During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 79: Passionate Purpose

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller

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

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Lin Yiyang squeezed his eyes shut, the back of his hand pressing down a surge of possessiveness. Over a year had passed since they'd officially become a couple, yet they'd only shared a mere 28 days together. He meticulously presented a flawless facade, masking the frustration, lethargy, and self-doubt that gnawed at him. Yin Guo, barely out of college at 22, hadn't witnessed the complexities of his true self.

Placing himself in Yin Guo's parents' shoes, a knot of worry tightened in his gut. At her age, marriage would raise red flags.

Yin Guo drifted off first, the long flight and jet lag finally catching up with her. Lin Yiyang remained awake, the silence heavy with unspoken thoughts.

A jarring knock on the door ripped Yin Guo from a dream. Lin Yiyang's eyes snapped open, mirroring her startled reaction.

"Meng Xiaodong called Jiang Yang," Wu Wei's voice filtered through the door, a forced cough preceding his words. "Jiang Yang wants you two up. Don't dawdle. Just got back myself, and Yin Guo's family is waiting."

Lin Yiyang glanced at his watch, the realization sinking in. Night had fallen, a stark contrast to his expectation of a lazy afternoon wake-up.

Wu Wei's parting chuckle held a knowing edge before his retreating footsteps faded away.

The door clicked shut. Lin Yiyang rummaged through a box in the corner, pulling out a bottle of water to unscrew and quench his dry throat.

Darkness had seeped in, a stark contrast to his expectation of a lazy afternoon nap. Yin Guo surprised they'd slept so late, rubbed her shoulders and padded towards the window, seeking a breath of fresh air.

The view revealed a large iron gate and a neighboring two-story building. "This place is much bigger than the old North City," Yin Guo sighed after a moment of taking in the scene.

"There used to be just that second floor," Lin Yiyang responded, flicking on the light. "Jiang Yang took over when I quit. Everything you see out there? His credit." This wasn't news to Yin Guo, his cousin had mentioned it too. Jiang Yang was young when he shouldered the responsibility.

"Can't just chase passion and dreams forever," Lin Yiyang muttered, a hint of emotion in his voice. "He should've gotten that arm surgery ages ago but kept putting it off for the sake of the club. His prime years were wasted juggling Dongxincheng. He could've achieved so much more."

A genuine desire flickered in his eyes. He wished Jiang Yang could have a few free years, just playing the game he loved, a way to compensate for his decade of tireless dedication.

"Why did you take over Dongxincheng now?" Yin Guo finally voiced the question that had gnawed at her since their return.

"Honestly, I wasn't keen at first," Lin Yiyang admitted. "There's the whole respecting the teacher thing, but also, Jiang Yang and I have different philosophies. He wants to use star power to expand the industry, while I dream of cultivating a cultural atmosphere for Nine Ball, similar to snooker in the UK. When I returned to China, I planned to go solo, but after a couple of talks with the teacher, he surprised me with his support. 'Just do it,' he said. Those were his exact words."

He Wenfeng's temperament most closely mirrored Lin Yiyang's own. The teacher's quiet persuasion held the most sway over Lin Yiyang, ultimately shifting his perspective.