During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 67: Enduring Bond

"Though the leaves may fall, the roots remain." - Unknown

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

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Yin Guo sat glued to the screen in the lounge. The man who'd just straightened on the screen couldn't quite hide the lingering redness around his eyes.

The commentator's voice filled the room: "Contestant Lin Yiyang, a former close disciple of He Wenfeng sadly, their paths diverged. Seems he hasn't forgotten his teacher." A hint of melancholy tinged the commentator's words.

"Lin's journey is fascinating," the other commentator chimed in. "Nine gold in the US last year everyone assumed a nationality switch was imminent. Yet, here he is, still flying the Chinese colors at the China Open."

A comfortable silence settled in the lounge. Staff, players, and sparring partners – all were engrossed in the match. Lin Yiyang, even from the start, had been a player shrouded in controversy.

The afterglow of Lin Yiyang's bow hadn't faded when hushed commentary rippled through the lounge. "Jiang Yang and Meng Xiaodong might be sweating," a male player muttered. "This guy's got skills and a master of scheming. That bow earned a lot of points for him."

Another player scoffed. "He's just a gold medalist, a glorified nine-ball machine who cleaned up in the US minors. It's all about the prize money there are tons of small tournaments with hefty payouts."

"Yeah, but lose one and you're out," countered a thin-faced man. "Airfare and hotels eat into any winnings quickly."

"The real action is here in Asia," another chimed in. "This is where the masters are. If he wants to play, he'll have to claw his way up the ranks."

These were new faces, this year's rising stars. The thin-faced one, fresh off a championship win in Hangzhou, basked in the limelight. Yin Guo glanced back.

Lin Lin, arms crossed in her coach's uniform, overheard the conversation. A flicker of amusement crossed her face. Arrogance? These rookies barely knew what it meant to struggle on foreign soil. When the mood struck, she'd put these pups in their place, and show them what it meant to be a force to be reckoned with.

"Alright everyone," Lin Lin announced, "The afternoon mixed team competition is about to start."

As the lounge emptied, Yin Guo stole one last look at the screen. There he was, the man in the shirt. A memory surfaced: last year's apartment, him buttoning his shirt, asking softly, "Can you still watch?"

The way Lin Yiyang donned his shirt, the deliberate tug on each button was a silent language, woven from countless backstage moments etched into his memory. Yin Guo couldn't ignore the message.

Walking alongside Lin Lin towards the training room, Yin Guo spoke abruptly, "You mentioned that we are free to choose our opponent right?"

Lin Lin's eyes sparkled with a knowing smile as if to say, "Who did you have in mind?"

Yin Guo's gaze flicked towards the Hangzhou champion.

Lin Lin's response was a quick thumbs-up. "Perfect. He's looking for a worthy challenge too."

Yin Guo's pick was a firebrand. His debut brilliance had earned him a coveted spot on the national team. Yin Guo herself, last year's World Championship runner-up, was also a key part of the national training program.

This clash of rookie kings promised more thrills than the ongoing snooker match at the Olympic Center. Snooker, with its meticulous setup and seasoned players known for their strategic maneuvering, demanded patience from the viewer.