During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 21: Yearning Hearts

"Uncertainty dances with hope, painting the future in shades of possibility, a canvas waiting for love to add its brushstrokes."

Translator: Wuxia Studio Editor: Twins Fantastic

Sunlight crept through the window, breaking the silence as the clock struck six. Yin Guo stirred awake, the familiar routine of weekdays already in motion. Both Wu Wei and her cousin rose early and embarked on their respective activities. One with leisure, the other one with work.

Pushing open the bedroom door, she intended to use the bathroom, but the light filtering from beneath the closed door informed her it was already occupied.

Yin Guo, clad in white sportswear with a warm flannel lining, roamed the living room comfortably, undeterred by the morning chill. Seated on the sofa, she awaited someone exiting the bathroom. Her movements were languid, head drooping, slippers casually tossed up and down, occasionally hitting the ground.

As Lin Yiyang emerged from the bathroom, she caught sight of this scene. Her long hair veiled most of her face as she dozed off, seemingly unfazed by the morning.

"Waiting for the bathroom?" Lin Yiyang inquired.

Yin Guo lifted her head, meeting his gaze. "Ah? Yes, have you finished?"

Lin Yiyang held the bathroom door ajar, allowing Yin Guo to bypass him. As they passed, she detected the lingering scent of Yin Guo's post-shower fragrance. Didn't she wash last night? Did she need to shower twice a day?

Closing and locking the door behind her, Yin Guo noticed unfamiliar men's toiletries by the sink, not belonging to Wu Wei or her cousin. Lin Yiyang's, she presumed and found a razor.

"He actually uses a blade, not an electric one. Impressive, won't it irritate?" Yin Guo pondered.

Outside the door, Lin Yiyang touched his chin, realizing he needed a new towel after shaving, yet the bathroom cleanup had been neglected. Spotting Yin Guo, he opted to let her in first without voicing the oversight.

Emerging from the bathroom, Yin Guo caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. A small blemish marred her chin, a reminder of a restless night. She wished for makeup to conceal it but settled for dabbing her damp hair and pushing it back for a natural look.

Returning to the living room, she found Lin Yiyang preparing breakfast. "Wu Wei left for Boston," he informed her, gesturing to two plates of fried chips. "Care to join me?"

Yin Guo smiled gratefully, accepting the invitation. They ate in comfortable silence, the morning sun warming their faces as they prepared for their day's adventure.

--

The Brooklyn Bridge stretched before them, a majestic silhouette against the afternoon sky. The salty breeze whipped Yin Guo's hair around her face as she leaned against the railing, enjoying the panoramic view. Lin Yiyang stood beside her, his gaze fixed on the vibrant cityscape.

"It's beautiful," Yin Guo murmured, her words barely audible above the wind.

"Indeed, more beautiful with you here," Lin Yiyang replied, his voice a low rumble.

A blush crept up Yin Guo's cheeks, but she attributed it to the wind more than his words. She turned to face him, their eyes meeting for a moment before he looked away, the intensity seeming to surprise him.