13 Bai Entertainment Gala

"Thanks, San, for bringing me, I needed this."

"Girl, I got you."

The two friends were sitting in massage chairs, getting pampered before the big event.

Sanua had arrived at the condo at eight in the morning, waking Zunnie up from her much-needed sleep. About to scold her friend, Zunnie was cut off when San quickly said, "Get dressed; I'm taking you out!"

Seeing she had no choice, Zunnie obeyed and got dressed.

Even though she badgered Sanua about where she was taking her, her best friend only replied, "It's a secret," then winked at her.

'What is she up to this time?' Zunnie couldn't help being curious. San always pushed her out of her comfort zone. Zunnie knew never to complain because anything Sanua did was always good for her. So, although she wanted to stay in bed and sleep, she was also overly enthusiastic about what Sanua had planned.

The women were now getting their nails done. Sanua had made hair and makeup appointments, a lunch date, and a mini shopping spree before the gala. It was so relaxing that both women were having a great time.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was an hour before the red carpet, scheduled to begin at four in the evening. They said their goodbyes, and each went their separate ways to get ready for the main event.

Zunnie stood in front of the wide mirror in her walk-in closet and stared at her reflection one last time before she went downstairs to the waiting car her dad sent. She stepped out of the elevator and gracefully walked to the opened car, unaware that someone was watching her every step.

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Alexander Zi stood near the tall glass wall in his bedroom, gazing out at the magnificent sunset revealed through open curtains. Slowly buttoning the crisp white long-sleeved dress shirt, destined to be beneath his navy-blue suit, he left the two top buttons undone. A sigh escaped as he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his trousers.

Just as he prepared to stride to his closet, an elegant young lady strolled toward an open limousine.

"Hmm, just as I thought. Sanua is taking her after all."

Alex smiled and continued to stare at the black limousine until it disappeared.

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Zunnie Bai never graced the red carpet at any of the Bai Entertainment events. When the driver dropped her off at the back entrance, she navigated her way through the bustling main hall, which was gradually filling up. Slipping through the crowd, she elegantly made her way to the Bai family's designated seating area.

Wan Bai, engrossed in greeting guests, caught sight of his daughter. 'She looks just like her mother,' he mused, excusing himself to meet her.

As Zunnie spotted her father approaching, a sweet smile illuminated her face. She planted a kiss on his cheek and enveloped him in a tight hug.

"You look handsome, Papa."

"Ah, thank you, dear. But Pumpkin, you are beautiful tonight. You look just like your mom when she was your age," he remarked, breaking away from the hug to admire the uncanny resemblance to his late wife.

Zunnie's cheeks tinged a light pink at her father's comment. Being told she looked like her mom always warmed her heart. Scanning the room, her eyes lit up. Eyan always excelled at whatever he did. She was grateful to be a part of it.

"Thanks, dad." She warmly smile still surveying the the magnificent room.

"By the way, did Eyan inform you that a date with you is one of the items up for the auction?"

"He did not. But why would he use me?" Perplexity painted Zunnie's expression.

"Well, he thought it would be a good opportunity for you to find a husband."

"Dad… no way! Are certain this wasn't your idea?" Zunnie whined, her lips forming a pout.

"Think of it as a good cause, pumpkin. After all, the hospital is yours. Helping it should be a priority." Wan Bai quickly found an excuse for his and Eyan's scheme.

As he mentioned the hospital, Zunnie groaned inwardly but reluctantly conceded, "Fine, just this once, for a good cause."

She deeply hoped that the person who won, was not weird or it would be the death of the two men trying to marry her off.

Just as their conversation concluded, Eyan Bai walked in with his girlfriend.

"Eyan, please remind me after this to kill you... and ever so slowly." She joking threatened her handsome big brother as he approached them.

"I guess Dad sold us out. Dad, I always knew you couldn't keep a secret." Eyan replied, sounding disappointed.

He hoped Zunnie wouldn't hold this decision against him. He wanted her to have a good time. Maybe the person she meets will be good for her.

"Don't blame me, I'm just looking out for my dear pumpkin," Mr. Bai raised his hand to surrender, seeing Zunnie glare at him.

"You both need to not be so nosy and cut the unnecessary meddling," Zunnie explained, trying to look angry. But she couldn't help smiling deep down, seeing how much they cared for her well-being.