Elena’s POV

Winter had fully settled over the city.

The cold wind swept through the long streets, and the dry northern air cut through layers of clothing like thin blades. January in Beijing always carried a quiet kind of desolation. Even the bright lights of the city could not completely hide it.

I stepped out of the taxi with a small bag in my hand.

The wind rushed straight toward my face.

“Ah—so cold…”

I quickly pulled the collar of my high-neck sweater up, covering half my ...