During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 4: Affection

In the silent chambers of the heart, love quietly blossoms, a profound emotion that echoes with the depth of a heartfelt whisper, painting the soul with the hues of a tender connection."

Translator; Wuxia Studio
Editor;  M.H Lovecraft

Canto 4:  Affection

Lin Yiyang and Wu Wei stood beside a vast parking lot, anticipation clinging to the chilly air as they awaited the bus.

Despite the recent warmth, a lingering chill persisted, accompanied by a biting wind as daylight dwindled.

Wu Wei, hands buried in the pockets of his frigid attire, rhythmically stomped his feet to ward off the cold. Lin Yiyang, engrossed in his phone, seemed to be immersed in laughter. Wu Wei, curious to share the joy, attempted a glimpse, only to be gently nudged away by Lin Yiyang's elbow.

The approaching Chinese bus, bustling with passengers, caught the driver's attention. Spotting Lin Yiyang through the window, the brakes screeched to a halt, and a call echoed: "Heading to New York? Need a lift?"

Amidst a phone call, Lin Yiyang, utilizing the waiting tone, gracefully declined, whispering to the driver, "Your bus is full, go ahead."

The driver chuckled, dismissing the exchange as "fake politeness," and casually flicked a cigarette butt into the air.

The glowing ember traced an arc, perilously close to Lin Yiyang's clothes. With a nimble sidestep, he skillfully evaded the potential hazard.

As the phone finally connected, Lin Yiyang's voice took on a tone of responsibility. "I need you to look after two children for a bit. Something's come up, and I can't manage it at the moment," he conveyed to the person on the line. "Yes, the game is still on, as promised."

*****

"You agreed?" Yin Guo's surprise lingered in the air.

The elevator doors slid open, introducing two business-clad men who stepped in, creating a physical divide between the siblings.

Yin Guo, leaning against the elevator wall, prompted in hushed Chinese, "Come on."

"No, he insisted a friend should foot the bill." My cousin discreetly passed the phone around behind the two men, handing it to Yin Guo, who could witness for herself. "I told him it's fine for a friend to join, and I'll cover the expenses."

Yin Guo casually perused the conversation records.

Lin Yiyang's responses were concise, mentioning he was en route. In his communication with Meng Xiaotian, he conveyed that Yin Guo and company were cherished guests from afar, following the traditional Chinese etiquette of inviting friends when they visit. Meng Xiaotian initially proposed dinner, a gesture Lin Yiyang gracefully declined, adhering to the customs even in a foreign land.

The conversation pivoted towards the logistics of Yin Guo and the others staying in Washington for a few days. Meng Xiaotian, aware of Yin Guo's time constraints, revealed they booked a hotel for just one night, departing the next afternoon. Curious about Lin Yiyang's return, Meng Xiaotian inquired, but Lin Yiyang remained uncertain.