Chapter 113 – Summer Trip [2020] (Extra 12)
Title: 谁把谁当真 (Winner Takes All)
Author：水千丞 (ShuiQianCheng)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists ：黎朔 (Li Shuo), 赵锦辛 (Zhao Jinxin)
*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
֍֍֍
~China·Suzhou·Ancient Town~
Having immigrated to the United States at a young age, Li Shuo experienced a period of cultural confusion, especially during his teenage years. Being Asian made him feel both inferior and proud. So, he spent a lot of time learning the traditional culture he had missed, absorbing the wisdom accumulated over thousands of years. This made him more mature and tolerant than his peers and helped him grow into a better person.
Therefore, Li Shuo has a special love for traditional culture, such as his belief in Buddhism and his desire for a traditional Chinese wedding. This is also reflected in his art collection and home decor preferences.
This time, during his and Zhao Jinxin’s business trip to Shanghai, despite a very tight schedule, Li Shuo insisted on setting aside a day to visit the ancient town of Suzhou.
Before leaving the hotel, Zhao Jinxin magically produced two sets of clothes and asked Li Shuo to change into them.
“This is…” Li Shuo looked at Zhao Jinxin’s short robe and tight outfit, which perfectly showcased his slim waist and long legs. Then he looked at the elegant light blue overcoat in his own hands.
“Modernised Hanfu. It’s said to be quite popular in China now,” Zhao Jinxin took the overcoat from Li Shuo’s hands and helped him put it on from behind. “A mix of ancient and modern styles, isn’t it interesting?”
Li Shuo found it novel, “Interesting. How do you know about these things? Isn’t this something young people wear?”
“How is my Li Shushu not young?” Zhao Jinxin took the opportunity to wrap his arms around Li Shuo’s narrow waist and kissed him all over his face, “You look amazing. You’re better than anyone.”
Li Shuo felt ticklish from the kisses. He was laughing and dodging them. The more he dodged, the more excited Zhao Jinxin became. He pushed him onto the bed and kissed him excitedly. He even tried to take off the clothes he had just helped him put on.
Li Shuo flipped Zhao Jinxin over, using both his hands and feet to pin him down on the bed. He pretended to be serious, “Why are you being naughty again? We agreed to go out today.”
“Li Shushu is too tempting, I can’t help myself,” Zhao Jinxin raised his hand and flirtatiously teased Li Shuo’s chin, “And you’re dressed like this to tempt others, aren’t you the one being naughty?”
Li Shuo chuckled, “Don’t talk nonsense.” He got off the bed and pulled the reluctant Zhao Jinxin up, “Let’s go. The weather is perfect now.”
***
The small town resembled a traditional Chinese ink painting, with white walls and black tiles, small bridges and flowing water. The old houses by the bridge, each brick and beam bearing the weight of history. They occasionally released wisps of smoke, exuding an ancient charm that gave a sense of timelessness.
Today, there were few tourists. As they walked on the cobblestone road, surrounded only by ancient houses by the bridge and the shimmering river, they felt as though time had forgotten this place.
Li Shuo held Zhao Jinxin’s hand, strolling leisurely, stopping here and there, feeling an unprecedented peace of mind. As they walked, he realised that the scene before him seemed familiar. Being a believer in reincarnation, he thought, perhaps not in this lifetime. But maybe in a previous life, he and Zhao Jinxin had walked hand in hand through such a town, amidst the bustling world.
Zhao Jinxin squeezed Li Shuo’s hand, “Li Shushu, what are you thinking about?”
Li Shuo smiled faintly, “I was thinking that this place feels very familiar, maybe we’ve been here in our past lives.”
Zhao Jinxin laughed, “What roles did we play in our past lives? No matter what, we must have been as sweet and loving as we are now.”
“I don’t know. But…” Li Shuo took a deep breath of the cool, fresh air as he gazed into the distance, “I feel a sense of destiny between us.”
“That makes sense. Otherwise, how could I have liked you so much at first sight?” Zhao Jinxin leaned his head on Li Shuo’s shoulder. The posture looked awkward but he was happy to act spoiled, “Li Shushu and I are destined to be together for many lifetimes. After this life, there’s the next, and the one after that. No matter when or what our roles are, we will always be together.”
“You’re such a sweet-talker.” Li Shuo ruffled Zhao Jinxin’s thick hair, “Doesn’t it hurt for you to walk like this?”
“No.”
“Doesn’t it look strange?”
“No. You always say that I look good.”
Li Shuo smiled indulgently, “I really can’t argue with you… Oh no. It’s raining.” He looked up at the sky, seeing fine raindrops falling from the dark clouds. They were cool and refreshing as they touched his skin.
“This light rain feels nice.”
“Let’s buy an umbrella.”
“No need. It’s so romantic to walk in the rain with Li Shushu.”
“You just recovered from a cold, let’s not get wet. I’ll be romantic with you another time.” Li Shuo walked to a nearby stall and bought a beautiful oil-paper umbrella. He opened it and looked at it for a while. He then turned to Zhao Jinxin with a smile.
That smile was so gentle and affectionate that Zhao Jinxin’s heart fluttered. Despite them having done all kinds of intimate things together, this man could still make him feel hot all over with just a smile. It was as if he were under a spell.
“What are you smiling for?” Zhao Jinxin’s voice was soft and light, afraid of disturbing the beautiful person in front of him who looked like he had just walked out of a painting.
“I suddenly remembered a poem you wrote for me. You wrote, ‘Today…'”
“‘Today, it rained heavily. I was afraid you would get wet. I want to hold an umbrella for you for a lifetime.‘” Zhao Jinxin recited emotionally. He reached for the umbrella, “I didn’t expect you to remember.”
“Of course I remember.” Li Shuo didn’t let him take the umbrella, “You’ve held the umbrella for me many times. Let me hold it for you this time.”
Zhao Jinxin lightly tapped the umbrella ribs with his folding fan, “Standing under Li Shushu’s umbrella, I’m not afraid even if knives fall from the sky.”
Li Shuo laughed heartily, “You’re such a sweet-talker.”
“But I’m telling the truth.” Zhao Jinxin lowered his head and planted a solemn, pure kiss on Li Shuo’s forehead, “I said I wanted to pluck stars for you. Even if that is impossible, my desire to do everything for you is genuine.”
Li Shuo’s eyes were filled with infinite tenderness, “I know.”
“I love you so much, Li Shushu.” Zhao Jinxin rested his chin on Li Shuo’s shoulder, swaying his waist and whispering in his ear, “I love you so much that I don’t know what to do. I want to hide you away, only for myself to see.”
Li Shuo chuckled, “I love you too, little rascal. But let’s not do this in the middle of the street.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“It might…-“
“-Excuse me…”
A timid voice came from behind them.
They turned to see two young girls in Hanfu, looking at them excitedly, “Could we take a photo with you guys? Please?”
Li Shuo smiled, “Of course.”
“Wow, thank you!”
One of the girls raised a selfie stick, framing the four of them in the shot. She then started counting down.
Just before the shutter clicked, Zhao Jinxin suddenly turned Li Shuo’s face towards him and kissed his lips. The moment was perfectly captured by the camera.
The two girls jumped up and down in excitement, “Can we post the photo? We can cover your faces if you want.”
Zhao Jinxin grinned, “These faces are too good to cover. Just post it everywhere.”
The girls thanked them profusely and left excitedly.
Li Shuo had some concerns and hesitated, “Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”
“What’s inappropriate? We’re a legal couple. I want the whole world to know we’re together.”
Li Shuo’s eyes curved into a smile, “You’re right.”
֍֍֍
*Translator’s Note: I wanna be those girls. Haish… Many thanks to acquiesceu for the raw files! -K
☝🏻From Weibo’s post
☝🏻Suzhou
֍֍֍
