"Come quickly, it's already 18:00," I urged, adjusting the straps of my left heel and glancing at the clock anxiously.

"I know, I know," Lexi called back, running around with her lipstick in hand, trying to apply it while on the move.

"I don't want to be late," I insisted, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the door.

"Stop, you'll tear my dress," she protested, annoyed but hurrying nonetheless.

"Shut up and follow me," I said, still holding onto her hand as we rushed out the door.

We didn't drive ourselves; instead, we had ordered a cab. It was still early, but it was better to arrive ahead of time than to be fashionably late, especially for such a grand gala. Thirty minutes later, we pulled up to the venue.

Our eyes lit up at the sight before us. The venue was an opulent ballroom adorned with twinkling fairy lights that cascaded down from the high ceilings, creating a magical ambience. Elegant chandeliers hung overhead, their crystals sparkling like stars in the night sky. The entrance was flanked by tall, marble columns wrapped in ivy and blooming flowers, giving the place a timeless and enchanting feel.

A red carpet stretched out before us, leading to the grand entrance where guests were being greeted by attendants in crisp, black uniforms. We could hear the soft strains of a string quartet playing from within, adding a touch of sophistication to the already glamorous atmosphere.

As we stepped out of the cab, the cool evening breeze rustled our dresses. Lexi's midnight blue gown shimmered under the lights, and I adjusted the hem of my deep red dress, feeling a thrill of excitement.

"Wow, this place is incredible," Lexi whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

I nodded in agreement, taking in the scene. People mingled near the entrance, laughter and the clinking of glasses floating through the air. We joined the throng of elegantly dressed guests, making our way inside. The ballroom was even more breathtaking, with tables draped in rich fabrics, adorned with extravagant centrepieces of roses and lilies.

"We made it," I said, a sense of relief washing over me. "And just in time."

Lexi grinned, finally relaxing. "Let's enjoy this night."

With a shared look of excitement, we stepped further into the ballroom, ready to immerse ourselves in the night's festivities. The private gala night seemed to be a lavish affair, with the atmosphere exuding opulence and sophistication. The entrance was adorned with a grand archway draped in red and black silk, welcoming guests into a world of luxury. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by the sight of a magnificent chandelier hanging from the golden ceiling, casting a warm, radiant glow across the room.

The dress code for the evening was strictly red and black, adding to the elegance of the event. Guests were dressed in their finest attire, with women in stunning red gowns that flowed gracefully as they moved, and men in sharp black tuxedos, the combination creating a visually striking contrast. The sound of classical music played softly in the background, adding to the refined ambience.

Waiters, dressed in crisp white shirts and black trousers, glided through the crowd with trays of wine and champagne. The glasses were intricately designed, with delicate etchings that caught the light, making each sip feel like a celebration. The aroma of gourmet hors d'oeuvres filled the air, tantalizing the senses with the promise of culinary delights.

On the other side of the whitewashed walls, there were huge paintings hanging, each one a masterpiece in its own right. The art ranged from classic portraits to modern abstracts, each piece meticulously chosen to complement the grandeur of the event. The walls themselves were adorned with gold-trimmed mouldings, adding an extra touch of luxury to the already lavish setting.

Crystal candelabras stood on tables covered in black velvet tablecloths, their flickering flames casting a romantic glow. Fresh flower arrangements in deep red hues added a pop of colour and a touch of natural beauty to the decor. Conversations and laughter filled the air, creating a lively yet elegant atmosphere.

In the centre of the room, a grand piano stood, where a pianist played melodious tunes, his fingers dancing effortlessly over the keys. Nearby, a small stage was set up for live performances, promising an evening of entertainment and enchantment.

The gala night was not just an event; it was an experience, a night where every detail had been carefully curated to create an unforgettable evening of elegance and sophistication.

"You got lucky to be invited here," Lexi whispered.

"Well, I am lucky, but thank your stars you have me; otherwise, who would have invited you here?" I teased with a smirk. She rolled her eyes playfully, and we both laughed shyly, blending into the hum of the elegant gathering around us.

The ballroom was a spectacle to behold. From the intricately designed ceiling to the polished marble floors, every corner spoke of luxury. We wandered through the crowd, admiring the surroundings, when Lexi's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, excused herself, and headed toward the exit to take the call. Phones were strictly prohibited inside, so she slipped out quietly, leaving me momentarily alone.

As I scanned the room, my eyes fell on a familiar face. Dr. Xue Fei, a distinguished professor from my university days, stood nearby, engaged in conversation with a group of academics. Taking a deep breath, I made my way over.

"Hello, Professor, do you still remember me?" I asked, hoping my voice didn't betray my nerves.

"Sian, my dear, of course I do. I am not that old yet," he said with a hearty laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He looked just as distinguished as ever, his silver hair neatly combed, and his tailored suit perfectly pressed.

Beside him stood his wife, a vision of grace in a stunning red gown. "Ah, you look beautiful tonight," she said warmly, her smile genuine and kind. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and recognition.

"Thank you, Mrs. Fei," I replied, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "It's wonderful to see both of you here."

"We were just discussing some of the new research in our field," Dr. Fei said, gesturing to the group. "Have you been keeping up with the latest developments?"

"Yes, I have," I said, nodding enthusiastically. "I've been working on some projects of my own, and it's been quite exciting."

"That's fantastic to hear," he replied, his expression one of genuine interest. "We should catch up properly some time. I'd love to hear more about your work."

As we continued our conversation, the soft strains of the piano filled the room, adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting evening. Waiters moved gracefully among the guests, offering trays of delicate canapés and refilling glasses with the finest champagne.

"I must say, this event is quite the spectacle," Mrs. Fei remarked, her eyes taking in the grandeur of the ballroom. "It's not every day we get to attend something so exquisite."

"Indeed," I agreed, feeling a sense of wonder as I looked around. The night was unfolding beautifully, and I felt fortunate to be surrounded by such inspiring individuals.

Just then, Lexi returned, her call finished, and joined us with a bright smile. "I see you've found someone to keep you company," she said, giving me a playful nudge.

"Yes, and I'm glad I did," I replied, feeling more at ease with each passing moment. "Lexi, this is Dr. Xue Fei and his lovely wife."

"Pleasure to meet you," Lexi said, extending her hand.

"The pleasure is ours," Dr. Fei replied, shaking her hand warmly.

"Sian often mentions you," Mrs Fei said to Lexi with a kind smile. "You're pretty too, just a little short, but not bad," she added, gently tucking a stray piece of hair behind Lexi's ear. I could sense Lexi's embarrassment, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.

"Xuelina, don't trouble this child," Dr. Fei interjected with a chuckle. "I apologize. My wife always does this."

"It's okay," Lexi replied, her voice tinged with embarrassment but also warmth. "She's a nice lady."

Mrs. Fei laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. "I mean well, dear. Sometimes my words don't come out quite right."

"It's alright, really," Lexi assured her, offering a small, embarrassed smile.

As we sipped our drinks, the conversation flowed more easily. Dr. Fei shared amusing anecdotes from his academic career, while Mrs. Fei recounted tales of their travels. Lexi and I listened intently, occasionally sharing our own stories and experiences. The gala continued to buzz with activity. The pianist transitioned to a lively jazz tune, and a few couples took to the dance floor, elegant and graceful. The atmosphere was festive and joyful, with everyone revelling in the splendour of the night. As the night was slowly coming to an end, the initial awkwardness faded away, replaced by genuine enjoyment and connection. The gala was more than just a lavish event; it was a night of shared moments and new friendships, making it truly unforgettable.

"Where is Jay Park?" Lexi asked, scanning the room.

"Yeah, he was the one who invited me over, and he was the one who approved my last PhD paper," I added curiously.

Just as those words escaped my lips, the lights dimmed, leaving the room in a hushed darkness. A warm white glow emerged in the centre of the stage, capturing everyone's attention. The whispers grew louder.

"What happened?" I asked Lexi, leaning closer to her.

"The one you were waiting for is here," Mrs. Fei said with a knowing smile.

"Oh my gosh, it's Jay Park!" Lexi nearly screamed, her excitement barely contained. Around us, women were giggling like teenagers, the room buzzing with anticipation.

Jay Park stepped into the spotlight, his presence immediately commanding the room. Indeed, he was a handsome man, his charisma and magnetism palpable. He had an innate ability to captivate audiences with both his voice and his presence. His face glowed under the stage lights, highlighting his striking features.

In the music and business industries, Jay Park was known not only for his talent but also for his humility and dedication to his craft. These qualities had endeared him to many, making him a beloved figure in both fields. He stood tall, his posture confident yet approachable, and the room fell silent, hanging on his every move.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Jay Park began, his voice smooth and resonant, "thank you for joining us tonight. It's an honour to be surrounded by such incredible talent and passion."

His words were met with applause and cheers, the energy in the room electric. He continued to speak, sharing his gratitude for the support of his friends, colleagues, and fans. His humility shone through as he acknowledged the contributions of everyone in the room.

"I would like to personally thank Miss Yoonjoon Sian for her outstanding work," he said, looking directly at me. "Her dedication and brilliance have greatly contributed to our field, and I'm thrilled to have her here tonight."

A wave of warmth and pride washed over me as the room erupted in applause. Lexi nudged me, her eyes wide with excitement. I smiled, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment. Jay Park continued to captivate the audience with his words, sharing stories of his journey and the lessons he had learned along the way. His authenticity and passion were evident, making the evening feel even more special.

After my speech, Jay Park took the microphone with his signature charm. "Thank you, Miss Yoonjoon, for those inspiring words. Now, let's keep the energy high and enjoy the rest of the evening. Ladies and gentlemen, the dance floor is now open!" 

The room erupted in applause and cheers, and the band struck up a lively tune.