"Evelyn rang the doorbell, and Mei opened the door with a warm smile. 'I hope I'm not too late,' Evelyn asked, looking a bit anxious.
'No, we were just starting,' Mei replied, pulling Evelyn's hand to lead her inside. As they entered, Evelyn stopped abruptly.
'Mei, I think there's been a misunderstanding,' Evelyn began, taking a deep breath. 'Your brother and I aren't dating. He saved me when I was attacked. I wanted to apologize and clear the air in person.'
Mei's expression remained neutral, her eyes sparkling with a hint of curiosity. 'I already knew you weren't dating Big Bro,' Mei said matter-of-factly. 'I saw the news, and judging by everything, I could easily tell what really happened.'
"Then why did you invite me?" Evelyn asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Mei leaned in, a conspiratorial look on her face. "Don't tell Big Bro I told you this, but he's the one who told me to invite you," she whispered.
Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise, but Mei continued, "Now that we've cleared the air, how about we join the party? Everyone's waiting for us."
Mei pulled Evelyn's hand, leading her through the house to the backyard. The darkness of the night was illuminated by the warm glow of red Chinese lanterns, casting a festive ambiance. A wooden bench and seats were arranged around the area, with plates of food spread out on tables.
"Sorry for being late," Mei announced to the group, as they turned to face her and Evelyn.
Landon, Richard, and Emma stood near the table, their eyes widening in shock as they took in Evelyn's presence. "Oh my god, that's Evelyn Stone!" Richard exclaimed, his excitement palpable. He rushed towards Evelyn, nearly tripping over his own feet.
"Oh my god, Ms. Evelyn Stone! I'm a huge fan of yours!" Richard gushed, holding out his arm like a starstruck teenager. "Can you sign my arm? I'll tattoo it later!"
Emma's expression turned beet red with anger as she smacked the back of Richard's head with considerable force. "Stop making her uncomfortable, you idiot!" she hissed, her voice loud and fierce.
"I'm so sorry for that idiot's behavior," Emma apologized, quickly glancing at Richard before turning back to Evelyn with a warm smile. "I hope he didn't make you uncomfortable."
Evelyn chuckled, her expression turning wry. "No, it's okay. I have encounters with weirdos all the time."
Emma's face lit up with a polite request. "If you don't mind, can I take a selfie with you?"
Meanwhile, Richard's eyes blazed with fury as he grabbed Landon's shoulder, his grip tight. "You damn bastard, why didn't you tell me you knew Evelyn Stone? You know how much of a fan I am of hers!"
Landon's calm demeanor was a stark contrast to Richard's outburst. "Calm down, I'll explain everything later," he said, his voice even but firm.
Richard's response was laced with a hint of menace. "You better."
"Okay, that's enough, everybody! Let's have food before it turns cold," Mei interrupted, breaking the moment.
As they finished dinner, Emma raised her glass, a bit unsteadily, and slurred, "To my favorite cousin, Mei!" The others, also showing signs of intoxication, echoed her sentiment. Except for Landon, who remained sober and observant.
"Today, I'd like to raise a toast to Mei , who's achieved her dream of getting into her dream company!" Emma continued, her voice filled with excitement. "May she have a better future ahead!"
As everyone cheered, Emma continued, "Now, let me enlighten the mood with a song." But before she could start, Landon tried to sneak out, only to be caught by Richard.
"Where do you think you're going?" Richard asked, his smile tight and menacing, as he gripped Landon's thigh.
Landon attempted a weak excuse, "I forgot I left something on the stove."
Richard wasn't having it, his determination evident. "You didn't. I checked properly."
The verbal sparring escalated, with Landon trying to wriggle free. "Let me go, you son of a bitch! I'm not going to suffer here!"
Richard's response was firm. "Neither am I."
Their heated exchange caught Emma's attention, her eyes glassy from drink. "You punks! What do you guys think you're doing?" she slurred, stumbling towards them.
As Emma landed on Richard's chest, she went limp, passing out cold. Richard tried to rouse her, shaking her gently. "Hey, Emma, wake up!"
But she didn't stir. Richard sighed, scooping her up into a piggyback position. "I think we're going to head home, guys. She's had a bit too much to drink."
Mei and the others nodded in agreement, bidding them farewell. "Bye, Emma! Bye, Richard!"
As they left the scene, Richard stumbled slightly under Emma's weight, but managed to keep his balance. The night had certainly taken an unexpected turn!
"I'm going to bed, big bro," Mei said, barely keeping her balance. Landon helped her to her bed, making sure she was comfortable.
As he turned to leave, he noticed Evelyn sitting silently in the corner. "You should go to bed, Evelyn. You look like you've had a bit too much to drink," Landon said, concern etched on his face.
Evelyn shook her head, her voice slurred. "I'm not drunk... I'm okay."
Landon raised an eyebrow. "It's getting cold outside. We should head in."
Evelyn suddenly raised her arms to him, like a child asking to be picked up. "Take me," she said in a drunk voice, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Landon couldn't help but smile at Evelyn's antics. "Stop playing, you should get to bed," he said, trying to hold in his grin.
Evelyn pouted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Nope, I'm not getting up unless you pick me up. You don't want to leave a lady out in the cold, do you?" she said, trying to seduce him with her words.
Landon chuckled, shaking his head. "Make sure you won't regret this tomorrow," he said, scooping her up in his arms.
Evelyn giggled, her voice playful and drunk. "Move forward," she commanded, her arms wrapped around his neck.
As Landon carried her towards the house, he couldn't help but wonder what he was getting himself into. Evelyn's carefree and flirtatious behavior was a side of her he hadn't seen before.