Standing Next To You-Chapter 492: Naked Underneath

Lin Sanju finally felt the return of his motor functions. He moved his fingers and toes cautiously, and after some effort, he was able to sit up slowly. The sensation of being completely immobilized was terrifying—an experience he never wanted to endure again.

He glanced at Lin Sunji, who was waiting nearby. "How is it outside?"

"Everyone’s looking for you," she replied. "Mom and Dad are covering for you, but you need to show up soon. The guests are starting to get suspicious."

Lin Sanju nodded and quickly grabbed a new suit and necktie, tidying up his appearance with practiced efficiency. He still had to open the museum hall. The sooner this event was over, the sooner he could settle the score with Lin Zhe.

His eyes darkened at the thought of nearly falling into Lin Zhe’s trap.

"What about Bei Sangyun?" he asked as he adjusted his tie.

"Don’t worry about her. Fei Chuan is with her," Lin Sunji answered nonchalantly. "You should focus on yourself." She made a mental note to warn her brother not to disturb the couple—Fei Chuan clearly didn’t want interruptions.

Lin Sanju didn’t dwell on the events that had transpired. He had no time. He needed to make his way to the museum hall, put on a smile, and carry on as though nothing had happened.

Once the event was finished and the guests had been sent off, his smile disappeared.

Now, it was time to deal with the first branch.

But first, he needed to thank Fei Chuan and check on Bei Sangyun.

When Lin Sanju arrived at the room where Fei Chuan and Bei Sangyun were staying, he was stopped by two men.

"This area is prohibited," one of them said firmly.

Lin Sanju, who now technically owned the entire estate, paused mid-step: "..."

But since they were Fei Chuan’s men, he refrained from arguing and stepped back.

Lin Sunji, who had followed behind him, raised an eyebrow. "Told you, he doesn’t want to be disturbed."

Lin Sanju frowned. "Bei Sangyun didn’t get the antidote?"

Lin Sunji smirked. "Take a guess."

Lin Sanju: "..."

"Anyway," Lin Sunji continued, "the family is waiting for you in the living room. Time to settle accounts."

Lin Sanju’s face grew solemn. Together, the two of them headed toward the Lin family’s main wing, where the other family members were waiting.

...

"Here. Ahh."

Bei Sangyun obediently opened her mouth and accepted the food Fei Chuan was offering with his chopsticks. He had insisted on feeding her personally, helping her drink and even washing her hands. If she couldn’t open her mouth herself, she was sure he would’ve tried to do it for her.

As she chewed, Bei Sangyun’s gaze lingered on Fei Chuan.

They were sitting so close. Seeing him up close and being near him filled her with a quiet happiness she hadn’t felt in a long time.

She chewed carefully and accepted another bite without complaint, savoring the moment.

Fei Chuan looked at her with a warm smile, his eyes alight with genuine amusement.

"So obedient. You’re finishing it all. Good girl."

Bei Sangyun froze mid-chew, her wide eyes darting up to him in astonishment.

Fei Chuan, realizing what he’d just said, stiffened as well. His smile faltered before he let out a sheepish laugh.

"I’ve just seen some people feeding their kids like this," he explained hastily, rubbing the back of his neck. "It reminded me of that. I didn’t mean anything by it—I hope you’re not offended."

Bei Sangyun swallowed the food, her voice hoarse as she muttered, "Wa...ter..."

Fei Chuan quickly grabbed a glass of water and held it to her lips. She drank slowly, avoiding his eyes.

"Are you full? Or would you like another dish?" he asked softly.

"I’m...full..."

Fei Chuan nodded, setting the tray aside. He took a soft towel and gently wiped the corners of her mouth. His careful attention made her feel like a child under his care.

Bei Sangyun couldn’t tear her eyes away from his face.

He’d grown so handsome—more so than in her previous life.

"All done. How are you feeling?" Fei Chuan asked, his tone gentle.

Bei Sangyun focused on moving her fingers. They twitched slightly, as did her toes. Her movements were still minimal, but there was progress.

"Much...better," she murmured.

"That’s good. It might take a couple more hours to regain your mobility," Fei Chuan reassured her. "Don’t worry. This place is safe. My men are stationed outside, and I’ve already gotten permission from Head Master Lin to use this room."

"T-thank you, Fei Chuan," Bei Sangyun said, her voice trembling with gratitude.

Fei Chuan leaned closer, gently tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "Anything for you," he whispered, his deep, beautiful eyes locking onto hers.

Bei Sangyun’s heart raced.

The way he looked at her—so tenderly, so passionately—and the way he treated her so sweetly made her pulse quicken with unspoken hopes.

Why was he so good to her? Could it be that he still harbored feelings for her?

Perhaps...

Perhaps he wanted to be friends for another reason... something deeper, something more.

"Right. Do you want to change into some clothes? You’re still wearing your bathrobe," Fei Chuan asked gently.

Bei Sangyun froze, her eyes widening as realization hit her.

She was still in her bathrobe. And worse—she was completely naked underneath it. All this time.

Her whole face turned crimson, and she instinctively lowered her head, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Uhm... Yes, please," she murmured, her voice barely audible. She felt so embarassed she wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole.

Fei Chuan blinked at her, momentarily stunned by her reaction.

Noticing the silence, Bei Sangyun hesitated and looked up at him in confusion.

Fei Chuan abruptly stood, his movements stiff and hurried. "Oh... Okay. I’ll call a maid."

"Thank you..." she mumbled, her voice small.

Fei Chuan stepped out of the room, carefully closing the door behind him.

Standing just outside, Fei Chuan leaned back against the door, staring blankly into the air. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought. Then, as the realization of what just happened finally hit him, his entire face flushed bright red.

He covered his mouth with his hand, his mind replaying the scene.

Bei Sangyun’s flushed face, her shy voice, the fact that she’d been naked under that bathrobe all this time—it all came rushing to him at once.

It hadn’t occurred to him earlier, but her reaction had made it painfully clear.

Fei Chuan’s ears burned, and he couldn’t stop the small, awkward chuckle that escaped him. He shook his head, trying to compose himself.

It wasn’t the time to be thinking about such things.