, Bei Sangyun often hinted at wanting to go on one.

If he arranged a date, she would be pleased, wouldn’t she?

With renewed determination, Fei Chuan continued his search for the perfect location. Finally, he recalled a place he had invested in with a client.

This particular venue had just been completed and was not yet open to the public. He resolved to visit it with Bei Sangyun before anyone else.

After inspecting the site, Fei Chuan turned to his next task: baking.