During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 8: A Chance Encounter [II]

"In the profound silence of fate, chance encounters emerge as whispers of serendipity, shaping the profound symphony of our existence."

Editor: M.H Lovecraft
Translator: Wuxia Studio

    
  Canto 8: A Chance Encounter [II]

"Let's not dwell on that now," Lin Yiyang chuckled. He shed his winter layers, casually hanging them on the back of a chair. A friendly exchange in Japanese with the owner followed, accompanied by a request for 'Sake.'

While the boss offered to take their order, Lin Yiyang declined, waiting for Yin Guo to return. Wu Wei, puzzled, questioned, "Weren't you heading to Maboo to gamble? How did you end up meeting this charming lady?"

"In the billiard room," Lin Yiyang explained briefly. The two friends chatted, clarifying the circumstances, just as Yin Guo rejoined them.

Wu Wei shifted from the spectator mode, his face now a friendly grin. "He mentioned you're also here for the open competition?"

"Yes, in the women's team," Yin Guo replied with a smile, taking a seat across from the two men.

"I'm on the list too," Wu Wei said, extending his hand. "We are destined to meet, let's enjoy the moment."

Yin Guo shook his hand, "Likewise,"

The conversation flowed, and Yin Guo gathered insights about Lin Yiyang from Wu Wei. Studying at New York University, Lin Yiyang helped Wu Wei prepare for a master's degree. Their different majors meant Lin Yiyang arrived a year earlier, planning a three-year stay, while Wu Wei intended to return to China with him after a one-year program.

"Actually, I'm just an average nine-ball player. Picked it up in my youth, and it stuck, given its popularity in the U.S.," Wu Wei shared with a smile, unveiling a bit more about himself.

A chat continued between Yin Guo and Wu Wei, while Lin Yiyang was only listening and silently sipping his sake, and his eyes were looking at Yin Guo. Sensing her scrutiny, he nonchalantly nudged the menu towards her, urging, "Order first, then talk."

The menu, a visual delight of ramen choices, captured Yin Guo's attention. She made her selections swiftly, handing the menu back to Lin Yiyang. Comfortably acquainted with the place, he effortlessly placed their order, a gesture that hinted at a shared familiarity.

"Hey, why settle for a hotel?" Wu Wei asked, expressing his concern about Yin Guo's and her cousin's accommodation. She mentioned sticking to a hotel now. "Why not try renting for a short term?"

Yin Guo, offering a warm smile, replied, "I thought about it, but three months feels just right. Just worried about finding the perfect place."

Wu Wei, sensing the opportunity, leaned in with an eager expression. "Come on, we'll help you find a great place in the city! Or, you know, you could rent  at my place."

"What do you mean? You own a building?"

"No! No! I rented an apartment with three bedrooms and next week, the two occupants will leave."

Wu Wei warmly extended an invitation, sharing that his three-bedroom apartment, currently occupied by a pair of sisters, would have a vacancy soon. He offered to check with the landlord about Yin Guo renting it temporarily, emphasizing the perks of saving money and having a place ready if her cousin joined New York University.

His words struck a chord with Yin Guo, resonating more deeply than the previous suggestions about short-term rentals. Grateful, she happily thanked him and exchanged WeChat details.