Standing Next To You-Chapter 516: Apology gift

Bei Sangyun’s reputation and her company’s suffered a setback because of the rumors.

However, the effect was not as bad as Bei Sangyun had expected. Particularly, the company’s stocks—which she thought would continue to fall—had stabilized after Fei Chuan’s side released a statement, clarifying that they were just childhood friends.

Everyone’s perception suddenly shifted. The business partners who had distanced themselves out of fear of being burdened now started reaching out to them again.

After all, if Bei Sangyun and Fei Chuan were indeed "friends," then their connection must run deep. That relationship could only benefit the company, especially since Fei Chuan was associated with the James family and could potentially serve as a bridge to connect Bei Sangyun to them.

Such thoughts circulated in their minds, prompting them to return to Bei Sangyun, pretending as if they didn’t leave the company first.

However, Bei Sangyun wouldn’t accept them back so easily. She used this opportunity to reform her company’s system, initiating a thorough overhaul from top to bottom. The changes were significant, requiring a great deal of adjustment.

Her company kept her busy, but when night came, Bei Sangyun would open a bottle of wine and pour herself a glass.

Under the dim light of the moon, she drank until she became intoxicated.

It had been two days since the incident, and she had thought about it over and over.

Fei Chuan had tried to kiss her.

Why?

Was it only because he wanted her to prove to him that she didn’t hate him or dislike his touch?

Or could it be that he still had feelings for her?

As hope began to rekindle in her heart, the memory of Fei Chuan’s hurt expression would resurface in her mind.

Her heart ached with a burning pain.

She had hurt him. Again. Yet there was nothing she could do.

The feeling of hopelessness was drowning her, as if her feet were stuck in the mud, leaving her powerless to move.

Bei Sangyun glanced at the moon, her eyes dazed.

"Why does four months feel so long...?" She reached out her hand toward the moon. "There are only two weeks left... but these two weeks feel like years."

She desperately wanted an answer so she could run back to Fei Chuan and explain everything. Even if he didn’t believe her, it would be fine.

As long as she could close that distance and be with him, she didn’t mind being seen as crazy or cruel.

Bei Sangyun seemed to find her resolve. She walked to her bedside and picked up her phone.

She dialed Fei Chuan’s number again. But, just like the past two days, it only rang and rang.

Bei Sangyun tried calling three more times, but it was all futile. Her gaze returned to the moon.

"I’ll try again tomorrow," she murmured.

Although she couldn’t explain everything to Fei Chuan yet, she at least wanted to ease his pain.

The next day, Bei Sangyun sent him an ’apology gift.’

She still held onto a small hope that she and Fei Chuan could get past this and return to being "friends."

It was Maid Ye Zhai’s words that kept her holding on.

"Don’t give up, Young Miss. Even after the incident, he helped you by erasing all those rumors and releasing that statement. If he didn’t care about you, he wouldn’t have done those things."

Bei Sangyun clung to those words, nervous but resolute. She decided to believe Maid Ye Zhai.

She would keep asking for forgiveness until Fei Chuan softened his heart.

...

The entire office was grim. It had been this way for the past three days.

In the past, their boss had been a handsome presence, a sight for sore eyes who could take their stress away with just one look. But now, his presence felt like Mount Everest—cold, towering, and insurmountable.

His demeanor was icy and dangerous, void of any warmth or a smile. Just being in his vicinity made one feel the chill of an impending blizzard.

In this oppressive atmosphere, their only solace was that thing, which usually arrived during lunch.

But today, that thing seemed to be running late, and their boss, who was already in a bad mood recently, grew even grimmer. The heavy blizzard now blanketed the entire office. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

One employee, unable to bear it any longer, nervously approached Assistant Cheng. "Sir, has that thing not arrived yet?"

Assistant Cheng, who had already been questioned about that thing by his boss numerous times, was starting to lose patience.

"It hasn’t arrived yet," he replied curtly.

"What time will it come? I have to report to the boss in ten minutes. Can I go after that arrives?" the employee asked, desperation evident in his voice.

Assistant Cheng felt a pang of sympathy but shook his head. "You know how particular the boss is about time. Once the IT department finishes, you’re next. There’s no delaying it."

The employee looked as if he might cry. He glanced at his coworker who had just emerged from the president’s office, pale and trembling. Everyone who entered came out with unshed tears and shaky knees.

Ten minutes later, the IT department employee exited the office. He looked as if he had been roasted alive—his spirit crushed, his expression weak, and his eyes glossy with unshed tears.

He patted the waiting employee on the shoulder. "Good luck in there."

Heart pounding with nervousness, the employee entered the office.

Inside, their handsome boss sat behind his desk, staring at the report with an expressionless face. Though he said nothing, the suffocating pressure of his presence was palpable.

The employee began his report, his voice trembling slightly.

After a minute, Fei Chuan raised his hand, cutting him off.

"You’ve included that in your written report," he said flatly. "There’s no need to repeat it. Instead, tell me how you plan to solve this issue."

The employee swallowed hard, his nerves getting the better of him. Although he had prepared a solution in his mind, Fei Chuan’s piercing gaze made his thoughts scatter.

Stammering, he struggled to explain himself, going around in circles under the weight of his boss’s killer eyes.

Fei Chuan raised his hand again and, in an impatient tone, asked, "How long have you worked here? Why do you act as if it’s your first day? I’ll give you two minutes to gather your thoughts. Make sure your answer is clear and concise."

"Y-yes, sir," the employee stammered.

Two minutes passed quickly. Just as the employee was about to speak again, there was a knock at the door.

Assistant Cheng stepped in, carrying a basket in his hand.

The employee’s face brightened instantly, as if he had seen his savior.

Assistant Cheng gave him a discreet wink before placing the basket on Fei Chuan’s desk.

"Master, another gift has been sent to you," Assistant Cheng announced.

Fei Chuan glanced at the basket briefly, then returned to reading the report, his expression indifferent.

"What should I do with it?" Assistant Cheng asked.

Fei Chuan finally looked up, his sharp gaze shifting to the employee. "Compose yourself outside. I’ll give you another five minutes."

"Yes, sir. Thank you!" The employee quickly exited the room, but not before giving Assistant Cheng a grateful gesture.

"You too," Fei Chuan said to Assistant Cheng.

Without a word, Assistant Cheng left as well, leaving the office silent once more.

Fei Chuan put the reports aside and picked up the basket.

Inside, there were flowers—just like the past two days. As usual, they were accompanied by something sweet, often expensive chocolates, cookies, or pastries. This time, there was a container of cookies, but it wasn’t from a branded label.

Nestled among the flowers and cookies was a letter.

Fei Chuan picked up the letter and began to read:

[I know you are finding it difficult to believe me. But I have my reasons for pushing you away, and it is not because I hate your touch. I hope someday you can understand me. I won’t stop sending these gifts and letters until you answer my calls. I want to apologize to you properly.

Sincerely, BS]

He read the letter twice. His eyes lingered on Bei Sangyun’s initials for a long time before he read the letter once more. Finally satisfied, he opened the safe in his drawer and carefully placed the letter with the others.

Inside the drawer were additional letters from Bei Sangyun, along with the chocolates and cookies she had sent over the past two days.

Fei Chuan was about to put the cookies into the drawer as well when something caught his attention.

He opened the container and examined the cookies closely.

On the surface of the poorly shaped cookies, words were inscribed—but faint and uneven. Squinting, he could just make out the word "sorry" on each one.

Fei Chuan stared at the cookies, stunned. After a moment, he picked one up and took a bite.

The moment he tasted it, he paused.

The cookie was... too salty.

But he continued to eat it, finishing the cookie completely. Instead of placing the container in the drawer, he left it on his desk.

Five minutes later, the employee returned.

He hesitantly glanced at Fei Chuan. Although the man remained expressionless as he read the report, the faint cookie crumbs at the corner of his lips made him appear far less intimidating—almost... cute.

The employee sighed in relief. The atmosphere was noticeably lighter.

It seemed the boss was finally in a better mood.

Whoever was sending those gifts—please, please keep them coming, he wished desperately.