During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 82: Dusty Pride (2)

“Our embrace, a wildfire that consumes all but the embers of our love.”- Unknown

Translator: Wuxia Studio, Editor: M.H Lovecraft (Enochian_)

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Lin Yiyang pulled into the nearest pharmacy, the engine sighing softly as he shut it off. A glance at his phone screen sent a jolt through him. It was a message from Yin Guo.

Fruit in the Forest: Don't forget to wear a mask.

Fruit in the Forest: You have a lot of fans, the competition is near, so don't get caught.

His fingers brushed the worn leather of the passenger seat compartment, the familiar outline of a black mask nestled within. A ghost of a smile touched his lips. Yin Guo's gift is a constant companion. He reached for it, the mask cool against his palm. But then he hesitated. Who was he kidding? He wasn't some superstar yet. Just another face in the crowd.

Still, the act of reaching for the mask, and then thinking better of it, caught the eye of a little girl peeking out from the entrance of the neighboring supermarket. Her wide, curious gaze lingered on him for a beat too long. Maybe, he thought with a playful smirk, it wasn't just his imagination. Maybe there was a certain star quality to him. Just waiting to be discovered.

The little girl fumbled with her phone, her finger hovering over the camera icon. But just as she was about to capture the moment, Lin Yiyang tugged the mask fully on, striding past her with a determined gait. The girl caught off guard and took a few hesitant steps in his direction, her gaze glued to his retreating figure.

Disappointment clouded her features as Lin Yiyang disappeared around a corner. She hadn't taken the shot, a chance encounter lost to her apprehension. Unaware of the drama unfolding behind him, Lin Yiyang entered the pharmacy.

Open shelves lined the aisles, offering a bewildering array of products. He meandered through twice, searching for Yin Guo's request, but with no luck. Approaching the counter, he found an elderly couple in pristine white lab coats – a kindly-looking auntie and a stern-faced gentleman.

Clearing his throat, Lin Yiyang locked eyes with the woman. Her gaze held a reassuring warmth. He hesitated, then turned towards the man.

The couple exchanged a bewildered look, their faces etched with concern. Finally, Lin Yiyang, breaking the awkward silence, retrieved his phone. With a frustrated sigh, he tapped open a search engine, presenting the screen to the confused pair.

"Ah, here we are," the old aunt chirped, emerging from behind the counter with two boxes tucked under her arm. "Everyone seems to be buying these in pairs."

Lin Yiyang's gaze flicked between the two boxes and the cashier screen, his brow furrowing in thought. Three silent seconds ticked by as he weighed the options. Double insurance? Maybe it was a good thing.

He reached for his wallet, a sigh escaping his lips as he paid. Stepping out of the pharmacy, the weight of the plastic bag felt oddly heavy in his hand.

Back in his car, parked within the familiar confines of Dongxincheng's courtyard, Lin Yiyang stared at the two boxes through the transparent plastic. A pang of guilt twisted in his gut. He was no hero, just an ordinary guy. But Yin Guo was different. A girl in a world that could be harsh. Being recognized wasn't an option.

With a resigned shrug, he retrieved the boxes. A single instruction sheet was carefully peeled away and tucked into his pocket. The remaining bulk? It disappeared into the depths of a nearby trash bin with a soft thud.

****

Yin Guo clutched the two opaque plastic bags and the instruction manual, her hand brushing his briefly as she took them. "I'll be in the bathroom," she murmured, her voice laced with a nervous tremor.