Chen and Chang, incidentally, go way, way back.
The year was 2014, and Chang had just signed onto a brand marketing role for Bacardi in Shanghai.
Chang and Chen shared a fateful exchange that could only be described as a little icy.
Photographed by Shina Peng
Hi, nice to meet you.
What can I get you?
Sorry, I dont drink, Chang replied.
Photographed by Shina Peng
She and Chang are also now best friends and colleagues.
Once we get started we dont really stop, Chang says, gesturing to them both.
Were around each other literally all the time and we can still talk forever.
Photographed by Shina Peng
Chen slides the drink across with a smile brimming with fondness.
Theres honey-lemon in there, she says.
Just how you like it.
Photographed by Shina Peng
Plum bitters round out the taste, evoking Taiwanesemei zi fen, a plum-based powder eaten with sliced fruit.
This admiration is very much mutual.
Steam billows from thedonabe,and the scent filling the air brings to mind a Chinese banquet.
Photographed by Shina Peng
The goji berries add a welcome surprise of color, taste, and antioxidant goodness.
I always keep in mind whether the things Im making are something my friends would enjoy, she says.
To be honest, my family didnt really celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Photographed by Shina Peng
It was something I only started celebrating with friends later on.
Park also divulges to me that this occasion feels like a full circle moment.
Lyric was actually the first person I celebrated with.
Photographed by Shina Peng
We all gather around as Park places the last slivers of strawberry onto her dessert.
The feeling of seeing it come together is almost buoyant.
Teeth sinking with slow gratitude, the snakes supple skin gives way to fluffy cream and perfectly tart fruit.
Photographed by Shina Peng
Photographed by Shina Peng
Photographed by Shina Peng
Photographed by Shina Peng
