Standing Next To You-Chapter 499: Caught in the act

After getting Lin Fei’s answer, Bei Sangyun immediately forwarded the information to Lin Sanju and Fei Chuan.

"You know her?" she asked over the phone, stunned after hearing Lin Sanju confirm that he knew Chuan Xingyu.

"Yes. She’s the companion my brother brought to the banquet. In fact, she’s still here as a guest in our mansion. When Brother was taken, Chuan Xingyu was with him. Things got chaotic after that, and I completely forgot she was still around."

Bei Sangyun’s gaze deepened. "She hasn’t left. She must have something she needs to do." She paused, her mind racing. A glint passed through her eyes. "I have a plan."

........

Two days had passed since Lin Fei was taken into custody by the police. With the media frenzy surrounding the case, the Lin family was under immense stress and pressure.

Being linked to a large drug syndicate—one that was highly classified by the government—wasn’t something even a great family could resolve with money or prestige alone.

Chuan Xingyu walked slowly through the main garden. Her intel had told her that Lin Sanju often strolled around this area at this time. However, she hadn’t seen him in the past two days.

"Damn. Should I just barge into his office?" she muttered to herself as she turned back, considering another approach. But as she was leaving, she caught sight of Lin Sanju heading toward the garden.

Her eyes lit up. She hurriedly made her way toward him, feigning a coincidence.

Lin Sanju, as a courteous host, naturally asked about her well-being.

Chuan Xingyu touched her head lightly, letting out a soft sigh. "To be honest, I’m still in shock. There’s no way Lin Fei could be involved in drugs. We’ve been close for years, and I know him. He wouldn’t do something like that."

Lin Sanju nodded. "I’m glad you believe in him. I believe in my cousin as well. This might take some time to resolve. If you have nowhere to go right now, you’re welcome to stay here."

"Thank you so much. I truly appreciate your hospitality," Chuan Xingyu said, her voice warm and grateful. "I actually want to wait here for Lin Fei. I want him to know that I’ve believed in him all along."

Lin Sanju offered her a polite smile but didn’t say anything more. He wasn’t one to talk much to begin with.

Chuan Xingyu was aware of this. She smiled at Lin Sanju, "Are you heading to the main garden? If it’s alright with you, could I join you for tea?"

"Sure," Lin Sanju agreed without hesitation.

There was a charming gazebo in the main garden, surrounded by vibrant greenery. The maids brought out an elegant tea set along with some light snacks before retreating, leaving the two of them alone.

"I hope you don’t mind them leaving," Lin Sanju said, gesturing to the now-empty space. "I usually sit here alone to relax and enjoy the view. It helps clear my mind."

Chuan Xingyu shook her head with a polite smile. "It’s alright. I am the one who should be sorry. I feel guilty for intruding on your peaceful time. I’m sorry for interrupting."

"It’s fine," Lin Sanju replied kindly. "I know you must be anxious about Lin Fei’s situation."

They began exchanging small talk. Chuan Xingyu made light comments about the scenery while subtly steering the conversation toward neutral topics. She knew beforehand that Lin Sanju wasn’t the type to flirt, so the easiest way to get to him was to use ’Lin Fei’s companion’ and ’guest’ card. And it seems to be working.

Suddenly, Lin Sanju’s phone rang. He stood up with a brief apology. "Excuse me, I need to take this call."

He walked a few steps away from the gazebo, his back to Chuan Xingyu, as he spoke on the phone.

Chuan Xingyu’s polite smile suddenly disappeared.

She glanced around. After confirming the absence of maids and visible security cameras, she quickly pulled a small, transparent zip bag from her pocket.

With precision, she emptied its contents into Lin Sanju’s teacup, her movements practiced and cautious. She slipped the empty bag back into her pocket and glanced at Lin Sanju again, ensuring he was still preoccupied with his call.

Moments later, Lin Sanju turned back toward the gazebo, ending the call. He offered her an apologetic smile as he took his seat.

"Sorry about that. It was a work call."

"It’s no problem," Chuan Xingyu replied, returning his smile. She watched intently as Lin Sanju picked up the teacup.

’Easy.’

The plan was flawless. Lady luck was on her side.

Once he drank the tea, her job would be complete. Compared to the years of meticulous planning, this task was simple and more easy. Everything was proceeding smoothly—

Too smoothly.

Chuan Xingyu froze, a flicker of doubt flashing through her mind. Lin Sanju’s appearance at the garden, the maids leaving, the phone call—was it truly a mere coincidence? Was there such a good thing?

Her thoughts were interrupted as Lin Sanju set the teacup down, barely touching it to his lips.

"Ms. Chuan," he said calmly, his eyes piercing, "Is it your habit to spike other people’s drinks with drugs?"

Chuan Xingyu’s heart sank. She shot up from her seat, the chair behind her nearly toppling over. Panic gripped her as she bolted for an escape, but her path was immediately blocked by several police officers. frёeωebɳovel.com

One of them held up a warrant. "Ms. Chuan Xingyu, everything was recorded on the hidden cameras we set up in the gazebo. My team is confiscating the teacup for analysis. You are hereby charged with drug possession, drug trafficking, tampering with prescription medication, aggravated assault by administering a harmful substance, and attempted poisoning."

Handcuffs clicked around her wrists.

Chuan Xingyu struggled, her face pale with disbelief. She knew she had been caught red-handed but still tried to resist. "This is a misunderstanding! It wasn’t me! I was just following orders!"

The police ignored her protests as they escorted her out of the garden.

As Chuan Xingyu was dragged away, she realized the gravity of her situation. Caught in the act, her options were limited. If she wanted to salvage her future, she had no choice but to reveal the person behind her orders.