CIA Tip#6: Be aware of your surroundings and your current task. It may give you some hints.

I entered into the fitting room with Elizaveta, Mei, Michelle, and Bella, who were about to try on their outfits. Michelle handed me a large pile of clothes, full of cropped tops, shorts, and cardigans. How am I supposed to wear all this?

"Here, just mix and match these clothes." Mei said. "Can't wait to see yours!" I smiled shyly in reply.

We each occupied our own rooms, trying out different styles and outfits. I was embarrassed to come out in a cropped top and short. They all laughed at me as I attempted to cover myself. Gosh, who wears cropped tops or sleeveless shirts with super large holes?

I finally settled with a navy blue cardigan and the baseball tee (much to Mei's disappointment), a pale lilac classic scarf for my housekeeper, and a cosmetic bag for my mother.

"Ah! I'm so happy I got this cosmetic bag!" Michelle exclaimed. "It's so cute with all the little puppies!"

"Do you guys want to sit down or something? I'm a bit tired from trying out and walking around," Bella said. She glanced at her black watch. "Oh, it's almost five. Want to go out for dinner?"

Elizaveta and Mei shook her head. "Spent too much money already. I'll cook tonight!" Mei offered.

"Xie, want to come over?" Elizaveta asked. "Mei is an awesome cook!"

"No. Besides, I have some work to do. But thank you for the offer though," I answered, forcing a smile at that tiny Taiwanese girl.

"No problem!" Mei exclaimed. "By the way, let's exchange phone numbers in case if we want another outing!" Bella nodded at Mei's concept and reached into her bag for her phone.

"Alright, see you guys on Monday! Bye!" I waved at them, eager to enjoy my own little world.

I walked out of the mall, and into the early spring cold, the harsh air slapping on my cheeks. Right now, I was near NYU. I needed to take a subway to Grand Central 26th to return home.

On my right, there was a stairway that led to the subway. While walking down, I fumbled for my Metro card in my wallet.

A crowd of people stood near the machine, placing their card on the bright white screen. The white subway rushed into the station, the doors releasing a large crowd of young students. Most of them were either on their phones or chattering away with their friends.

I walked inside after scanning my card. The subway was clean and brightly lit, with only a few people sitting inside. I took a seat near the window, in hopes of no one sitting next to me. New York's subways were okay, but compared to the ones I've seen in Asia and Europe, New York's subway looks like trash.

Bored, I took out Nokia Lumia that I often used for my work (except for calling and texting in foreign countries) to see my plan as soon as I got home. Hmm…so I would do my homework and then try to keep in touch with Mei via whatever social network she had. Then, Amelia would come home from work and then we would eat and that's it for the day. Despite my book's promising description of New York, this wasn't what I expected. Or perhaps it's because I'm here for work.

Suddenly, while checking my planner, my other cell phone vibrated violently in my jacket. I fished out my phone, only to receive a text from Mei: Wanna come to my apartment tomorrow? I live at Paycee Apartment on eighth street, near NYU.

I didn't have anything else to do tomorrow. Why not? I texted back quickly, Sure, count me in. A smiley face appeared in return.

When the subway arrived at Midtown, there were only three or four people waiting. A man about five feet and seven inches walked in. He sat in the far corner of the subway, almost about six feet away from me. His phone rang and he immediately answered quietly, speaking Cantonese rapidly. While Ba incorporated Chinese, English, French, and Vietnamese as primary languages for my job, he also made sure I learned basic Cantonese. One of the biggest headquarters of the Chinese mafia was in Hong Kong and Macau.

I pretended to be scrolling through my phone so that the man wouldn't suspect me as an eavesdropper. My ears perked slightly, attempting to listen to the conversation.

"I understand dai-lo," he whispered. "I will treat Enrico like a family member. I know New York pretty well, so I should be able to navigate around. I know that Enrico has a friend who opened a Chinese restaurant, and I'm sure he would like to meet him as soon as possible."

A pause followed after the man spoke. "Yes, I understand. Anyway, I have to get off now. Bye." The man hung up and walked out as soon as the subway paused at 78th street. He turned to the left and sauntered up the stairs.

I continued to ride in silence, aware that the Chinese mafia was near me. I need to b