During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 47: Samantha And Rachel

”To be deeply loved is to be known, and to be known and loved is to be set free." - Michael Berg

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

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The world outside was a warzone of water. Rain lashed against the windowpanes, each drop exploding in a miniature geyser against the glass. The wind howled like a banshee, a relentless symphony accompanying the drumbeat of the downpour.

It was the kind of rain that soaked through clothes and soul, leaving a chilling dampness in its wake. Raindrops pounded against the glass, each one a tiny explosion echoing the turmoil building within Yin Guo.

Lin Yiyang cupped her face, his touch a fleeting comfort in the growing tension. He traced his thumb gently across her cheek, his gaze drawn to the telltale redness around her eyes.

He held her lips silently, a tender exploration that deepened the unspoken questions in his eyes.

The playful dance turned into a slow, lingering kiss, a desperate attempt to connect before the storm within her erupted. As he pulled away, his voice, a low murmur barely audible above the rain's roar, broke the silence, "Why are your eyes red?"

Yin Guo's heart clenched in her chest. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over like the rain outside. She felt a lump form in her throat, making it difficult to speak. Finally, she managed a choked whisper, "I'm leaving next week."

Lin Yiyang's brow furrowed, a crease appearing between his eyes that mirrored the growing tension in the room.

He wasn't surprised by her tight schedule, the demands of her career a constant presence. But he still asked, "Which day?"

"Wednesday," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the storm's fury. "There is a game in Hangzhou in late April."

"You can't stand it before the first open match is over?"

Yin Guo was enveloped in a sudden surge of sadness, didn't want to joke, and pushed his chest.

A playful glint flickered in Lin Yiyang's eyes as he chuckled softly. "Thinking about me, but pushing me away nonetheless?" He reached for her hand, his fingers brushing lightly against hers. "Let me do the math for you. Today is Friday, you finished the game on Sunday, and Wednesday is indeed your departure date. So hold on tight, literally for just one minute more, alright?"

Yin Guo met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a deeper sadness than her playful facade let on. Lin Yiyang's smile faltered. He saw the weight of her decision etched on her face, a stark contrast to the usual spark in her eyes.

He pulled her close, his arms encircling her in a comforting embrace. A sigh escaped his lips, a sound that spoke volumes more than words ever could. He held her for a few moments, their bodies offering a silent solace in the storm of emotions brewing within them.

Suddenly, a vibration jolted Yin Guo from her thoughts. It wasn't his phone, but hers.

A wave of resistance washed over Yin Guo. Her social circle was well aware of her commitment and training schedule -phone calls rarely interrupted her focus.

Nearly everyone from the club was around her, their routines synced to the rhythm of shared goals. Yet, the phone persisted, the persistent vibration a constant reminder.

Finally, with a resigned sigh, Yin Guo retrieved her phone, glancing at the screen. The name 'Li Qingyan' flashed back, a familiar yet unexpected contact.