Standing Next To You-Chapter 559: The boat that had sunk

Head Master Fei was stunned by the question. Out of everything Fei Chuan could have asked, this was the last thing he expected.

"I thought you didn’t believe in superstitions. What’s going on?"

Fei Chuan lowered his gaze as scenes from his dreams flashed through his mind. The emotions, the pain, the ache, the memories—they didn’t feel fabricated. They existed. Somewhere... sometime ago.

He looked back into Head Master Fei’s eyes. He hadn’t expected to return here, not after everything that had happened—not after swearing to himself that he would never step foot in this place again. But right now, none of that mattered. The mystery before him was far more important.

"...You’re right. I don’t believe in such things. But there are many things in this world that cannot be explained by human knowledge." Fei Chuan took a deep breath. "If, by chance, the monk was right about me... I want to know what changed. Because I am still alive." His voice was steady but firm. "And I need to ask him something. There’s something I have to confirm."

Head Master Fei studied him solemnly. He had expected Fei Chuan to demand answers with arrogance, refusing to acknowledge anything in return. But instead, the young man stood before him, sincerely seeking the truth.

This was probably the most polite Fei Chuan had ever been to him.

For a moment, Head Master Fei was torn. A part of him wanted to shove Fei Chuan away, withholding the information as payback for the disgrace he had brought upon the family—especially at the Royal Banquet five years ago.

However, he also knew that if he did that, he would be shutting the door completely on any chance of reconciliation between Fei Chuan and the Fei family.

With a sigh, Head Master Fei slowly stood up and walked to his desk. Opening one of the cabinets, he retrieved an old record. After copying the details onto a notepad, he handed the paper to Fei Chuan.

"He is a respectable and skilled monk. I know you don’t believe in these things, but you should still show him respect. If you act arrogantly, as you did toward me, he may refuse to see you and turn you away."

Head Master Fei glanced at the paper in Fei Chuan’s hands.

"Go to this mountain. It’s your first time, so you’ll have to walk from the foot to the peak."

Fei Chuan accepted the note and remained silent for a moment.

There was a memory of the Fei family in his dream. Although it wasn’t entirely clear, he remembered fragments of the family’s ’future.’

Just like in the present, ’he’ had also left the family and gone abroad. And the Fei family’s fate had spiraled downward.

Since Head Master Fei had not made things difficult for him and had readily provided the information, Fei Chuan decided to offer something in return.

"This family has a lot of internal issues. If left unattended, it will be like a boat riddled with holes—eventually sinking. It’s not too late. Fix the holes, and maybe you can stay afloat."

Head Master Fei froze. Not expecting Fei Chuan to suddenly give advice.

Fei Chuan stood up and tucked the note into his breast pocket. "Fei Hua Jiang is skilled and responsible. He is a good choice as heir. But he is also human. Right now, he is the pillar of this family. If he breaks, the entire family will crumble. So don’t break him."

With that, Fei Chuan bowed and left.

Head Master Fei remained silent, then suddenly let out a bitter chuckle.

"Did that punk just give me advice?" His voice was laced with disbelief. "I know how to run my own family! A boat filled with holes? Ha! He’s still as arrogant as ever, even when he came here asking for help he still nagged people around."

Feeling indignant, he stood up and walked to the window, hoping to cool his head.

His gaze landed on the garden below, where a lone figure was walking away—his grandson, the chosen heir, Fei Hua Jiang.

Fei Chuan’s words echoed in his mind.

"He is the pillar of this family. If he breaks, the entire family will crumble. So don’t break him."

Head Master Fei’s expression darkened with concern.

He had noticed it. Of course, he had.

He had seen how much Fei Hua Jiang had changed. And he had also noticed how the rest of the family—including himself—looked at him now.

This child was breaking inside. And it was no surprise why.

Head Master Fei sighed as he looked up at the clear night sky.

"It’s not too late. Fix the holes, and maybe you can stay afloat."

He took a deep breath and straightened his hunched back.

He didn’t need that arrogant punk to tell him what to do.

"Butler Zhao," he called out.

Butler Zhao, who had just entered the room, bowed respectfully.

"Yes, Master?"

Head Master Fei’s gaze remained on the window, his voice steady yet thoughtful. "What do you think of Fei Hua Jiang?"

Butler Zhao was momentarily taken aback by the question. But, maintaining his professional demeanor, he answered, "The young master is a brilliant and capable leader—"

"That’s not what I mean." Head Master Fei cut him off, his tone firm. "What do you think of him now? Tell me honestly."

There was a brief silence before Butler Zhao responded with sincerity. "I meant what I said, Master. Young Master Fei Hua Jiang is a capable leader. It doesn’t matter if he is different—he is loyal, devoted, and he has always prioritized the family above all else."

Head Master Fei remained silent, his gaze fixed outside the window. In the courtyard below, Fei Hua Jiang walked past several family members. Once, they would have fought for his favor, flocking around him whenever he appeared. But now, they merely averted their gazes, keeping their distance.

"...Fei Hua Jiang, my grandson," Head Master Fei finally spoke, his voice carrying a weight he hadn’t acknowledged before. "Do you think he is breaking too?"

Butler Zhao hesitated, then sighed. "Yes, Master. I know it’s not my place to say this, but... I only hope the young master will one day feel comfortable in this house. After all, it is his home."

A bitter chuckle escaped Head Master Fei’s lips. Butler Zhao wasn’t just giving an opinion—he was urging him to accept Fei Hua Jiang for who he was.

The old man stood at the window for a long time, watching as the sky shifted colors. The sun was beginning to set, bathing the room in warm hues.

"Call for a family gathering," Head Master Fei said at last. His voice was quiet, yet resolute. "I want everyone—including those abroad—to return home. This family needs a major change."

.....