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Standing Next To You-Chapter 484: Lin Zhe’s Show
Chapter 484: Lin Zhe’s Show
Startled, Fei Chuan opened it and found Bei Sangyun’s phone. The screen lit up, displaying an incoming call—from Lin Sunji.
He froze for a moment, tension gripping his body. A possibility formed in his mind, one that made his chest tighten.
He took a deep breath, retrieved the phone, and answered the call.
"Hey, where are you? Why did you leave without changing?" Lin Sunji’s voice came through immediately, her tone laced with confusion.
Fei Chuan’s eyes swept the room, searching for any additional clues. He made his way to the bathroom, his voice steady yet firm. "It’s me. Bei Sangyun left her purse—and her phone."
"...Fei Chuan?" Lin Sunji replied, her voice tinged with surprise.
"Can you check with your brother if Bei Sangyun left?" Fei Chuan asked, his gaze landing on the empty hanger where the robe had been. The floor was damp, and steam clung to the glass sliding door. His eyes flickered.
Bei Sangyun had taken a bath here.
"...Actually," Lin Sunji replied hesitantly, "I’m also looking for my brother. He’s not here."
Fei Chuan, who had just stepped out of the bathroom, paused. The man of the night wasn’t at the banquet?
His thoughts flicked to the missed calls. Lin Sanju never left his calls unanswered—not even during meetings. Lin Sanju had always prioritized their connection over other guests.
A ridiculous but unsettling thought crossed Fei Chuan’s mind. His gaze shifted to the purse still sitting on the table.
A server had spilled wine on Bei Sangyun’s dress earlier. But was it truly an accident? freёnovelkiss.com
Fei Chuan’s expression darkened. "...Call people you trust and check with the guards to see if Bei Sangyun left through the gates. Keep searching for your brother. Also, keep an eye on Lin Zhe."
On the other end of the line, Lin Sunji straightened, sensing the gravity in Fei Chuan’s tone. "...I’ll inform my parents."
"Be discreet," Fei Chuan warned.
"I know."
Fei Chuan ended the call and immediately dialed Driver Chen.
"Has Bei Sangyun left the banquet?" he asked, though he already suspected the answer.
"No, Sir. I’m still waiting in the parking lot," Driver Chen replied.
"Call me the moment you see her."
After ending the call, Fei Chuan contacted his team. He gave a series of precise instructions: investigate the staff working in the Lin mansion today, scrutinize the guest list, and monitor any suspicious individuals entering or leaving the property.
Fei Chuan reviewed the detailed layout of the Lin mansion’s grounds sent by his informants. Without hesitation, he contacted his personal spies to search for any sign of Bei Sangyun.
If the absurd suspicion lingering in his mind proved true, there was a big possibility that Bei Sangyun was still here, hidden somewhere within the Lin mansion.
And he would find her.
Fei Chuan’s deep, dark eyes gleamed with menacingly as he strode purposefully toward another wing of the mansion. No one had the right to scheme against her—no one but him.
.....
Lin Zhe ended the phone call and returned to the table with a faint smile. A few people approached him—some offering consolation, others congratulating him. Among them were those who disapproved of the first branch, seizing the opportunity to mock him while his family was down.
In such moments, Lin Zhe maintained his smile, though the eyes behind his glasses gleamed with cold indifference.
This small humiliation was bearable. After all, the sting of his defeat would soon be forgotten.
As the thought crossed his mind, his smile grew more genuine.
His gaze shifted to the fourth branch, who were surrounded by well-wishers, basking in the glow of their victory.
His eyes darkened. They wouldn’t remain happy for long.
Those bastards did not even know their main protagonist was missing. Such careless people did not deserve to lead the family.
Lin Zhe finally took his seat, realizing that only he and Lin Dayun were left at the table. Several young men approached, eager to strike up a conversation with Lin Dayun, but she dismissed them with gentle grace.
When the last suitor walked away, Lin Zhe remarked, "Not up to your standards?"
Lin Dayun’s demure smile lingered. "It’s not like that, big cousin. I’ve just returned to the country—I’d rather not get tangled up in any rumors."
Lin Zhe picked up his glass, turning it idly in his hand. He didn’t believe for a moment that Lin Dayun had rejected those young men simply to avoid a scandal. Judging by her earlier behavior, it was clear she had set her sights on Fei Chuan.
At the thought of Fei Chuan, Lin Zhe’s eyes darkened. It was because of him that Lin Sunji—who had never been able to hold a candle to him before—managed to secure victory in the competition.
"By the way, where is Mr. Fei?" he asked casually. If there was going to be a grand spectacle, the most prominent supporter of Lin Sanju should be present to witness it.
"He left." Lin Dayun sipped her wine, her bitterness masked by her poised expression.
Lin Zhe raised an eyebrow. He silently hoped that man would return soon—only then could the real show begin.
Still, there were plenty of prominent figures- such as his grandfather, the elders and the people who supported the fourth branch- present to act as his audience. The spectacle would be just as grand.
His phone buzzed, drawing his attention. He glanced at the notification.
[Done.]
A slow smile spread across Lin Zhe’s face. The wait was over. He rose to his feet and said to Lin Dayun, "It’s my turn to congratulate the fourth branch."
Lin Dayun looked up at him, her expression thoughtful as she tried to decipher his intentions. But Lin Zhe only smiled back and walked away.
As he approached the fourth branch, the lively chatter surrounding them gradually subsided. One by one, the people around them noticed his arrival and paused mid-conversation. The festive cheer gave way to an uneasy silence.
Lin Zhe remained composed, unbothered by the shift in atmosphere. He stopped in front of Lin Ruo and Li Mei, extending his hand with a polite smile.
"Congratulations, Uncle, Auntie." he greeted. As if he wasn’t bothered that his own branch lost.