WTA Chapter 28

Chapter 28 – Repay Me with…

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 helped Zhao Jinxin to his feet, though his face was still pale. This sudden, intense physical exertion had likely caused muscle damage, with short-term repercussions to be expected.

“Can you walk?” Li Shuo asked.

Zhao Jinxin leaned heavily on Li Shuo. His voice sounded weak, “No. My legs hurt, my hands hurt, everything hurts.”

Li Shuo felt guilty. “Should I carry you?”

“No need. Just help me walk,” Zhao Jinxin replied.

Li Shuo helped him to a chair. “Rest here for a bit. I need to check on the emergency room.”

Zhao Jinxin grabbed Li Shuo’s hand and pulled him to sit beside him. “Give me two minutes. I’ll go with you. By then, the cardiologist should be there.”

Li Shuo kept glancing toward the emergency room, anxiety gnawing at him. He knew that worrying wouldn’t help and that he couldn’t do anything for his father. He took a deep breath and asked, “Do you know what caused the explosion?”

“I heard it was a terrorist attack, a car bomb. The blast site was just over a kilometre from your car.” Zhao Jinxin recalled the fear that gripped him when the lawyer shouted about the explosion on Seventh Avenue. The fear lingered, making him uneasy. He had rushed to Seventh Avenue from the company, not daring to think about the possibility of Li Shuo being harmed. It was only upon seeing Li Shuo standing there, unharmed, that he felt relieved. He never wanted to experience such terror again.

Li Shuo clenched his fists, pressing them against his forehead, feeling both anger and frustration. His father had suffered a heart attack years ago, though it hadn’t been severe. To prioritise his health, he retired early from his law practice. But he couldn’t stay idle and took up a financial consultant position with Zhao Rongtian. He had maintained a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a disciplined routine, appearing very healthy. If not for the shock today, which caused another sudden attack, most people had nearly forgotten about his condition.

In that chaotic situation, if Zhao Jinxin hadn’t suddenly appeared, Li Shuo couldn’t imagine the outcome.

Zhao Jinxin gently patted Li Shuo’s back with his warm palm, saying nothing more.

After resting for a couple of minutes, they headed towards the emergency room together. It coincided with the arrival of the hospital’s senior staff and a renowned cardiologist, who joined the ongoing emergency treatment.

Li Shuo sat outside the emergency room, each minute stretching into an eternity.

Zhao Jinxin held Li Shuo’s hand, enveloping it with both of his. He gently rubbed the warm skin with his fingertips.

At that moment, Li Shuo couldn’t be bothered to think about Shao Qun or any deception. He was only concerned with whether his father would make it through this crisis. He was grateful for any kindness shown to him now, as it provided some comfort.

Forty long minutes later, the light above the emergency room door finally went off.

Li Shuo stood up, watching stiffly as the doctor emerged. His body trembled uncontrollably.

Zhao Jinxin gripped his hand tightly.

The doctor smiled, “CPR was very effective. The timely medical intervention has stabilised his condition.”

Li Shuo’s eyes, which had been holding back tears, finally overflowed. He covered his face, too choked up to speak.

Guang Shu rubbed his chest, both crying and laughing.

Zhao Jinxin also smiled with relief. He pulled Li Shuo into his arms, gently patting his back, “See? I told you everything would be okay.”

Li Shuo wiped away his tears and gently pushed Zhao Jinxin away, feeling embarrassed now that the crisis had passed. He composed himself and earnestly said, “Jinxin, thank you.”

Zhao Jinxin spread his hands and smiled brightly, “At your service.”

Li Shuo chuckled.

Mr. Li was airlifted to a better hospital before regaining consciousness. Li Shuo and Zhao Jinxin accompanied him, while Guang Shu went home to bring Mrs. Li to the hospital.

When Mrs. Li arrived, her eyes were swollen from crying. By then, Li Shuo had regained his composure and gently comforted her.

Zhao Rongtian and his wife also came to visit.

After a long day, Li Shuo finally had everyone and everything settled as night fell. His mother insisted on staying at the hospital, refusing to go home. After coaxing her to eat, Li Shuo finally found a moment to rest and collect his thoughts.

Li Shuo left the hospital room and sat on a sofa in the lounge area, closing his eyes to rest. This floor was full of luxury suites, with facilities comparable to a five-star hotel. So it was quiet and less crowded. The day had been long and exhausting. He felt he could fall asleep sitting up.

Suddenly, he heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching. He opened his eyes to see Zhao Jinxin walking in.

“Why haven’t you gone home yet?” Li Shuo asked, surprised. He thought Zhao Jinxin had already left with his parents.

“I stayed to keep you company,” Zhao Jinxin said, sitting down beside him with a bright smile.

Li Shuo rubbed his face, “You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

“It’s fine. I’m not hungry. I just spoke with the doctor about your father’s condition. This was an acute episode. But he’s taken good care of himself over the years, so he’ll recover. Don’t worry too much.”

Li Shuo nodded, “My dad usually seems pretty healthy, sometimes I forget…-” His voice grew softer, “All these years, I’ve been pursuing my career and freedom, leaving them here alone…”

Zhao Jinxin ruffled his hair, “Don’t think like that. They are very proud of you for building your own life.”

Li Shuo smiled slightly. The events of the day made him reconsider his decisions. He had insisted on returning to China, largely to escape his father’s shadow. Now, after proving himself over ten years, his parents were already growing older. If he continued to stay across the Pacific Ocean and not be there for them, would it be too selfish?

He thought for a moment, then asked Zhao Jinxin, “You’re an only child too. Don’t your parents miss you when they send you back to China?”

“Of course they do. But in my experience, a little distance actually brings us closer. I often travel. But I also make sure to go home frequently. When I was young, my parents were overprotective, which led to a strong rebellious streak in me. That’s why I enjoy adventure and extreme sports,” Zhao Jinxin said with a smile, shaking his head. “I always wanted to prove that I could flirt with danger and come out unscathed. I was pretty naive back then. But because of that phase, my parents relaxed their grip on me, and I came to understand them better. So, don’t beat yourself up over past decisions. Sometimes, a bit of distance and longing can make relationships more harmonious and forgiving.”

Li Shuo looked quietly at Zhao Jinxin, his eyes unusually bright in the dim light. He found Zhao Jinxin increasingly enigmatic. The man who could be coquettish and manipulative was also the one who had rushed to his aid today, exerting himself fully to help him.

Who exactly was Zhao Jinxin? Was he hiding his true self behind a mask, or were all these facets part of who he was, changing depending on the situation and his mood?

Zhao Jinxin blinked, “Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think I’m particularly handsome today?”

Li Shuo laughed, “You really are…” He paused, “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Thank me? Well, though it’s opportunistic to say this now…” Zhao Jinxin leaned in and softly kissed Li Shuo’s lips, “How about repaying me with your body?”

Li Shuo looked at Zhao Jinxin for a few seconds before seriously saying, “Okay.”

Zhao Jinxin raised an eyebrow, “Darling, I was joking.”

“You’re not joking. I know you’re serious,” Li Shuo said, gently pinching Zhao Jinxin’s chin. “You saved my father’s life today. No matter what you ask, I wouldn’t refuse. I’m a person who believes in repaying kindness and holding grudges. From now on, I won’t mention you and Shao Qun deceiving me ever again.” At this moment, Zhao Jinxin could ask for anything, and he would agree. He was not one to owe anyone anything. And when he weighed his father’s life against anything else, he found he was willing to give anything.

Zhao Jinxin’s expression froze for a moment. Then, he forced a smile, “Oh, so you’re really thinking of repaying me with yourself.”

“Why not? Being with you is quite enjoyable. I won’t lose anything. But if you have other requests, you can ask,” Li Shuo replied.

Zhao Jinxin’s lips twitched. He sneered, “Do you think everything I’ve done today was just to coerce you into bed with me?”

“Not at all. You saved a life because of your compassion. But isn’t what you want from me, and what I can give, exactly this?” Although Li Shuo had promised not to mention Shao Qun again, the trust between him and Zhao Jinxin was already shattered. What he could offer Zhao Jinxin was just this. And he believed this was what Zhao Jinxin desired all along.

Li Shuo thought, given Zhao Jinxin’s notorious reputation, a no-strings-attached relationship might be what he wanted most.

Zhao Jinxin gently stroked Li Shuo’s face with his fingers. His voice carried a hint of allure, “What if I want more than just this?”

“Then we would need to get to know each other again and rebuild our trust.” Li Shuo suddenly felt the strong, steady beat of his heart. It still trembled for Zhao Jinxin but was now surrounded by heavy concerns. Although he did not want this situation to occur, since it had happened, it could be an opportunity for them. It had created a small opening in his heart, which he had named ‘concern’. If they could accept the true Zhao Jinxin and break down the barriers from the past, restoring complete trust and affection as they had at the beginning, it would prove that their bond was strong enough to last longer and go further.

This was how Li Shuo approached his feelings. He could fully invest in passion but would never abandon rational thought.

Zhao Jinxin looked at him for a moment and then burst into laughter.

Li Shuo watched him silently.

Zhao Jinxin patted Li Shuo’s cheek, smiling as he said, “Li Shushu, I really admire you. No one has ever dared to speak to me like this. I like your proposal very much.” He suddenly seized Li Shuo’s lips in a slightly rough kiss. He ravaged those soft lips, his tongue pushing through his teeth and exploring the hot, moist interior.

Li Shuo was momentarily stunned but responded. Zhao Jinxin’s kiss was like a stone thrown into his tired heart, breaking the surface calm and stirring the waters beneath.

They kissed passionately and fiercely, almost as if they wanted to consume each other.

Zhao Jinxin roughly tugged at Li Shuo’s clothes, biting at his chest.

“No. Not here…” Li Shuo protested, pushing Zhao Jinxin’s head away.

Zhao Jinxin ignored him, almost as if he was at war with the clothing. He was intent on tearing it apart.

“Jinxin! There are cameras here!” Li Shuo shoved him away forcefully.

Zhao Jinxin froze. With his head lowered, it was hard to read his emotions.

Li Shuo adjusted his clothes, feeling that Zhao Jinxin seemed angry but was unsure.

“Jinxin?” Li Shuo reached out to touch his face.

Zhao Jinxin grabbed Li Shuo’s hand.

Li Shuo’s wrist ached from the grip. But he remained silent.

Zhao Jinxin brought Li Shuo’s hand to his lips and kissed it. He then slowly raised his head, flashing a grin that showed his white teeth, “Li Shushu is just too tempting, it’s hard to control myself.”

Li Shuo sighed in relief. For a moment, Zhao Jinxin’s demeanour had made him feel immense pressure. He got up from the sofa, “Let’s not fool around. There are cameras all over the hospital.”

Zhao Jinxin lay back on the sofa, hugging Li Shuo’s waist and resting his head on his legs, “Then can we at least rest like this for a bit?”

Li Shuo stroked his hair, “Okay.” He felt extremely tired and just wanted to sit quietly for a while, doing nothing. The day’s events had been harrowing enough, and he had also made a significant emotional decision in the last five minutes. Such intense emotions were exhausting.

Was he doing the right thing? Li Shuo wondered to himself.

Given that there was no longer trust between him and Zhao Jinxin, and he simultaneously harboured both resentment and gratitude, perhaps this was indeed the only way forward.

The next day, Mr. Li woke up. Only then did Li Shuo and his mother feel relieved.

Mr. Li was quite optimistic, even joking that he was almost scared to death. Before Li Shuo and his mother could say anything, Guang Shu scolded him, almost shedding tears.

Guang Shu was an orphan who followed Mr. Li from China to the United States when he was in his teens. He got married, had children, and settled down here, becoming like family to Mr. Li. When Mr. Li had an accident, Guang Shu was as worried as his own wife and children.

Li Shuo later fully understood the bombing incident. As Zhao Jinxin had said, it was a terrorist car bomb attack, with over a hundred casualties. The news spread worldwide within a few hours. As someone who experienced the event firsthand, Li Shuo mourned for the innocent victims while also feeling grateful that his father survived.

Naturally, the news also reached China. The next day, Xiang Ning called. Initially, he just wanted to politely ask if Li Shuo was affected by the incident. But he ended up hearing a thrilling story.

After Li Shuo finished, Xiang Ning was silent for a long time. He then exclaimed, “Oh my God, how fortunate. Truly fortunate.”

Li Shuo said heavily, “That was the most terrifying moment of my life. I still feel scared thinking about it.”

“It’s over now. Since your father survived such a calamity, good fortune must be in store.”

“Thank you.” Li Shuo sighed. “Xiang Ge, I have to delay my return to China. With my father in this condition, I definitely can’t leave now.”

Xiang Ning was silent for a moment. But then said with a bitter smile, “Bro, it’s really inappropriate to bring this up now. But can you still find time to come back, even if it’s just for two days?”

“What’s wrong?” Li Shuo felt a bit uneasy. For Xiang Ning to insist on his return despite such an incident, there must be something urgent at the law firm.

“Mr. Liang is very dissatisfied with you. I’ve been holding the fort and trying to persuade him. The firm’s business volume has dropped by half this quarter, all due to the negative rumours from your lawsuit.” Xiang Ning said wearily, “Bro, if you don’t come back soon, I really can’t manage anymore.”

Li Shuo closed his eyes and deeply furrowed his brows. He felt a mix of frustration, guilt, and a growing hatred for Shao Qun. He said in a low voice, “Xiang Ge, I’m sorry. You’ve been handling everything here in the US during this time. I’ve caused you a lot of trouble.”

“Hey, you don’t need to say that to me. You helped me without hesitation when I was in trouble. But Mr. Liang’s doubts and anger are understandable. You need to come back, apologise, and negotiate.”

“I completely understand Mr. Liang. And I’m fully willing to apologise,” Li Shuo said tiredly. “But right now, my parents need me the most. I…-“

Xiang Ning sighed heavily.

“Xiang Ge, give me some time to think. I’ll call you at this time tomorrow with my decision, okay?”

“Alright, I hope your father recovers soon.”

“Thank you.”

After hanging up, Li Shuo opened the door and looked at his father lying in the hospital bed and his mother feeding him. His heart sank.

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*Translator’s Note: I think ZJX was indeed angry. But he himself couldn’t figure out why he was angry. Lol. -K

*Proofread by 2024.08.03* 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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