During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 14: Wingmen

"A wingman in a relationship is not just a companion; they are the co-pilot navigating the highs and lows, the wind beneath your wings during turbulence, and the silent force ensuring your love soars to new heights."

Translator: Wuxia Studio, Editor: Maimai Exclusive.

"Come here after class," he replied, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. He met her gaze for a fleeting moment before looking away, maintaining a facade of seriousness. "Heard you were training here, thought I'd drop by."

He patted the pool table, a question dancing in his eyes. "Getting used to the table?" Every club's table held its own unique personality, and he knew this one might feel foreign after practicing elsewhere.

"It's not much different," Yin Guo gestured toward a nearby public club. "I bounce around sometimes, so I'm used to adapting."

Leaning casually against the table, he asked, "How long have you been practicing? Planning to head back soon?"

"Just finished a solo session today," Yin Guo smiled, a playful glint in her eyes. "If you're free, care to join me for a game?"

"Me?" he chuckled, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Aren't you afraid I'll embarrass you with my skills?"

She met his gaze, her confidence unwavering. "I wouldn't challenge you if I wasn't at least decent."

Understanding dawned on him. At least a quasi-pro, unlikely to crumble after a friendly loss. "Alright then," Lin Yiyang grabbed a public cue, a playful challenge gleaming in his eyes. "Consider me your sparring partner."

Years of solo practice, occasional high-stakes games, and countless hours teaching others, even with a gentle hand, had ingrained a certain seriousness in him. This casual sparring session, however, felt different. He needed to tread carefully, and find the right balance.

Yin Guo watched him pick up the chalk, tracing lines on the cue with measured movements. An unexplainable pang of disappointment flickered within her – was this just going to be another serious match?

Holding her own cue, she offered, "Maybe after the game, we could grab dinner? You just got off the train, you must be hungry."

"I'm fine," he dismissed, taking colored balls from his bag and arranging them on the table with practiced ease.

Finding the plastic frame, he meticulously set them in a diamond formation, his movements echoing a quiet focus. Finally, he placed the white ball on the serving line and gestured toward the colorful spheres. "Three out of five, or six out of ten – your call. Stay motivated, alright?"

The aura around him was strangely familiar, like a mirror reflecting her competitive cousin. As the song on repeat reached the part she hummed earlier, "I was born for it, arrogance in my veins... I was born for it, strength my weapon, skill my rampage..." she shook her head, pushing the thought aside.

Carrying her cue, she approached the table, and the challenge was accepted. Leaning over, she readied the shot.

"Fast play  or safe?" Lin Yiyang's voice suddenly cut through her focus.

Surprised, she considered. "Up to you."

"You have a strong contender in your women's team this year, who plays aggressively," he suggested, his voice laced with something unspoken. "Thought I could help you prepare."