Wang Qiqi felt as if she had just finished a marathon, completely winded. The shock of it made her sit bolt upright. "Oh my God, that dream was terrifying." Dreaming of collapsing during a long run because she couldn't catch her breath—Wang Qiqi said, still unnerved. The dream had felt far too real.

Snapping back to reality, Wang Qiqi looked around and nearly exploded with frustration. The reason she felt breathless was now perfectly clear: she was sleeping in the middle. Even though the arrangement of the sleeping space had been disrupted due to her presence, it was obvious why she felt uncomfortable and unable to breathe—her chest must have been pinned down by someone’s hand or foot.

Wang Qiqi racked her brain, trying desperately to recall how she had ended up in the middle spot. She distinctly remembered securing the most advantageous position yesterday. It should have been Shi Man sleeping in the center. As for why she ended up there, Qiqi didn't believe her own tossing and turning could result in her rolling over to claim the central territory. It was more likely someone had deliberately intervened.

Even if she figured out who was responsible, what could she do? Wake them up and confront them? Wang Qiqi certainly didn't have the nerve. Everyone present had a terrible temper upon waking, and coupled with their late-night chat the previous evening, they were all severely sleep-deprived.

Wang Qiqi yawned her way out of the room. "You're up?" Han Tao emerged yawning from the adjacent room. He had expected Qiqi to be heading out for necessary morning ablutions. But seeing how alert she seemed struck him as odd. He had spent some time on his computer after returning last night; even as he drifted off, he could hear the three women next door still talking. Based on the volume of their conversation, they could have easily gone on for another three or four hours. How was Qiqi already awake? Had they turned in very early?

Seeing Han Tao, Wang Qiqi immediately leaned her head against his chest. "I had no choice but to get up." She glanced at the time and realized it was only seven o'clock. While that wasn't early for a class day, today was Saturday—a designated day for sleeping in! Yet, someone had cancelled this privilege. "Let's go for a run and grab breakfast," she suggested. Mark wasn't arriving until noon anyway, and since she was already up, she might as well get some exercise. The main draw was that Old Feng’s new apartment was near Central Park. Though not right next door, it was only a ten-minute jog away—that sounded appealing. Since they were here, they might as well hit the park for a workout.

Run this early? Han Tao wasn't keen. Especially noticing that while Qiqi appeared awake, she still gave the impression of being underslept. "I didn't bring any workout clothes. Why don't you just sleep a bit longer on the sofa?" Though not as comfortable as a real bed, it seemed better than forcing him out for a run.

Wang Qiqi glanced at the seemingly spacious sofa but shook her head. "I’d rather run. This sofa feels uncomfortable." After sitting on it briefly yesterday, she felt like she sank right into it. She wasn't fond of these 'boneless' sofas. "We haven't really had a chance to properly explore New York together," she noted. John would be here today to finalize the paperwork. And Qiqi knew that Shi Man and Julianna were planning a shopping spree tomorrow. Wang Qiqi dreaded joining, as it was exhausting, but since the three men had already declared they wouldn't participate in "the world of women," and she hadn't seen Julianna in ages, Qiqi felt obligated to tag along or they wouldn't let her off the hook. Doing the mental math, Qiqi realized she only had half a day left for time alone with Han Tao.

Han Tao had initially planned to just take care of his morning business and retreat back to sleep, but looking at his girlfriend’s pleading eyes, he couldn't bring himself to deliver a mood-killing refusal. "Fine, I’ll go change." He supposed breathing some fresh air wouldn't hurt. Lately, his life had been a constant whirl—either stuck at home chasing deadlines, rushing to classes, or buried in the library, like a spinning top. Even this trip to New York was loaded with tasks.

Wang Qiqi waved him off, urging him to hurry up and change. She, meanwhile, strolled slowly into the bathroom to attend to her needs and brush her teeth and wash her face. By the time she was done, Han Tao was already tapping his foot impatiently by the bathroom door. "I was supposed to go first!" Han Tao only realized the illogic of his thought once he was back in the living room—even if he needed to change, shouldn't that come after washing up? The bathroom door was already closed when he returned, confirming he’d been tricked by Wang Qiqi again.

Wang Qiqi planted a quick kiss on Han Tao’s cheek. "Mmm, so oily," she declared with a look of mock disdain. "My face, however, is firm and smooth."

Seeing Wang Qiqi clearly preening, Han Tao reached out to pinch her cheek. His girlfriend's skin really was quite good, but her skin management was surprisingly lax. If Shi Man weren't constantly watching over her—nagging her to use face wash daily, demanding weekly masks, and insisting on this cream and that lotion—Han Tao figured she’d be lucky to remember washing her face once a day. On the upside, Qiqi rarely wore makeup, which certainly saved time on skincare routines.

Wang Qiqi saw Han Tao preparing to grab her face without even washing his hands and quickly ducked away from the grasping hand. "I’ll be ready to leave in five minutes. You hurry up too." Trying to tease her, trying to get handsy? He ought to check his schedule first.

"Five minutes? How is that enough?" Han Tao complained immediately upon hearing the tight limit. He had already changed, but he had several things to take care of. "While you were in there..." Han Tao started to protest that she'd spent a good ten minutes inside, yet he was only allotted five—that was severe double standards.

"I'm a woman," Wang Qiqi stated flatly. "You should be thrilled that your wife only takes this little time to get ready before going out." She really should show him how long Shi Man and Old Feng took to prepare for a date, even if the clothes were picked out days in advance; washing up and applying light makeup took at least half an hour. Compared to them, Wang Qiqi considered herself lightning fast. "Alright, you need to hurry. I'll knock on the bathroom door later." Qiqi mischievously wondered if hearing her knock mid-business would cause the poor man to hold it in so tightly he developed some ailment. Wouldn't that just mean she suffered later?

Knocking on the bathroom door? Han Tao shot Wang Qiqi a vicious glare. This girl needed a lesson; she had no idea of the seriousness of things. "You just wait," he growled, slamming the bathroom door shut. If he didn't speed up, what then? He knew Qiqi was a woman who followed through on her threats. He certainly didn't want to be startled halfway through his business, causing something to retract—that would be a major problem.

Watching Han Tao bolt away as if chased by a wolf, Wang Qiqi nearly laughed; he was too comical. However, with the other four still sleeping, she didn't want to disturb them. Qiqi wasn't worried about them getting angry later; she just didn't want to bring along any dead weight. The Fatty might not come, and while Julianna was uncertain, Shi Man would definitely drag Feng Xuanxiang with her.

Wang Qiqi returned to her room, carefully opening the suitcase she had brought. She rummaged inside and pulled out a high-necked sweater, then two scarves. These two scarves were frankly mediocre; judging by how coarse they felt, Qiqi must have knitted them herself. After putting one on, she walked to the entrance area and checked herself repeatedly in the mirror. "They really aren't good." Wang Qiqi felt the scarf made her look utterly foolish and decided against offering the other one to Han Tao, fearing Shi Man’s inevitable teasing. Just as she was about to take hers off, Han Tao emerged from the bathroom and saw her.

"Hey, Qiqi, where did you get that scarf? It looks absolutely terrible." Han Tao had assumed Qiqi had bought a new scarf, but upon closer inspection, he saw how rough the knit was—the stitches weren't dense at all. Han Tao mentally wondered who had treated Wang Qiqi like a lab rat by gifting her such an ugly item. Knowing Qiqi couldn't knit, he hadn't made the connection.

See, even Han Tao disliked it. Wang Qiqi pouted, miserably taking off the scarf. "No one gave it to me. I knitted it myself. My skill is poor; it’s embarrassing, okay?"

Han Tao was stunned. He hadn't realized Qiqi had knitted the scarf. Then he noticed she had another scarf in her hand—the one around her neck was red, and the black one was draped over her arm. Was the black one meant for him? A New Year's gift? He recalled the moment at the airport when he gave Qiqi a brooch as his New Year's gift, and she’d confidently promised him something "very surprising and memorable." Frankly, Han Tao had been quite expectant, but he hadn't anticipated her mysterious gift being a scarf. He admitted that at that moment, he felt a slight sense of disappointment; a scarf simply didn't suit his image. But then again, this was probably Qiqi’s second finished project. If he wasn't mistaken, the first one was the red scarf she was wearing earlier.

Han Tao watched the furious Wang Qiqi turn back toward the room and quickly grabbed her arm. He knew if he let her retreat now, both scarves would vanish forever, and he’d never see a piece of handmade affection from her again. "Even if it’s ugly, it’s the first scarf my wife ever knitted, and I love it." To prevent Qiqi from taking it back, Han Tao snatched it before she could react and quickly tied it around his neck. "It looks great on me. It really suits me."

"Suits what? It’s really quite ugly," Wang Qiqi countered, moving beside him to inspect it again. "But compared to the first one, this one is much better. Since you like it, you can have it." Wang Qiqi had intended to adjust the scarf for Han Tao, but he gripped it so tightly, clearly worried she’d snatch it back, that he gave her no chance to fuss with the knot. Seeing his insecurity, Qiqi decided to skip the adjustment. She carefully re-draped her own red scarf. At this hour, she reasoned, not many people would be out, and they probably wouldn't notice them. With that settled, Wang Qiqi pulled Han Tao out the door. "When my skills improve, I'll make you a better one."

Han Tao glanced down at the scarf around his neck. The second attempt showed such a marked improvement; Qiqi hadn't been bragging about knitting a decent scarf eventually. But no matter how clumsy the first one looked, it held immense sentimental value.

Han Tao stopped Wang Qiqi, who was already heading out. "Did you leave a note?" He had glanced back and hadn't seen any small slips of paper on the dining table or coffee table.

Leave a note? Wang Qiqi shook her head; she hadn't even thought of it. "Wait for me a moment." If she didn't leave a message, when Man Man and the others woke up and found them gone, they wouldn't be overly alarmed, but they would worry. Since a quick note solved the issue, there was no need to make a fuss.

Han Tao dashed back inside, quickly scribbled a sentence, left it on the coffee table, and pulled Wang Qiqi out.

Hand in hand, Wang Qiqi and Han Tao walked towards Central Park. Perhaps because it was the weekend or simply too early, there were very few cars on the road, though they did see a few joggers. "I've never seen New York so quiet," Wang Qiqi remarked. In her mind, New York was a city of ceaseless traffic. Its current stillness was far beyond her expectations.

"Fewer cars is good." Han Tao had been scanning for an open eatery the whole way, finding only one KFC. "Want a burger?" He felt he wouldn't have the energy to keep walking without eating something this early.

"Sure." Wang Qiqi rubbed her slightly hungry stomach. "And a carton of milk."

The pair ambled toward Central Park, one hand holding a burger, the other a drink. Their relaxed demeanor stood in stark contrast to the early morning exercisers around them. People jogging past would glance at them before returning to their own paths. "Judging by our leisurely pace, we look like tourists," Wang Qiqi conceded, swallowing the last bite of her food. "Let's power walk instead." Running in all these layers was impractical, and Wang Qiqi didn't particularly enjoy running anyway; she preferred fast walking as her form of aerobic exercise.

"Sounds good." Han Tao casually tossed their trash into a nearby bin as he passed. "Let's start."

The two began a playful race, taking turns leading, completely engrossed in their laughter and teasing. They failed to notice the sun climbing higher, the early joggers thinning out, and more tourists starting to appear.

It was Wang Qiqi who finally noticed the time when her feet started aching. "Oh no, Han Tao, we have to go back." It was nearly ten o'clock! They were supposed to meet John for lunch.

After asking a passerby for directions, the couple emerged from Central Park and stopped dead. They were utterly lost; this area was unfamiliar territory to both of them. "I hope we aren't too far from Old Feng’s place." Wang Qiqi regretted not paying attention to the landmarks inside Central Park, instead just following the main avenues without remembering the park's sheer size.

"Let’s hope it’s close," Han Tao prayed.

Unfortunately, fate seemed busy and didn't heed their prayers. After inquiring several times, they reluctantly accepted the fact that they were at least seven or eight kilometers from Feng Xuanxiang's residence. They had no choice but to take a taxi. Not only was the distance too far, but they were exhausted from walking that far; more importantly, they were completely clueless about the immediate vicinity, let alone New York City. Walking back could only lead them further astray.

"Did you bring the key?" Wang Qiqi stopped at the entrance, suddenly remembering a critical detail: this wasn't their apartment; it was Feng Xuanxiang's. They definitely didn't have a key. "I hope someone’s home," she sighed. At this hour, Feng Xuanxiang should have left to pick up John, but she wasn't sure if anyone else was staying behind.

"Fatty and Old Feng are probably gone. I'm not sure about Man Man, but Julianna should be home," Han Tao said, though his certainty was questionable.

After ringing the doorbell repeatedly, just as they were about to give up, assuming everyone had gone to meet John, Wang Qiqi suggested, "Should we find somewhere to sit for a while?" They were facing the worst possible scenario. "At least you know where we’re supposed to have lunch." If they knew the destination, they could simply wander over there and wait for the main party to arrive.

Han Tao nodded gratefully. "I know." He was extremely thankful he had casually asked Feng Xuanxiang about the day's schedule yesterday; otherwise, they would have been truly stranded, resorting to calling Feng Xuanxiang for directions.

"Then let’s go." Wang Qiqi felt relieved that at least they knew the lunch spot; somehow, they would manage to rendezvous with Feng Xuanxiang and the others.

Just as the two were about to retreat, the door, which had been tightly shut, finally opened. A sleep-dazed face peeked out. "Did you pick up John?"

Seeing Shi Man's face, Wang Qiqi knew she hadn't even gotten out of bed yet. Moreover, it seemed Shi Man assumed Qiqi and Old Feng had gone to meet John together. Wang Qiqi unceremoniously shoved her back inside. She shouldn't be seen looking dishevelled before even washing up; what if the neighbors saw her?

"Did Old Feng go to get John? And who else went?" Wang Qiqi asked while steadying Shi Man, pushing her forward. "Honestly, you were home the whole time and didn't bother opening the door right away, making us freeze out here." This was slightly hyperbolic; there wasn't much wind in the hallway, just a bone-chilling cold.

"You two didn't go?" Shi Man looked genuinely surprised. "I thought you two went together to meet John."

Oh no, did the Fatty not go either? Wang Qiqi wasn't sure if Old Feng had ever met John. If so, they’d need to bring a sign for the airport pickup.

"The Fatty went with them," Han Tao confirmed after glancing into the room where the three men had slept the night before. He walked back out to Wang Qiqi.

Hearing the Fatty was accompanying them, Wang Qiqi relaxed. "Hurry up and get dressed. Don't let them call us down for lunch before you’re ready."

Shi Man mumbled a sound of assent, walking towards her room as if sleepwalking. "If you two didn't go for the pickup, where did you disappear to so early?" Shi Man, now slightly clearer-headed, remembered Wang Qiqi and Han Tao leaving early that morning. She was curious where they had gone. "You didn't actually go exercise at Central Park, did you?" Although Wang Qiqi had stated it yesterday with an air of absolute seriousness, Shi Man found it absurd that anyone would prioritize exercise immediately upon arriving in New York. She pitied Han Tao for having a wife so obsessed with wellness; it seemed somewhat tragic.

As Shi Man took in the scene, she noticed something else. "Hey, where did you two buy these scarves? They’re so ugly, and the pattern is so simple, yet look how poorly they’re knitted." Shi Man glared at the scarf around Han Tao’s neck with open disdain. "Qiqi, you didn't have to stoop to buying something so cheap, did you?" At that moment, she also noticed the red scarf Qiqi was wearing. That one looked even worse, completely mismatched. Shi Man simply couldn't fathom why Qiqi would purchase such items.

Julianna drifted out of her room, nodded at Han Tao and Qiqi, and then glanced at the scarves. "Qiqi, you knitted these?" Only Shi Man, the silly one, would assume they were bought. If they were purchased, Han Tao wouldn't wear them, at least not with that expression.

"Qiqi, you knitted them?" Shi Man jumped at Julianna's question and looked anxiously at Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi responded with a smug "Mmm," completely shedding the embarrassment from the earlier critiques. "Who knew I had such domestic skills?" Hahaha. Wang Qiqi understood why Shi Man was so gullible: simply put, Shi Man couldn't knit either. Previously, having Qiqi around for comparison made Shi Man’s inability to knit a scarf less of an issue. But now, Qiqi was striving to create a loving scarf for her man; even if this attempt was clumsy, future attempts would improve, and the scarves would eventually be presentable. Shi Man, who couldn't knit at all, must wonder what Old Feng thought.

"Virtuous?" Shi Man retorted with exasperation. "I recall someone saying that needlework skills didn't matter, making this honest person foolishly follow your advice. But look at your behavior now." Shi Man wore an expression that clearly stated she had been thoroughly tricked by Wang Qiqi.

"Circumstances change," Wang Qiqi absolutely refused to take the blame for this. "You never learned to knit as a child either, so don't lay this responsibility at my feet. It's actually not that hard; didn't I start making a scarf after just a few days of learning?" Anyway, since they already had a finished product, there was no need to tell Man Man about the considerable time it took to finally produce one decent-looking scarf back then.

"Easy?" Shi Man inwardly wondered if she was being duped. She hadn't been completely ignorant of the skill. "Hmph. So what if it's a 'love scarf'? My Old Feng won't wear it. I'm telling you, Qiqi, don't bring such an ugly scarf out where people can see it and embarrass us. We still have serious business to discuss later." At the very least, they couldn't let them bring those scarves out in front of Old Feng for the next couple of days. If necessary, Shi Man would go home and teach herself how to knit. She refused to believe there was something Qiqi could learn that she couldn't master. RP