The evening unfolded with a quiet elegance as I prepared for the party. I chose a long-sleeved white shirt paired with a modest jean dress, striking a balance between casual and formal-perfect for the intimate gathering ahead. When Ci Xing and I arrived at the lakeside pavilion, I was struck by its breathtaking beauty.
The pavilion, a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern sophistication, stood gracefully on the edge of a serene, mirror-like lake. Surrounding it were lush willow trees, their delicate branches swaying gently in the evening breeze, casting soft reflections on the water.
The structure itself was a masterpiece, with upward-curving eaves adorned with intricate wooden carvings of dragons and phoenixes. The dark glazed tiles of the roof glistened under the warm glow of hanging lanterns, their red silk shades casting a soft, inviting light. The pavilion was open on all sides, allowing the cool evening air to flow through, and its polished crimson wooden pillars exuded a sense of celebration and joy, deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
The smooth, polished stone floor felt cool underfoot, and at the center of the pavilion stood a low, circular table surrounded by plush cushions, encouraging intimate conversation. Around the perimeter, smaller tables were set with fine porcelain tea sets and delicate plates of hors d'oeuvres, showcasing both traditional Chinese delicacies and modern fusion cuisine.
The ambiance was further enhanced by the soft strains of a guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither, played by a musician seated discreetly in a corner. The music mingled with the gentle lapping of the lake's waves, creating a tranquil yet celebratory atmosphere.
"This place is really nice," I remarked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Ci Xing chuckled beside me. "It's an honor to be dining here. Legend has it that during the Han dynasty, the king would often dine here while passing through."
"Really?" I exclaimed, half-jokingly.
Ci Xing laughed. "It's nice to lie to you, hee."
"You're not cute anymore, Xing," I teased, earning another laugh from her.
As we moved further into the pavilion, Ci Xing pointed out familiar faces. "Look, there's Jun Cai and Mei Lín. Oh, and Mr. Li Qiang is here too." She led me toward the group, and I followed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Wow, Kasi! You look great!" Mei Lín greeted me warmly as we approached.
"Thank you, Lín. You look stunning too," I replied, returning the compliment.
Mr. Li Qiang gestured toward the seating area. "Shall we sit for now?" he suggested, his tone gentle yet authoritative. I nodded, grateful for the guidance. This was my first party here, and I didn't want to risk being rude by misunderstanding any social cues.
We settled by the window, with Mei Lín and Ci Xing seated on either side of me. Other teachers, both from the elementary and high school divisions, filled the surrounding seats, creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere. Mr. Li poured a cup of tea and handed it to me. "It's going to get cold. Have some hot tea," he said kindly.
"Thank you, Mr. Li," I replied with a smile.
"Just Li is fine," he corrected gently, and I nodded in understanding. He poured tea for himself and Ci Xing, and we sat in comfortable silence for a moment.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps and laughter echoed in the distance. My attention shifted toward the entrance, where a man and woman in tailored suits led a group of people into the pavilion. Among them, I immediately recognized Mr. Yi Ren, Miss Lina, and Mr. Tang.
"Ah, everyone is already here! That's good," Mr. Yi Ren announced, his voice carrying across the pavilion. Mr. Li and the other teachers stood up, and I quickly followed suit.
"No need to stand. It's just a small event. You all must be tired from the sports week. Please, have a seat," Chairman Yi Ren said warmly as he took a seat opposite us. We all complied, settling back into our cushions.
"Is the seat beside you taken, Mr. Li?" a calm voice inquired. It was Mr. Tang, his tone polite yet confident.
"Not at all," Mr. Li replied.
"Then you wouldn't mind if I sat here, would you?" Mr. Tang asked, his gaze steady.
"Of course not. Make yourself comfortable," Mr. Li said with a nod.
Mr. Tang took his seat beside Mr. Li. Today, he wore a simple black shirt paired with a maroon jacket and grey pants. Despite the understated outfit, he carried an air of quiet authority that made him stand out.
"Miss Kasi, we meet again," Mr. Tang greeted, his voice gentle.
"Nice to see you again, sir," I politely replied.
"Please, call me Tang," he said, his lips curving into a faint smile.
"Alright," I agreed, my voice steady.
"Did I interrupt anything? Please, don't feel pressured. Be at ease," Mr. Tang said, his tone reassuring.
"No, we just arrived and had some tea," Ci Xing quickly explained.
"That's good to hear," Mr. Tang said, leaning back slightly.
Chairman Yi Ren suddenly stood, holding a microphone. "Alright, everyone! Let me introduce some important individuals who have contributed to making Mingde what it is today. I'll have them say a few words." Four men and a woman stood up, and the teachers around us erupted into applause. I joined in, feeling the energy in the room shift.
"This is Mr. Yun, Mr. Lang, Mr. Xian, Mr. Fei, Mrs. Tia, and finally, Mr. Tang Wei Long!" Chairman Yi Ren announced, his voice booming. Another round of applause followed, and I noticed the excited murmurs as Mr. Tang stood. It was clear he commanded immense respect.
Mrs. Tia, a slender woman in a woolen dress and expensive jewelry, was the first to speak. She thanked everyone present and spent a considerable amount of time praising Mr. Tang, her words flowing with admiration. Chairman Yi Ren eventually coughed awkwardly, steering her back to the main topic. As she concluded her speech, I noticed her glancing toward Mr. Tang, who seemed entirely disinterested, his gaze fixed on his cup of tea.
The other investors spoke briefly, each displaying a humble attitude toward Mr. Tang, who acknowledged them with polite nods. When it was his turn to speak, he stood with effortless grace, the room falling silent in anticipation.
"This isn't a party for formalities. Feel free to enjoy your evening. After all, everything is pleasing to the eye today," he said, his voice slow and deliberate. As he spoke, his eyes met mine, and a heart-stirring smile played on his lips. For a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of my heartbeat.
I quickly shook off the sensation, this wasn't right! my thinking was wrong on so many levels! Good thing, I would never meet Mr. Tang after Today.
"Kasi, are you alright?" Mr. Li's voice brought me back to reality.
"Yes, I just need to excuse myself for a moment," I said, offering a polite smile.
"Of course. Let me call a waitress to guide you," Mr. Li said, standing to signal for assistance.
"Thank you," I said as the waitress arrived. I followed her toward the restroom, my mind still replaying the moment from before repeatedly.
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After cooling off in the restroom, I slowly walked through the pavilion, I couldn't help but notice the lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Teachers from both the elementary and high school divisions mingled freely, their laughter and conversations blending seamlessly with the soft guzheng music. The investors, though distinguished, seemed approachable, engaging in light-hearted banter with the staff.
At one table, a group of teachers was sharing stories from the recent sports week, their animated gestures drawing occasional bursts of laughter. Nearby, a young teacher was enthusiastically explaining a new teaching method to Mrs. Tia, who listened with genuine interest. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, making the event feel less like a formal gathering and more like a reunion of old friends.
When I returned to our table, Mr. Tang was engaged in a quiet conversation with Mr. Li, their tones serious yet respectful. Ci Xing and Mei Lín were also chatting amongst themselves. As I took my seat, Mr. Tang glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable, before returning to his conversation.
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