章 21: Party time
Mr. Xie gave a stern look to his son and walked away in a huff.
"Thanks mom", Tang hugged his mother warmly.
"My son has been studying too hard and I believe he deserves to let loose at least for a night. Go and have fun with your friends. I shall take care of your dad", she replied with a wink.
Tang was welcomed back with wolf whistles and back slapping by both Li Jie and Chung. Jia Li's blush had apparently narrated the entire story.
"This definitely calls for a celebration. Finally, the lovebirds have come together and spectacularly, if Jia Li's radiance and Tang's grin is anything to go by", teased Li Jie.
"You need to keep your voice down unless you want to deliver the news to my parents as well", admonished Tang.
Shaking his head, Li Jie hailed the passing waiter and took hold of the alcohol-laden tray.
Jia Li hissed, "what the hell are you doing?"
Despite Jia Li's protests, the entire group ended up polishing off a dozen shot glasses. Apart from Tang, it was the first time that these three had imbibed alcohol and it had gone straight to their heads. He fared no better though and with three drinks down, he was as sloshed as the rest of them.
Fifteen minutes later, an inebriated Li Jie snatched the mike from the singer who was performing at the function, "ladies and gentlemen, we have gathered here today to celebrate the much awaited union of our lovebirds. Put your hands together for our band – The Aspirants".
The four of them would have never imagined getting more than what they had bargained for, especially the new love birds. This was the last performance by the group…
Present Day
"I have been looking all over for you, Tang. I want you to meet a couple of my friends who have flown down especially for our nuptial from Paris and Frankfurt", said Mei Zhen, sliding her hand through his arm's crook.
He took a fortifying breath.
"I will see you in a while", he addressed his friends before being pulled away impatiently by his fiancée.
"I am one hundred percent sure now that she dislikes us", commented Li Jie. None of the others tried to deny the statement.
"How does it matter either ways? Their world and ours is not quite on the same orbit. I am sure we all can tolerate each other for the next couple of days or so", Chung said sagely.
"Good evening, I am Xie Tang's personal assistant. He has requested you all to attend the "After Party", which is being held at Ms. Liang's (Tang's fiancée) signature hotel. The event is slated to start at midnight. Please let me know whenever you are ready to leave for the venue. I shall arrange the transport accordingly", he said, handing over his card to Li Jie.
"Oh, and the theme for the party is Hollywood. You are requested to dress up as your favourite star", he finished with a polite smile.
"Just hold on a second. Are you telling me that Tang has organized this party", guffawed Li Jie.
The assistant shook his head and replied with a twinkle in his eyes, "to the best of my knowledge, this was Ms. Liang's idea. She is a huge fan of Hollywood movies and you will find that the décor in her hotels has been inspired and influenced by the same".
"I don't want to go for this late night party. Neither do I have an appropriate attire nor the desire", uttered Jia Li as soon as guy left.
Both men looked at her with emotions ranging from empathy to sympathy. Li Jie had suffered a major heartbreak few years ago and knew how Jia Li was feeling at this moment.
Chung took her hands in his own and cajoled, "I think Tang would like all of us to attend the function. We all are here to be a part of his happiness, right? I promise we shall leave from there early if you like".
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