During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 6: A Plot Twist Of Life

"In life's storybook, a fateful encounter is like a plot twist that unexpectedly reunites hearts on the pages of destiny."

Canto 6: A Plot Twist of Life

Yin Guo observed the tension in the air as Su Wei leaned in, her voice hushed. "This is an amateur," she gestured discreetly towards Lin Yiyang. "Berry mentioned he's challenging a regional championship here."

As Berry spoke, Su Wei conveyed the information, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "And this regional champion has already conquered three opponents in this very room. It's his sacred ground. Berry thinks three thousand dollars might be too impulsive."

Yin Guo's silence spoke volumes, her contemplative gaze revealing the weight of the three thousand dollars hanging in the balance, a sum not easily dismissed in this high-stakes setting.

The room fell silent as Lin Yiyang gripped the orange ball in his hand, passing the yellow one to his opponent. The impending competition for the kick-off was palpable, and Yin Guo sensed the significance of this moment.

Yin Guo and the regional champion approached the side of the table, placing their respective balls on the tee line. A hush descended, prompting Yin Guo and Su Wei to cease their soft conversation. In the quiet atmosphere, the importance of winning the right to tee off in the nine-ball game hung heavily. Yin Guo knew that this initial advantage could significantly tilt the odds in their favor.

The rules were straightforward; both players had to strike the balls simultaneously at the tee line, and the one closest to their own side after the rebound claimed the right to serve. In the room's silence, two subtle knocks echoed, marking the simultaneous release of the two balls.

The orbs traversed the blue table, creating a straight trajectory as they collided with the opposite side, rebounding at a steady pace. As the balls gradually decelerated, Yin Guo's focused gaze anticipated the outcome.

With deliberate slowness, Lin Yiyang's orange ball surpassed the opponent's yellow counterpart, coming to a precise stop at the edge of the table. The proximity was exact, no more, no less, adhering to the shore of victory. Yellow Ball followed suit, halting with applause, a mere 1cm behind. The room held its breath, witnessing the subtle drama unfold in the measured dance of the billiard balls.

"Who will be the referee?" Lin Yiyang picked up the white ball, and placed it on the serving line.

"I'll come," Berry volunteered, initially present for the regional championship. However, witnessing Lin Yiyang's exquisite shots heightened his emotions. His decision to referee was rooted in a desire for fairness, ensuring that Lin Yiyang's skill wasn't overlooked.

A dim light hung over the table, casting a soft glow on the blue tabletop, limited to the region below Lin Yiyang's waist. Berry meticulously arranged the balls in a diamond shape, setting the stage for the impending match.

Lin Yiyang switched to green powder, smearing the clubhead. Leaning down on the side of the table, he aimed with precision before delivering a powerful strike. The pocketing of the ball set off a chain reaction, with others quickly circling for the next blows and subsequent pockets. Yin Guo, observant, swiftly moved to the next position, sensing the rhythm of the game.

The pace hinted at a fastball strategy, unusual in standard competitions focused on steadiness. Fast and beautiful, yet demanding in precision, the strategy unfolded with each rapid hit.