On August 2, 2022, Sam first reacted to Nana’s (Shuyang’s) profile on the dating app Hinge. Within days, Shuyang replied and asked Sam why his profile said, "he is the type of guy her parents would want her to date." He responded by claiming to be, "trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent." Then unknown to Nana, these are the 12 tenets of the Scout Law. The conversation continued, Sam asked for her number, and they planned their first date.

On August 9, the two finally 
met at Deniz Mediterranean Restaurant in Brooklyn. When Sam saw her first walk in, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Shuyang was by far the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. All he could think was “don’t mess this up.” Somehow he didn’t, and the time flew by as they talked for over 3 hours. A second date was soon planned for August 13, which lasted over 6 hours. Starting in Prospect Park and ending at Eataly in the Financial District, never did the conversation dry. The dates continued: Sam’s first taste of authentic Chinese food, Nana’s first viewing of Star Wars, and the couple’s first kiss in Washington Square.

On September 4, the couple for the first time decided to call each other Boyfriend-Girlfriend. The magical dates continued. 




It took one amazing year, but Nana finally convinced Sam to shave. Year two was even better.

See the next page for the start of the next chapter of our journey together.