Chapter 33 – Interrupted
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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Given how abruptly he left that day, Li Shuo felt it was impolite. A few days later, he took the initiative to invite Han Feiye to a wine tasting event. He also invited Cheng Sheng, who had been his close friend since university. Although Cheng Sheng had known Han Feiye during their university days, he had grown distant from him after Li Shuo and Han Feiye broke up.
Li Shuo and Cheng Sheng arrived first. Cheng Sheng, with a knowing look, teased, “I knew you couldn’t resist.”
Li Shuo was momentarily taken aback. He then quickly explained, “Oh, you misunderstand. I didn’t contact him. We ran into each other at the hospital.”
Cheng Sheng clearly didn’t believe him and gave him a playful slap on the back.
“It’s true,” Li Shuo laughed. “If I had wanted to contact him, I wouldn’t have waited until now.”
Cheng Sheng nodded. “Makes sense. So, how did it feel? Meeting an old flame after so many years?”
“Seeing him doing well made me very happy,” Li Shuo said sincerely. “Really, happier than if I were doing well myself.”
Cheng Sheng made a cross over his chest and, with a devout expression, said, “Lambert, sometimes you really radiate saintly virtue.”
Li Shuo punched him lightly. “What nonsense.”
Cheng Sheng laughed heartily. “Do you still have feelings for him? Back then, his charm was off the charts. Even though he’s older now, he still has that allure. To be honest, he’s quite attractive. A friend of mine tried to chat him up at the bidding event the other day but got turned down.”
Li Shuo sighed. “It’s been too long. I still admire him. But I can’t recapture those old feelings.”
“Yeah, I get it. Now you probably prefer younger ones, like that playboy.”
Li Shuo’s expression stiffened slightly. “Such matters aren’t about age. They’re about fate.” He continued, “By the way, since we’re all in the same circle, if you know of any unreliable people approaching Feiye, you must warn him.”
“You’ve been apart for so many years, why are you still worrying about him?”
“I’m not saying it lightly,” Li Shuo said seriously. “Feiye is a very earnest person and deserves to be treated earnestly.”
Cheng Sheng rubbed his forehead. “The guy’s been battling it out on Wall Street for years and is almost a shareholder in a listed company. Do you still see him as that poor kid from back then?”
Li Shuo thought for a moment and couldn’t help but laugh at himself. “You’re right.” Back then, Han Feiye, although smart and mature, had the insecurity and sensitivity of someone from a humble background, which made Li Shuo very protective. He believed it was a man’s duty in a relationship to protect his partner, especially someone like Han Feiye. But Cheng Sheng was right. Han Feiye was no longer a boy but a grown man who might not need his protection anymore.
“However, I promise you this: if I do learn of any scumbags approaching him, I won’t stand by and do nothing.” He clasped his hands together. “Rest assured, Baba.”
Li Shuo laughed and punched him again.
Soon, Han Feiye arrived. He was dressed in a black tailcoat with a matching bow tie. The cummerbund accentuated his slender waist, and the perfectly tailored trousers highlighted his long, straight legs. Every step he took was a visual delight.
Seeing them, Han Feiye waved and walked over. “You guys got here really early.”
“It’s close to my place,” Li Shuo said, looking at him with admiration. Cheng Sheng was right. The youthful awkwardness had faded. And the passage of time had only added a unique charm to Han Feiye.
Han Feiye also smiled at Li Shuo. Their eye contact sparked in a way that was different from how they interacted with others.
Cheng Sheng joked, “Are you two ignoring me? At least compliment my impressive fitness gains recently.”
Han Feiye smiled apologetically and shook hands with Cheng Sheng.
Li Shuo introduced, “Today’s private wine tasting is hosted by a friend of mine. There will be vintners from six châteaux in the Bordeaux region presenting their wines. These are small to medium-sized wineries with limited production. But the taste is excellent. If you like any, you can place orders directly with them.”
“Recently, with the stock market crashing, I can barely afford to drink,” Cheng Sheng said dejectedly.
Li Shuo teased, “In that case, make sure to drink plenty of the free stuff.”
Han Feiye said, “I can just order a batch of wine for the company. Xiao Shuo, I don’t know much about wine, so you’ll have to recommend something for me.”
“Sure thing.” Li Shuo gestured for him to follow.
The two of them walked side by side toward a display booth.
Cheng Sheng watched them thoughtfully from behind.
Li Shuo guided Han Feiye through tasting the wines carefully, frequently explaining the different characteristics. They chatted animatedly, and Cheng Sheng, observing from a distance, humorously described himself as a third wheel.
During this time, Zhao Jinxin called. Li Shuo briefly mentioned he was busy before ending the call. He could tell from Zhao Jinxin’s tone that he was not pleased. Although he had stayed to accompany Zhao Jinxin that day, the atmosphere between them was tense. He felt both of them needed some time to cool down. It was better not to meet for now.
By the time they reached the fourth booth, they were slightly tipsy. Cheng Sheng looked quite content. Li Shuo, with his good tolerance for alcohol, was mostly unaffected, while Han Feiye’s pale skin had a delicate flush that looked charming.
Han Feiye, with his eyes slightly squinted and smiling, said, “Xiao Shuo, let’s take a break.”
“Sure. There are some snacks over there. Let’s go try them.” Li Shuo naturally supported his arm.
Just as they stood up, both of them were pressed back into their seats by someone.
Li Shuo looked up in surprise and found himself facing Zhao Jinxin’s smiling face. “You…”
Han Feiye’s expression changed slightly. His eyes widened as he stared at Zhao Jinxin, and the effects of the wine seemed to wear off immediately.
“Li Shuo, you didn’t bring me along to the wine tasting? How could you be so inconsiderate?” Zhao Jinxin then turned to Cheng Sheng and greeted him, “Hi, Cheng Ge.” Finally, his gaze landed on Han Feiye. He flashed a charming, gentlemanly smile. “Hello, my surname is Zhao. Zhao Jinxin. May I ask your name?”
Han Feiye’s expression showed a hint of stiffness. He composed himself and said calmly, “Han Feiye.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Zhao Jinxin patted his shoulder. He straightened up and then sat down next to Li Shuo. He picked up the wine that Li Shuo had left behind and took an elegant sip. “Hmm, the taste is really good.”
Li Shuo frowned and asked, “How did you end up here?”
“I was bored and wanted to find you. So I asked Guang Shu. I didn’t expect him to actually know where you were.”
Li Shuo realised that he had brought Guang Shu along today knowing that he would be drinking wine. But he didn’t expect Guang Shu to seriously think they were a couple and casually reveal his whereabouts to Zhao Jinxin. However, he couldn’t explain the truth to Guang Shu, as such terms as ‘bed partners’ would be a bit too shocking for someone of that age. He cleared his throat and said, “Let me formally introduce you. This is Han…-”
“-No need for introductions,” Zhao Jinxin said, blinking his eyes. “Ex-boyfriend, I get it.” He rested his chin on his hand and flashed a casual smile. “So, how do you plan to introduce me?”
Li Shuo maintained his composure and replied, “Feiye, this is my friend.”
Zhao Jinxin laughed heartily. “Yes, yes. We’re ‘friends’.”
Li Shuo turned his head and shot Zhao Jinxin a warning glance from an angle where Han Feiye couldn’t see. Given Zhao Jinxin’s bold and reckless personality, he could do anything. Li Shuo wasn’t worried about Han Feiye finding out about their relationship despite him having nothing to hide. He was just concerned about making a scene in public.
Zhao Jinxin continued to smile charmingly and even playfully tugged at Li Shuo’s bowtie. “Is wearing a bowtie on a date your personal quirk? Li Shushu, you’re really cute.”
Li Shuo cleared his throat. “I’m just wearing it casually.”
Zhao Jinxin craned his neck to look at Han Feiye, noting that he too was wearing a black bowtie. He whistled and said, “Don’t tell me you two planned this?”
Han Feiye frowned.
Zhao Jinxin placed a hand on Li Shuo’s shoulder and, with a semi-smiling expression, looked at Han Feiye. “Why does Feiye Ge look so serious? I don’t think we don’t know each other.”
“We don’t,” Han Feiye replied lightly
“Exactly,” Zhao Jinxin said. His voice and gaze carried a hint of allure. “A handsome and elegant man like Brother Feiye, if I had met you, I definitely wouldn’t forget.”
Han Feiye narrowed his eyes, offering a very conventional, faint smile.
Li Shuo’s mind was racing with alarms. Zhao Jinxin’s demeanour was alarmingly similar to how he had acted when they first met on the plane. Given Zhao Jinxin’s notorious reputation, especially his penchant for their age group, Li Shuo couldn’t help but worry.
Even someone with nearly twenty years of experience in the dating scene like Li Shuo was taken in by Zhao Jinxin’s seductive charm. Han Feiye’s reserved personality made him an easy target for Zhao Jinxin.
Li Shuo straightened up, leaning slightly forward to block Zhao Jinxin’s flirtatious gaze. He changed the topic, saying, “Feiye, let’s grab something to eat and take a break. I can see you’re a bit tipsy.”
Han Feiye nodded. “Sure.”
Li Shuo stood up, turned his back to Han Feiye, and gave Zhao Jinxin a stern look, mouthing, “What are you doing?”
Zhao Jinxin feigned innocence, pouting and looking puzzled.
Unable to deal with Zhao Jinxin’s antics, Li Shuo turned and led Han Feiye away.
As they walked, Han Feiye lowered his voice and asked, “Xiao Shuo, how do you know him?”
“He’s the son of a friend of my father’s.”
“…He’s not just that, right?” Han Feiye’s voice carried a hint of undisguised disappointment.
Li Shuo struggled to respond. He could sense Han Feiye’s inexplicable hostility towards Zhao Jinxin. But it didn’t quite make sense. Could it be that Han Feiye felt…-
Li Shuo knew he might be overthinking things. But he had plenty of admirers and he was Han Feiye’s first love. They had shared a memorable relationship.
Realising this, Li Shuo hesitated even more to answer.
The four of them settled at a round table. Li Shuo ordered a selection of appetisers, a pot of fruit tea, and Zhao Jinxin requested three glasses of champagne.
Zhao Jinxin, crossing his legs, looked at Han Feiye with a smile. “Feiye Ge, your tolerance for alcohol isn’t very good, is it?”
“Not very good,” Han Feiye said, staring fixedly at the rose petals floating in his tea.
“Then why bring him along for drinks?” Zhao Jinxin complained to Li Shuo,. His tone almost sounded as if reprimanding a spouse for serving guests alcohol.
Han Feiye’s brows furrowed slightly but quickly relaxed. With a forced smile, he said, “I was the one who wanted to drink myself.”
Li Shuo genuinely wanted to get Zhao Jinxin to leave, as the current atmosphere was just too strange. But Zhao Jinxin was behaving impeccably, maintaining a smile and politeness throughout, leaving Li Shuo with no reason to confront him. He glanced at Cheng Sheng, hoping he might do something to ease the awkwardness.
But Cheng Sheng appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, showing no intention of intervening.
Li Shuo sighed inwardly. With Zhao Jinxin’s upbringing, he shouldn’t be making things uncomfortable on purpose. Maybe he should find a reason to get Zhao Jinxin out of there soon.
Soon, the waiter brought the appetisers to the table.
Zhao Jinxin speared a plump cherry with a fork and naturally offered it to Li Shuo’s mouth. “Just this one, for you.”
Li Shuo was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to eat it or not. He could only take the fork from Zhao Jinxin with a nonchalant air.
Zhao Jinxin tasted a mousse cake and said, “Ah, it’s so sweet.” Noticing Han Feiye eating quietly, he added, “Feiye Ge, do you like sweet things?”
Han Feiye replied, “So-so.”
“This piece is for you then. I haven’t tried this one yet. So don’t let it go to waste.” Zhao Jinxin smiled gently, “You’re so thin. You really should eat more.”
Li Shuo cursed Zhao Jinxin inwardly, wondering what the little troublemaker was up to. Could he really be interested in Han Feiye?
Han Feiye replied calmly, “No, thank you.”
Zhao Jinxin touched his chin and smiled, “I get the feeling that Feiye Ge doesn’t quite like me. Have I offended you somehow?”
“Jinxin.” Li Shuo said sternly, “What are you talking about? Feiye is just a bit reserved.”
Han Feiye abruptly set down his fork, took a napkin, and calmly wiped his mouth. Then he slightly turned towards Zhao Jinxin, meeting his gaze directly. With a steady, unwavering tone, he asked, “Mr. Zhao, do you remember Philip Cheung?”
Zhao Jinxin tilted his head, trying to recall, “Who?”
“Philip Cheung,” Han Feiye enunciated the name clearly, “Someone you went out with.”
Zhao Jinxin extended a slender finger and waved it slightly, “Feiye Ge, you shouldn’t make baseless claims. I have never gone out with anyone.”
Li Shuo cast a sidelong glance at Zhao Jinxin, feeling increasingly frustrated.
In Zhao Jinxin’s mind, they had never been considered to be in a relationship… as expected.
Han Feiye narrowed his eyes and said, “Oh, so what do you call it then? A ‘booty call’?”
Zhao Jinxin smiled charmingly, “I think I remember who you’re talking about now. I don’t really care about labels. We’re all adults here. And I made it very clear from the beginning that everything that happened was consensual. If he developed unnecessary fantasies, that’s something I find quite troublesome.”
Han Feiye’s smile turned cold, “So you’re claiming to be completely innocent? Did I misunderstand you, thinking you were a heartless playboy who starts relationships and then abandons them?”
Zhao Jinxin laughed, “Is that what he said? Oh, come on. At his age, why be so petty? I’ve never started a relationship and abandoned anyone. I hope you can talk to him and make him stop underestimating himself.”
Han Feiye clenched his fists.
Li Shuo said sternly, “Jinxin, it’s time for you to leave.”
Zhao Jinxin shrugged nonchalantly, “Alright, are you coming with me?”
Li Shuo stood up and said gently to Han Feiye, “Feiye, we’ll catch up later.”
Han Feiye stared at Li Shuo. His eyes were filled with a complex array of emotions.
Li Shuo patted his shoulder and said to Zhao Jinxin, “Let’s go.”
Zhao Jinxin stood up, adjusting his collar with a casual air, “Goodbye, Cheng Ge. Goodbye, Feiye Ge.”
Han Feiye took a deep breath but did not respond.
Li Shuo’s face was grim as he strode towards the exit.
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*Translator’s Note: Gosh. ZJX is so annoying. -K
*GLOSSARY:
- Gege/Ge/Da Ge = (Big) Brother
- Shushu/Shu = Uncle
- Ayi = Auntie
- Didi = (Little) Brother
- Baba = Dad
- Mama = Mom
☝🏻Reiteration…
*Proofread by 2024.08.18* 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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