Lia had no real intention of going to Jing Hao's party.
After all, he was just a student, and she—well, she was almost a professor, but not quite there yet. She'd smiled at his invitation out of politeness, but that was as far as it went. There was no reason for her to be rude. Now, as she wandered the university halls, she sighed, trying to remember the way back to her office.
Zhang Lia: math genius, field-leading scholar...and utterly, hopelessly directionless.
After taking a few wrong turns, she'd somehow found herself outside. Blinking into the bright sunlight, she squinted and held a hand up to shield her eyes. Students milled about in the courtyard, chatting in groups beneath the trees that dotted the grassy space. She squinted at the path ahead, weighing her options.
"Oi, kid!" called a familiar voice from behind her.
Lia turned, half-expecting a student. But instead, it was Professor Lin, bounding toward her with the energy of a mischievous teenager rather than a distinguished music professor. Lin's grin was broad, an exaggerated smirk in place of her usual dignified expression. She leaned in close, eyebrows raised in mock conspiracy.
"Little girl, are you alone?" Lin asked in a stage whisper, putting on an accent far thicker than usual. "I could take you to my van. Got candy in it!" She wiggled her eyebrows in a theatrically suspicious way.
Lia had to stifle a laugh, crossing her arms as she attempted to look unimpressed. "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers," she replied, her mouth curving into a tiny pout.
Lin let out an exaggerated sigh, as if she'd expected nothing less. "Well," she said dramatically, "tonight you're coming to the Jing family party with me," she declared, straightening up and dusting imaginary lint from her shoulder with a look of utmost self-satisfaction. "And I've arranged a blind date for you."
Lia's shoulders sagged as she shook her head. "Not this again…"
"You bet!" Lin chirped. "Blind date, dashing young man—probably the best idea I've ever had, if I do say so myself." Her voice had taken on the mischievous tone of someone thoroughly pleased with herself.
Lia fixed her with a skeptical look, quirking an eyebrow. "You do realize that's also a stranger, right?" she deadpanned. "So I have to say no."
Lin made a show of ignoring her, holding up a hand. "Details, details," she waved dismissively. "The point is, young ladies should meet handsome men. Tender, fresh meat!" She added the last part with a dramatic flourish of her fingers.
Lia narrowed her eyes. "I feel like I've heard this story before," she said slowly. "You know, from the last three blind dates you 'accidentally' set me up with."
"Oh, those were just trial runs," Lin replied, her tone breezy. "This one's different."
Lia tilted her head. "How so?"
Lin grinned wider. "I actually remembered his name this time!"
Lia couldn't help but laugh. "You're saying this with confidence, like I'm actually supposed to be convinced."
Lin gave an exasperated sigh, placing a hand over her heart. "Kid, you wound me! Think of it as... as networking. Young professionals meet, young professionals connect! It's a beautiful concept."
Lia shot her a dry look. "Networking? Is that what we're calling forced social gatherings now?"
Lin shrugged with a mischievous sparkle in her eye. "It sounds better, doesn't it? Networking means something. Parties... well, parties mean there's wine and a chance to flirt."
Lia rolled her eyes but couldn't hold back a smile. "Flirting isn't on my agenda for tonight."
Lin tutted, shaking her head. "That's your problem, Lia," she chided, placing a hand on her shoulder in mock pity. "You're brilliant, and if you don't go, I'll... I'll haunt you with violin solos outside your window."
Lia raised her hands in surrender. "All right, all right!" she chuckled. "If you're willing to go to that extent..."
Lin laughed, playfully nudging her. "You see? Progress!" She straightened, glancing at her watch. "So, you'll go with me tonight, seven sharp?"
Lia hesitated, looking down, her fingers twisting a loose strand of hair. "Only because you'd probably drag me along even if I said no."
Lin smirked. "Already learning to negotiate terms. See, that's the spirit!"
She adjusted her glasses, casting Lia a wink. "Tonight's going to be fun—you'll see."
"Whatever you say," Lia sighed with an indulgent smile, shaking her head.
As they parted ways, Lin turned back with one last reminder. "Oh, and kid?"
Lia raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"
Lin flashed her an impish grin. "Wear something that sparkles."