Standing Next To You-Chapter 565: Xu Tian

But no matter how many offers she made, Xu Tian remained unmoved. He rejected every single one, even though the positions she offered were far better than his current job.

She grew frustrated. She even considered manipulating circumstances around him to force him into working for her.

But then, he married Lin Sunji.

It felt like a slap in the face when he chose to join the Fourth Branch instead of her. That day, she finally gave up.

Her bitterness deepened, and she became ruthless in her revenge against the Fourth Branch.

And eventually—just as she had anticipated—Xu Tian came to her.

He knelt before her.

His usually emotionless expression cracked, and she saw something rare: desperation. A plea from the taciturn man.

"I know it’s shameless to ask after rejecting you so many times," he said. "But if the offer still stands, I’m willing to work under you. I’ll be a devoted worker—no, a faithful servant. I won’t complain, no matter the task... under one condition: that you show mercy to the Fourth Branch."

She had been reclining in her chair at the time, looking down at him from what felt like a throne. The image struck her as laughable—almost ridiculous.

She hated the Fourth Branch and was committed to their downfall.

But the idea of gaining a loyal and capable servant was tempting.

Besides, the Fourth Branch was already on the path to ruin. Even if she stopped her actions now, their greed and stupidity would eventually lead to their collapse. With or without her interference, they were doomed.

"I didn’t expect you to love her that much," she said coldly. "You’re begging me to save the family that scorned you. She never even loved you—she hated your poor background. One day, she’ll leave you with nothing. Are you really willing to sacrifice everything for someone like that?"

Xu Tian met her gaze. In his eyes, she saw unwavering resolve—unyielding and fierce.

"Yes," he said. "I’m willing. I love her. And that makes it all worth it."

...

The staff came over and served the main course, cutting off Bei Sangyun’s thoughts.

She glanced at Xu Tian again.

In that moment, she felt a renewed sense of admiration for him—and at the same time, she found him foolish. After all, why love someone who would never love you back? Why suffer for someone who never appreciated it?

During his marriage to Lin Sunji, everyone knew how much Lin Sunji resented both the marriage and Xu Tian himself. She had expected to marry into wealth and status, only to end up with a man from a humble background—one whose only admirable trait was his skill.

Neither Lin Sunji nor her family ever truly appreciated Xu Tian, even though he was the one who had saved the fourth branch from her.

But just as Bei Sangyun had predicted back then, she didn’t need to lift another finger to see their downfall.

Somehow, Lin Sunji managed to convince Xu Tian to divorce her. During the separation, Xu Tian left behind all his possessions and wealth, keeping only enough to meet his basic needs.

Not long after their divorce, Lin Sunji schemed against Bei Sangyun—and was utterly crushed.

Bei Sangyun was nearly harmed in the process, and this time, she didn’t hold back out of consideration for Xu Tian. She kicked the fourth branch out onto the streets, leaving them with nothing.

With the deal between them broken, Xu Tian quietly left her side. Yet even then, he continued to support the fourth branch anonymously, helping them survive in the shadows.

But in the end, the downfall of the fourth branch was inevitable.

"Ms. Bei, thank you so much for inviting me today," Xu Tian said after the meal. "...And for the help earlier."

They were heading back to the car when he suddenly spoke. Bei Sangyun nodded."I heard from Zhong Cheng how much easier work has become since you arrived. I should treat you more often to thank you for your hard work."

"The company pays well and treats me kindly. I have nothing more to ask for." A small smile slowly formed on Xu Tian’s face.

Bei Sangyun was momentarily stunned.

When Xu Tian smiled, his tiger tooth showed, softening all his sharp features and making him appear younger and almost boyish- the look that many women would find cute and appealing. This suited him far more than his usual serious expression.

All the time she had spent chasing after him—and all the time he had worked for her—she had never seen him smile. She had thought, back then, that he simply didn’t know how.

Bei Sangyun smiled in return."You should smile more often. That’s how you get women."

Xu Tian immediately stopped smiling, his ears turning slightly red.

Zhong Cheng, who overheard her, laughed."I told him the same thing. His whole aura changes when he smiles."

Bei Sangyun nodded in agreement.If Xu Tian had smiled more in the past, and if Lin Sunji had ever seen that side of him... she might have thought twice before divorcing him.

Bei Sangyun suddenly thought of something.

"Right. Do you have a girlfriend, Xu Tian?"

Xu Tian grew even more taciturn."...I don’t. And I’m not looking for one at the moment."

"I see." Bei Sangyun nodded in understanding. So this time... the two of them hadn’t met yet?

Come to think of it, how and when did they even meet in the previous life? And how did Xu Tian end up falling in love with that bratty Lin Sunji?

Hmm.

Bei Sangyun considered the idea of letting Lin Sunji and Xu Tian meet. Things didn’t work out between them in the past, but maybe this time would be different.

A lot had changed in this life. The fourth branch was no longer what it used to be. And perhaps, Xu Tian—who had been so devoted to them before—might finally stand a chance now.

It wasn’t because she wanted to play matchmaker. But the fourth branch had become special to her. They were like family. And she only wanted good things for her family.

She could vouch for Xu Tian’s character.

Just as she was about to invite Xu Tian to another dinner—this time with Lin Sunji—her gaze shifted, and she caught sight of Zhong Cheng.

Bei Sangyun’s mouth remained slightly open as she stared at him.

Zhong Cheng noticed her gaze and raised a brow. "?"

Bei Sangyun closed her mouth quickly."Zhong Cheng, can you ask Driver Chen to bring the car around?"

Zhong Cheng nodded, instantly slipping back into his assistant mode. But Xu Tian couldn’t sit still while his superior ran an errand for him. He immediately volunteered,"I can go instead."

"Stay here. This lunch is for you," Zhong Cheng said with a grin, appreciating the gesture before walking off.

They watched him leave in silence.

Bei Sangyun sighed inwardly.

She had almost forgotten. Lin Sunji seemed to have feelings for Zhong Cheng now. And Zhong Cheng... she wasn’t sure what he felt about Lin Sunji. Did he like her back?

It seemed she would need to tread carefully, rather than approach this recklessly.

Bei Sangyun turned to Xu Tian."Don’t overthink it. He’s happiest when he’s running around like that. Besides, I have something to ask you."

She pulled out her phone and showed him an image. This was one of the main reasons she had asked to meet with Xu Tian today.

"Have you seen anything like this?"

Xu Tian leaned in, studying the image closely.

Bei Sangyun waited with bated breath.

The monk had said the answer had already found her. And she believed this answer was connected to the Tears of the Mermaid. She had the earrings in her possession—but the necklace... its trail had completely disappeared. Since they came as a set, the missing necklace was surely something she needed to find.

And maybe... just maybe, the answer lay with someone around her. Perhaps even with the new people who had entered her life recently.

Xu Tian studied the image carefully but eventually shook his head."I haven’t seen anything like it."

Bei Sangyun couldn’t help feeling disappointed. She closed her phone."I see. Can I ask a favor? If you ever come across anything similar, will you let me know?"

Xu Tian didn’t know what it was about, but he nodded.

Soon, the car arrived, and the three of them left the parking lot.

....

From a distance, inside a particular car, it was deathly silent.

Assistant Cheng gripped the steering wheel tightly, tension running up his back.

"Uhm... should I follow them now?"

There was only silence from the back seat. Assistant Cheng didn’t even want to glance at the rearview mirror. He didn’t need to look—he could already feel the suffocating pressure behind him.

"...No need. Let’s go back to the company. I have something to do."

Assistant Cheng quickly started the engine, wishing he could vanish from this cramped, heavy atmosphere.