Lin Yi Yang sees her sister off. Meanwhile he makes a call to someone to cater to Meng Xiao Tian.
Lin Yi Yang bids farewell to his sister and, during this time, he also makes a phone call to arrange something for Meng Xiao Tian. The following morning, upon awakening, Meng Xiao Tian shares with Yin Guo how dependable Lin Yi Yang has been, mentioning his offer to show him around the school—an offer Xiao Tian firmly declined. Yin Guo advises him to make sure to express his gratitude. Following her advice, she sends a message to Lin Yi Yang thanking him, which leads him to invite her out for coffee.
A week later, at Hel, Xiao Tian voices his frustration to Yin Guo, lamenting that her constant practice sessions have left him feeling isolated as they hardly spend time together. Yin Guo teasingly warns him that she might have to inform their brother if he continues to bother her. Xiao Tian then proposes that he will join her that evening, to which she agrees, mentioning she has plans to see Su Wei later. They settle on visiting the Red Fish Bar that night, the same spot where they first encountered Lin Yi Yang during a blizzard.
Upon her arrival, Yin Guo discovers that the place is bustling with patrons, but Xiao Tian reassures her, revealing that Lin Yi Yang had already secured a reservation for them, a detail he had kept a secret to respect Lin Yi Yang’s wishes. Once inside, they are greeted by Lin Yi Yang, who has been waiting for their arrival.
They decide to order two paninis, two servings of tiramisu, and an Americano. The conversation shifts to Lin Yi Yang’s motivation for visiting, considering the seven-hour journey it entails. Lin Yi Yang explains that his visit was in dedication to a friend, although he typically makes the trip once every two to three months.
While they are together, Yin Guo gets a message from a friend, requesting her to pick up some coffee beans from a nearby shop. She inquires with Lin Yi Yang if he’s familiar with the place, to which he responds affirmatively and suggests that he accompany her there. The trio sets off together, yet Meng Xiaotian finds himself lagging behind frequently, leading him to realize that he’s becoming a third wheel. With this in mind, he politely bows out, claiming he wishes to take some photographs, allowing Yin Guo and Lin Yi Yang to proceed to the shop by themselves.
Lin Yi Yang presents various coffee beans for Yin Guo to sample, but she decides to keep two beans as keepsakes instead. Subsequently, Lin Yi Yang excuses himself earlier than planned to address other commitments. After buying the coffee, Yin Guo departs to catch up with her friend, Su Wei.
They meet at a restaurant, where Yin Guo learns about a local Chinese billiard room. The establishment is owned by a former snooker player who, after retiring, decided to open this venue. It has become a gathering spot for many seasoned players, and Chinese professional billiard players often visit. Yin Guo mentions to Su Wei that her brother might be acquainted with the owner, given his background in snooker. They are both astonished to discover that Yin Guo is actually Meng Xiaodong’s cousin.
Deciding to explore further, they make their way to the billiard room, only to discover that a competition is currently underway. Eager not to miss out, they rush over, and to their surprise, they find Lin Yi Yang among the competitors. Lin Yi Yang secures a victory in his match and, upon noticing Yin Guo, inquires how she happened to arrive there. Curiosity sparks among the other patrons in the club, leading them to question his connection with her. Lin Yi Yang introduces Yin Guo as a friend, a sentiment she warmly echoes.
Lin Yi Yang generously takes care of the drinks, choosing a non-alcoholic option for Yin Guo. Observing the dynamics between them, Su Wei quickly realizes she’s become the third wheel. With a cheerful demeanor, she excuses herself, tactfully leaving Lin Yi Yang and Yin Guo together.
Lin Yi Yang then proposes to escort Yin Guo back. She expresses reluctance, not wanting to impose on him. He reassures her, insisting it’s no inconvenience for him, especially since it would be safer for her not to travel alone late. She hesitates, concerned about causing him any trouble, but he affirms that accompanying her is no trouble at all, provided she’s comfortable with him driving her home.
As they depart from the Billiard Club, they step out into another snowy evening, the falling snow adding a serene backdrop to their departure.
Lin Yi Yang – I’ll get a cab.
Yin Guo – Are you still used to taking cabs? Why not take the subway?
Lin Yi Yang – I’d like to. After all, taking a cab is expensive. But I often missed the stop.
Yin Guo – How could you?
Lin Yi Yang – I don’t understand the announcements. And there are no electronic displays. If I’m not careful, I’ll miss my stop.
He tells her to put on the muffler.
Lin Yi Yang – Put it on. We’ll walk through three blocks. It takes 15 minutes to get to the subway station. Follow me. You won’t get lost.
Yin Guo – So you like to go there to play pool.
Lin Yi Yang – It’s my first time going there. My classmate lost a game last month. He asked me to win back the game. He has been pleading with me. Why don’t you ask anymore?
Yin Guo – I think he must be your good friend. You came all the way to help him.
Lin Yi Yang – Not really. Well, I wanted to treat someone to a meal. But I had no time or money. This game is a condition of exchange. Let’s go.
They enter the train. Yin Guo decides to formally introduce herself.
Yin Guo – We… We haven’t formally met yet.
Lin Yi Yang – So how would you like to meet?
Yin Guo – My name is Yin Guo. And…
Lin Yi Yang – I know. You told me that in your first message.
Yin Guo – Right. My brother and I go to the same school. We are both seniors. I have no classes this semester. Neither does my brother. We came here because he applied for a university. So he wanted to come early to get used to the life here. He has never been here. So his parents are a bit worried. I’ve been here on a trip before. And I’ve signed up for the Nine-Ball Open. So I came two months early with him.
Lin Yi Yang – You’ve seen all my valid documents. Is there anything else you want to know? Birthplace, date of birth, school, and the home address, you know it all. Apart from my major, I can’t think of anything else.
Yin Guo – Well, that day, I didn’t mean to see your privacy. I didn’t read carefully. I just… I only know you’re 27 years old. Six years older than me. Right?
Lin Yi Yang – Yes. I finished my bachelor’s degree at home. After that, I worked for two years and felt it was meaningless.
Yin Guo – So, I came here. I’m studying communications here. Part-time, three years. I’ll graduate this year. Normally, I’m mostly in Helsin. Occasionally, I come to Hel. Is there anything else that you want to know? Just ask me.
Lin Yi Yang – That’s all. Nothing I want to know.
She felt a bit awkward. For her , it seemed like a bit of a self introduction in a class.
With hunger setting in, Yin Guo attempts to reach Meng XiaoTian by phone, hoping to request a pizza, but finds herself thwarted by a lack of signal. Recognizing the urgency of her hunger, Lin Yi Yang decides to take action. He contacts his roommate, Wu Wei, asking him to secure a table at an instant noodle shop for them. Determined, Lin Yi Yang and Yin Guo then disembark from the train amidst a swirling blizzard, making their way through the snow to the noodle shop for a much-needed meal.
Also Read –