During the Snowstorm by Mo Bao Fei Bao

Chapter 2.5 The World Under the Snow

In their youthful days, before they rose to fame, the billiards club was a place where everyone had a nickname.

He was known as "Stunner (Duncuo)," Jiang Yang as "Big Thief (Da Dao)," Wu Wei as "Who Cares (Wu Suo Wei)," Fan Wencong as "Vendor (Xiao Fan)," Lin Lin as "Chief Chief (Zong Zong)," and Chen Anan was called "An Mei" because his name had a feminine ring to it. Nicknames were everywhere in the club. The club had several instructors, each with their own group of apprentices. He and Jiang Yang were the most gifted pupils under the tutelage of Instructor He. It was said that Instructor He took on six apprentices in his lifetime, and finally, near the end of his career, he found two kids with exceptional talent. Among them, Lin Yi Yang had the greatest potential and sought out Instructor He on his own accord.

In their youth, participating in the national professional group competition was a rite of passage for aspiring billiards players.

The winner was not only crowned with glory but also earned a respected nickname. Jiang Yang was the first to claim the championship title and proudly went by "Grandfather Yang." But when it came to Lin Yi Yang, he had to settle for the humbling moniker of "Little Grandfather" due to the presence of two senior players with similar last characters.

"What are you doing here playing billiards?" Lin Yi Yang asked Jiang Yang.

Jiang Yang is a snooker player and has taught a group of disciples to play nine balls, which is a bit strange.

"They are my disciples, but An Mei is teaching them. An Mei switched to nine-ball a few years ago, but he has family issues and can't come early. So I brought the kids here early."

"Isn't the competition in April?" Lin Yi Yang remembered correctly that Wu Wei and Yin Guo both competed at that time.

"The youth and young adult groups are in March." Wu Wei answered on behalf of Jiang Yang.

Lin Yi Yang nodded, "Oh, I see." He then took a sip of his beer.

The young adults sitting on the couch were eagerly waiting to chat with Lin Yi Yang.

Suddenly, Lin Yi Yang announced, "You guys chat. I'm going to grab some food."

He strode into the room, quickly threw on his warm clothing, slipped on his sneakers without socks, grabbed his keys and wallet, and made his way through the living room. Just as he reached the door, he noticed the group of children all staring at him with expectant expressions. Feeling slightly overwhelmed, he gave them a quick wave, considering that as a farewell to them before disappearing out the door.

Lin Yi Yang descended the staircase, his steps slow and steady.

Two minutes later, he found himself at the same noodle restaurant he had visited before. He had a good memory, and the memories of the delicious noodles that Yin Guo had enjoyed that night still lingered in his mind. The restaurant was quiet, with only a few customers scattered about. The owner, a friendly man whom Lin Yi Yang had known for a year, was free and seated opposite him.

They communicated well, each speaking a different language but still able to understand each other. Lin Yi Yang spoke Japanese, while the owner spoke English, and their conversations were lively and enjoyable.

"The girl you brought yesterday was quite a looker," said the owner with a nod of approval as he leaned back in his chair.

Lin Yi Yang chuckled and continued to twirl his noodles around his chopsticks. "She's the one you wanted to get to know the moment you laid eyes on her," the owner added, with a knowing smile.

Lin Yi Yang didn't deny it.

"When did the two of you meet? I mean, what day?" The owner asked, intrigued.