During The Blizzard (Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love)

Canto 17: The Missing Piece

"In the mosaic of life, the missing piece is not an absence but a silent invitation for self-discovery. Embrace the gaps, for within them lies the canvas of our growth and the artistry of our becoming."

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

Lin Yiyang set the crystal goblet before Yin Guo, the amber liquid swirling within. His hand trembled, the weight of unspoken secrets heavy in his palm. Each sip held a truth, a shared vulnerability, a risk. Did he dare offer her a taste of his own story, knowing it could rewrite their melody forever?

Yin Guo, sensing his turmoil, met his gaze. Her eyes, the color of aged whiskey, held understanding. She reached for the glass, her touch lingering on his fingers like a whispered promise. Bringing it to her lips, she inhaled the heady aroma, a sigh escaping her soft lips.

"Strong," she murmured, the word a caress. "Burns the throat, yet lingers like a memory."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Wu Wei with Meng Xiaotian strolled in, his boisterous laughter echoing through the room. He stopped short, his gaze landing on the shared glass and Yin Guo's flushed cheeks. A knowing grin split his face.

"Antique liqueur, I see!" he boomed, his voice tinged with amusement. "This one demands more than just a sip, wouldn't you agree?"

Wu Wei's laughter echoed, filling the room. It should have been relaxing, like sunshine after a storm. But Lin Yiyang's chest still felt tight, his heart thumping like a trapped bird. Maybe sharing his story wouldn't be so scary, not with Wu Wei's friendly laugh and Yin Guo's kind eyes that seemed to understand everything.

Yet, the words wouldn't come. They were stuck somewhere deep inside, tangled in fear. He wasn't ready to bare his soul, to show everyone the messy, hidden parts of himself. He needed to figure himself out first, like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Only then could he share the burden.

He forced a smile, but it didn't touch his eyes. The story stayed locked inside him, a secret waiting for the right time to be told. But maybe, just maybe, tonight planted a seed of hope. Maybe someday, when he was ready, he would let it bloom.

Wu Wei scrolled through his phone, a barely concealed smirk playing on his lips. Lin Yiyang ignored the buzzing notification, his gaze fixed on Yin Guo as she savored the lingering warmth of the antique wine.

Meng Xiaotian raised a glass, proposing a toast. Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo exchanged glances, silently agreeing on the cheapest champagne. As they clinked glasses, their eyes met, Yin Guo's dark irises holding a depth Lin Yiyang couldn't decipher.

Yin Guo lingered over the last sip, savoring the warmth that lingered on her tongue. The bubbly champagne had offered a temporary reprieve from the bustling city around them.

"I miss the quiet evenings back home," she confessed, her voice a soft sigh. "Sitting under the stars, listening to the crickets."

Lin Yiyang's concern deepened. He saw the flicker of longing in her eyes, a stark contrast to the forced cheer she'd kept up all night. He leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper.

"This place can be overwhelming," he admitted, his gaze lingering on her face. "The noise, the crowds, it can wear you down. But remember, you're not alone."

His words held a weight beyond their simple meaning. They spoke of a silent promise, a safe haven she could find in him amidst the city's chaos.