During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 19: Confession

"In the hushed hum of the laundry room and the rhythmic cadence of the washing machine, unexpected confessions echo like silent whispers, weaving threads of vulnerability and courage into the fabric of our lives.

Translator: Wuxia Studio Editor: Wuxia Studio

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Jiang Yang's smile as he recalled a certain memory with Lin Yiyang in the billiard room. Looking at the girl's composure, had he been the one tempted first? His gaze drifted to the mysterious figure, oblivious to the revelation waiting to unfold it was Yin Guo.

Fate, it's seemed has a habit of messing things up.

Lin Yiyang's early career was a whirlwind of three consecutive pro tournaments. He, Jiang Yang, and Meng Xiaodong, a triumvirate at the top, each refusing to cede an inch. The competitions were a dance of champions and runners-up, their rivalry a taut string vibrating with tension. Lin Yiyang emerged the statistical victor, with one championship and two runner-up titles to his name.

Jiang Yang, always practical, took wins and losses in stride. He knew things kept changing, winning wasn't a sure thing, and losing didn't mean you'd never win again. But Meng Xiaodong, who inherited his family's billiards hall, felt differently. Losing to the newcomer, Lin Yiyang, really bothered him.

Their three-year duel raged, but then, abruptly, Lin Yiyang vanished from the club, leaving behind an unfinished symphony.

Jiang Yang's eyes darted to the closed door again.

"Junior Brother, you're not a picky eater," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

-

Yin Guo's brow furrowed in confusion. Why would Jiang Yang, a snooker master, be glued to a nine-ball game? Perched on the cozy bed, she strained to hear the muffled conversations outside, determined to stay hidden until everyone left.

As the clock struck 8:30, a blissful half-hour of silence followed. Barefoot, she tiptoed to the door, pressing her ear against the cool wood. Satisfied, she cracked it open.

To her astonishment, the living room teemed with even more people. Players from the Dongxincheng Open, their voices hushed, listened intently as Fan Wen spoke of a "mystery guest" asleep inside. They played silent video games and chess, creating an oddly peaceful atmosphere.

Amidst the subdued hum, Chen Anan, the new leader of the Nine Balls team, leaned in to whisper to Jiang Yang. The room subtly transformed into a hushed entertainment hub.

Yin Guo's sudden appearance turned everyone into spectators. From the other room emerged a familiar figure, Lin Yiyang, holding a fresh sports suit. Stunned by her unexpected arrival, he stood frozen. Their eyes met across the room, each searching for the significance of this unexpected encounter.

But as their gazes locked, something shifted. The air crackled with an unspoken awareness, a current only they could feel. A flicker of surprise morphed into something deeper in Lin Yiyang's eyes, a spark of warmth that mirrored the blush creeping up her cheeks. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken emotions, before Lin Yiyang finally spoke, his voice husky with a hint of nervousness,

"I'm just going to shower,"

Her instinctive nod came under the scrutiny of the curious onlookers.

As Lin Yiyang disappeared into the bathroom, her mind raced. Hadn't he explicitly stated he wouldn't be back this week?

Wu Wei laughed and asked Jiang Yang to order take-outs.

In fact, he was trying to smooth things over for Yin Guo, and if she continued to be watched like this, it was estimated that the little girl would never come out again from her room.