Chapter 48: Second Floor

As I stood by the wall, my gaze sweeping over the opulent crowd, a sudden cheer rang out, causing me to glance down at the glass I held. The clinking of glasses seemed to make a toast, but my attention was quickly diverted when I noticed someone familiar standing next to me.

It was the middle-aged man I'd seen at the library just a few days ago—Mr. Balad, the one who had renewed his library membership. His presence here was unexpected, and I found myself momentarily taken aback.

"Mr. Balad?" I said, attempting to mask my surprise with a polite smile.

He turned to me with a warm, if somewhat weary, smile. "Ah, it's you. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Nor I you," I replied, trying to maintain my composure. "Are you here for the same reason I am?"

He chuckled softly, the sound barely audible over the festivities. "Not quite. I've been invited due to some... personal connections. It seems you're mingling with a different crowd."