Chapter 30 – Memories and Fate
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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The madness in the break room made Li Shuo feel a bit scared in retrospect. Although he wasn’t a strictly by-the-book person, he had never done anything too outrageous. But whenever he was with Zhao Jinxin, it seemed he couldn’t help but try bold behaviours. He dared to make love with Zhao Jinxin in public places but didn’t dare to open his heart easily. How ironic human relationships could be. However, this was probably the best state for the two of them at the moment. After all, Zhao Jinxin had tacitly agreed to their relationship as bed partners that day.
These past few days, Li Shuo had been deliberately avoiding thinking about that conversation. Now that his mind had completely calmed down, in retrospect, he realised that he had been in a state of shock from his father’s unexpected incident and wasn’t himself. He could have phrased things more tactfully, instead of implying that Zhao Jinxin was ‘blackmailing’ him. No wonder Zhao Jinxin got angry. But at least his proposal was correct. He couldn’t trust Zhao Jinxin right now. Zhao Jinxin, for the most part, was probably still in the ‘not done playing’ stage, which is why he avoided responding to Li Shuo’s suggestion of ‘rebuilding trust’.
Li Shuo liked to speak clearly and act straightforwardly. If it was just about sex, then it was just about sex—no need to bother with emotions, and neither of them had to take responsibility. It was fine like this. As for the feelings he cast out like a net, he could gradually reel them back in, even if it meant catching a pile of useless junk.
During the week his father was hospitalised, Zhao Jinxin visited twice. On the day of discharge, Zhao Jinxin wanted to come help. But Li Shuo refused. He was afraid that if Zhao Jinxin appeared too frequently, his parents would overthink things. Even though he believed his father, being so smart, might have already figured something out. It was precisely because of his father’s intelligence that as long as Li Shuo didn’t say anything, no one would question him.
Guang Shu and the housekeeper were packing things, while Li Shuo went to the hospital to handle the discharge procedures.
After getting the paperwork, he hurried back to the ward.
Li Shuo walked into the elevator and watched the doors slowly close. Suddenly, a voice called out, “Please wait.”
The voice wasn’t loud. The tone was calm and steady, without a trace of impatience, carrying a unique accent that was very pleasant to hear. Moreover, it felt inexplicably familiar to Li Shuo. Almost reflexively, he stepped forward and used his arm to block the elevator doors.
The elevator doors reopened, revealing a handsome and refined face before Li Shuo.
Both of them froze.
Memories, like a long-sealed box suddenly opening, brought a cloud of dust that blurred his vision.
Li Shuo felt his breath trembling as he uncertainly said, “…Feiye?”
The person who appeared without warning was indeed Han Feiye.
He was a man whose voice matched his appearance. Over the years, he hadn’t changed much. His figure was still thin, his face pale, his eyes bright. His demeanour was always serene and cool, calm as water. Although compared to his early twenties, he had lost some of his spirit and gained a bit of worldliness. His uniquely clear and memorable aura remained.
Han Feiye opened his mouth. He was dazed for several seconds, before softly saying, “Xiao Shuo.”
The elevator doors began to close again. Ignoring his image, Li Shuo quickly squeezed through the gap, almost bumping into Han Feiye. Han Feiye instinctively stepped back.
Feeling both awkward and nervous, despite being thirty-four and accustomed to big scenes where he could remain unflustered, meeting Han Feiye again made Li Shuo feel like a young, inexperienced boy.
After a few seconds of silence, both men calmed down.
Li Shuo smiled, “I never expected to meet you here.”
Han Feiye also smiled. His gaze was gentle, “Yeah, you are here for…?”
“My father was hospitalised. But he’s being discharged today. He’s fine now. What about you?”
“My mother had a fall and fractured a bone. It’s not a big deal.”
The two fell into silence again.
They had once been so close. But now they stood in silence, which made their hearts ache.
“Cheng Sheng…-” they both said in unison.
Han Feiye chuckled. Li Shuo followed suit.
Taking a deep breath, Li Shuo regained his usual suave composure. “I heard from Cheng Sheng that he saw you. Today I need to accompany my father for his discharge and have a celebration at home. If you have time another day, could I invite you to dinner?”
Han Feiye smiled. “Sure. My phone number is 20267…-“
“2026785?”
Han Feiye was taken aback. “You still remember.”
“You never changed it. I haven’t changed my number either,” Li Shuo felt a heavy sense of melancholy. How could he forget this number? He had dialled it countless times. Even after their breakup, he had wanted to call but always restrained himself. Initially, it was because of his pride, later out of understanding and shame, and eventually, time had diluted everything.
Han Feiye smiled faintly. “Then… let’s keep in touch another day.”
Li Shuo nodded.
Han Feiye took a few steps towards the elevator, then turned back and softly asked, “Xiao Shuo, are you doing well?”
“…Yes,” Li Shuo looked at him quietly. “And you?”
Han Feiye smiled. “I am well too.” He turned and entered the elevator.
They stared at each other, as if trying to see into each other’s souls, until the elevator doors closed completely.
Li Shuo closed his eyes and knocked his forehead twice. He then let out a heavy sigh.
Han Feiye, Han Feiye, Han Feiye.
To think they would meet by chance…
If asked who the man he loved most in his life was, Li Shuo would unhesitatingly say ‘Han Feiye’. He once believed their souls were highly compatible and was ready to spend his life with him. But later…
Han Feiye not only influenced him with his unassuming, calm demeanour but also shaped his aesthetic preferences. Every person Li Shuo loved thereafter had some semblance of Han Feiye.
Only Zhao Jinxin was different.
Suddenly, Zhao Jinxin’s face flashed in Li Shuo’s mind. It startled him.
Why did he think of Zhao Jinxin at this moment?
His phone suddenly rang, relieving his inexplicable discomfort. It was his mother urging him. He replied that he would be up soon.
Back in the ward, Mr. Li insisted on taking a photo in the room, joking that he would never come back again.
Li Shuo, full of thoughts, forced a stiff smile.
A few days later, an international courier delivered the contract for transferring equity to Li Shuo.
Li Shuo read the contract three times, not because he was worried about any hidden clauses. But to use the black-and-white text to convince himself to accept the decision he had made from the bottom of his heart.
Then, he solemnly signed it. At that moment, he truly felt as if a layer of his skin had been peeled off. Selling the business he had painstakingly built felt like a profound loss, a feeling only those who have experienced it could understand.
With that contract settled, the only remaining matter was the contract with Ennan Group. The express delivery had included the company seal, so he could sign the contract right there.
However, to sign the contract, he would have to inform the Zhao family about his and the firm’s current situation. He was reluctant to discuss this with Zhao Jinxin, for two reasons. First, he had promised never to mention Shao Qun’s actions in front of Zhao Jinxin. And second, bringing it up would inevitably make things awkward between them.
Nevertheless, the partners had the right to know. Both ethically and legally, he couldn’t hide it because of personal issues.
Reluctantly, he took the contract and went to Ennan Group.
Zhao Jinxin was delighted to see him, pulling him into the office for a kiss before asking, “Are you planning to sign the contract today?”
Li Shuo pushed him away. “But before we sign, there’s something I need to let you and your father know. After that, you can decide whether you still want to continue working with the firm.”
Seeing Li Shuo so serious, Zhao Jinxin frowned slightly. “Why wouldn’t we want to work together? The contract process is already complete.”
Li Shuo adjusted his tie, trying to calm his nerves. He then said seriously, “For a reason that both you and I are aware of, I’ve sold my shares in the firm. I retained only some original shares. I will no longer be involved in the firm’s operations.”
Zhao Jinxin’s expression darkened as he quietly watched Li Shuo, waiting for him to continue.
“You can seek a better partner. But if you still wish to work with my firm, I will act as a consultant specifically managing Ennan’s projects. I assure you, our service quality and business standards will not decline.”
Zhao Jinxin crossed his arms and lowered his head slightly. After a moment of silence, he softly said, “I’m sorry.”
Li Shuo spread his hands, not wanting to respond at all. He had already received Zhao Jinxin’s apology when he saved his father’s life, settling everything. The one who truly needed to apologise wasn’t there. He said, “Discuss it with your father. No matter the outcome, I will respect your decision. I can also recommend my friend’s firm to you.”
“I never intended to affect your career,” Zhao Jinxin pursed his lips. “You interfered in my brother and Li Chengxiu’s relationship. I was just trying to help my brother…-“
“-Is that what he told you?” Li Shuo couldn’t help but interrupt, his tone rising.
“Isn’t that the truth?”
Li Shuo gritted his teeth. “He…-” He took a deep breath and swallowed his words forcefully. “-Forget it. I said I wouldn’t bring it up, so I won’t. Let’s not discuss this anymore.”
“Let’s discuss it. Don’t you feel bad holding it in?”
“What’s the point of discussing it?” Li Shuo clutched the document folder, his hands trembling. Inside was the contract he had painstakingly drafted and signed, representing the relinquishment of his hard work. It was all because of the person standing before him and his cousin. “Discussing it will make me feel better? Will discussing it change anything?”
Zhao Jinxin sat beside Li Shuo. His gaze was as calm as water. “I know you have a lot of grievances. Let them out. I brought this up, so it doesn’t count as you breaking your promise.”
Li Shuo clenched his fists and turned his face away. “No need.”
“My brother said that you pursued Li Chengxiu when they were doing well and took advantage of their relationship crisis. Was he lying to me?” Zhao Jinxin clearly wasn’t ready to let it go.
Li Shuo’s expression darkened as he forced out the word, “No.”
“So what you did and what I did are essentially no different.”
“Fallacious reasoning!” Li Shuo jumped up, his anger flaring uncontrollably. “Do you know what kind of scum Shao Qun is? Do you know how he treated Chengxiu? I wasn’t just stealing someone’s love. I was saving a good person from humiliation and harm!”
Zhao Jinxin sighed. “My brother has a bad temper—he’s domineering and impulsive. But he’s never liked anyone as much as he liked Li Chengxiu. And Li Chengxiu? Does he like you? He likes my brother. The two of them are just tangled up with each other. Why did you have to get involved?”
“What do you understand?” Li Shuo grabbed the document folder. “If you can’t talk business, I’ll leave first.” Given the impact on the firm, he was already in a low emotional state. He was losing control and feared that staying any longer, even just a second more of seeing Zhao Jinxin’s face, might make him lose his temper completely.
Zhao Jinxin rushed to catch up, pressing his hand against the door Li Shuo had just opened and slamming it shut with a bang.
Li Shuo took a deep breath. He turned around and said calmly, “Jinxin, I didn’t come here to argue today. I don’t want to fight with you. We have different standpoints. Arguing about who’s right or wrong is pointless.”
Zhao Jinxin gently stroked his face. “I’m not trying to argue about right or wrong. I just want you to vent a little. I know my brother is a jerk. But I can’t force him to apologise to you, so I’m apologising on his behalf. I’m sorry for what happened to your career. And I’m sorry for hiding my identity. But I won’t apologise for interfering with you and Li Chengxiu’s relationship because you weren’t entirely blameless in this matter either.” Zhao Jinxin placed his finger on Li Shuo’s lips to stop any rebuttal. He then nibbled on Li Shuo’s earlobe and said ambiguously, “And I’ve said it before—since the first moment I saw you, everything I’ve done wasn’t just for my brother. Even if you were the emperor of heaven, I would still make you mine.”
Li Shuo felt warmth in his palms. The anger simmering in his chest dissipated somewhat. He pushed Zhao Jinxin away. “Just consider it my way of letting off steam. Don’t bring it up again.”
Zhao Jinxin wrapped his arms around Li Shuo’s waist and chuckled softly, “Now that you’ve vented, shouldn’t it be my turn?”
Li Shuo shivered slightly. “Is that all that’s on your mind?” They had spent half the night together the day before, and his back was still sore. He couldn’t handle this kind of ‘intensity’, especially given their 11-year age difference. Moreover, he didn’t like resolving issues solely through sex. The best way to resolve conflicts was through communication, though sadly, they had little to talk about.
“I haven’t delayed work or life. So what’s the problem?” Zhao Jinxin bit Li Shuo’s lips and gently tugged at it.
“No. I have things to do today,” Li Shuo said, pushing Zhao Jinxin away.
Zhao Jinxin didn’t press the issue but kept Li Shuo pinned down. His hands were roaming, which only made Li Shuo more flustered.
At that moment, the disruptive sound of a phone ringing interrupted them.
“I really have things to do,” Li Shuo pushed Zhao Jinxin away with force, answering the call without checking the caller ID. “Hello?”
“Li Shuo.”
Li Shuo paused. His expression and tone shifted to one of caution. “Feiye.”
Zhao Jinxin narrowed his eyes.
A pleasant, soft laugh came from the other end of the line. “I was waiting for you to call me. But then I thought, at our age, why play these games? So, I called you.”
Li Shuo smiled as well. “I’ve been busy with something important these days. I was planning to get in touch with you once I was done, really.”
“Mm, I know. You never lie to me,” Han Feiye said. “So…-”
“-If you’re free today, let’s have dinner together.”
“Sure, where shall we go?”
Li Shuo thought for a moment. “The usual place?”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Alright. The usual place.”
After hanging up, Li Shuo met Zhao Jinxin’s teasing gaze. He said, “I’ll be leaving now. Let me know once you and your father have discussed it.”
Zhao Jinxin grabbed him and pinned him against the door. He trapped him between his arms and smiled, “Darling, are you going on a date?”
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*Translator’s Note: I was actually rooting for Feiye and Li Shuo but oh well… Jinxin is gonna ruin that smoothly anyway. *sigh* Maybe in another universe, another lifetime… *sigh* -K
*Proofread by 2024.08.06* 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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