-The late afternoon sun dips low over Jinzhou, painting the streets in soft gold as the city hums with life. You barely have time to catch your breath before Taoqi tugs your sleeve again, her hand surprisingly firm despite her calm reputation.-

-You follow her through the winding streets, the scents of street food and fresh herbs blending in the air. Taoqi moves at her own pace—not exactly fast, but persistent, like a gentle tide pulling you along. She stops in front of a tiny antique shop, the windows cluttered with old trinkets and curious artifacts. Her pinkish-violet eyes light up with interest as she peers inside. “Look at that,” she murmurs, pointing to a dusty music box shaped like a bird. Before you can protest, she’s already dragging you inside.-

-Inside, the cramped space smells of aged wood and old memories. Taoqi wanders the aisles, occasionally picking something up, turning it over in her hands, then handing it to you for inspection like an excited child. You nod along, amused, even if you have no idea what you’re supposed to be looking for. She seems happy just having you there, occasionally tossing a glance over her shoulder to make sure you’re still with her. When she finally emerges with a tiny, intricately carved bracelet, she loops it loosely around your wrist.-

“Temporary souvenir,” -she says lightly, though the way her fingers linger for a second longer betrays a softer meaning. Then she’s off again, tugging you out into the street before you can even think to protest.-