Chapter 25 – Hypocritical
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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Zhao Jinxin returned to his seat. The two naturally continued their conversation. Zhao Jinxin listened for a while before seamlessly joining their discussion, occasionally asking about Li Shuo’s university days.
Cheng Sheng, without Li Shuo’s permission, of course, didn’t reveal much and skillfully diverted the topic.
They chatted and ate. The atmosphere on the surface looked quite harmonious.
After a while, the main course arrived. Both Zhao Jinxin and Li Shuo had ordered the restaurant’s signature rib-eye steak. Zhao Jinxin cut his steak into small pieces and then switched plates with Li Shuo.
Cheng Sheng raised his eyebrows, looking a bit embarrassed.
Zhao Jinxin smiled and pulled Li Shuo’s hand from under the table, showing it to Cheng Sheng. “His hand is injured.”
Li Shuo’s wrist and palm were covered in red abrasions from hitting the wall the day before.
Li Shuo withdrew his hand. “It’s just a scratch.” Zhao Jinxin’s current tenderness only made him feel like he was being particularly hypocritical.
“When I hurt my hand, you also took good care of me,” Zhao Jinxin smiled at Li Shuo, seemingly oblivious to anyone else. “Eat up. This place is quite famous. If you like it, we can come again next time.”
In front of Cheng Sheng, Li Shuo couldn’t lose his temper. So he forced a smile and said, “Thank you,” before burying his head in his food.
Zhao Jinxin took a few bites and then got up to go to the restroom again.
As soon as he left, Cheng Sheng teased, “He’s really good to you. I didn’t expect him to have such a personality. He doesn’t seem like someone with ulterior motives at all.”
Li Shuo echoed with a smile, “We’re so-so.”
“Why does he keep asking about your university days? Haven’t you talked about it before?”
“When I was in university, he was still a kid. What was there to talk about?”
Cheng Sheng snickered. “True. But honestly, if it weren’t for Zhao Jinxin’s reputation, I would have thought he was in love with you.”
Li Shuo laughed heartily, showing his disdain. But his heart felt desolate. Until yesterday, he had also believed that Zhao Jinxin genuinely liked him. And he had been quite proud of his own charm. But Cheng Sheng’s words today were a revelation, making him realise Zhao Jinxin’s true intentions.
Initially, Zhao Jinxin wanted to help his cousin deal with a rival in love. After meeting him, he found this rival to his liking and decided to play along.
Zhao Jinxin probably did like him, as their chemistry in bed was undeniable. This affection would be genuine as long as Zhao Jinxin hadn’t ‘had enough fun’.
Li Shuo felt a mix of indignation and anger. He was angry at how easily he had fallen into such a lowly trap and how hastily he had fallen for someone so insincere. He was furious at Shao Qun and Zhao Jinxin’s despicable behaviour. And also at his own foolishness.
“By the way,” Cheng Sheng suddenly remembered something, “I met someone at the last bidding event. Guess who?”
Li Shuo smiled. “Stop beating around the bush. Who was it?”
“Han Feiye.”
Li Shuo froze. Hearing that name still made him feel a bit uneasy. Han Feiye was the person he had dated the longest, from his first to his fourth year of university. It was more than three years. He was also the person Li Shuo had once loved the most.
“I wanted to tell you earlier. But then you brought…-” Cheng Sheng nodded towards Zhao Jinxin’s plate, “so I couldn’t say anything.”
Li Shuo sighed. “I never expected to hear about him again. How is he?”
“You don’t hear about him often. But since we both work for the Big Four, I’ve heard a lot over the years and bumped into him a couple of times. He seems to be doing well. That poor kid from back then now earns hundreds of thousands a year and looks quite impressive. Last time we met, he asked about you.”
“Oh, what did he ask about?”
“The usual—how you’re doing, where you are. Nothing too important. But I thought I’d tell you in case you wanted to reconnect. He seemed quite nostalgic.”
Li Shuo did want to see Han Feiye. But he always felt guilty towards him. If he had been less immature and more understanding, less demanding, maybe they could have stayed together. With this mindset, maybe it’s better not to meet. He forced a smile. “I have never forgotten him. But feelings are something you can’t get back once they’re gone. Just… pretend you never told me.”
“Okay.”
After a while, Zhao Jinxin returned. His lips were slightly pale but he still displayed the same smile on his face.
Cheng Sheng asked, “Are you okay? Huh? What’s wrong with your mouth?” He hadn’t noticed before. But now he could see a small cut at the corner of Zhao Jinxin’s mouth.
“I didn’t drink too much water during the day,” Zhao Jinxin smiled, touching the corner of his mouth as if just realising it. Half-pouting and half-complaining, he pointed at Li Shuo, “He bit me. Isn’t he naughty?”
Li Shuo coughed and lightly scolded, “Jinxin, stop it.”
Zhao Jinxin’s face remained calm. He even winked at Cheng Sheng, who laughed along with him.
After the meal, Cheng Sheng left first. Li Shuo immediately dropped his facade, frowning at Zhao Jinxin, “What do you mean by this? Why are you intruding when I’m meeting an old friend?”
Zhao Jinxin blinked his eyes innocently, “How was I supposed to know you were really meeting a friend? You’re so attractive, I was worried you might be on a date.”
“Going on a date with someone else, it’s just a matter of time. It’s none of your business.” Li Shuo stood up, grabbed his coat, and left.
Zhao Jinxin followed closely behind, “That guy’s gay too, right? He didn’t chase after you, did he? Anyway, he’s not your type…”
“You’re not my type either,” Li Shuo couldn’t help but retort.
“But you like me, don’t you?” Zhao Jinxin grabbed Li Shuo’s arm, turning his body around and forcing him to face him, “You’re happy with me, right? You enjoy having sex with me, don’t you? I like you too. I like being with you. So why do you keep rejecting me? If you’re angry, tell me what I need to do to make it right.”
Anger flashed in Li Shuo’s eyes. He coldly said, “Zhao Jinxin, is sex all you think about? I might like something, but that doesn’t mean I need it to live. You teamed up with someone who slandered and hurt me, and you expect me to act like nothing happened? If you really have any feelings for me, just stop bothering me. Let’s leave each other with some good memories and part on good terms. That’s enough.” He used all his strength to shake off Zhao Jinxin’s hand and walked away quickly.
But in the next second, his body was pulled into a tight embrace from behind. Zhao Jinxin’s arms wrapped around him, holding him as if he wanted to merge their bodies together. He did not let even a sliver of space in between.
Just as Li Shuo was about to get angry, Zhao Jinxin whispered in his ear, “I’m sorry.” The voice was soft and weak. It even sounded pitiful.
Li Shuo froze.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I don’t just want to have sex with you,” Zhao Jinxin whispered, “I really like you. Everything about you attracts me. If I could do it all over again, I would never have agreed to help my cousin deal with you. Actually, from the moment I first saw you, I wasn’t approaching you for anyone else’s sake. I just couldn’t help but want to get close to you… I’m sorry. Li Shushu, I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad at me anymore. Can we go back to how we were before?”
Li Shuo’s heart trembled. Hearing Zhao Jinxin’s soft, weak voice did make him waver. But thinking about Shao Qun, about what they did, and about Cheng Sheng’s evaluation of Zhao Jinxin, he doubted himself. Maybe he didn’t know Zhao Jinxin at all. Perhaps everything he liked about Zhao Jinxin was just a facade. What would be left of his affection then? What was the point of continuing to be together? Just for sex? He was a human being, not an animal.
Zhao Jinxin kept rubbing his face and neck against Li Shuo as he pleaded, “Li Shushu, let’s reconcile, okay? I didn’t lie to you. I really like you.”
Li Shuo closed his eyes. His muddled mind suddenly cleared with a flash of realisation. He opened his eyes, gritting his teeth, “You said you didn’t lie to me?”
“I didn’t. I like you.”
“Didn’t you say you have a blood clotting disorder? Just now, I bit your lip. How come you’re fine?” The thought that Zhao Jinxin had lied just to enjoy himself made Li Shuo tremble with anger.
Zhao Jinxin tightened his grip as he spoke in a low voice, “I just clot more slowly than others. It’s not serious. When the cut is small, it bleeds for a while but isn’t a big deal. I forgot to bring thrombin when I switched cars today. Actually, just now…-“
“-Shut up!” Li Shuo gritted his teeth. “Zhao Jinxin, you’re full of lies. I despise you! Let me go!” He struggled forcefully.
Zhao Jinxin had no choice but to release him. He looked pitiful. “I didn’t lie…-“
Li Shuo took a deep breath and spoke with cold indifference, “-After we sign the contract, I’ll assign someone from the firm to be your contact. All business matters will go through them from now on.” He hailed a taxi and quickly got in.
As the taxi sped away, Zhao Jinxin gently touched his forehead and muttered through clenched teeth, “Damn it.” He paused for a few seconds and then let out a snort of bitter laughter.
When Li Shuo returned home, he thought he had finally escaped from Zhao Jinxin. However, as soon as he walked in, his mother asked, “Did Jinxin come by this afternoon looking for you?”
Li Shuo had no choice but to admit, “Yes. He came by to check on me since I wasn’t feeling well yesterday.”
Mr. Li closed his book and scrutinised his son carefully.
Li Shuo felt uneasy under his father’s gaze. “What’s wrong, Dad?”
“You haven’t fallen for Jinxin, have you?” Mr. Li’s words were startling.
Li Shuo frowned. “Dad, what are you thinking about?” He felt a cold sweat breaking out on his back. If his father had asked him this question two days ago, how would he have answered? When he believed he had done nothing wrong, he wouldn’t have wanted to lie and might have admitted it. If he had naively confessed his ‘feelings’ for Zhao Jinxin, only to later realise he had been played, he wouldn’t have known how to face his parents later on.
“Jinxin is very good-looking. You two have been spending a lot of time together and seem to get along well. Yesterday, you even… danced together,” Mr. Li said awkwardly. “Can you blame us for thinking too much?”
“Oh, Jinxin was also born in the Year of the Goat,” Mrs. Li added seriously.
“Mom, that’s superstitious nonsense,” Li Shuo said with a wry smile. “Dad, don’t overthink it. We’re just… friends.”
Mr. Li sighed in relief. “That’s good. Otherwise, how would I explain it to your Zhao Shushu and Ayi?”
Mrs. Li disagreed, “Why do you talk about our son like that? What’s wrong with him? In today’s open society, it’s all about the young people’s choices.”
“That’s true. But being gay is not exactly a good thing. And of all people, why does it have to be him?”
“What’s wrong with it being him? Is our Li Shuo not good enough for him? Besides not being as wealthy, where else is he lacking?”
“That’s not the point…-“
“-Then what do you mean?”
Li Shuo chuckled, “You two can argue all you want. Get some rest.”
“We are not arguing,” Mrs. Li said, hugging Li Shuo’s arm and pulling him aside. “No matter who you choose, I support you. I trust your judgement.”
Li Shuo patted her head, “Mom, if I do find someone special, I’ll tell you. Since I haven’t said anything, don’t make wild guesses, okay?”
Mrs. Li gave him a thumbs-up.
Li Shuo thought to himself that his parents, being the older generation and quite proper, wouldn’t know about Zhao Jinxin’s notorious reputation. If they did, they would surely tell him to stay far away from Zhao Jinxin.
Everyone knows that it’s best not to get involved with a playboy. Zhao Jinxin was a master at flirting and bedroom skills. Li Shuo was fully aware that this guy wasn’t as ‘innocent’ as he seemed. However, he was too confident and too blinded by lust. He believed that as long as Zhao Jinxin liked him, there was no need to label him based on his past. But the reality proved that he was not only delusional but also blind.
He had fallen hard and made a complete fool of himself.
He couldn’t bear the fact that the person he liked had humiliated him the most deeply.
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*Proofread by 2024.07.31* 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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