As the world shut down in March 2020, so did most of the dating scene. David and Su Qian had just matched on a dating app, but their future was not yet written. Her whimsical energy and adorable smile stood out to him, and he stood out to her when he opened the conversation by asking what her favorite shark fact was. (If you know Su Qian, you’ll know she loves sharks, and she made sure to write about that on her profile.) She told him that there is a species of shark that can walk on land “but they don’t sprout legs like the Little Mermaid, rather they pull themselves over the rocks with their fins.” David suggested they go find some sharks someday and shared his fun fact about how sunsets get their color. After several more exchanges, David asked for her number. “When all of this is over in a few weeks, maybe we can get together sometime,” he wrote. Su Qian had a feeling, however, that the pandemic would not be over anytime soon and thought, “this cute guy will probably forget me by then,” so she suggested a video date instead. David countered, “how about a good-old-fashioned phone call” and she agreed. A week later, David called Su Qian and they talked for over three hours! It was clear they had a connection. In the middle of the call, Su Qian even texted her best friend, exclaiming “I think I’m going to marry this guy!” A few days later, Su Qian and David set up a second “date,” this time a video chat, and so began their long distance dating journey. For a month and a half, they talked weekly, played games, and swapped stories. They showed each other their childhood artwork and shared their hopes and dreams. Their connection grew stronger, and finally, David suggested that he visit Su Qian in the city since he had been quarantining in the suburbs. (Su Qian had been itching to ask him as well, but didn't want to seem too pushy.) The pair met outside Su Qian’s building on Riverside Drive with a wave and a hug and made their way into the park. While they walked towards the Hudson River, Su Qian wondered how she would get David to kiss her since they were wearing masks... But it turned out she didn't have to wonder for too long. After finding a cozy spot by the water, David asked if she felt comfortable talking without their masks. Su Qian said yes and they revealed their faces. They smiled shyly at one another and then David leaned in and kissed her! From that day on, they continued to build their relationship and spend more and more time with each other. David returned to his apartment in July, and because most of the city was still shut down, the couple spent most of their time together. They biked through the empty streets, cooked dinners, and strolled through the parks. The more time they spent together, the more they fell in love. And the rest, as they say, is history!