Let's start with Jonathan and Raechel M (later J & R). They are a couple from the Netherlands living Xi'an, China-- the same city as the famous Terracotta Warriors; Michael attended an international fellowship with them, and Elizabeth shared the same parent company (though from different cities). During the Chinese New Year holiday, Elizabeth took the opportunity see the Chinese landmark and visit friends J & R. With plans for the three to explore the city together, Jonathan "forgot" that he already made plans to see Michael the same day-- a friend from fellowship that "might be interesting for [Elizabeth] to meet... after all, he's tall, German, like-minded and enjoys foreign languages....Why not make it a group thing?" Elizabeth tried to ignore the not-so-subtle hint, while Michael only knew that J & R's guest was a "she". Neither Michael nor Elizabeth were interested in dating anyone at the time, so day one exchanges were limited to "cordial" at best. The next few days however provided more opportunities for group outings, and by Elizabeth's final day in Xi'an, an invitation for Michael to come up to Nandaihe (Elizabeth's Chinese city)...