Knight Club
Knight Club is the crown jewel of New York's nightlife—a dazzling sanctuary where the elite come to lose themselves in the rhythm of the night. With its sleek, modern architecture, world-class DJs, and an ambiance dripping with luxury, it's no wonder this club reigns supreme.
The moment you step inside, the bass reverberates through your bones, the neon lights paint the crowd in hypnotic hues, and the air thrums with unbridled energy.
On the ground floor, bodies press together on the dark metal dance floor, moving in sync with the pounding music. Sweat glistens under the strobe lights as laughter and shouts blend into the electric atmosphere.
Upstairs, the VIP lounges offer a different kind of indulgence—plush seating, private bars, and an air of exclusivity where the city's elite sip on top-shelf liquor, far removed from the chaos below.
Among the sea of revelers, a group of friends commandeers a red velvet booth, their laughter cutting through the music. Glasses clink, tequila shots disappear in swift motions, and the night stretches before them, endless and intoxicating.
But for Shi Lian, the celebration takes an unexpected turn.
Her phone buzzes insistently in her clutch, the screen flashing with an incoming call from her father. A rare occurrence—especially at this hour. Frowning, she excuses herself from the boisterous chatter of her friends.
"Be right back!" she shouts over the music, pressing the phone to her ear as she weaves through the crowd toward the exit.
The moment she steps outside, the noise fades into a dull hum, replaced by the distant wail of city sirens and the crisp night air.
"Hello, Father?" she answers, her voice laced with curiosity.
"Daughter!" Mo Sheng Yuan's voice is strained, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor. The tension in his tone sends a ripple of unease down her spine.
"What's wrong? Is everything alright?" Her fingers tighten around her phone, her mind racing through worst-case scenarios.
"I need your help, Shi." The words hit her like a punch to the gut. Her father never asks for help—never admits vulnerability. Something is terribly wrong.
"What happened?" she demands, her pulse quickening.
"I can't explain everything over the phone. The company—it's on the verge of collapse. I don't know what to do." His voice cracks, and for the first time in her life, Shi Lian hears fear in her father's words.
Her stomach twists. How could this happen? Just days ago, her mother had assured her everything was fine. Now, their empire—built over decades—is crumbling.
"Don't panic," she says firmly, though her own heart pounds. "I'm coming home. I'll book the first flight back."
After a few more rushed words, she ends the call, her mind spinning. The weight of the situation settles over her like a suffocating blanket. They must have been hiding this from her for months, shielding her from the storm while she lived carefree in New York. Guilt gnaws at her.
Pushing a stray lock of auburn hair behind her ear, she pulls up flight schedules on her phone. Only two options for tomorrow—9:00 AM or 3:00 PM. Without hesitation, she books the earliest one.
When she returns to the booth, her friends take one look at her face and know something is off.
"Whose call was that?" Evelyn, her best friend since freshman year, leans in, her brown eyes sharp with concern.
"My father," Shi Lian replies, her voice hollow.
Evelyn's brows knit together. "And? What did he say?"
Shi Lian exhales slowly. "There's trouble back home. I have to leave tomorrow."
Evelyn chokes on her tequila, coughing violently before grabbing Shi Lian's shoulders. "You're what?"
"I'm flying back to China in the morning."
The entire group falls silent, their celebratory mood shattered. Alex, ever the provocateur, wiggles his eyebrows. "Damn, Eve. Is she breaking up with you?"
"Shut up, Alex," Evelyn snaps before turning back to Shi Lian. "Why? What's going on?"
"I don't know the details yet. All I know is the company's in crisis, and my father needs me there."
Evelyn's face softens. "Is Uncle okay?"
Shi Lian nods, though her smile doesn't reach her eyes. "Worried, but holding on. I booked the 9 AM flight."
"Are you kidding me?" Evelyn groans, throwing her hands up. "You couldn't have told me before booking? What am I supposed to do without you in that damn dorm?"
Shi Lian chuckles weakly, pulling her dramatic best friend into a hug. "I'll miss you too, Eve."
Evelyn pulls back, her eyes suddenly wide. "Wait—is this permanent? Are you not coming back?"
The question hangs in the air. Shi Lian hasn't even considered it. The severity of the situation is still a mystery.
"I don't know," she admits. "If things get resolved quickly, I'll be back. But if not…"
Evelyn's face crumples. "Shi, I'll die without you."
Alex snorts. "Wow. Emotional damage."
Joanna, sitting across from them, tilts her head. "What's with the sudden drama?"
Shi Lian forces a smile. "I don't want to ruin the night. Let's just enjoy ourselves, okay?"
Evelyn nods, though her eyes remain misty. "Fine. But you're not escaping without one last crazy night."
Alex grins, sensing an opportunity. "Perfect. Then let's play Dare or Drink."
A chorus of groans and cheers erupts.
"Rules are simple," Alex declares, pouring a dangerously strong mix of liquors into a glass. "You refuse a dare, you drink this. No backing out."
Shi Lian hesitates. She should take it easy—she has an early flight, and a hangover is the last thing she needs. But the weight of the night, the looming uncertainty, makes her reckless.
She smirks, raising her chin. "Fine. I'm in."
The game begins, and for a few blissful hours, the chaos of the club drowns out the storm waiting for her back home.