Amidst a Snowstorm of Love- Episode 22-24 Recap
As they finally arrived at the competition site, the memories came flooding back—this was the very place where Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo first crossed paths. Returning to the cozy house they once rented together, they were unexpectedly gifted some alone time when Yin Guo's younger brother had to return to the country. While Yin Guo lounged in the living room, she watched a video of Lin Yiyang's post-championship interview. Her heart swelled with joy as Lin Yiyang openly admitted to the reporters that he had a special someone in his life. Just then, Lin Yiyang suddenly appeared, catching Yin Guo off guard. Flustered and trying to contain her excitement, she quickly made an excuse to take a shower. But when she returned, she couldn't resist planting a kiss on him.
As they lay together on the bed, reminiscing about their romantic past, Yin Guo's thoughts drifted to her brother and Lin Lin. Curious, she asked Lin Yiyang if there was any hope between them. Lin Yiyang, who knew Lin Lin well, explained that her decisive nature meant that if she truly didn't care for Meng Xiaodong, she wouldn't stay in touch with him. This gave Yin Guo hope that there might still be a chance for them.
Just as the conversation deepened, a knock on the door shattered the intimate moment—it was Chen Anan, needing Lin Yiyang to accompany him to training. Lin Yiyang then revealed that his visit wasn't just for Yin Guo; he also wanted to show Chen Anan around, especially since this was his last competition.
At the billiards room, Lin Yiyang eagerly guided Chen Anan and Yin Guo through the game. During a break, Chen Anan and Yin Guo chatted about Lin Yiyang, and she learned that Jiang Yang had approached him, hoping he would take over the club, but Lin Yiyang had declined. Chen Anan shared stories of Lin Yiyang's youthful arrogance, leaving Yin Guo even more intrigued by the man she loved.
After an intense evening of training, the atmosphere between Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo turned romantic, leaving Chen Anan—who was nearby—feeling awkwardly out of place. Just when the night seemed calm, Jiang Yang made a surprise appearance in Beicheng, catching everyone off guard, especially Meng Xiaodong. Their unexpected reunion left the younger generation buzzing with speculation. In a quiet moment, Meng Xiaodong handed Jiang Yang the business card of a renowned doctor, knowing he desperately needed treatment.
Later, after Chen Anan had one too many drinks, Lin Yiyang helped him back to his room. In his drunken state, Chen Anan once again begged Lin Yiyang to return to Dongcheng and take charge of the club's troubled affairs, but Lin Yiyang firmly refused.
As Lin Yiyang left Chen Anan's room, he found Yin Guo waiting for him in the living room, knowing he needed someone to confide in. She patiently listened as Lin Yiyang poured out his concerns—how he didn’t want to let down Master He Wenfeng or Jiang Yang, and how he understood the sacrifices Jiang Yang had made for the club. The challenges facing Dongcheng weighed heavily on him, and he knew fixing the problems would be a daunting task. Yin Guo comforted him, offering her support as they grew closer. Just as things were heating up between them, Chen Anan awkwardly emerged from his room, muttering an excuse about needing water before quickly retreating, leaving them both amused and slightly embarrassed.
As Jiang Yang faced the daunting prospect of surgery, Lin Yiyang's anxiety surged. Determined to offer support, he sent a heartfelt video message, only to find himself comforted by Jiang Yang’s unexpected empathy. In those vulnerable moments, their friendship deepened, revealing the true strength of their bond. Just as the call ended, Yin Guo approached Lin Yiyang, her presence a blend of reassurance and urgency. Bound by prior commitments, Lin Yiyang regretfully informed her that he couldn’t attend her upcoming match. However, he vowed to be there for her final showdown, igniting a spark of hope in Yin Guo’s heart.
On the day of the match, Yin Guo stepped up to the table to face a formidable local champion who wasted no time in applying relentless pressure. But Yin Guo’s exceptional skill and unbreakable mental toughness shone through. Under the intense spotlight, she remained composed, launching precise counterattacks that left spectators in awe. The host himself remarked on her remarkable composure, praising her maturity beyond her years.
Back at home, Yin Guo’s family watched the thrilling match unfold on TV. Meng Xiaodong animatedly broke down her outstanding performance to his skeptical grandmother, his excitement barely contained. Meanwhile, Jiang Yang’s surgery was a success, and Meng Xiaodong hurried to the hospital to visit him.
In an unexpected twist, Lin Lin was also at the hospital. Meng Xiaodong, usually confident, found himself stumbling over his words in her presence, the air thick with unspoken tension. As they sat together, the awkwardness was palpable, and sensing his discomfort, Lin Lin graciously offered to see Meng Xiaodong off.
Alone, Lin Lin offered heartfelt encouragement, urging Meng Xiaodong to persevere in his competitive matches. Her words resonated deeply, reigniting his determination and prompting a sincere promise to continue striving.
Although Lin Yiyang couldn’t be by Yin Guo’s side during her match, his supportive video call afterward provided the boost she needed. With another crucial match on the horizon, Lin Yiyang remained uncertain of when he could attend, adding an edge of anticipation. As Yin Guo entered the arena for her next challenge, her eyes desperately scanned the crowd for Lin Yiyang. The moment their gazes met, she rushed to greet him, their reunion a beacon of strength and motivation as she prepared to give her all on the table.
Before the match began, the spotlight unexpectedly shifted to Lin Yiyang, the newly crowned world champion. The host eagerly seized the chance to interview him, gradually steering the conversation to reveal that he was there to support a friend. All eyes then turned to Yin Guo, who couldn't help but feel a bit flustered under the sudden attention.
But the real surprise came when, in front of the entire world, Lin Yiyang confessed his feelings for Yin Guo. Sitting in the player's chair, Yin Guo was caught between nerves and excitement, knowing this was no ordinary confession—it was a declaration broadcasted globally.
The romantic gesture didn't just move the audience; it left Yin Guo's colleagues swooning, wishing for a love story as grand as theirs. Yet, beneath the public spectacle, Lin Yiyang still harbored concerns about Yin Guo's family, who hadn't yet accepted their relationship.
As the competition heated up, Yin Guo continued her winning streak, while her friend Chen Anan faced a formidable local player. Despite the odds, Chen Anan's skill shone through, and she made history by advancing to the top four.
After the match, the excitement spilled into the lobby, where friends teased Yin Guo about the unexpected confession. Just then, Meng Xiaotian called, having witnessed the whole thing unfold. Yin Guo anxiously wondered if her family had seen it too, but her brother reassured her they hadn't.
Later, Lin Yiyang, Yin Guo, and Chen Anan went out to celebrate. However, as the night wore on, the chemistry between Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo became undeniable, leaving Chen Anan feeling like a third wheel. She tactfully excused herself, giving the new couple the alone time they needed.
Lin Yiyang took Yin Guo back to the place where their paths first crossed. It was during Yin Guo's debut competition in the city, a snowy night she’d never forget. She was on the phone, standing by the bar window, and to her surprise, Lin Yiyang had witnessed the entire moment. With a playful grin, he imitated her expression during the call, causing Yin Guo to laugh, albeit a bit embarrassed.
Afterward, they returned to their accommodation, where Chen Anan, still buzzing with excitement from advancing to the semifinals, couldn’t sleep. Meanwhile, Yin Guo drifted off soundly, her calm demeanor something Chen Anan couldn’t help but envy. But Yin Guo's peace was soon disturbed when her coach informed her that the entire team from Dongxincheng had returned home unexpectedly. Worried, she called Lin Yiyang to find out what was going on.
Through the call, Yin Guo discovered that Lin Yiyang’s beloved teacher had passed away. The news was a shock, leaving her at a loss for words. Seeking comfort, she spoke with her brother, Meng Xiaodong, who explained the circumstances of the teacher's passing and tried to reassure her, urging her not to let this tragedy impact her competition.
Even if she caught the earliest flight, Yin Guo realized she wouldn’t make it back in time for the funeral. The loss weighed heavily on Lin Yiyang, bringing back memories of his childhood, when his teacher had been a pillar of support, even helping to care for his younger brother. As the grief settled in, Yin Guo’s mother, despite financial hardships, made her way to attend He Wenfeng's funeral, understanding the depth of the connection they all shared.
At the teacher’s funeral, Lin Yiyang was consumed by grief, tears flowing freely as he faced the profound loss. In a poignant moment, he shared a childhood photo on social media—a snapshot of his family with the teacher’s, a testament to the deep bond they shared. When Yin Guo saw the post, her heart ached even more for him, feeling the weight of his sorrow.
Later, Lin Yiyang and Jiang Yang sat in front of the teacher’s portrait, lost in memories of the past. Jiang Yang revealed that the teacher had visited him just the day before he passed away, still concerned about Lin Yiyang’s future. He had asked Jiang Yang to encourage Lin Yiyang to pursue his dreams without hesitation. This revelation struck Lin Yiyang deeply, filling him with a mix of sadness and disbelief. It was hard for him to grasp the reality of the loss, and he found himself feeling like that uncertain teenager again, now burdened with the fear of not living up to his teacher’s expectations.
Meanwhile, news of the teacher’s passing spread to Yin Guo’s coach and colleagues. With a heavy heart, Yin Guo packed her bags for the finals, knowing that she would have to return home immediately after the competition. Although the coach had hoped to extend their stay for a few more days, the somber circumstances changed everything.
Unexpectedly, a major crisis erupted in Dongxincheng, leaving Lin Yiyang torn. He encouraged Yin Guo to focus on her competition but gently urged her not to let the situation affect her mood or performance.
As the final match began, Yin Guo faced the same formidable opponent who had bested her in the previous championship, where she had secured the runner-up title. Both players, now at the pinnacle of their careers, delivered an electrifying performance that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
The match was a nail-biter, with the scores neck and neck, rising alternately with each play. It was impossible to predict who would emerge victorious until the very end. But when her opponent made a rare mistake, Yin Guo’s unshakable mental resilience kicked in. She seized the opportunity, clinching the championship by the narrowest of margins.
After her triumphant win, Yin Guo rushed back to her home country, only to learn from her brother that Lin Yiyang had officially taken over Dongxincheng—a development that delivered a devastating blow to Jiang Yang.
DramaZen's Opinion
After a year and a half of them being apart and the much awaited anticipation, many fans were left underwhelmed by the way their relationship was handled. The long-awaited moment lacked the excitement some hoped for, leaving us to wonder if it ever happened. Despite countless intimate scenes, one character often seemed to be asleep, raising questions about whether they actually crossed that threshold. While Yin Guo is still young, there were subtle ways this could have been addressed without explicit detail. Perhaps a direct, consensual conversation between the characters could have provided clarity. Instead, the ambiguous portrayal felt like a letdown, leaving viewers to grapple with uncertainty about their relationship's progression.
I found it odd that an international competition came to a halt for a confession. It felt a bit out of place and almost staged. The timing seemed off, and the whole scene struck me as unnatural, as if it were a scripted show rather than a genuine moment.
What might have worked better is if the confession had been delivered in Chinese. It could have felt more romantic and fitting within the scene's atmosphere—intimate close-ups, slow camera movements, and soft, sweet music. Hearing it in English, however, disrupted that illusion. The intonation seemed a bit off, almost as if it were in Chinese, despite the fluency. Those nuances, while subtle, are crucial for such scenes. Moreover, the moderators didn’t help. Particularly the male moderator, whose tone and demeanor were so unsettling, it felt like he was presiding over something entirely inappropriate. The whole setup was jarring and detracted from the emotional impact of the confession.
I knew this moment was coming, but it still hit hard. I found myself in tears, and Leo Wu delivered a heart-wrenching performance that captured every ounce of emotion. At seventy, Mr. He was clearly reaching the end of his journey, but he held on just long enough for one last, crucial reunion with YiYang. It was as if he lingered only to mend the rift between them—a regret that had weighed heavily on him. Once that connection was restored, it was like a wave of relief washed over him, allowing him to finally let go.