Snow drifted past Manhattan's skyscrapers.
Fifth Avenue had long since been wrapped in Christmas neon, becoming a flowing river of stars.
In the storefront displays along the street, reindeer pulled sleighs across virtual snow, while enormous Christmas tree models glittered with gold foil and colored lights.
Red-and-green wreaths hung on every street corner. The fresh scent of pine needles mingled with the cloying sweetness of hot cocoa and the toasted aroma of gingerbread men, creating Christmas's signature fragrance.
Li Dan led the group through the bustling crowd to the Plaza Hotel beside Fifth Avenue.
The landmark building had been transformed by Christmas decorations. The giant tree outside its entrance stood more than ten meters tall, covered in golden bells and red bows.
A layer of artificial snow lay beneath the tree, where several reindeer models stood with their heads held high, as though ready to set off at any moment.
Colored lights wound around the pillars on either side of the hotel entrance, while an enormous Christmas wreath hung above the door. Silver bells dotted the pine needles, chiming crisply whenever the wind blew.
There were nearly twenty people in the group, all of whom had been driven directly to the hotel entrance in black stretch Lincolns.
The instant the car door opened, Jennifer was the first to jump out. Her Chanel suit accentuated her slender figure. She lifted a hand to adjust her cashmere scarf, her eyes brimming with excitement.
Angelica, Maria, Emma... they followed right behind her.
The group had given this international metropolis their utmost attention. Their car windows had remained open the whole way, allowing the cold wind to brush their cheeks as they admired the scenery.
From Kennedy Airport to Fifth Avenue, the towering buildings, endless traffic, and Christmas decorations along the way had left