32. EVENT

Today was the day of the Chinese-themed literature event at Alina’s university, and Caelan felt a mix of anticipation and nerves as he stepped out of the car. Will and Hope flanked him, both equally intrigued by the festivities that awaited them.

As they approached the entrance, Caelan’s gaze wandered over the vibrant decorations that adorned the university grounds. Red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, and colorful banners featuring traditional Chinese characters hung from every corner. The air was filled with the aromatic scent of jasmine tea and the sweet fragrance of dumplings being prepared nearby. It was a feast for the senses, and for a moment, Caelan allowed himself to get lost in the atmosphere.

But his attention quickly shifted as he caught sight of Alina. She stood near the entrance, a beacon of grace in a stunning traditional Chinese dress that hugged her figure perfectly. The fabric shimmered in shades of red and gold, a striking contrast to her mismatched blue and green eyes. Her hair was elegantly styled, adorned with delicate floral pins that complemented her attire. For a heartbeat, Caelan found himself captivated, a sensation that was both thrilling and unnerving.

“Wow, Alina looks incredible,” Hope murmured beside him, her eyes wide with admiration.

Will nodded in agreement, his attention shifting between Alina and the bustling crowd. “She really pulled off the theme,” he said, smirking. “I bet she’s going to be the center of attention tonight.”

Caelan felt a familiar tightening in his chest as he approached Alina. Her smile was radiant, illuminating her face as she spotted him. “Caelan! I’m so glad you could make it!” she exclaimed, her voice warm and inviting.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he replied, trying to keep his tone steady. As they stood there, the noise of the event faded into the background, leaving just the two of them in a bubble of shared excitement. He couldn’t take his eyes off her; she totally resembled his lover from centuries ago, a connection that tugged at the edges of his memory.

“You look… amazing,” he added, his voice softer than intended, and he felt a slight flush creep up his neck. It was the first time he had seen her embrace her heritage so fully, and it stirred something deep within him.

“Thank you!” Alina beamed, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I wanted to make the most of the theme. It’s not every day we get to celebrate like this.”

“Let’s get some food,” Will suggested, breaking the moment with his usual enthusiasm. “I hear they have some incredible dishes here.”

Alina laughed lightly, and the sound sent a rush of warmth through Caelan. “Definitely! They even have dumplings made by a local chef. You guys have to try them!”

But just then, Alina glanced at the stage where the authors were to be introduced. “Oh, I have to go prepare for the opening remarks,” she said, her expression shifting to one of determination. “I’ll introduce the authors and host the event.”

Caelan felt a pang of disappointment at the thought of her leaving. “Do you need any help?” he asked, his voice a mix of eagerness and reluctance.

“No, I’ll be fine! Just make sure to grab a dumpling for me!” she replied with a wink before turning to head toward the stage.

As Alina walked away, her graceful movements caught the attention of those around her, and Caelan’s heart swelled with pride. He was grateful for the chance to be here, to see her shine. The festivities buzzed around him, but he knew tonight was special—not just for literature, but for the rich tapestry of lives woven together in this moment.

As he watched her ascend the stage, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this night was going to change everything. With every step she took, Caelan’s resolve grew stronger; he wanted to understand her world better, to be a part of it in a way he never had before.

As Alina stepped onto the stage, a wave of anticipation washed over the audience. The soft murmur of excitement quieted to a respectful hush, all eyes on her as she adjusted the microphone. She took a deep breath, her heart racing, but her training and passion surged to the forefront.

“Good afternoon, everyone! Thank you for joining us today for this special event celebrating the rich tapestry of Chinese literature,” she began, her voice steady and clear. “I am thrilled to introduce our first author, Mr. Darnell, who has captivated readers with his exploration of ancient Chinese fantasy.”

A warm round of applause erupted from the crowd, and Alina felt a rush of confidence. She gestured toward the side of the stage, where a middle-aged man with an inviting smile and a neatly groomed beard stepped forward. Dressed in a traditional Chinese jacket, Mr. Darnell looked every bit the part of an esteemed author.

“Thank you, Alina,” he said as he took the microphone. “It’s an honor to be here and to share my love for this incredible culture through my writing.”

As the Q&A session commenced, Alina's co-host, a fellow literature enthusiast named Jason, engaged Mr. Darnell with thought-provoking questions. “Mr. Darnell, could you elaborate on how the writing in Chinese has evolved over the centuries, especially in the realm of fantasy?”

“Absolutely!” Mr. Darnell replied, his passion evident as he spoke. “Chinese literature has a long and illustrious history. From the early philosophical texts to the fantastical tales of the Ming and Qing dynasties, we see a significant evolution. The fusion of folklore and fantasy has shaped not just our stories, but also the way we perceive the world.”

As Alina listened intently, she couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly Mr. Darnell articulated his thoughts. She glanced at the audience, and her heart swelled with pride to be part of such a vibrant community celebrating literature.

From the back of the crowd, Caelan watched her with a small smile lingering on his face. She was in her element, radiating confidence and passion. He admired the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke, the way she gestured with enthusiasm. It reminded him of how alive she felt, and it warmed him to see her shine.

But his moment of admiration was abruptly interrupted as he noticed something above the stage. His eyes widened in horror as he saw the spotlight flickering erratically. The wires hung loosely from the overhead rigging, swaying dangerously.

“Alina, watch out!” Caelan shouted, his voice cutting through the applause and chatter. The audience turned, their eyes darting toward him in confusion, but he couldn’t take his gaze off the spotlight.

In that instant, time seemed to slow. Alina looked up, a puzzled expression on her face, just as the spotlight lost its wire entirely. With a gut-wrenching crash, the heavy light came crashing down toward the stage.

Without thinking, Caelan surged forward, his heart racing as he pushed through the crowd.