Standing Next To You-Chapter 456: How to face him?

Bei Sangyun finally adjusted to the blinding lights and lowered her purse. She straightened her back, walking steadily down the carpet, ignoring the relentless flashes and the noise surrounding her from both sides.

She knew these photos would soon surface across media platforms and circulate in the news. Within half a day, her identity and the company she represented would likely be leaked everywhere.

That was why she had to look her best today—perfect composure, flawless appearance. She had walked many red carpets before, though none as prestigious as the one leading to the Royal Banquet.

Her shoulders remained square, her expression calm and unflinching, unaffected by the media frenzy. The confident, unbothered way she carried herself only fueled the photographers’ obsession. Camera shutters clicked faster and flashes intensified, desperate to capture every second, every angle of this mysterious woman.

But the murmurs grew louder as she walked, drawing even more attention. After all, she had come alone. An invitation to the Royal Banquet allowed two guests, and arriving solo was both audacious and baffling.

Many would consider it wasteful, especially given how fiercely coveted each invitation was. She could have sold that second spot to someone desperate for a chance to attend. No doubt, people would criticize her for squandering the opportunity.

Halfway down the carpet, the elevator behind her chimed again. Several reporters near the elevator immediately turned their cameras toward the doors, offering Bei Sangyun a brief reprieve from the barrage of lights and noise.

Noticing the shift, Bei Sangyun let out a quiet sigh of relief, grateful for the unexpected distraction.

"Oh my! That’s Mr. Fei Chuan!"

Her steps faltered. She froze.

"Mr. Fei Chuan is as handsome as ever! Please look this way!"

"Who did Mr. Fei Chuan come with?"

Fei Chuan? He was behind her?

For a moment, everything around her became a blur. She wanted to turn around, but her feet remained frozen. Doubts and hesitation surged within her.

Once she turned around, she would meet his gaze. She still vividly remembered the look of pain and grievance in his eyes on the day she left him, as well as the slight shock and aloofness on his gaze when they encountered each other in the elevator.

If she met those eyes again, what kind of gaze would she see?

What if he looked at her with indifference or, worse, disgust?

Could she remain calm in the face of those eyes?

Could she truly face him?

What would she say when they met? How should she look at him?

And could she possibly conceal the longing and yearning that threatened to spill from her eyes?

What if she made a stupid mistake and turned his feelings to disgust?

Her thoughts spiraled, making her feel dizzy, and a strange knot tightened in her stomach.

Just as panic began to take hold, her legs responded at last. But instead of turning back, her steps quickened toward the end of the red carpet.

She moved faster, almost as if fleeing from something—or someone—chasing her. In a blur of motion, she crossed the remaining length of the red carpet, finishing it faster than anyone else that evening.

.....

Inside the hall, the noise softened, with only the gentle hum of conversations and the soothing melodies of the classical orchestra filled the air.

Although the guests appeared engaged in light-hearted discussions, their eyes kept drifting toward the entrance.

Not everyone knew who was on the guest list—only those who had flaunted their invitations on social media were confirmed attendees. The more influential guests, however, preferred to remain discreet.

Everyone quietly speculated about the remaining arrivals, hoping to form valuable connections. After all, every attendee was someone of importance, and establishing ties with them promised mutual benefits.

When Bei Sangyun entered, she instantly caught the attention of the room. Dozens of eyes turned toward her, scrutinizing the unfamiliar face. Yet she barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere, far from the curious gazes trying to place her.

She accidentally made eye contact with a few guests, their inquiring stares difficult to avoid. With no other choice, she gave them a polite nod of acknowledgment.

The guests were momentarily taken aback.

Typically, newcomers would take the initiative to introduce themselves, eager to make connections. But this woman? She merely nodded, as if attending a routine gathering, uninterested in networking or socializing. Was she here simply to flaunt her presence? But who was she?

"Do you know that woman?" one guest whispered to the person beside him.

"I’ve never seen her before," the other responded, eyes narrowing in thought. "She looks young. Perhaps she’s here representing her family. But... which royal family?"

The two guests exchanged glances, trying to puzzle out her background, but nothing seemed to fit.

They weren’t the only ones. Throughout the hall, quiet murmurs spread as others speculated about the mysterious woman. Her quick, understated greeting left them with no information to work with, deepening the intrigue. freēnovelkiss.com

However, the guests’ speculation was abruptly cut short when a familiar figure appeared.

"Mr. Fei Chuan! It’s been too long!"

"Fei Chuan, how are you? I heard you were in Country C. When are you coming back to the Y States?"

As soon as Fei Chuan entered, he was immediately surrounded. Although he was young and relatively new to the industry compared to the veterans present, he commanded admiration and respect.

He greeted each person with a polite smile. "I’m not sure yet when I’ll return. William gave me too much work," he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Part of the reason for their warm reception was Fei Chuan’s close connection to William James- the heir of the James family.

As the James family’s right-hand man, Fei Chuan was a valuable ally. In a world where proximity to power meant everything, being on friendly terms with someone in William’s inner circle was a strategic advantage. If Fei Chuan weren’t trusted by the James family, no amount of talent or success would earn him such favor.

"We’ll miss you, then," one of the guests said with a smile, echoed by murmurs of agreement.

Fei Chuan responded with a gracious smile, keeping the conversation light and easy.

Before long, the "Royal" families began to arrive, including members of the illustrious James family. The crowd around Fei Chuan dispersed quickly, eager to greet the new arrivals.

Once he was left alone, the polite smile gradually faded from his face. His expression shifted- becoming more distant, giving him an air of aloofness and authority. His sharp gaze swept the room, searching for the one person he truly wanted to see.

Where was she? He was certain he had spotted her on the red carpet earlier.

His eyes flicked toward the empty hallway leading to the restrooms. Could she be there?

Fei Chuan was about to linger by the empty hallway, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person he sought, when a familiar voice called out to him.

It was William, waving at him enthusiastically.

"Come here, my friend! I’ll introduce you to the other founding families who helped host this ridiculous banquet."

Fei Chuan cast one last glance down the deserted hallway, hesitating for a brief moment. After stopping for a few seconds, he gave a nod toward William.

He adjusted his expression. "Alright," He stepped away from the hallway and walked toward the crowded group.