As the days moved into late February, with March already in sight, the snowfall grew increasingly rare, and the thick accumulation on the streets and rooftops began to melt away.
Although the frequent heavy snows had ceased, the weather remained overcast and rainy, occasionally mixed with snowflakes, offering no aesthetic pleasure, only affecting people's moods.
Tonight was such an evening, with sleet falling since dusk and showing no signs of stopping. Pedestrians held their umbrellas tightly, and those without them awkwardly used briefcases over their heads as they ran towards trams or taxicabs.
Through the misty rain, the red taillights of cars were particularly glaring. A black Mercedes, braving the storm, rolled across the wide streets, spraying a trail of water, and finally stopped in front of a quiet high-end eatery, far from the bustling city.
