Standing Next To You

The sun had set, yet the River Village remained lively and bright. Lanterns lit up the roads, casting a warm glow over the streets. Outdated music blared from the village megaphone, giving the evening a nostalgic air.

The villagers, who were usually at home by this time—just finishing dinner and preparing for bed—was loittering around the streets instead. Some were proudly boasting about the dishes they had cooked tonight.

Soon, tantalizing aromas began wafting from every home—including the Bang couple's house.

Grandma Bei had just finished arranging the dishes in a large container when she called out to Maid Ye Zhai.

"Ye Zhai, come with me."

Mr. Bang, seeing how large the container was, grew concerned that the two women, Grandma Bei and Ye Zhai, wouldn't be able to carry it.

"Let me carry that," he offered.

"It's not heavy. These old arms of mine can manage just fine. You and Mrs. Bang should go change. Aren't you two joining the dance later?"

Mrs. Bang stepped out, holding a stack of plates and cups to be used for the festival. "Don't worry about us. It's easy to change. Let my husband help you. If he doesn't put his strength to use, he'll start thinking he's useless."

Grandma Bei finally relented with a small huff.

Maid Ye Zhai carried another container, and the four of them set off toward the village square.

Along the way, they passed other villagers also carrying dishes in the same direction. Everyone exchanged cheerful greetings. The Bang couple were known as a quiet, gentle pair. They had never made enemies, but they also weren't particularly close with most others. Still, they had a few dear friends in the village.

Tonight, however, was a special festival celebrating the pride of the village. Since the Bang couple were closest to the main figures of the night, they had been pulled into the spotlight as well.

As they walked, villagers called out warmly to them. Some even dared to joke with Grandma Bei.

She, as always, kept a straight face—just like the old days.

Soon, the four arrived at the village square.

"Have they not come back yet?" Grandma Bei asked, looking around. She didn't see her granddaughter or Fei Chuan.

Grandpa Qin noticed the familiar worried expression on her face. She always looked like this whenever her granddaughter was missing from sight.

He gently patted her back. "Your granddaughter's all grown up now. Why are you still so strict with her? They went to town. They took my cart—don't worry, even if it's already dark, they'll be able to return safely. I've upgraded it after all these years."

Before long, Grandma Bei's worries eased as she spotted her granddaughter and Fei Chuan approaching.

Still, she scolded them for coming back late. Bei Sangyun felt like she was back in her childhood again, when she used to get scolded for playing outside all day. She quickly explained to Grandma Bei that she had gone to withdraw money—to give to the villagers.

"Why are you giving them money? You don't owe them anything," Grandma Bei grumbled. That was her daughter's hard-earned money!

"They prepared so many delicious dishes for us to enjoy during the festival. Besides, I'm blessed. This is just a small way to give back."

Grandma Bei opened her mouth to argue, but Maid Ye Zhai stepped in before she could.

"Don't you want your granddaughter to be welcomed warmly the next time she returns? And she said many of these people helped her when she was a child. This is her way of returning the favor."

Fei Chuan stepped up behind her and said in a low voice,"Don't worry, Grandma. I'll make sure she doesn't lose a single penny."

Grandma Bei glanced at him. Seeing the serious look in his eyes, she finally gave in with a sigh.

"Fine. Do whatever you want. But don't give twice to the same person. If you want to give more, give it to the Bang couple and Mr. Qin. The others… they don't deserve it."

Her words were sharp and firm, but Bei Sangyun could sense the softening behind them. She knew—it would take time, but little by little, her grandmother would start to open up.

The festival itself was simple—just dinner, drinks, and laughter shared under the night sky. Soon, music began to play again, and villagers gathered at the center to dance.

Before long, Bei Sangyun and Fei Chuan were called out by the village elders to join in and show a few moves on the dance floor. Even Mr. and Mrs. Bang were dragged in to participate.

Perhaps swept up in the lively atmosphere, Fei Chuan turned to her and extended his hand. "Will you dance with me?"

Bei Sangyun didn't hesitate. She placed her hand in his.

All eyes turned to them. Though unfamiliar with the fast tempo of the old music, they danced freely—awkwardly and carelessly at first, missing the beat a few times, earning laughter from themselves and others.

But they were quick learners. Soon, their steps found the rhythm. Their bodies moved together in sync with the lively music.

There was laughter and cheerful chatter all around. Bei Sangyun saw Mr. and Mrs. Bang dancing skillfully together, smiling at each other with quiet affection. She watched an elderly couple move gracefully and playfully, grinning at one another like they were young again. Teenagers danced shyly but with surprising skill.

Then her eyes returned to the one in front of her.

Fei Chuan was smiling, his movements perfectly matching the rhythm and hers. A few beads of sweat glistened on his temple. When their eyes met, his gaze sparkled—bright, warm, and smiling.

Bei Sangyun smiled back.

It truly was a lively night.

.....

Additional scene:

While Bei Sangyun and Teacher Tang spoke inside Fatty Yang's office, Fei Chuan and Fatty Yang waited outside, giving the two some privacy.

Fatty Yang kept sneaking glances at the man beside him. The once cold and quiet "ice prince" had grown into a strikingly handsome young man—charismatic, refined, and, Fatty Yang had to admit, better-looking than most celebrities on TV.

But more than his looks, Fatty Yang was dying to ask something.

"Fei Chuan," he began, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "are you and Bei Sangyun…" He wiggled his brows suggestively, "…together? Like boyfriend and girlfriend?"

Fei Chuan paused. Then slowly tilted his head as he answered, each word deliberate:

"Yes. We are together. I'm her boyfriend, and she's my girlfriend."

He couldn't help but smile as he said together, emphasize boyfriend, and smile again when he said girlfriend.

The unexpected warmth in his expression—and that gentle chuckle—left Fatty Yang frozen in place.

Dang. The ice prince actually knows how to smile like that?

"I knew it!" Fatty Yang burst out. "My gut told me you liked her. Back when we were kids, you were always looking for her. If we showed up without her, you wouldn't even play with us. You only ever cared when she was around."

Fei Chuan blinked, a little stunned.Did I?

His mind wandered back to those days. It was true—he never found interest in playing with Cheng Li or the others. They were boring, always trying to impress him, more like followers than friends. But there was one girl who glared at him, challenged him, competed with him without hesitation.

Even back then… it had only been her.

A smile tugged at his lips.

"Yeah," he admitted. "I must've liked her even then. I just didn't realize it."

Fatty Yang laughed, clearly enjoying the confession. "So, when's the wedding?"

Fei Chuan paused again. He lightly kicked the ground and said with a soft chuckle,"I haven't asked her yet. But when I do, I'll tell you."

Then, his gaze lifted, bright and certain.

"In fact… I'll tell the whole world."