Amidst a Snowstorm of Love- Episode 7-9 Recap

Lin Yiyang was enjoying dinner with friends in the ballroom when an unexpected jolt of realization struck him. The carefree days of living in the moment were abruptly over; the future loomed large, demanding his attention and focus. With Yin Guo's team and coaches arriving in Hull and her imminent departure, Lin Yiyang’s thoughts raced.

Returning to his apartment, he quickly texted Yin Guo on WeChat, announcing he'd be there soon. But fate had other plans. In his apartment, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Meng Xiaodong. Meng Xiaodong, eyes shadowed with an unreadable expression, revealed he had come to see Lin Yiyang. Despite Yin Guo and Meng Xiaotian’s claims of unfamiliarity with Lin Yiyang, Meng Xiaodong’s influence was undeniable. Meng Xiaotian, under pressure, sent a hurried message to Lin Yiyang, who responded almost instantly—he was already downstairs.

Yin Guo, sensing the brewing tension, cautiously opened the door. As Lin Yiyang stepped into view, his face revealed the disquieting presence of Meng Xiaodong inside. The atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension. Yin Guo’s heart raced, fearing an altercation between the two men. With a subtle nudge, she signaled Meng Xiaotian to brace for potential conflict. The air grew thick with instability, and Meng Xiaotian, sensing the shift, retreated into the room. Yin Guo, feeling the weight of the moment, followed in, her anxiety palpable as the room's atmosphere thickened with unspoken tension.

Meng Xiaodong cut straight to the chase, declaring he had come to see Lin Yiyang. Lin Yiyang’s laughter was dark and self-deprecating. “You’re a world champion, Meng. Why waste your time on someone like me? When old friends meet, it's usually for a drink and a laugh, not for reliving the past.”

Unfazed, Meng Xiaodong shifted gears. “Let’s talk about my sister, then.” His words carried a sharp edge. Lin Yiyang’s smile was faint but approving. “I see your strategy,” he said, recognizing the challenge beneath the surface. Suddenly, Meng Xiaodong sprang up, his eyes glinting with competitive fire. “How about a game? Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to stand out among my sister’s many admirers.” Lin Yiyang accepted the challenge with a nod.

As Meng Xiaodong left, he shot a final instruction over his shoulder. “Change into something proper. I don’t play ball with guys in short sleeves.”

The door clicked shut, and Yin Guo emerged from the shadows. Her gaze fell on Lin Yiyang as he changed into a fresh shirt, his determination clear. “I’m going to face Meng Xiaodong,” he told her, his voice resolute. The air crackled with anticipation as the stakes of their confrontation heightened.

Lin Yiyang guided Meng Xiaodong to the billiards room, their competitive spirits crackling in the air. Despite Meng Xiaodong's mastery in snooker and Lin Yiyang's expertise with the nine-ball, they respected each other’s turf. Lin Yiyang set up the nine-ball table while Meng Xiaodong took his place at the snooker table. The anticipation was palpable as they each prepared for their respective games.

The arrival of the snooker world champion sent waves of excitement through the room, drawing a crowd eager to witness the showdown. Even the boss, eager to join in the excitement, offered drinks to everyone present. The game was fierce and evenly matched, each player pushing the other to their limits. In the midst of the match, a young girl from the ballroom approached Lin Yiyang with news: Yin Guo had arrived. Lin Yiyang quickly sent a WeChat message to Yin Guo, casually noting that the game was wrapping up, but withholding the outcome.

When Yin Guo entered, she was met with Lin Yiyang’s casual demeanor. “I didn’t come all the way back just to play a game,” he said, his eyes locking with hers. The air shifted as Lin Yiyang’s focus sharpened. With a decisive move, he sank the final black ball into the pocket, signaling the end of the game. The tension and excitement had reached their peak, setting the stage for what was to come next.

Meng Xiaodong turned to Yin Guo with a matter-of-fact tone, announcing that the club had booked a hotel and suggesting she move there for the night. Still under Lin Yiyang's intense gaze, he added, with a knowing smirk, that Yin Guo should see him out. As they walked together, Meng Xiaodong turned to Yin Guo with a pointed question: “Are you two rushing to get married?”

Yin Guo was momentarily taken aback, her surprise evident. Meng Xiaodong pressed on, his voice carrying a mix of seriousness and concern. “He’s a great guy, but he’s lost his parents. If your family has reservations, I’ll handle it.” His words were a blunt challenge, designed to provoke a reaction.

As Yin Guo’s cheeks flushed with shyness, Meng Xiaodong seized the moment, his eyes gleaming with determination. “Do whatever it takes to bring him back and get married. Lin Yiyang has immense talent and potential—he’s got a bright future ahead.” With a final, commanding tone, he added, “You’ve got a keeper. Make sure you don’t let him slip away.” As Meng Xiaodong left, his parting words lingered, a mix of encouragement and challenge that left the air charged with unresolved tension.

Lin Yiyang followed Meng Xiaodong out and paused at the entrance of the ballroom, casually flicking a lighter between his fingers. Yin Guo, curious, reached out to get a closer look. In a swift, unexpected move, Lin Yiyang tossed the lighter into her other hand, while his other hand grasped hers firmly. Their eyes locked in an intense, electrifying gaze, charged with unspoken emotions. Yin Guo's heart ached for Lin Yiyang, who endured grueling hours of travel each week, but he wore a contented smile that spoke of his dedication and joy.

With a tender touch, Lin Yiyang brushed his fingers gently along her sleeve. His voice dropped to a soft, earnest murmur, "Can I have a hug?" Yin Guo’s cheeks flushed with a mix of shyness and warmth as she responded with a gentle, "No." The moment lingered, filled with the quiet intensity of their shared feelings.

The excitement of the ice hockey game had turned the streets into a chaotic sea of fans, forcing Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo to abandon their car and navigate the throng on foot. The festive crowd made it nearly impossible to protect Yin Guo and keep their plans for a barbecue intact, so Lin Yiyang reluctantly opted for a nearby restaurant.As they settled in, Yin Guo's indecision at the menu led Lin Yiyang astray, and he inadvertently ordered the one dish she despised—diagonal pasta.

Noticing her displeased reaction as she ate, Lin Yiyang quickly made arrangements through Wu Wei for takeout from home to salvage the evening. In the midst of the meal, Yin Guo’s coach called, leaving Wu Wei, Meng Xiaotian, and Lin Yiyang at the table. Wu Wei, assuming Lin Yiyang was still catching up, asked Meng Xiaotian if anyone was pursuing Yin Guo. Meng Xiaotian revealed that a long-time childhood sweetheart, currently a reserve, was in the picture. After Yin Guo freshened up, she saw Lin Yiyang engaged in a call with his mentor. With a playful wave and a gesture, she bid him good night, the unspoken affection between them lingering in the air.

After ending the call, Lin Yiyang turned to Yin Guo with a warm "good night," his gaze lingering on her. Wu Wei, meanwhile, had gathered intriguing details about the reserve player Meng Xiaotian had mentioned—Li Qingyan from the Beicheng Club, Meng Xiaodong’s top pick. Despite Li Qingyan’s superior skills, Wu Wei pointed out that Yin Guo was searching for a boyfriend, not just evaluating playing abilities. Lin Yiyang’s expression darkened as he processed this. He grabbed a drink from the refrigerator, took a sip, and grimaced at the odd taste. Wu Wei, noticing the shift, pointed out with a grin that it was a sign of jealousy.

In Hull, Meng Xiaodong had arranged for Jiang Yang to discuss Lin Yiyang’s situation. Both had come to Hull with the same purpose. Meng Xiaodong observed that Lin Yiyang had not only maintained his formidable skills but had also grown more compassionate over the years. Jiang Yang noted that true openness takes time, reflecting on the journey they had all been on.

Later that night, Yin Guo noticed the living room light was still on and, feeling a touch of concern, sent Lin Yiyang a message: "Did you manage to get some sleep?" No response came from Lin Yiyang, so Yin Guo switched off the light and was about to settle in when his message finally arrived. He was in the living room and invited her to join him. Curious, Yin Guo opened her door, only to find Lin Yiyang slipping into her room just as she did. It turned out Meng Xiaotian had passed through the living room moments before. Lin Yiyang had been there getting medicine after injuring his leg in the chaotic crowd while trying to protect Yin Guo.

Yin Guo, alarmed by his injury, had rushed to find proper gauze, as the band-aid Lin Yiyang had used was too small. As she carefully tended to his wound, Lin Yiyang felt a profound warmth and gratitude. He then confided in her about his family: his parents were gone, and his younger brother had been adopted and was now married. Financially, he was struggling, and his resources were limited. After sharing this, Lin Yiyang asked if there was anything else Yin Guo wanted to know. She couldn’t help but feel as though they were on a blind date, which puzzled her. Seeing his sudden shift in mood, Lin Yiyang stood up, ready to leave, but his gaze fell upon two coffee beans left on the table. The simple, yet meaningful gesture seemed to resonate deeply with him.

After leaving Yin Guo's room, Lin Yiyang headed to the kitchen. Moments later, Yin Guo emerged from her room, hurrying to the bathroom. She freshened up and closed the door quietly, only to find Lin Yiyang waiting for her in the kitchen, his gaze fixed on her. He leaned casually against the refrigerator, his proximity making her heart race. With a playful, intimate grin, he drew closer, brushing his face near hers, and asked softly if the coffee beans were the gift from him. When Yin Guo confirmed with a hum, Lin Yiyang's breath tickled her ear as he whispered, "Go to sleep."

As Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo shared this tender moment, Wu Wei slipped out of the room, phone in hand, to take a call from Lin Lin at headquarters. Unbeknownst to Wu Wei, he had inadvertently put the call on speaker. Lin Lin’s voice rang out, commenting on how Jiang Yang and others were heading to see Lin Yiyang, and lamented how they now seemed like distant acquaintances, a situation that left them all feeling disheartened.

Lin Yiyang quickly sent a text to Yin Guo, confessing that he couldn't sleep because of her. As she recalled the day’s tender hand-holding and the gentle clamor of the refrigerator, she buried herself in the quilt with a shy smile, the warmth of their connection bringing a mischievous snicker to her lips.

When she woke up, it was already 9:20. Yin Guo sighed, lamenting how beauty could be so deceptive, and hurriedly got ready, rushing into the living room. There, she found Lin Yiyang already at work, grinding coffee. To her surprise, the beans were from the coffee shop they had visited together. Lin Yiyang had bought several different flavors to find the one Yin Guo preferred. As Lin Yiyang reached out to take Yin Guo’s hand, Wu Wei emerged from the hallway. Startled, Yin Guo quickly sidestepped and grabbed a kitchen knife to slice a mango. Wu Wei, ever the conversationalist, struck up a chat with Yin Guo about Lin Lin.

Yin Guo listened with growing curiosity as Wu Wei revealed that Lin Lin had been pursuing Meng Xiaodong for years. Recently, with Lin Yiyang absent from the field, Jiang Yang and Meng Xiaodong had been alternately taking the lead, adding layers of intrigue to their professional rivalry. Lin Yiyang shot Wu Wei a pointed glance, prompting Wu Wei to retreat to his room with an understanding nod. As Lin Yiyang’s fingers gently brushed against Yin Guo’s hand, the touch sparked a jolt of electricity through her. Startled, Yin Guo quickly excused herself to the bathroom, claiming she needed to freshen up. She brushed her teeth and spritzed herself with perfume, hoping to calm her racing heart. When she emerged, Lin Yiyang had brewed a fresh pot of coffee and poured her a cup with a tender smile. He then suggested escorting her to the hotel before catching his train.

As they prepared to leave, Meng Xiaotian noticed Lin Yiyang holding Yin Guo’s hand. Without changing into pajamas, he grabbed his coat and announced he was heading out for a meal. Lin Yiyang paid him no mind, his focus solely on Yin Guo. Just as their lips were on the verge of meeting, Meng Xiaotian returned, this time with Jiang Yang and others in tow. Jiang Yang proposed they all have brunch together, throwing a surprising twist into the morning's intimate moment.

In the bustling living room, a crowd of onlookers filled the space with chatter and anticipation. Amidst their curious gazes, Yin Guo made her way through the room, visibly uneasy under the spotlight. Lin Yiyang, standing proudly, held a backpack and suitcase in front of him, his presence commanding attention. Jiang Yang, ever the pragmatist, grumbled about the red envelopes he had to prepare. An apprentice, eager to contribute, inquired about the appropriate amount. With a decisive nod, Chen Anan chimed in with a bold suggestion: a one-year bonus. The room buzzed with excitement at the thought, adding to the already charged atmosphere.

Yin Guo invited Lin Yiyang to the hotel’s billiards room, a spot Meng Xiaodong had reserved for the evening. However, when they arrived, Yin Guo was surprised to find her entire team already there. With a meeting with the coach looming, she hesitated to leave Lin Yiyang, but he reassured her with a gentle touch on her cheek, whispering, "No need to rush."

As Yin Guo walked away, Beicheng's team members, unfamiliar with Lin Yiyang, began to talk among themselves. The one who spoke up was none other than her childhood friend and rival, Li Qingyan. His comment about the private room being reserved for family or close friends was met with Lin Yiyang’s initially indifferent gaze, but then something shifted. A spark of interest flared in his eyes as he calmly proposed a challenge: "Fifty balls, any red ball can be placed anywhere. If three balls miss the pocket, I lose."

The coach, noticing the scene, later chuckled as he told Yin Guo that Lin Yiyang was skillfully handling the juniors' egos before the upcoming competition. Despite Li Qingyan being Meng Xiaodong's favored disciple, everyone knew that Lin Yiyang was the one who had once pushed Meng Xiaodong to the edge, bringing him to tears on the pool table. Sure enough, one by one, all fifty balls found their mark, leaving the room in stunned silence. The awe was palpable as every person present acknowledged Lin Yiyang's skill. Li Qingyan extended his hand to Lin Yiyang in respect, but Lin Yiyang, his gaze steady and unreadable, simply nodded.

The coach turned to Yin Guo, a knowing smile on his face. "Lin Yiyang—he has pride, resilience, and class. He’s worthy of you." With the clock ticking, Yin Guo hurried Lin Yiyang out of the billiards room, aiming to get him to the train on time. But just as they reached the elevator, Lin Yiyang suddenly pulled her in, pressing the button for the rooftop. As the doors closed behind them, he lifted her chin, his eyes tender as he kissed her softly, as if she were something precious. The sweetness of it made Yin Guo's heart race, her eyes fluttering shut as she savored the moment. Their time together was slipping away, but as they pulled apart, Yin Guo tried to reassure him, promising she'd be around until early April. Lin Yiyang, a teasing glint in his eye, mentioned he might be back as soon as next Thursday.

As Yin Guo made her way to the subway, a sudden thought struck her. She quickly messaged Lin Yiyang, asking if he had someone special waiting for him back home or if anyone had caught his eye. Lin Yiyang, already on the subway, bolted above ground to reply, his response clear and direct: "I'm serious, very serious."

Her heart leaped at his words. Without thinking, Yin Guo grabbed her things and dashed out of the hotel, determined to see him off at the station. On the other end, Lin Yiyang, equally thrilled, urged her to take the tram and hurry over. As she boarded the tram, Yin Guo let out a sigh, feeling a dizzying rush of emotions. The intensity of it all left her breathless, her thoughts swirling as she realized just how much she was falling for him. Lin Yiyang sprinted to the tram stop, where Yin Guo was anxiously waiting. As soon as he spotted her, his heart leaped, and he rushed forward with excitement. Yin Guo, unable to contain herself, jumped up from her seat and met him halfway, their embrace full of warmth in the middle of the bustling tram station.

"Is there really no girl you're interested in?" Yin Guo asked, her voice laced with curiosity. Lin Yiyang paused, then shook his head with a thoughtful smile. Yin Guo silently mused, Who says you don’t make the first move? You’re the one chasing me.

Lin Yiyang leaned in closer, his voice gentle. "How can I prove I'm telling the truth?"

Yin Guo playfully teased, "If I didn’t believe you, I wouldn’t even be here."

A soft chuckle escaped Lin Yiyang as he admitted, "My life right now is consumed by studies, billiards practice, and you. There’s no room for anything else." Yin Guo smiled, satisfied with his answer, and turned slightly, only for Lin Yiyang to silently slip his hand into hers. She squeezed back tightly, a silent acknowledgment of their growing connection. As they reached the train station, Lin Yiyang prepared to leave. Yin Guo’s phone buzzed with a message—he had arranged a car to take her home. With the demands of school and the exhausting weekly trips, Lin Yiyang was pushing his limits.

Dragging himself back to his apartment after a long day, Lin Yiyang felt the weight of exhaustion settle in. A coughing fit overtook him as he stumbled through the darkness, using the light from his phone to find some medicine. Swallowing a few pills, he collapsed into bed. Before sleep claimed him, he reached for his phone, intending to send Yin Guo a message. But as his fingers hovered over the keys, fatigue overwhelmed him, and he drifted off, the message unsent, but the unspoken words lingering in the air.

In the dead of night, Lin Yiyang stirred awake, parched. He reached for his phone to sip some water, noticing his unsent message. With a quick tap, he sent it off. Meanwhile, at four in the morning, Yin Guo, half-asleep, glanced at her phone and felt a pang of worry—was Lin Yiyang in trouble on the road? But Lin, exhausted, had already drifted back to sleep, phone still in hand.

The next day, the atmosphere in the ballroom buzzed with energy. Jiang Yang and Meng Xiaodong arrived together, and the moment Jiang Yang spotted Yin Guo, he grinned, declaring, "The one who bridges our two ballrooms is here!" Meng Xiaodong, ever the thoughtful friend, immediately asked about her and Lin Yiyang's relationship. Yin Guo blushed, her shy smile revealing more than words ever could. "It's going well," she admitted softly. Meng Xiaodong, in a generous move, offered half of the ballroom to the Dongxincheng players for practice. They greeted Yin Guo warmly, with Chengyan, the captain of the ninth team, stealing a few extra glances her way.

It was Thursday, and Yin Guo’s anticipation grew—until a WeChat message from Lin Yiyang brought her crashing down. He apologized, saying he was swamped with schoolwork and couldn’t make it back until next week. Disappointment settled over her like a cloud, but then, as if on cue, Meng Xiaotian appeared with unexpected news. Lin Yiyang had booked a restaurant for them and even sent money for their meals from Thursday through the weekend. The thoughtfulness behind Lin Yiyang's gesture lit up Yin Guo's mood in an instant. Curious, Yin Guo asked Meng Xiaotian for the money. He chuckled, explaining how Wu Wei hinted daily that Lin Yiyang, burdened with school, was struggling financially and feared he might let her down. But Yin Guo’s response was unwavering. "I like Lin Yiyang just the way he is," she said with quiet determination. "I don't feel wronged at all."

DramaZen's Opinion

I absolutely adore her brothers! Just look at how the younger one went all out to protect her from their older brother, making sure he didn’t catch on to the connection between her and Lin Yiyang. And then there’s our big brother Meng Xiaodong, who’s not only aware of their bond, but is actively ready to convince her parents about their marriage 😂😂.

Watching Meng Xiaodong interact with Yin Guo, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for him. The author’s decision to portray him as a mature, morally grounded character rather than a childish antagonist adds such depth and beauty to the story. I’m really hoping Meng Xiaodong finds his own love story within this narrative—it would be a perfect touch to his character’s journey! 

Also, it looks like a childhood sweet heart might make Lin Yiyang a little nerous and give him the final push he needs to go all out in his pursuit of Yin Guo!!! I love how Lin Yiyang stood his ground when he finally came face-to-face with Li Qingyan in a subtle, but still powerful way.

Oh, let me not forget that we finally got a first kiss!!!! It was as if he’d been waiting his entire life for that kiss—his ears were burning red, and the anticipation was electric!

Poor thing even caught a cold after all his hardwork finally paid off. If only she was there to take care of him.

Everyone's buzzing about them getting married ASAP—except for that short-haired woman. Could she have feelings for him? And what's up with her friend trying to convince her that long-distance relationships are doomed? There's definitely more to this story!