During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 30: Legacy

"The past casts a long shadow, and in the game of life, every encounter can rewrite the rules."

Translator: Wuxia Studio, Editor: Wuxia Studio

A minute later, two boisterous seniors from Yin Guo's nine-ball team approached Lin Yiyang, breezing past the unspoken barrier between him and the rest of the room.

"Brother," boomed the taller one, leaning on Lin Yiyang's left while extending a hearty handshake. "Pleasure to meet you."

Lin Yiyang responded with a firm yet symbolic handshake.

"Do you play?" inquired the shorter one, his curiosity piqued.

The crowd wouldn't recognize him, a nobody in their professional eyes. Lin Yiyang, brimming with unspoken curiosity, leaned closer and casually remarked, "On rare occasions."

Ears perked, everyone interpreted his response as "amateur."

Yin Guo's unexpected arrival in New York, followed by the baffling presence of this unknown player, left the group speechless. They wouldn't dare speculate, but Li Qingyan, Yin Guo's childhood friend and confidante, couldn't help but wonder.

Beside the emerald green snooker table, Li Qingyan's current opponent, a practiced player, picked up a ball and grinned, pointing at the baize. "Welcome to our Beicheng private room. The rules dictate you take a shot."

Lin Yiyang simply shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Snooker isn't my game."

His rule was absolute, an unyielding principle that even Meng Xiaodong, his closest friend, could only bend a hair's breadth.

"Nine ball?" A challenging voice pointed towards the nearby blue ball table.

Lin Yiyang considered it for a moment, then shook his head, a silent refusal.

The Nine Balls buzzed with youthful energy, all contenders in the upcoming Open. While letting them win wouldn't be a fair test, playing seriously against them right before their competition felt equally unfair.

"No match," he declined again, his voice firm.

Confused murmurs rippled through the group. The revelation dawned they were playing Chinese eight-ball, not snooker.

"Give him the middle eight," Glass instructed, "on the nine-ball table."

As Nitro finished speaking, all eyes turned towards Li Qingyan,

Li Qingyan, his voice laced with polite firmness, finally spoke. "Only those who are close to me or considered friends are allowed access to this private area. If you wish to be considered a friend, then take a shot. Otherwise, it might be difficult for others to understand."

Nizi, sensing the shifting dynamics, chimed in, "Unless you claim to have no experience with billiards, we won't force you."

Lin Yiyang, assessing the situation, realized refusing further would create unnecessary tension. He recognized Li Qingyan as a crucial figure, likely someone who had once pursued Yin Guo, or perhaps even been with her in the past. Regardless, a spark of something lingered for Li even now.

Leaving the window, Lin Yiyang strode towards the snooker table where Li Qingyan and Nizi practiced. With a decisive tap on the edge, he declared, "This is it."