Standing Next To You-Chapter 251: I am the only one who can meet her standards

Lin Sunji was reluctant to divulge any information, yet confronted with Zhong Cheng’s threats, she had no choice but to respond.

Lin Sunji wasn’t one to easily discern the atmosphere or the emotions of those around her. In her interactions with Jang Shin, she had attempted to maintain ambiguity. She affectionately addressed him as ’big brother’ and always presented her brightest smile. Her aim was to captivate Jang Shin with her charm and potentially use him as a stepping stone.

If their relationship flourished, Lin Sunji might consider Jang Shin as a potential fiancé. After all, Jang Shin came from a respectable background.

However, despite her attempts at flirtation, Jang Shin remained courteous and nonchalant towards her. Lin Sunji could discern that his gentle demeanor was merely superficial and extended to anyone. Nonetheless, she could leverage it to enhance her reputation in the eyes of others.

She believed that over time, Jang Shin would succumb to her charms as she showcased her best qualities.

But...

During their practices, Jang Shin would often scan the gym and inquire, "Is Lin Sangyun not joining us for practice today?"

Lin Sunji detested hearing Bei Sangyun’s name mentioned in her presence. However, since it was Jang Shin, she could only force a smile and suppress her bitterness as she replied, "She left with Fei Chuan."

"Where are they going during practice time?" Jang Shin’s expression shifted subtly.

Lin Sunji keenly observed his reaction and noted that whenever she mentioned Fei Chuan’s name, the calm façade of Jang Shin seemed to falter.

One day, Jang Shin approached the instructor.

At that moment, Lin Sunji couldn’t help but wonder why Jang Shin always seemed to be seeking Bei Sangyun, so she trailed behind him.

She overheard the instructor mention, "Oh? Lin Sangyun and Fei Chuan are practicing, but they have their own place."

Upon hearing this, Lin Sunji’s initial reaction was anger. Why did that bitch receive special privileges? She was merely a low life from the countryside, who borrowed the Lin family name and wanted to steal her position as the heir.

However, what she didn’t anticipate was Jang Shin’s even stronger reaction.

He appeared more upset than Lin Sunji herself. His lack of concentration during practice resulted in numerous mistakes. He abandoned his usual gentle and composed demeanor, ignoring even Lin Sunji’s attempts to comfort him.

In that moment, Lin Sunji began to harbor suspicions.

And those suspicions only intensified over time.

She didn’t want to entertain such thoughts, nor did she want them to be true. However, reality hit her hard on the day of the homecoming dance.

Being by his side, she couldn’t help but notice how Jang Shin’s gaze always drifted towards Bei Sangyun. She vividly remembered how Jang Shin’s world seemed to halt when Bei Sangyun entered the ballroom.

No matter how much she denied it, the truth was evident in front of her eyes.

Lin Sunji wasn’t as naive as Lin Xiaoni. She refused to cling to a man who was smitten by another woman. She wanted her fiance to be around wrapped around her fingers and willing to cross hell and fire for her.

But if such a man didn’t exist, then at the very least, he needed to be wealthy, powerful, handsome, and worthy of her status.

Lin Sunji felt reluctant to let go of Jang Shin, but witnessing the ’disgusting’ expression on his face whenever he looked at the person she despised the most, her interest waned.

That’s why Lin Sunji entertained the male students who asked her to dance, albeit selectively based on their status and appearance.

Faced with Zhong Cheng’s interrogation, Lin Sunji of course knew the answer. But the problem was, how to use this information against them.

"I can hear the gears turning in your head. Don’t try to fool me. I’m quite adept at distinguishing between lies and truth," Zhong Cheng warned. frёewebηovel.cѳm

Lin Sunji: "...."

She hadn’t said anything, how can this hateful man know?

"I’ll give you three more seconds to answer. One, two--"

What? This man was truly infuriating!

"Three--"

"He is! He’s interested in Bei Sangyun!" Lin Sunji exclaimed angrily, causing several nearby people to glance in their direction.

Zhong Cheng shushed her forcefully, his voice a harsh whisper. "Why are you yelling? Do you want the whole world to know that you call me ’teacher’?"

Lin Sunji fell silent immediately.

There was no way she could allow the entire school to discover that she,-a model student and scion of the Lin family--, referred to one of Bei Sangyun’s lackey as ’teacher’ and was subordinated by him!

That would really be the end of her!

Zhong Cheng observed Lin Sunji taking his threat seriously and sighed with relief.

It wouldn’t bode well if the entire school learned about Jang Shin’s interest in the Boss; it would only add more trouble for the Boss.

From what he could see, the Boss and Brother-in-law were getting along smoothly.

Unlike others, Zhong Cheng had a clear perspective on the two’s relationship. Despite Bei Sangyun and Fei Chuan appearing like newlyweds in their honeymoon phase, Zhong Cheng knew the truth: Boss was still pursuing Brother-in-law.

Brother-in-law was finally opening up. Any disruption could jeopardize the delicate balance of their relationship.

Zhong Cheng warned Lin Sunji once again, his tone serious, "Don’t tell anyone. If you do, I’ll make you sell rice cakes on the streets again."

Lin Sunji paled at the threat. Among the threats Zhong Cheng had issued, this was the worst.

Zhong Cheng could see his threat worked. However, he remained concerned. Judging from the discussions circulating, it was only a matter of time before the news reached Brother-in-law’s ears. Such news might lead to misunderstandings.

While Zhong Cheng worried, an idea suddenly struck him.

What if he shared the news first and explained it clearly so Brother-in-law wouldn’t hear it from unreliable sources, which could potentially exaggerate or misconstrue it? Then the possibility of misunderstanding it would be low.

Zhong Cheng deemed it a good idea and rose from his seat.

.....

The discussion in the room grew intense and lively, prompting even Fei Chuan, who had been minding his own business, to take notice of the changes. He noticed several students casting glances in his direction.

As he wondered what the hell these people were discussing about, Zhong Cheng ran to his seat.

"Brother-in-law! What are you doing?"

Fei Chuan glanced at his goofy smile and could easily see through him. "What’s the matter?"

Zhong Cheng’s smile faltered, and a wave of nervousness washed over him.

Brother-in-law possessed sharp intuition and intellect; he could easily discern his ulterior motives with just a greeting. Scary.

"Oh, just checking in to see if you’re busy," Zhong Cheng replied with an awkward laugh, struggling to broach the topic. Despite his usual eloquence, he felt intimidated and timid when facing Fei Chuan.

Fei Chuan did not buy his reply. "Are you here because of what those people are discussing?" he questioned, his expression unreadable.

Caught off guard, Zhong Cheng hesitated.

Fei Chuan closed his laptop, signaling his full attention. "I’m all ears."

Fei Chuan’s curiosity was piqued. Judging by the looks directed his way, he surmised that the discussion revolved around him and Bei Sangyun.

"Ah... you know how much Boss likes you, right?" Zhong Cheng began tentatively, prompting Fei Chuan to raise an eyebrow, signaling for him to continue.

"Boss likes you very, very, very much," Zhong Cheng emphasized.

"She asked me for advice on how to pursue someone. She wanted to hold you in the palm of her hand--" Zhong Cheng’s words trailed off as Fei Chuan cut him off, his patience wearing thin.

"I don’t need to hear this from you. Just get to the point," Fei Chuan interjected firmly. He could tolerate hearing such sentiments from Bei Sangyun, but not from another man.

"Ehem. I’m just saying this because I know that Boss likes you the most. So even if someone were to come forward and confess their feelings to her--"

"Who confessed to her?" Fei Chuan cut him off. But it did not take him a long time to guess who it was. His intuition already piecing together the puzzle. He narrowed his eyes, suspicion evident in his gaze. "...It’s Jang Shin, isn’t it?"

Zhong Cheng’s eyes widened in surprise. How did Brother-in-law figured it out so quickly? Was it that obvious?

Glancing around, Fei Chuan deduced the situation. "Let me guess, judging by our classmates’ reactions and your sudden appearance here to explain, Jang Shin must have visited our class and perhaps encountered Bei Sangyun at the door. They likely left together somewhere."

It explained why Bei Sangyun was taking so long, because someone took her away.

Zhong Cheng swallowed nervously, studying Fei Chuan’s reaction carefully.

Fei Chuan, despite being guarded with a slight frown, didn’t seem overly upset, angry, sad, jealous, heartbroken, or disappointed. He didn’t seem to have misunderstood the situation.

"...You’re right. But Brother-in-law, I believe that Boss will turn him down," Zhong Cheng offered cautiously.

Fei Chuan remained silent, his gaze lowered, thoughts swirling in his mind.

Zhong Cheng suddenly felt a twinge of nervousness. Just when he thought Fei Chuan wouldn’t respond, Fei Chuan looked up again, fixing him with a steady gaze.

"I know. Bei Sangyun has discerning taste, and her standards for liking someone are exceedingly high. She won’t take an interest in anyone unless they excel in appearance, intelligence, skills, capability, and every other aspect. Jang Shin doesn’t meet any of those criteria. The only person who could meet her standards is me."

Zhong Cheng was momentarily taken aback by Fei Chuan’s self-assured statement.

’Brother-in-law, I know you’re skilled and capable, but do you have to praise yourself so much?’ Zhong Cheng thought inwardly.