During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 59: Uneasy Reunion

"What makes two souls wander in and out of each other's lives, yearning for connection, yet destined for separation?" - Unknown

Translator: Wuxia Studio, Editor: J.C Forester (Mrphysit)

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Lin Yiyang's jacket held a faint echo of him, a familiar scent that soothed Yin Guo's racing heart.

He released her, his gaze drawn to the redness at the tip of her nose and the lingering tears in her eyes. "You look better," he said, a touch uncertain in his voice, "Though I almost didn't recognize you at first."

Yin Guo knew it was a kind lie, but it brought a flicker of warmth to her chest.

They stood in silence for a moment, his eyes dropping from her face before meeting hers again. Then, without a word, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his hold both strong and comforting. He released her slowly, his gaze shifting to the large figures standing behind her.

Jiang Yang, unable to contain a grin, spoke from behind Yin Guo. "Hey lovebirds, it seems like we don't exist anymore."

"Yeah," Wu Wei chimed in, "It's An An, right? Haven't seen you since you got back from the States. And Lin Lin, haven't you said hello yet?"

Lin Lin, arms folded across her chest, shot Lin Yiyang a look over the heads of the other men. "Looks about the same," she muttered. "Alright, alright, enough. Let's give you two some space."

Chen An'an, ever the watchful one, noted, "With your busy schedules, you two haven't had much chance to catch up, have you?"

He clearly considered Yin Guo part of the family, approaching her after his remark.

"Not really," Yin Guo admitted, a touch of longing in her voice. "I see my brother more often than I see him."

This year, their lives felt like parallel worlds, both within the arena but never quite intersecting. Athletes like Lin Yiyang, similar to those in F1 or golf, lived in a world of sanctioned competitions, sponsorships, and point systems. Their days were filled with signing up, competing, and securing bonuses.

Yin Guo understood. Snooker and nine-ball were entirely different games with separate governing bodies one rooted in the UK, the other in the US. Their schedules wouldn't necessarily align. There was no shared leaderboard for them to chase together.

The chance of a shared competition seemed remote. Mixed events, riddled with chaos and meager rewards, held no allure for their lofty rankings. A future representing their country, training side-by-side that was a distant star, shimmering with a hope contingent on the national team.

****

Jiang Yang hailed a car, and the group shuffled towards the underground parking lot. Crammed into the elevator, Sun Yao wrestled a giant luggage cart through the doors. Lin Yiyang, sensing an impending overload, ushered Yin Guo to a corner and pressed the button for their floor.

Yin Guo knew she could only accompany him to the parking lot. Club rules mandated a night shift driver, and as long as she wasn't competing, she couldn't stay out late.

She contemplated waiting for the others to squeeze in, but before the elevator doors slid open, a familiar figure caught her eye. Her cousin stood by the elevators, a stark contrast to the boisterous group.