Standing Next To You-Chapter 581: Letting Go

Lin Fei felt the cold chain of the necklace and the smooth gem at its center. Its crystal blue surface reflected in his eyes.

It was still as captivating and mysterious as the first time he had seen it. And just like before, the moment he touched it, an odd feeling washed over him—like the necklace was alive, peering straight into his soul.

He remembered that when he had it on the fist night, strange dreams started to appear on his dreams. And those dreams stopped the moment he gave it away. He could no longer recall the details, but the emotions they left behind lingered.

Vivid dreams filled with remorse, regret, and guilt—so intense and real that he had briefly believed they were memories. But none of them existed in his actual past.

"...Do you believe there could be another life beyond this one?" Lin Fei suddenly blurted out.

His question made Bei Sangyun and Fei Chuan turn to him, both wide-eyed. But Lin Fei remained oblivious, he continued staring at the gem.

"I know it sounds absurd, but... when I had this necklace with me, I saw flashes. Visions of another version of me. The same time, the same world... but different events." He lifted his gaze to Bei Sangyun. "And you were there. Though you weren’t the same person I know now."

Only silence answered him. Seeing their solemn expressions, Lin Fei chuckled softly. "Don’t worry. I’m not losing my mind. They were just strange dreams, I barely remember any content of it. And I doubt anything like that will appear on my dreams again."

He handed the necklace back to Bei Sangyun. "I hope that answered your questions."

Bei Sangyun held the necklace tightly. She considered telling Lin Fei the truth—about the past life. But looking at his peaceful smile and calm expression, she stopped herself.

Lin Fei was recovering well. He was living this life contentedly. There was no need to disturb his mind with uncomprehensible thoughts. The past was beyond their control—something that had already happened.

Besides, Lin Fei’s fate was no longer tied to his past life—a drunkard and an addict.

The rest of his path was in his own hands now. And it seemed that this time, Lin Fei understood what life truly had to offer—and he wasn’t going to waste it.

Bei Sangyun sincerely thanked him. Fei Chuan also bowed deeply toward Lin Fei.

Lin Fei smiled at them and stood up. "I have to head back now. I need to get the dog cleaned up. If you’d like, I can invite you in—though I don’t have much to offer in terms of drinks."

"It’s alright. Thank you once again," Bei Sangyun said sincerely.

Lin Fei looked at her for a moment, then smiled. "Alright. You two take care."

He turned around, gently tugging the dog along with him. A breeze passed by, and Lin Fei took a deep breath of the fresh air.

It was strange, seeing Bei Sangyun again. The heart that once pricked with guilt whenever he saw her no longer ached. Instead, it beat calmly—quietly and steadily. There was no heavy attachment, no lingering guilt that used to weigh him down when it came to her.

He must have truly let go of whatever burdened feelings he once carried for Bei Sangyun.

Maybe... this is what people call healing.

..... freeweɓnovel.cѳm

After talking to Lin Fei, Bei Sangyun’s decision to visit the old monk in the mountains solidified. Fei Chuan tagged along, never wanting to leave her out of his sight.

The couple traveled to the mountains and eventually reached the temple.

Guided by a young monk, they were led to the main hall.

There, the old monk was deep in prayer.

"Please wait here. My master is still doing his prayers," the young monk said before quietly leaving them.

The couple knelt at the altar, waiting in silence for the old monk to finish.

After one final cycle of chanting, the old monk opened his eyes—and met a pair of solemn ones watching him.

He greeted them with a smile. "I appreciate you both waiting for me, even though you seem rather impatient."

Bei Sangyun returned the greeting politely. "I’ve done plenty of waiting. A little more doesn’t make a difference."

The old monk chuckled. Still as feisty as ever, this child.

Without wasting time, Bei Sangyun signaled for Fei Chuan to bring out the set of Tears of Mermaid. They had carefully placed the necklace and earrings in a box, making sure they were protected.

"This is what I found. The Tears of Mermaid. They’re related to my rebirth, aren’t they?"

The old monk glanced at the pieces in the box. His expression remained unchanged.

"How would I know, child? The only people who can answer that are the ones who experienced the wonders and mystery these things brought."

Bei Sangyun fell silent. Fei Chuan had already begun catching glimpses of that past life through the necklace—and so had Lin Fei. There was no doubt this necklace was connected to that life... and perhaps, to her rebirth. As for how, she still didn’t understand.

"Alright... I get it. Figuring out the rest is up to us. But I want to confirm just one thing. This—this is the answer, right?"

The old monk smiled. "It’s up to you whether or not you believe that."

Bei Sangyun sighed. She knew it was never easy to get a straight answer from him.

"Then tell me one thing," she said, taking Fei Chuan’s hand and lifting it toward the monk, "Fei Chuan and I... we can hold hands now, and nothing bad will happen, right?"

The old monk looked at them, still smiling. "Isn’t the answer already obvious to you?"

Bei Sangyun: "...."

She was starting to feel frustrated. This old monk always played with words. Compared to the businessmen she had crossed words with, her ultimate opponent was this monk. He always left her feeling speechless.

Fei Chuan sensed her frustration.

"I haven’t felt any signs of illness, Bei Sangyun," he said, tightening his grip on her hand. He answered the question for her, knowing exactly why she had brought them here.

He gently turned her to face him. "Remember the time I saved you at the last Lin family banquet? I carried you and took care of you the whole night. The next day, I got sick. Looking back, it must have been because of the dragon’s fate. But yesterday... after everything that happened—I feel great."

Fei Chuan looked into her eyes. "I’m not sick. I don’t feel nauseous. And neither do you. Your sense of taste has even returned. Neither of us fell ill."

His eyes were sincere, each word spoken slowly and clearly. "We’re no longer bound by that fate. Even if this old monk can’t say it outright, the truth is clear. We can be together now, Bei Sangyun." He smiled warmly, reassuring her. "We can finally be together."

Bei Sangyun stared into his eyes. Could it really be true? Could they truly touch... and nothing bad would happen?

"...Have we really escaped that fate?" she asked, her voice trembling with hope. This was the reason she had come. To ask. To hear the words she had always longed for.

"Yes," Fei Chuan replied solemnly. "I’m not lying—and this isn’t a dream."

Bei Sangyun bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears. She didn’t want to cry—not in the temple, not in front of the smiling old monk.

She held the tears in and nodded. "...I believe you. I believe in us."

The old monk chuckled and shook his head. "Ah, to be young and in love. But you two better not do anything in the temple," he said playfully. He felt his services weren’t much needed now. He was about to leave when Bei Sangyun called out to him again.

"One more thing. The man who was with you during my last visit—who is he? And where can I find him?"

The monk’s smile faltered ever so slightly. He sighed.

"...You can no longer find him. And as for who he is—it’s better you don’t know. His existence... will soon be forgotten by everyone."

Bei Sangyun froze. "What do you mean, forgotten?"

The monk gave her a soft, wistful smile. "You are more loved than you realize—not just in this life, but in the one before as well. Treasure this life. That’s what truly matters."

Bei Sangyun clutched the edge of his robe. "So who is he? Is he someone I knew? From that life?"

"...That life’s shadow will soon fade from you," the monk replied gently. "As this world spins and weaves the new fates of billions, the thread connecting your past life to this one will be cut. So, child—let go of the past. Live in the present."

Bei Sangyun slowly released his robe. His words struck her heart with quiet force.

"You don’t actually need my help anymore. You’ve already found ’it.’ As for these—" the old monk gestured to the earrings and necklace, "use them for what they’re meant to be used for."

//