Chapter 17 – Toy with Me
Novel Title: 谁把谁当真 (Winner Takes All)
Author：水千丞 (ShuiQianCheng)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 黎朔 (Li Shuo -MC), 赵锦辛 (Zhao Jinxin -ML)
*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
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Squash and tennis have many similarities in how they’re played. But when actually playing, there are significant differences. However, for someone like Li Shuo, who was once nearly at a professional level, using tennis techniques to play squash was like switching from a piano to an electronic keyboard. So he was very confident in himself.
Li Shuo tossed the ball to Zhao Jinxin: “You serve first.”
Zhao Jinxin caught the ball, tossed it up and down in his hand a couple of times, then pushed it out with his racket. The ball accurately hit the service area, then bounced back quickly.
Just from this opening serve, Li Shuo determined that Zhao Jinxin’s skill was quite ordinary. The serve angle was standard, making it easy for him to receive. That is unless Zhao Jinxin was holding back. But the first ball is usually used to psychologically intimidate the opponent, so this was likely the extent of Zhao Jinxin’s ability.
Li Shuo stepped forward and returned the ball. After one ground bounce, the ball hit an area close to the wall on his side. Zhao Jinxin’s reaction was quick, taking a few steps to reach the best hitting position. But Li Shuo had hit a tricky shot. The ball was too close to the side wall, naturally bouncing back close to the wall as well, making it almost impossible for Zhao Jinxin to extend his racket. Moreover, the position was on the right side, and Zhao Jinxin was left-handed. Although he managed to hit the ball, it grazed the side wall after flying out and then dropped to the ground.
Zhao Jinxin puffed out his cheeks and glanced at Li Shuo.
Li Shuo smiled smugly.
For the rest of the game, Li Shuo basically dominated Zhao Jinxin. Zhao Jinxin’s speed, reflexes, and power all surprised Li Shuo. But playing ball isn’t like tug-of-war; it’s about technique. After two shots, Li Shuo stopped hitting tricky angles. But Zhao Jinxin still couldn’t catch up in the score. Towards the end, Li Shuo felt like he was bullying him.
As the game ended, Zhao Jinxin lost badly. He threw his racket on the ground and sat down with his back to Li Shuo to rest.
Li Shuo hit a ball, playing with himself, and said while playing, “Do you accept your defeat?”
Zhao Jinxin didn’t respond.
Li Shuo glanced at Zhao Jinxin, thinking, ‘He couldn’t be angry, could he?’ He laughed and said, “What’s wrong? Tired? You should accept the bet. How about another round? I’ll play with my other hand?”
Zhao Jinxin mumbled, “I’m done playing.” He jumped up from the ground and walked towards the door.
Li Shuo was somewhat surprised. Zhao Jinxin wasn’t usually this petty. Getting angry over losing one game? Even if the bet was… well, ‘that’. This seemed like an overreaction.
Li Shuo put down his racket and chased after him. “Jinxin.” He caught up outside the squash room, grabbed Zhao Jinxin’s shoulder and turned him around. “You’re not…-“
Li Shuo froze.
Zhao Jinxin’s eyes were red and his lips were pouting. He looked like he might cry at any moment.
Li Shuo was dumbfounded: “You… you’re…” He couldn’t help but laugh, “Baby, why are you crying over losing a game?” He ruffled Zhao Jinxin’s hair affectionately, “Let’s say it’s Li Shushu’s fault, okay? But why cry over this?” Had he really been too harsh? Are young people these days so sensitive about their pride?
Zhao Jinxin’s lips quivered, and he said softly, “Have you been toying with me all along?”
Li Shuo was taken aback. His smile instantly disappeared. Zhao Jinxin’s expression was too serious to be just throwing a tantrum over losing. He said solemnly, “Why do you think that?”
Zhao Jinxin slowly let out a breath, choking up as he said, “Do you find it amusing to watch me chase after you day after day, trying different ways to please you? Do you think I look stupid, liking you but unable to have you? Each time you give me a bit of hope and then shatter it, aren’t you really just playing with me?”
Li Shuo hugged Zhao Jinxin tightly, saying regretfully, “I’m sorry. I really didn’t think you’d see it this way. I swear I’ve never been toying with you. But I didn’t properly consider your feelings. I’m sorry.”
Zhao Jinxin’s red-rimmed eyes made Li Shuo’s heart ache.
He quickly went through everything that had happened between them since they met. It did seem just as Zhao Jinxin had said – one chasing, one neither hurrying nor slowing. In Li Shuo’s eyes, Zhao Jinxin had always been defined as someone who could ‘take it in stride’. When he had just ended a relationship and was emotionally unsettled, he welcomed such a ‘companion’ and enjoyed this relationship that required no responsibility or commitment. But he increasingly couldn’t ignore the possibility that Zhao Jinxin really liked him. If that was the case, then his behaviour had been too much.
Whether he liked Zhao Jinxin or not, whether he was willing to officially date this person or not, he shouldn’t have led him on like this. Just because he thought Zhao Jinxin was open and could take it, didn’t mean he could act this way.
Li Shuo truly felt regretful and guilty. He had hurt the feelings of someone who liked him. What had gotten into him lately…
Zhao Jinxin sniffled: “Do you even like me at all?”
Li Shuo took a deep breath and said sincerely: “Yes.” He did like Zhao Jinxin, of course, but he wasn’t in a state to seriously consider a relationship right now. Moreover, Zhao Jinxin’s background, age, and personality all gave him many concerns. But he knew he liked this young man.
Zhao Jinxin hugged Li Shuo tightly for a moment, saying softly: “That’s good then.” After saying this, he let go and gently pushed Li Shuo away. “I’ll head back first.”
Li Shuo wanted to make him stay. But when he opened his mouth, no sound came out. He leaned against the glass wall of the squash room, holding his forehead, slowly closing his eyes. His mind was in turmoil. It was probably best to separate for now. He needed to think independently and calmly about their relationship.
Back home, Li Shuo organised the negotiation results and sent them to Xiang Ning, then stared blankly at his phone.
Should he call Zhao Jinxin? But what would he say? He should have sent Zhao Jinxin home earlier. But that would have been awkward on the way.
Li Shuo sighed, thinking of Zhao Jinxin’s reddened eyes, feeling waves of discomfort. He was a person with a strong sense of morality. His principle in life was to never do anything against his conscience. If he did something wrong or hurt someone, it would always weigh on his mind. Zhao Jinxin’s ‘accusation’, though not severe, made him feel incredibly guilty.
Perhaps it was time to let go of the past and start anew. He knew Li Chengxiu had never liked him and had now proposed to break up. Meanwhile, Zhao Jinxin had appeared in his life. If he kept thinking about Li Chengxiu, it wouldn’t be fair to Zhao Jinxin. He couldn’t force someone else’s feelings, nor could he keep dwelling on the past. He should cherish the person in front of him.
He did have concerns. Zhao Jinxin was 11 years younger than him, at an age where playfulness was at its peak. His personality was also very open, not seeming like someone who would be single-minded. Moreover, their fathers were friends, which could make things awkward if any problems arose in their relationship. Any one of these factors was enough to make one wary. But Li Shuo wasn’t someone who would compromise with societal norms. Zhao Jinxin might be young. But he was quite charming. Zhao Jinxin loved to play around. But Li Shuo was confident he could keep him in check. As for their parents, there was nothing inherently wrong with their feelings. Since they hadn’t done anything wrong, he had no reason to be afraid. He never considered whether they were suitable or how many obstacles reality posed before starting a relationship. Things were what you made of them. The only things that determined whether two people were ‘suitable’ and could last long-term were not background, appearance, or quantifiable conditions. But it was personality and love.
As for whether they might break up in the future, why consider that now? What was the point? He didn’t even know which day he might die.
When he wanted to date someone, he would just date them.
The more Li Shuo thought about it, the clearer his mind became. His mood improved considerably. It was time to let go of the past, face Zhao Jinxin, and face this relationship.
At this moment, he heard someone calling him from downstairs. He opened the door and heard his mother’s voice: “Mom, you’re back.”
“Come down quickly,” Mrs. Li’s voice sounded excited.
Li Shuo went downstairs. Mrs. Li said excitedly, “Xiao Shuo, the fortune teller did a reading for you. It was so accurate, he knew many things I didn’t tell him.”
Li Shuo had almost forgotten about this. He snickered, “Alright, what did he say?”
“He said you’re destined for great wealth and honour.”
“Oh.” Li Shuo glanced at the jade necklace his mother was wearing and the bag on her arm. Anyone who wasn’t blind could probably see that.
“I mainly asked about your love life,” Mrs. Li pulled out a piece of paper from her bag. “I wrote it all down. The fortune teller said you’ll find someone born in the Year of the Goat. Your relationship will have some ups and downs. But in the end, you’ll be very happy together. Born in the Year of the Goat, so they’d be a year older than you.”
“Or possibly 11 years younger,” Mr. Li interjected. “He’s not that young anymore, it’s fine if he finds someone a bit younger.”
“You men just like younger ones, don’t you?” Mrs. Li said teasingly.
Mr. Li chuckled, “We’re talking about our son here.”
“I think someone closer in age would be better, they’d have more in common,” Mrs. Li said with a smile. “But ultimately, it’s up to you.”
Li Shuo blinked, “11 years?”
“Yes, either 1 year older or 11 years younger.”
“Uh… these things should just happen naturally.” 11 years… it couldn’t really be referring to Zhao Jinxin, could it? As soon as this thought occurred to him, Li Shuo immediately mocked himself internally. How had he become so superstitious?
“That’s right. Falling in love should happen naturally. But you should also pay attention. If you meet someone with this zodiac sign, pay a bit more attention.”
Li Shuo gave a perfunctory “Mm”. But his mind was already wandering.
Could there really be something predestined in the grand scheme of things?
Li Shuo mocked himself harshly again. But the idea of the ‘Year of the Goat’ had already taken root in his mind and wouldn’t go away.
Until the next day, Zhao Jinxin hadn’t contacted Li Shuo.
Li Shuo waited for a day and began to feel anxious. Since they had met, Zhao Jinxin’s various messages had never stopped. It was normal for him to make three harassing phone calls and send more than ten text messages a day. He thought that once Zhao Jinxin’s emotions had settled, he would act as usual, casually calling him Li Shushu and acting coy with him. But now it had been over 24 hours without contact, and he really felt unaccustomed to it. With the person who usually revolved around him suddenly not appearing, he felt empty inside.
It seemed that the incident that day had really hurt Zhao Jinxin.
Li Shuo felt both guilty and upset. He thought for a moment, then instead of calling Zhao Jinxin, he grabbed his keys and went out. Apologising in person would be more sincere.
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*Translator’s Note: The Chinese zodiac is a traditional classification scheme based on a twelve-year cycle, where each year is associated with an animal sign. These animal signs include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is thought to have certain attributes and characteristics, and people born in a specific year are believed to inherit these traits.
In addition to the twelve-year cycle of animals, the Chinese zodiac is also associated with the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), which further influence the characteristics of each sign. Each element has its own attributes and is associated with two consecutive years in the zodiac cycle. This results in a 60-year cycle known as the sexagenary cycle.
The Chinese zodiac is used not only for determining personality traits but also for compatibility in relationships, predicting fortunes, and making decisions about important life events.
-K
*Proofread by 2024.07.27* I’m currently in the middle of the proofreading stage of my first ever translation; ‘Winner Takes All’. Lots of changes will be made especially to titles such as ‘Brother’ will be changed to ‘Ge’ and ‘Uncle’ will be changed to ‘Shushu’. I will proofread these chapters slowly when I’m free so please understand if there are any delays or discrepancies. TQ.
Proofread version of the rest of the novel will only be available on Novels Space.space while Mature Chapters will be released on Wattpad.
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