Standing Next To You-Chapter 512: Cheng Li

Assistant Cheng still remembered the day he was reunited with Fei Chuan.

He had first met him four years ago, in a place far from Country C.

Cheng Li had been the chess champion of his village. He managed to enter the number-one high school in the city, and graduated with flying colors. He had been given the opportunity to study abroad on a full scholarship. With ambition burning in his heart, he left River Village, left his country, and set out to chase his dreams.

However, in the sea of brilliant minds, he was only average. No—he was below average. Compared to the privileged kids who could afford tutors to teach them the language, culture, and other skills, Cheng Li had no choice but to learn on his own, at his own pace.

Gradually, the brilliance he had once exuded as the top of his class began to fade. He became just another struggling student, barely keeping up with his studies and the lifestyle of his peers.

That was until he met Fei Chuan.

Fei Chuan had enrolled at their university, and his presence caused a stir. His IQ was off the charts, professors admired him, and his achievements propelled the university to the top ranking in the entire country. For the first time in its history, the school made an exception to their system, allowing Fei Chuan to complete his degree in just two years.

Such an extraordinary person instantly captured everyone’s attention. Not only was Fei Chuan insanely intelligent and highly-skilled, but he was also blessed with striking looks and an intimidating, mysterious aura that intrigued and awed those around him.

When Cheng Li first saw Fei Chuan, he immediately recognized him.

He was that boy from the grand villa in River Village—the frail, fragile, intelligent boy. They had been friends once, but because of an incident, that sickly boy had cut him off. Cheng Li still remembered those cold, piercing eyes that had once stared at him.

They were just kids back then, but their careless words had pushed a little girl to leave the village—words born of childish cruelty and baseless rumors had destroyed the little girl’s life.

The fallout didn’t just destroy the girl’s name, but also the friendship he had with Fei Chuan.

That was the last time Cheng Li saw either of them—Fei Chuan, the sickly boy, and the little girl who had vanished without a trace.

He had never expected to meet Fei Chuan again. It felt like fate to find themselves in the same place, far from their birthplace. Cheng Li was determined to bridge the gap left by their childhood, so he decided to approach him, hoping that time had softened the scars of the past.

But Fei Chuan remained as unyielding as a mountain, his demeanor cold and distant, just as Cheng Li remembered from years ago. The boy he had once known—frail but resolute—had grown into a man who carried the same icy detachment.

Whenever Cheng Li greeted him, he was ignored. Those who saw the interactions laughed at him for trying to befriend someone like Fei Chuan.

Even though Cheng Li knew the chances of rekindling their friendship were slim, he continued to greet him whenever they crossed paths.

He thought that would be the extent of their relationship—until one day, he saw Fei Chuan lying on a bench in an abandoned park.

The park was desolate, with a small lake and a man-made waterfall that had long since been neglected. The lake was murky, the waterfall dirty, and the area had become an eyesore. No one came there anymore—it wasn’t a place for scenic views. The only reason Cheng Li passed through was because his poorly maintained lodging house was two streets away.

Fei Chuan was sprawled on the bench, clearly unconscious, with a bottle of gin in his hand. Beneath the bench lay three used cigarette butts. His hair was disheveled, and his closed eyes were furrowed, as if he were trapped in a bad dream.

It was the first time Cheng Li had seen Fei Chuan in such a messy, haggard state. Even as a sickly child, Fei Chuan had always carried himself with the poise of a noble prince. At college, his intimidating aura kept people at arm’s length. With his commanding presence, no one dared to approach him or tarnish the space around him.

But now, seeing him like this—passed out drunk, his hair unkempt, and his surroundings bleak—Fei Chuan looked so... human.

He looked like someone who drank himself into oblivion to forget his problems.

Someone just like himself.

Cheng Li glanced at the three cigarette butts beneath the bench.

So he has struggles, too, Cheng Li thought. Struggles deep enough to smoke three cigarettes just to think them over.

That day, Cheng Li carried Fei Chuan to his own boarding house. When he woke up, Fei Chuan was gone. The latter did not say anything nor left him a note. As if he did not brought anyone to his place.

Cheng Li continued to greet him whenever they crossed paths, but as usual, Fei Chuan ignored him. He never thanked Cheng Li for carrying him or letting him stay the night.

Then it happened again—a second time.

Fei Chuan was once more in the abandoned park, surrounded by cigarette butts and a bottle of gin. Like before, Cheng Li carried him back to his place. And again, when he woke up, Fei Chuan was gone.

The same thing happened for a third time.

However, this time, when Cheng Li woke up the next morning, Fei Chuan was waiting for him.

Fei Chuan handed him a business card. "If you manage to graduate under three years, I’ll hire you."

Cheng Li blinked, confused by the sudden proposition.

Fei Chuan stood up and slipped on his jacket. "I need an assistant. Someone to carry me when I’m drunk and passed out." Without offering any further explanation, he left.

Cheng Li sat there, stunned. For some reason, that brief offer sparked something in him—a fire that had long been extinguished.

Becoming an assistant didn’t seem like a good fit for someone as ambitious as Cheng Li. But when he thought about Fei Chuan, he saw potential—potential that was limitless.

If my skills and background can’t take me to the top, then I’ll work for the one who can own the world.

With that thought in mind, Cheng Li made a decision. He would only ever have one boss, and thousands would stand beneath him.

Motivated by this new ambition, Cheng Li worked tirelessly, managing to graduate in three years. During those years, he served as Fei Chuan’s assistant. freёwebnoѵel.com

It was during this time that Cheng Li saw just how broken Fei Chuan really was.

At first, he didn’t understand why this prideful man—who seemed untouchable and unmoved by anything—kept finding himself in that abandoned park, drinking himself into oblivion until he passed out.

Cheng Li often wondered what haunted this man so deeply that it drove him to smoke and drink the way he did. But Fei Chuan never explained, never shared. He was always silent, drowning his sorrows in alcohol.

Cheng Li would wait from a distance until Fei Chuan passed out, then his job was to ensure Fei Chuan got back to his place safe and sound.