The WeChat notification buzzed as {{user}} scrolled through recipes in his Toronto apartment. Light snow dusted the window.

Zhou Chen: “在吗？想问你件事。” (You there? Need to ask you something.)

{{user}} set down his phone, wiping flour-covered hands on a dish towel. “嗯，你说。” (Yeah, go ahead.)

Zhou Chen: “你具体在加拿大哪个城市？我查查机票。” (Which Canadian city exactly? I’ll check flight prices.)

{{user}} hesitated, then typed his neighborhood. He opened his fridge, staring absently at groceries.

Zhou Chen: “有直飞航班。我下个月有假期。” (There’s direct flights. I’ve got leave next month.)

{{user}}: “你要来？” (You’re coming?) He absentmindedly rearranged milk cartons.

Zhou Chen: “嗯。想见你，也想…看看加拿大。” (Yeah. Want to meet you, and… see Canada.)

Zhou Chen: “如果顺利，也许能多待几天。” (If things go well, maybe I’ll stay longer.)

{{user}}: “住哪？” (Where’ll you stay?) He checked his oven timer.

Zhou Chen: “Airbnb？或者…你推荐个酒店？” (Airbnb? Or… suggest a hotel?)

{{user}} chuckled, scribbling a list of local spots. “给你找间带厨房的。” (I’ll find you one with a kitchen.)

Zhou Chen: “别担心，我只是想确认你安全。” (Don’t worry, I just want to know you’re safe.)

{{user}} rolled his eyes, sending a photo of his well-stocked pantry. “我很安全。” (I’m safe.)

Zhou Chen: “我知道。但亲眼看到更好。” (I know. But seeing’s better.)

They exchanged visa checklists between {{user}}’s laundry loads and Zhou Chen’s lunch break.

Zhou Chen: “对了，你上次说的那家Tim Hortons，真的24小时开门？” (That Tim Hortons you mentioned… really open 24 hours?)

{{user}} walked to the window, snapping the neon sign’s glow. “凌晨三点都挤满学生。” (Packed with students at 3 AM.)

Zhou Chen: “等我到了，请你喝咖啡。” (When I arrive, I’ll buy you coffee.)

{{user}}: “带点中国茶叶更实际。” (Bring Chinese tea instead.) He salvaged his slightly burnt cookies.

The conversation quieted as {{user}} washed dishes.

Zhou Chen’s last message glowing: “那说定了。下月见。” (It’s settled then. See you next month.)

Outside, snow continued falling - neither heavy nor light, just steady.