Eliza stood before the full-length mirror by the high window, as Alexander handed her a chic jumpsuit. The smooth fabric clung to her slender figure, its lines and hues exuding a charm distinct from that of classical gowns under the touch of modern designers.
She twirled around, and the familiar self disappeared, replaced by an urban woman who was both unfamiliar and intriguing.
"Does it look good?" Eliza asked, turning to Alexander with a hint of nervous flush on her face.
"Absolutely stunning," Alexander applauded, his eyes filled with admiration. "Tonight at the party, you'll undoubtedly be the center of attention."
Eliza lightly tapped her toes and spun slightly. Her long hair was styled in a contemporary fashion, each step she took seemingly leading her into an unknown new world.
That evening, Alexander handed her a smartphone. Eliza gently swiped across the cool screen, feeling the slightly detached sensation between her fingertips and the glass. Amusingly, when the sensitive phone mistook her swipe for a command, odd symbols and sounds burst forth from the screen, erupting into laughter within the room.
"This is your contact information. Tap... no, press, don't swipe," Alexander instructed patiently.
The cultural gala invitation was both a challenge and an adventure. In the hall resonating with melodious piano music, celebrities and influential figures mingled. Newcomer Eliza occasionally stirred up minor disputes or misunderstandings due to improper word choices or outdated etiquette. Yet, her profound historical knowledge and distinctive personality shone brightly amidst the crowd.
"Your insights are... unique," a professor remarked, rubbing his chin approvingly at this sudden historian.
In the crowd, Peter Brown's gaze fixed upon this foreign lady like a panther's, his thoughts a complex mix of curiosity and sharp discernment.
"Who's that?" Eliza whispered to Alexander.
"Peter Brown, a real estate tycoon in New Port City, a cunning old fox with foresight," Alexander replied.
During their conversations, Eliza inadvertently heard about legends concerning New Port City, which subtly mentioned a secret method for time travel. Instinctively, she looked out towards the distant pedestrians and the city's twinkling lights, her mind tangled with more mysteries.
While compliments poured in, misunderstandings persisted. A media person inadvertently exposed Eliza's ignorance of modern business rules during a casual exchange of drinks, momentarily causing an awkward atmosphere.
Alexander swiftly intervened, single-handedly turning the tide. "She's just arrived from a European research institute and needs time to adapt to our unique culture here." With his eloquence, he skillfully defused the crisis.
As the night grew quiet, Eliza spent more time in silence and contemplation. The intertwining feelings of belonging and bewilderment left her weary.
"No matter where you are, friendship and support are always paramount," Alexander said, sitting alongside her, imparting his strength.
After the gala, a thick envelope mysteriously appeared at Eliza's residence. The seal on the envelope bore an ancient totem of New Port City, and both the content written inside and the quality of the paper exuded an ancient aura—guiding her to a peculiar place.
That place was none other than the ancient and rarely visited bookstore in the heart of New Port City...
The echoing piano keys gradually faded away in the dimly lit office, as Alexander quietly held a glass of whiskey, reminiscing about his encounter with Eliza, his heart throbbed slightly.
"Love? Friendship? Or perhaps... entanglements of fate?" In deep thought, his fingers softly tapped against the crystal-clear glass, producing a crisp and lingering echo.