During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 23: Rivarly

"In the dance of friendship, rivalry becomes the rhythm that strengthens the bonds, each challenge a step, and every triumph a shared victory."

Translator: Wuxia Studio, Editor: Wuxia Studio

The air grew thick with tension. "Let's talk about my sister," he said, his gaze lingering on Lin Yiyang a beat too long, sending a shiver down his spine. "You think I'm oblivious to your intentions."

On the way to Wu Wie's apartment, Meng Xiaodong had pieced together the situation with surprising ease, thanks to his brother's cryptic hints. The moment he saw Lin Yiyang's disheveled state and Yin Guo's worried expression, the puzzle clicked into place. Lin Yiyang's demeanor now only served to solidify his suspicions.

"Seems I was right," Meng Xiaodong said, a triumphant glint in his eyes.

"Meng Xiaodong, are you naive?"

Lin Yiyang finally managed a smile, albeit a strained one.

Meng Xiaodong's smile widened. "It's not every day I get leverage over you, gotta admit, it feels good." He grabbed a coat from the sofa, shrugging into it. "Besides, I hear there's a billiard room nearby. Play a game with me, Let's see if you have the qualifications to join the ranks of her many suitors."

Lin Yiyang didn't miss the underlying jab. "If you're looking for an excuse to play, you could just say so."

Meng Xiaodong chuckled. "See you downstairs then."

It was merely a convenient excuse, the truth was that Meng Xiaodong simply missed their competitive spirit. It was a bond forged in rivalry, a deep friendship built on countless matches, not hangovers and empty chatter.

"Change into a shirt," Meng Xiaodong tossed over his shoulder as he left. "I don't play with guys in their undershirts."

The door clicked shut, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Meng Xiaodong and his dress code habits. It stung, but the truth remained unchanged.

Lin Yiyang set down his glass, his gaze drifting towards the bedroom. He opened the closet, his fingers trailing across the familiar rows of competition shirts. Wu Wei's clothes, meticulously ironed and neatly folded, mirrored his own forgotten passion. He pulled out a black one, the fabric cool against his skin as he unbuttoned his current attire. Staring at the garment in his hands, a surge of forgotten pride washed over him.

As a child, he'd meticulously ironed his clothes, the crisp creases a source of pride. Each night, he'd carefully folded them, ensuring they were ready for the next day's challenges.

Perhaps it was this ingrained connection that prevented him from ever buying his own competition attire. He'd borrowed, making do with temporary solutions.

Yet, the memory of the dress code remained vivid. A long-sleeved shirt, dark trousers, every button fastened, and the shirt tucked neatly into his pants. With a determined glint in his eyes, Lin Yiyang slipped on the shirt.

At the door, Yin Guo heard that the door was closed and sneaked out to Wu Wei's bedroom door.

"My brother didn't do anything to you, right?"

She gently pushed open the half-closed door and the sight that greeted her stole her breath away. The room was bathed in a soft light, illuminating Lin Yiyang's bare chest as he meticulously buttoned the black shirt. It clung to his form, an unfamiliar intensity radiating from him.