Chapter 18 – Little Kinky Demon
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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Li Shuo was driving on the road, thinking that it wouldn’t be good to arrive empty-handed. He felt he should buy a gift for Zhao Jinxin but couldn’t think of what to get.
As he was passing through a neighbourhood, Li Shuo noticed an exhibition hall showcasing Yunjin. Large posters hung outside, apparently featuring the works of a young Yunjin artist. He caught a glimpse of zodiac embroidery patterns. His interest piqued. So he turned the car to enter.
The exhibition hall wasn’t crowded, possibly because it was the last day of the exhibit. He casually picked up a brochure, flipped through it, then asked a staff member where the Goat zodiac pattern was. The staff member led him to the largest exhibition hall.
On the walls and display stands of the hall were about thirty Yunjin works. The weaving was exquisite, the patterns clear, and the colours brilliant. No matter how many adjectives one used to praise them, it all came down to one word: ‘beautiful’. A few foreigners were examining the works with magnifying glasses, exclaiming in wonder.
The zodiac works were on the largest wall. Circular brocade pieces were set in square redwood frames, even the frames carved with intricate floral patterns.
Li Shuo immediately spotted the Goat Yunjin piece, a truly stylish work of art. He said to the staff member, “Hello, I’d like to take this Goat zodiac work.”
“Please wait a moment.”
After a few minutes, the staff member returned: “Sir, the price for this single piece is forty thousand US dollars.”
“Alright. Please wrap it as a gift for me.”
“Certainly.”
As he got in the car with the gift box, Li Shuo smiled and shook his head. He had really been influenced by his mother; he had never paid attention to zodiac signs before.
When he arrived at Zhao Jinxin’s place, Li Shuo rang the doorbell downstairs. It was the weekend, and he wasn’t sure if Zhao Jinxin would be home… After the doorbell rang for a long time, Zhao Jinxin’s face appeared on the intercom screen. He looked like he had just woken up and said in surprise, “Li Shushu?”
Li Shuo smiled at him gentlemanly and said, “May I come up?”
“Come up.” The security door clicked open.
Li Shuo pushed open the door, got in the elevator, and looked at the gift beside him. His eyes were full of anticipation; he looked forward to seeing Zhao Jinxin’s joyful expression.
The apartment door was open. Li Shuo walked in and heard water running in the bathroom. The floor-to-ceiling window in the living room was open, and the cool breeze made him feel a bit uncomfortable. There was still a faint smell of alcohol in the air. Li Shuo scanned the living room, guessing that the alcohol smell might be coming from clothes thrown on the floor.
After a while, Zhao Jinxin came out. He was barefoot, wearing jeans. His athletic upper body was bare while his face and hair were wet. As he wiped his hair, he asked, “Why did you come without calling? I’m a mess.” He kept his head down, not looking at Li Shuo.
Li Shuo sighed inwardly. He went over to close the window, then pointed at the slippers on the floor: “Put on your slippers. It’s getting cold. Aren’t you afraid of catching a cold?”
“I won’t catch a cold,” Zhao Jinxin said glumly.
It seemed that the events of that day still hadn’t been put behind them. Seeing Zhao Jinxin clearly just waking up from a hangover, Li Shuo felt even more guilty and uncomfortable. He said, “I came today to apologise to you. I bought you a gift.” Li Shuo held up the gift box.
Zhao Jinxin finally raised his head. His black eyes stared unblinkingly at Li Shuo, and said pitifully, “You don’t need to apologise. There’s nothing for you to apologise for.”
“There is,” Li Shuo walked over, stroking Zhao Jinxin’s wet hair. He then gently kissed him. “I made you sad. I’m sorry.”
Zhao Jinxin paused. He then suddenly hugged Li Shuo, saying in a grieved tone, “It’s okay, I’m willing to feel sad.”
Li Shuo felt a pang in his heart. People are truly hard to satisfy. Zhao Jinxin was perfect in every way, what was he hesitating about? It was precisely because of his many concerns that he had hurt this young man. From now on, he decided to take his relationship with Zhao Jinxin seriously.
Li Shuo grabbed a towel and started drying Zhao Jinxin’s hair. “Go dry your hair and put on some clothes. You’ll catch a cold like this.”
“No. I want to see the gift first,” Zhao Jinxin grinned, showing a row of white teeth, looking very cute.
“Then put on your clothes first, look at the gift, then dry your hair.”
Zhao Jinxin quickly kissed Li Shuo and practically ran into the bedroom. A gentle smile spread across Li Shuo’s face. His heart felt warm.
As Zhao Jinxin reached the bedroom door, he suddenly grabbed the doorframe, turned his head and said, “If you want to see my chest muscles, I can take off my shirt for you anytime.” He winked and blew a kiss to Li Shuo.
Li Shuo laughed, “Hurry up and get dressed.”
In less than half a minute, Zhao Jinxin came out wearing a long-sleeved wool sweater. The style was simple and the colour subdued. But the fabric and cut were exquisite. It fit snugly, perfectly outlining Zhao Jinxin’s protruding collarbones, broad shoulders, thick chest muscles, and taut waist.
Zhao Jinxin said excitedly, “What gift did Li Shushu buy for me?”
Li Shuo smiled, “Open it and see for yourself.”
Zhao Jinxin untied the ribbon. Before opening the gift box, he asked mysteriously, “It’s not a mermaid costume, is it?”
Li Shuo was both amused and exasperated, “What are you thinking? Does this box look like it would contain that?” The gift box had an embroidered outer packaging. Although it was clearly machine-processed fabric, it was very elegant.
“I’m just joking,” Zhao Jinxin licked his lips and suddenly opened the gift box. “Wow!” He took out the Yunjin Goat zodiac from the silk cloth. “It’s beautiful.”
Seeing Zhao Jinxin’s beaming smile, Li Shuo felt his heart lighten: “I was driving past an exhibition and fell in love with it at first sight. Your name has ‘Jin’ in it, and you’re born in the year of the Goat. So it’s perfect for you.”
Zhao Jinxin looked at Li Shuo. His eyes were bright and sparkling with lively light. He said seriously, “This gift is really thoughtful. I love it, thank you.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Li Shuo’s anxious heart finally settled.
Zhao Jinxin held the Yunjin piece, moving around the living room: “Where should I hang it? No. It’ll get dusty if I hang it up…”
“Dry your hair first,” Li Shuo put the Yunjin back in the box, “You have time to think about where to hang it later.”
Zhao Jinxin leaned on Li Shuo like he had no bones: “Li Shushu, help me dry my hair.”
“Alright. Come here.”
Zhao Jinxin sat at the head of the bed while Li Shuo stood in front of him, helping him dry his wet hair.
Zhao Jinxin grinned mischievously and raised his hand, slipping his fingers into the gap between Li Shuo’s shirt buttons, tickling his skin.
“Stop that,” Li Shuo tousled his hair randomly.
Zhao Jinxin wouldn’t obediently listen. He started unbuttoning Li Shuo’s shirt. When Li Shuo pushed his hand away, he went for the belt buckle.
Li Shuo laughed and scolded, “You little kinky demon, can’t you behave?”
“You’ve already called me a little kinky demon. If I behave, wouldn’t I be letting you down?”
“What kind of twisted logic is that?” Li Shuo said, “Put your hands behind your back.”
“What’s in it for me if I put my hands behind my back?”
“If you listen, I’ll cook something delicious for you.”
Zhao Jinxin swiftly put his hands behind his back and looked up at Li Shuo with a smile. That cunning and playful look was incredibly attractive.
Li Shuo couldn’t help but smile too. He was in a great mood, humming a tune as he fiddled with Zhao Jinxin’s hair.
After sitting for a while, Zhao Jinxin became restless again. He wrapped his legs around Li Shuo’s calves, rubbing them back and forth.
Luckily, the hair was finally dry. Li Shuo put the hair dryer aside, pushed Zhao Jinxin onto the bed and pretended to threaten him, “If you don’t behave, do you want me to spank you?”
Zhao Jinxin laughed, “Domestic violence? I’m going to call the cops.”
“Go ahead and call. Let’s see who will come to save you.” Li Shuo messed up Zhao Jinxin’s hair.
Zhao Jinxin suddenly pulled and dragged Li Shuo onto the bed too. He tried to roll on top. But Li Shuo wouldn’t yield. The two of them started rolling around on the bed, both trying desperately to pin the other down. In the end, they both couldn’t hold back their laughter.
Zhao Jinxin hugged Li Shuo and kissed him several times. He then whispered in his ear, “Li Shushu, I like you so much.”
Li Shuo felt his heart flutter. He cupped Zhao Jinxin’s face and solemnly kissed his lips, passionately sucking on them.
The two kissed tenderly and passionately, as if after the events of the other day, their hearts had grown even closer.
Li Shuo’s hand slipped under Zhao Jinxin’s shirt, caressing his firm back and resting on his shoulder blades, feeling their powerful movement. Zhao Jinxin also aroused Li Shuo’s desire, rubbing against his thigh.
Just as the atmosphere between them was rapidly heating up, Zhao Jinxin suddenly pushed Li Shuo away and sat up. He lowered his head and rubbed his hair somewhat irritably.
Li Shuo propped himself up, asking in surprise, “What’s wrong?”
Zhao Jinxin smiled bitterly, “Let’s forget it. This just makes it harder for me.”
“We don’t have to go all the way,” Li Shuo recalled their last experience, which had been pleasurable even without going all the way.
Zhao Jinxin jumped off the bed, shook his head, and said with his back to Li Shuo, “You can. But I can’t.” He then walked out.
Li Shuo stared blankly at Zhao Jinxin’s retreating figure until it disappeared. He fell back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling with unfocused eyes. After a while, he smiled helplessly.
He sat up, straightened his clothes, and walked out of the bedroom to find Zhao Jinxin drinking water.
Li Shuo leaned against the wall, watching this young man with his exceptional looks and perfect physique. Thinking about Zhao Jinxin’s affection and admiration for him, he felt a bit proud and very warm inside.
Zhao Jinxin put down his glass: “Li Shushu, cook for me, please.”
Li Shuo smiled, “What would you like to eat?”
“As long as you cook, I promise to finish everything on the plate.”
Li Shuo walked over and pinched his chin: “What did you eat to become such a sweet-talker?”
“I’m only sweet-talking to you.” Zhao Jinxin kissed him on the temple. “I want to see you in an apron.”
“Alright. But I won’t wear it naked.”
Zhao Jinxin feigned surprise: “How did you know what I was going to say!”
Li Shuo tapped his head: “Come help me.”
Zhao Jinxin said disappointedly, “One day, you’ll definitely wear an apron naked for me.”
Li Shuo couldn’t help but imagine that scene and felt embarrassed. He wasn’t a conservative person. If he were Zhao Jinxin’s age, he’d surely be willing to try more things. But now, thinking about playing such games with someone so much younger made him feel shy.
“Are you embarrassed?” Zhao Jinxin smiled suggestively, “With me, I guarantee every day will be fresh.”
Li Shuo smiled, “That, I believe.” Zhao Jinxin truly had that ability, which made him especially alluring.
Zhao Jinxin took an apron from the cupboard, shook it out, and tied it around himself.
Li Shuo asked, confused, “You’re cooking?”
Zhao Jinxin blinked his eyes: “Let me show you my cooking skills. I couldn’t before because my hand was injured.”
Li Shuo was surprised: “I never thought you could cook.”
“Not only can I cook, but it’s delicious too.” As Zhao Jinxin walked towards the kitchen, he passed by Li Shuo and whispered in his ear, “I’m giving you one more reason to fall in love with me.”
Li Shuo’s heart skipped a beat. He experienced an indescribable feeling, a kind of tingling that lingered.
Zhao Jinxin cooked while Li Shuo assisted. In the end, he grilled two steaks, made lobster soup, two portions of mashed potatoes, a seafood salad, and squeezed some kiwi cream juice.
Li Shuo realised Zhao Jinxin wasn’t bluffing. He looked quite skilled while cooking. He couldn’t help but ask, “Who taught you?”
“Do I need to learn? Just watch some tutorials and you’ll get it,” Zhao Jinxin said with a smile. “I don’t like living at home. My parents still treat me like a child, so I deliberately live far from them. Usually, I either order takeout or cook something simple myself. It’s easier that way.”
Li Shuo cut a piece of beef and tasted it. The beef was tender and soft. It tasted great. He praised, “Delicious. What kind of beef is this?”
“The housekeeper sent it. It’s very good Wagyu beef. He told me to eat it fresh that day. But I was busy and didn’t cook it. Freezing it was a bit wasteful. Next time, I’ll make you this the freshest.” He winked at Li Shuo: “Do you like me more now?”
“A little bit more,” Li Shuo said with a smile.
After dinner, Li Shuo helped Zhao Jinxin tidy up the room, throwing the alcohol-smelling clothes into the washing machine. They chatted and laughed, feeling a bit like an old married couple. This gave Li Shuo the illusion that they had known each other for a long time, living the most ordinary yet enjoyable domestic life together.
By the time they finished, it was dark. Zhao Jinxin turned on the projector, and they lay side by side in the large sunken tatami to watch a movie. As they watched, Zhao Jinxin leaned on Li Shuo, sometimes nuzzling Li Shuo’s stomach with his head, sometimes touching Li Shuo’s waist. He was constantly fidgeting.
At first, Li Shuo focused on the movie, thinking he could just hold Zhao Jinxin like a dog and pet him. But Zhao Jinxin became increasingly mischievous, arousing Li Shuo to the point where he naturally started to ‘retaliate’.
Their tall, athletic bodies intertwined on the tatami. Soon, their clothes were completely removed, scattered everywhere. They kissed and caressed each other like wild animals, feeling each other’s warmth and firmness. The fire of desire spread rapidly, almost burning through the nerves of reason.
Zhao Jinxin’s entire body was tense, like an arrow drawn to full tension. He forcefully pinned Li Shuo beneath him, his eyes filled with extreme longing.
Li Shuo met his gaze with complex emotions, equally consumed by desire. He felt his mind becoming hazy.
Zhao Jinxin kept rubbing against him, saying in a hoarse voice, “Can I do it? Li Shushu, please…”
Li Shuo’s rationality was wavering. He felt his heart trembling.
Zhao Jinxin clearly saw the hesitation in Li Shuo’s eyes. He lowered his gaze, propped himself up, and with his head down and lips pressed together, smiled bitterly, “Let’s forget it.” He was about to get up.
Li Shuo took a deep breath, partly because he had made up his mind, partly because he was overwhelmed. In any case, he flipped over. He grabbed Zhao Jinxin’s waist and pulled him back onto the tatami. His hot lips pressed against Zhao Jinxin’s ear as he said in a low, husky voice, “Don’t go.”
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*Translator’s Note: Oh, as for next chapter….shit about to go down….. -K
*GLOSSARY:
- Yunjin (云锦) is a traditional Chinese silk brocade that originates from Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colours, often featuring motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and clouds. The name ‘Yunjin’ literally means ‘cloud brocade’, reflecting its delicate and luxurious appearance. Historically, Yunjin was used to make clothing for Chinese royalty and nobility, and it remains a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
*Proofread by 2024.07.28* 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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