Amidst a Snowstorm of Love- Episode 1-3 Recap

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this drama for ages! While a few friends warned me it’s a slow-burn romance, I’m totally on board—especially with a pairing that looks so promising. I’m beyond excited to dive into the first three episodes. Here’s hoping it exceeds all my expectations and delivers something truly extraordinary!

Let's get started.....

The drama opens amidst a fierce snowstorm, known as Blizzard Day. Lin Yiyang emerges from the swirling white near a subway entrance, where he encounters a group of Chinese travelers, weighed down with luggage, desperately seeking the station. He denies who he is, but can't resist warning them that public transportation is down. Meanwhile, Yin Guo and her cousin Meng Xiaotian are also caught in the storm's relentless grip. They stumble into a nearby bar, seeking refuge. As Yin Guo makes a call to Zheng Yi from the doorway, Lin Yiyang spots her through the blizzard's haze. Intrigued, he follows her inside.

Noticing the billiard cue box beside Meng Xiaotian’s suitcase, a spark of recognition crosses Lin Yiyang's mind. He discreetly places a cocktail on the table where Yin Guo, exhausted, rests her head. At the same time, Lin Yiyang’s friend, Wu Wei, buys a drink for Meng Xiaotian. Realizing that Yin Guo and her cousin have nowhere to stay, Lin Yiyang quietly arranges a car and tells Wu Wei to wait until they've booked a hotel before offering to take them there. Yin Guo hesitates, wary of his intentions, but Lin Yiyang assures her it’s nothing more than a simple favor—just a chance encounter on a snowy night.

Driven by a surge of instinctive caution, Yin Guo hesitated and questioned Lin Yiyang about whether he was working or studying. Sensing her unease, Lin Yiyang calmly produced his ID card and a magnetic school card, placing them on the table for her to inspect. The gesture eased her tension, and she finally felt a semblance of trust. But just as she looked up at him, Lin Yiyang reached for his ID once more. In response, Yin Guo pulled out her phone, nervously displaying her passport photo as if to prove she was just as cautious. With a subtle smile, Lin Yiyang headed to the counter to settle the bill, while his friend discreetly took care of their luggage. Even as they prepared to leave, Yin Guo couldn’t shake her anxiety. She snapped a quick photo of the car's license plate, her fingers trembling. But Lin Yiyang caught her in the act, their eyes meeting in a moment of awkward embarrassment before she slipped into the car, her heart pounding.

Due to the relentless snowfall, Lin Yiyang was forced to take a longer, more treacherous route to the Snow City Hotel, but he didn’t hesitate for a moment. When they finally arrived, he didn’t just drop off the luggage—he made a point of reminding Yin Guo to stay safe, his voice filled with genuine concern. Yin Guo felt a deep sense of gratitude, touched by his thoughtfulness. As he gazed at her with a tenderness that made her heart skip a beat, Lin Yiyang said his goodbyes. But just as he turned to leave, Meng Xiaotian stopped him, insisting they exchange WeChat contacts.

Returning home, Lin Yiyang realized too late that he’d forgotten his key. He called Wu Wei, but the phone was frustratingly dead, leaving him stranded. With no other option, he trudged through the snow to a familiar restaurant, owned by an acquaintance. That night, Lin Yiyang found himself sleeping on a hard bench, the chill of the evening air a stark contrast to the warmth of the encounter he had just experienced.

In the hotel room, Yin Guo couldn’t help but mention Lin Yiyang, revealing that he had attended the same school as Zheng Yi. Meng Xiaotian sighed in admiration, “He’s a top student.” Early the next morning, as Lin Yiyang prepared to leave, the restaurant owner informed him that he had finally repaid the 200,000 yuan debt. Lin Yiyang nodded, explaining that he wouldn’t have pressed for repayment if the money hadn’t been urgently needed.

Meanwhile, Meng Xiaotian believed Yin Guo owed Lin Yiyang a proper thank you and decided to take matters into his own hands. He pushed Lin Yiyang’s WeChat contact to Yin Guo, who stared at her phone, torn between adding him or leaving things as they were. But before she could make up her mind, Meng Xiaotian grabbed the phone, swiftly added Lin Yiyang, and even sent a smiley face.

Feeling the weight of gratitude, Yin Guo decided that the least she could do was treat Lin Yiyang to dinner, her heart racing at the thought of seeing him again. Lin Yiyang teased, "Weren’t you afraid of being scammed?" Yin Guo quickly responded, explaining that her wariness came from arriving in a strange city only to be hit by a blizzard. Lin Yiyang chuckled and reassured her, "That’s easy to understand."

But with Lin Yiyang needing to return to Hexin’s school from the train station, their dinner plans fell through. Not wanting to let the opportunity slip away, Meng Xiaotian took matters into his own hands. He secretly messaged Lin Yiyang, booked two train tickets to Hexin, and whisked Yin Guo off to the station. When Lin Yiyang saw them, a broad smile spread across his face. As they traveled together, he couldn’t help but save Yin Guo’s contact with a special note: “Red Fish”—a nod to the bar where their paths first crossed in the midst of that unforgettable snowstorm.

On the train, Wu Wei found Lin Yiyang and dropped a bombshell—tonight’s dinner wasn’t just any meeting, but with his teacher’s daughter. She had flown all the way from China, bringing with her a bounty of things sent by his wife. Lin Yiyang sighed in resignation and agreed, prompting Wu Wei to hastily buy a return ticket.

When Meng Xiaotian and Yin Guo arrived in Hexin, they eagerly messaged Lin Yiyang, only to discover he had already returned to Hull. As they made their way to Hexin University, Yin Guo, Meng Xiaotian, and Zheng Yi exchanged messages, debating whether Lin Yiyang was handsome. The conversation took a playful turn when Yin Guo finally confessed that Lin Yiyang wasn’t bad at all. But just as she hit send, a notification popped up—Lin Yiyang had joined the chat. Yin Guo’s heart skipped a beat as she realized he had been following their conversation the whole time.

Lin Yiyang quickly called a friend, arranging for him to look after Meng Xiaotian and Yin Guo while he and Wu Wei handled the evening’s unexpected obligation—entertaining the teacher’s daughter from Dongxin City. As they met, she confided in Lin Yiyang that Jiang Yang was in serious trouble. Lin Yiyang, unfazed, brushed it off with a casual smile, "I’ve got no money, no connections—trust me, I’m the last person anyone should turn to."

Early in the morning, Meng Xiaotian showed up at Yin Guo’s door with a bag of food, excitement in his eyes. “Classmate Lin Yiyang gave me a tour of their school!” he announced, clearly impressed. To show his gratitude, Meng Xiaotian had invited Lin Yiyang to join them later. Feeling a mix of curiosity and gratitude, Yin Guo sent Lin Yiyang a quick WeChat message to thank him. His reply was as cool as ever: "No need to mention it." But the casual response only made her more intrigued by the mysterious classmate who seemed to be everywhere she turned.

A week later, Meng Xiaotian brought Yin Guo to Angel Coffee, just a stone’s throw from Red Fish. As they walked in, Yin Guo was surprised to learn that Lin Yiyang had arranged the meeting. He had come straight from the train station, not even stopping for lunch, just to see them. Yin Guo, tasked by Zheng Yi with finding a small shop that sold coffee beans nearby, realized she didn’t know the exact location. Hesitant, she turned to Lin Yiyang for help. Without missing a beat, Lin Yiyang offered to take them there himself. Yin Guo tried to decline, but Lin Yiyang’s gaze met hers, and he simply said, “It’s on the way.” The words hung in the air, leaving Yin Guo with little choice but to follow.

With time slipping away, Yin Guo quickly devoured her tiramisu and Americano, savoring every bite and sip. Lin Yiyang watched her with a warm, affectionate smile, then led them out of Angel Cafe. At the coffee bean shop, he deftly wiped his hands with a tissue before handing Yin Guo a coffee bean. She hesitated for a moment, then popped it into her mouth, chewing slowly as Lin Yiyang’s gaze lingered on her, filled with tenderness.

Feeling a sudden blush, Lin Yiyang turned away, selecting two raspberry-flavored coffee beans and offering them to Yin Guo. With a hurried goodbye, he dashed off, leaving Yin Guo clutching the beans with a smile. She slipped them into her pocket, a small but sweet reminder of their unexpected connection.

Yin Guo arrived at a bustling hot pot restaurant to meet Su Wei, who was eager to introduce her to Berry—the rival who had bested her in the youth competition. As they chatted, Berry casually mentioned that Hull had a Chinese ballroom, run by a retired snooker player. The venue was a favorite haunt for Chinese professionals and hosted intimate gatherings every Saturday. Intrigued, Yin Guo pressed for more details.

Berry then revealed a stunning secret: the ballroom’s owner was none other than Meng Xiaodong. The news left Su Wei and Berry wide-eyed in shock. As the conversation buzzed with surprise, Berry led Su Wei and Yin Guo to the billiards room. There, amidst the clinking of pool balls, they stumbled upon Lin Yiyang, casually holding a pool stick. The coincidence was electric, adding an unexpected twist to their day.

Lin Yiyang's usual nonchalance melted into genuine warmth the moment his eyes landed on Yin Guo. As he took his turn to serve, his demeanor shifted; he swung with effortless grace and precision, sending each ball neatly into its designated pocket. With one flawless shot, he cleared the table, leaving no room for his opponent to retaliate. Lin Yiyang dominated the game, sweeping all seven rounds with effortless skill.

Yin Guo watched in awe, her gaze fixed on him. When she inquired about his relationship with his opponent, Lin Yiyang’s eyes met hers, and he replied in Chinese with a hint of mischief, "Friends, I hope so." Yin Guo’s lips curved into a smile as she responded, "Of course, we’ve always been friends." The exchange crackled with a newfound intimacy, sparking a deeper connection between them.

Su Wei led Yin Guo to a secluded room with a billiard table, where Lin Yiyang had already arranged for two cocktails. Yin Guo blushed slightly at the gesture, but Lin Yiyang quickly eased her discomfort, explaining with a grin that since he had won the game, the whole evening was on the house—and the cocktails were non-alcoholic.

Noticing the charged exchange between Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo, Berry discreetly pulled Su Wei aside, leaving the two of them alone. As Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo chatted, the air between them thickened with unspoken tension. They leaned over the table, their fingers brushing against the billiard balls, the atmosphere crackling with an electrifying, awkward intimacy. The once casual game now seemed charged with a deeper, unspoken connection.

Just as Lin Yiyang was about to ask if Yin Guo was heading back with her friends, Su Wei dashed over, announcing he had to leave early. With Su Wei gone, Lin Yiyang reached out and gently touched the billiard ball in Yin Guo’s hand, his gaze lingering on her.

Noticing Yin Guo’s concern about the late hour and potential inconvenience, Lin Yiyang offered a reassuring smile. “It doesn’t matter how late it gets,” he said softly. “You’re different.” Despite his words, Yin Guo still hesitated, feeling uneasy about being a burden. Lin Yiyang quickly countered, “It’s not troublesome at all. Well, only if you don’t find it troublesome.” His voice carried a mix of sincerity and charm, deepening the moment between them.

After leaving the billiard room, Yin Guo planned to catch a taxi, but Lin Yiyang suggested they take the subway instead. Yin Guo hesitated, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she admitted her fear of getting lost on the subway. Lin Yiyang’s eyes softened as he reassured her, “Stick with me, and you won’t lose your way.”

As they walked to the subway station, Lin Yiyang noticed her struggling to keep up with his longer strides and thoughtfully slowed his pace. To ease the awkwardness, Yin Guo tried to make conversation, asking if he frequently visited the golf club. Lin Yiyang chuckled and admitted it was his first time there. Yin Guo’s face brightened with a hint of delight, finding unexpected joy in the shared moment.

The subway was nearly deserted, casting an intimate atmosphere over the ride. Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo settled into seats on opposite sides of the aisle, maintaining a respectful distance. Seizing the moment, Yin Guo took the initiative to properly introduce herself. She shared the reason behind her and Meng Xiaotian’s trip to Hull—both being seniors with no classes this semester, Meng Xiaotian had applied to the local school and signed up for the Nine-ball Open. They had arrived two months early to acclimate to the area.

Lin Yiyang listened with a smile, his eyes twinkling as he replied, “You’ve probably seen all my details—date of birth, school, and major. Beyond that, there’s not much else to reveal.” His playful tone added a layer of intrigue to their conversation, making the quiet subway ride feel charged with a subtle, growing connection.

Yin Guo, flustered, quickly apologized for the previous misunderstanding. Lin Yiyang turned towards her, his gaze steady, and began to share details about his major and background. The atmosphere between them grew charged with unspoken tension as Yin Guo shifted awkwardly, her discomfort palpable.

Noticing a message on Yin Guo's phone where she mentioned being very hungry, Lin Yiyang sprang into action. He sent a quick WeChat message to Wu Wei, arranging a table for four at a popular ramen spot. To ease any sense of obligation, Lin Yiyang casually told Yin Guo that Wu Wei had invited him out for ramen, cleverly downplaying his own initiative. The small deception only deepened the intrigue of their interaction, adding a layer of complexity to their unfolding connection.

To spare Yin Guo any discomfort, Lin Yiyang made a point of sitting across from her with Wu Wei. Wu Wei was in high spirits, excited about both their spots on the Nine-Ball Open roster. He was studying for his graduate degree in Hull, having arrived a year before Lin Yiyang, who was just about to finish his studies after three years. Now, Wu Wei was eagerly awaiting his friend’s graduation.

Yin Guo, facing a three-month stay in Hull, needed a more permanent solution than a hotel. Wu Wei mentioned that one of their house tenants was moving out, and with a billiard room conveniently nearby, it would be perfect for her daily practice. The suggestion was too good to pass up, so Yin Guo exchanged WeChat details with Wu Wei, setting up a potential new home base that might just solve her logistical woes and offer a chance to enhance her game.

Wu Wei’s WeChat name, “Don’t Care,” cracked Yin Guo up. With a grin, Wu Wei revealed that Lin Yiyang’s nickname is “Dunde,” a playful nod to the rhythm of his name. When their noodles arrived, Lin Yiyang took the extra step of wiping Yin Guo’s chopsticks with a wet tissue, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed.

After dinner, Lin Yiyang accompanied Yin Guo back to her hotel. Just as they reached the entrance, they were met with the sight of a couple engaged in a passionate kiss. To spare Yin Guo from the awkwardness, she quickly started a conversation about the nearby unappetizing hot dogs until the couple finally parted ways.

Concerned about potential rowdiness from drunk patrons, Lin Yiyang had already arranged for Meng Xiaotian to meet them downstairs to ensure Yin Guo’s safety. After parting ways with her, Lin Yiyang made a detour to the convenience store to buy one of those notoriously bad hot dogs Yin Guo had mentioned, completing the evening with a touch of thoughtful humor.

Wu Wei’s latest Moments post sparked curiosity with a cryptic message about Lin Yiyang having someone special in his heart. Yin Guo muttered to herself, “Lin Yiyang, Lin Yiyang,” as she tried to process the hint. When she accidentally brushed her hair behind her ear, she winced, realizing her ear had been scratched. It turned out Lin Yiyang’s watch had grazed her ear while he was unlocking the hotel door for her.

After applying some ointment, Yin Guo revisited Moments, only to find Lin Yiyang had intervened, asking Wu Wei to delete the post because Yin Guo could see it. Her heart raced as she took in the implication: the post was about Lin Yiyang. She refreshed her feed, and the update had vanished, leaving her with a lingering sense of intrigue and anticipation.

Lin Yiyang shot Yin Guo a WeChat message, checking if her ear was alright after their encounter. Yin Guo assured him it was nothing serious, just a minor scrape. Setting his phone aside, Lin Yiyang swapped his watch from his left wrist to his right, a thoughtful gesture in response to the incident.

Back at his place, Wu Wei confessed to Lin Yiyang that he had intentionally posted the message about someone special, stirring up curiosity. Lin Yiyang didn’t bother to comment, instead, he unwrapped the hot dog Yin Guo had criticized and took several hearty bites, curious to experience its infamous flavor for himself.

Meanwhile, Yin Guo and Meng Xiaotian were deep in discussion about renting a house. When Lin Yiyang messaged again on WeChat, their conversation veered into late-night ramen. Meng Xiaotian, noticing Yin Guo’s complex expression, inquired about her conversation partner. Yin Guo brushed off the question, saying it was just the coach, keeping the details close to her chest.

Lin Yiyang surprised Yin Guo by sending her a list of the best ramen spots in town. He hinted that he’d love to take her out to dinner when the chance arises. Yin Guo chuckled and teased him about his generous dining habits.

Meanwhile, Meng Xiaotian agreed to rent the house, and Yin Guo took the opportunity to probe about Wu Wei’s relationship status, subtly implying that she didn’t want to intrude if he was already taken. Meng Xiaotian quickly dismissed her concerns with a grin, saying, "Not a chance. Wu Wei and Lin Yiyang are too busy competing with each other." Yin Guo’s smile widened, clearly pleased with the response.

As Wu Wei lay in bed, a sudden realization jolted him awake—today was Lin Yiyang's birthday. He recalled Lin Yiyang’s fondness for noodles and decided it was the perfect occasion for a special gesture. Meanwhile, Meng Xiaotian was scrolling through Wu Wei's social media updates when he noticed a peculiar shift in Yin Guo’s mood. Sensing an opportunity, he approached her and encouraged her to open up more to Lin Yiyang, hinting that he was worth getting to know better.

The next morning, Lin Yiyang woke up late, groggy but content. He was met with an unexpected sight when he opened his door: Jiang Yang and a group of his disciples from Dongxin City, all gathered in a lively group. Wu Wei was among them. The disciples, eager and respectful, referred to Lin Yiyang as their "junior uncle," a title Lin Yiyang awkwardly brushed off, preferring to be called "Sixth Brother" instead. The surprising assembly set the stage for a day filled with unanticipated events.

Lin Yiyang walked into the ramen restaurant, greeted by the enthusiastic owner who encouraged him to speak his truth boldly. “Just be honest,” she advised. “She’ll feel it, no matter what.” Meanwhile, at the billiard room, Yin Guo and Su Wei were deep in practice. Su Wei noticed Yin Guo’s distracted demeanor, sensing something was troubling her. Yin Guo’s mind was preoccupied with the previous night’s events. She scrolled through her phone, scanning her chat history with Lin Yiyang and checking his Moments, only to find no new updates.

Across town, Lin Yiyang was equally engrossed in his phone, hesitating over how to initiate a conversation with Yin Guo. His dilemma was interrupted by the arrival of Jiang Yang at the ramen restaurant. Jiang Yang, a brother to Lin Yiyang, proposed a round of billiards, a suggestion Lin Yiyang accepted without hesitation. As the day unfolded, the intertwining of their lives set the stage for unexpected revelations and decisions.

As the Bagua disciples gathered online, Wu Wei recounted the tumultuous history between Jiang Yang and Lin Yiyang. They had both become apprentices to the legendary Mr. He within a week of each other, despite their six-year age gap. Among Mr. He’s six apprentices, Lin Yiyang was the youngest and ranked sixth, hence the nickname Xiao Liu. Although Lin Yiyang was the most talented and had earned his spot on his own merit, his arrival meant he fell behind Jiang Yang, who had won the national championship first.

On his way to the billiard room, Lin Yiyang overheard Jiang Yang’s frustrated shouts and a smile tugged at his lips. Jiang Yang had mentioned Wu Wei's social circle, and Lin Yiyang, caught off guard, remarked that they had just met and might not yet have a strong impression of him. Jiang Yang, ever the jester, quipped that one should leverage their strengths—highlighting Lin Yiyang’s undeniable charm. With a dismissive smile, Lin Yiyang focused on the game, sinking the first shot effortlessly and showcasing his prowess.

DramaZen's Opinion

Finally, a female character who’s sharp, cautious, and forward-thinking! She checked the drink, verified the identity of the 'friendly' stranger, and even snapped a photo of the taxi—everything you’d expect from someone who isn’t easily fooled. It’s refreshing to see a drama where a friendly woman isn’t portrayed as naïve or careless. And the chemistry between them? Off the charts! You could feel the sparks just from the way he looked at her—it’s the same electric vibe I felt with the leads in My Little Happiness.

Are we diving into the classic "cold man" meets "sugar and ice" dynamic here? 😄🤣

I totally get Gao’s bewilderment trying to read him. Lin Yiyang aced that snooker game like a pro, only to fall into near silence afterward. He’s a man of few words, making every comment count. But his intense gaze and careful observation speak volumes, revealing a depth of thought as he gauges her reactions. Like Gao, I can be reserved too, but I open up when I want to connect, so his silence would definitely be a puzzle.

Yet, Lin Yiyang is both attentive and suave. I love how he seized the chance to extend their time together by noting she was still hungry. The little things he does are incredibly endearing—like reminding her to bundle up before heading to the subway and switching sides on the pavement to protect her from slipping. It’s adorable how these small gestures are slowly making an impact on her, adding layers of charm to his character.

Lin Yiyang’s expressions are absolutely priceless! You can practically read his mind just by watching his face. When his friend casually asked Yin Guo for her WeChat and she agreed without a second thought, Lin Yiyang’s internal monologue was a mix of disbelief and self-reproach: “Seriously? It’s that easy? Why didn’t I have the guts to do that the first time we met?”

It’s almost comical how close he came to walking away without any way to contact her, all thanks to her brother's intervention.

And then there’s his jealousy, barely contained but so obvious: like when he slammed the bowl a bit too forcefully as he watched them chat, or when he awkwardly crossed paths with his friend just to grab the chopsticks instead of waiting until they finished their phone scans. It’s these little details that make his character so endearing and entertaining!