Party Time

Lia found herself, somewhat reluctantly, linking arms with Professor Lin as they stepped out of the sleek black car that had ferried them to the Qin family's grand residence. The evening air was crisp, and Lia shivered slightly, clutching her wrap tighter as she glanced up at the sprawling mansion.

Lin had gone on and on about how the event would be "good for her," a chance to meet others in her field and "make important connections." Lia, meanwhile, was already contemplating how quickly she could make her appearance and slip away without offending her enthusiastic chaperone.

Despite her resistance to the idea, she had to admit that the dress Lin had found for her—a soft, light blue creation with delicate fabric blending chiffon and silk—was stunning. The material floated around her as she walked, soft and luminous under the evening lights, creating a look that was elegant without being over-the-top. Even Lin had to grudgingly acknowledge it wasn't exactly the sparkly showstopper she'd initially envisioned.

"Fine," Lin muttered under her breath as they walked, glancing sideways at Lia. "It may lack the glitz I was aiming for, but there's an elegance to it. I'll allow it, reluctantly."

Lia smiled wryly, tugging on Lin's arm to pull her in closer. "Oh, come on. You love it, and you know it."

Lin's grin was telling, though she attempted to hide it. "I won't lie; it does have an ethereal quality to it. Like something from a fairy tale."

"Well, that's something, I suppose," Lia replied, glancing up at the large mansion in front of her. "So, what's the game plan?"

As they made their way up the marble steps to the front entrance, Lin began to rattle off details with the fervor of a military strategist briefing her troops. "First, you'll want to say hello to Professors Shi and Wei. They're hosting, and it's important to make a good impression."

"Because?" Lia arched an eyebrow, giving Lin a sideways look.

"Because," Lin emphasized, "they are extremely well-connected, especially with the university board. It wouldn't hurt to get on their good side early on. Oh, and Qin is around here somewhere, too; he always hangs out near the buffet."

"Duly noted," Lia replied, rolling her eyes. "So, I'll make the rounds, smile politely, and that'll be the end of it?"

Lin stopped abruptly, spinning around to face her, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Not quite," she said, an unmistakable glint of excitement in her eyes. "About that blind date…"

"Lin, we talked about this," Lia groaned, shifting on her heels in frustration. "I'm too tired for your matchmaking schemes tonight."

"Oh, please, please, please!" Lin begged, clasping her hands together dramatically. "Just meet him, ten minutes. It's practically a meet-and-greet—nothing more!"

Lia crossed her arms, lips pursed in determination. "Five minutes, max. And only because I know you'll bring it up for weeks if I don't."

Lin narrowed her eyes, considering. "Fine, fine… but don't be surprised if I come back to check if you've extended that time to fifteen."

As they walked up the staircase, Lia couldn't help but wonder what kind of person Lin would consider an ideal match for her. Lin seemed to have an unshakable belief in the merits of finding someone "young, dashing, and wildly successful" for Lia, as she often said, as though that would magically solve all her problems.

They passed through the grand foyer, where the other guests were mingling, their conversations filling the air in a soft, continuous hum. Waitstaff in crisp white uniforms wove between clusters of elegantly dressed professors, their trays filled with glasses of champagne and artfully arranged hors d'oeuvres.

Lia noticed the younger crowd gathered in the main hall and gardens, while an older, more serious group congregated on the second floor. Lin, clearly delighted with her role as Lia's guide, pulled her toward the stairs.

"Now, remember what I said," Lin whispered conspiratorially as they ascended. "Professors on the second floor, and the real fun down here in the gardens. You'll want to cover both if you're to make a full impression."

"Because nothing screams 'successful career' like being dragged into endless networking events," Lia muttered, but a smile tugged at her lips. Lin's enthusiasm was oddly infectious, despite her resistance.

As they reached the top of the stairs, Lin took a deep breath, flashing Lia a look that was half-encouragement, half-warning. "Just be open-minded tonight. Some of these people could be valuable connections, and it wouldn't hurt to get to know them a little better."

Lia sighed, reluctantly nodding. "Fine, I'll play along. But don't think I'm signing up for every single one of your matchmaking schemes after this."

Lin laughed, the sound light and genuine. "We'll see about that," she replied, giving Lia a cheeky wink before releasing her arm and disappearing into the crowd.