Chapter 4 – It Hurts!
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 returned to the dining room. His mother said in surprise, “Back so soon? Where’s Jinxin?”
“It’s a bit cold outside, so we came back. He went to the restroom.”
“It is a bit chilly tonight. When the weather is nice, we usually dine by the lake,” Mrs. Zhao said with a smile. “Li Shuo, I hope you spend more time with Jinxin in the future. I don’t like him always hanging out with friends his age. They often engage in dangerous extreme sports. The activities you enjoy doing are healthy and safe. You’re also more mature and Jinxin can learn a lot from spending time with you.”
“Thank you, Ayi. I’m only a few years older than Jinxin. So I may not have much to teach him. But if my life experiences can help him in any way, I’m certainly happy to share.”
Li Shuo, dressed in a suit and exuding natural elegance, carried himself with grace and poise. Mrs. Zhao couldn’t help but exclaim, “Li Shuo is truly perfect. So many girls must like him. Does he have a girlfriend?”
“Ah… not yet,” Li’s mother replied uneasily, brushing her hair back. Although they had accepted their son’s orientation, as conservative Chinese parents, they still felt it wasn’t something to be openly discussed.
Li Shuo said with a bright smile, “I have a boyfriend.”
As soon as he said this, everyone froze.
Li Shuo had always behaved appropriately and had no habit of publicly declaring his orientation. He simply wanted to send a message to the Zhao couple: to advise their son to stay away from him.
Mr. Li looked at Li Shuo incredulously, not understanding what he was thinking.
Mr. Zhao was the first to recover, “Oh, oh. Young people have their own choices.”
Mrs. Zhao awkwardly smiled and could only nod along.
Li Shuo raised his glass to them and calmly took a sip of wine.
Before long, Zhao Jinxin returned and, as soon as he sat down, asked, “Are you free tomorrow, Da Ge? Let’s play tennis.”
Li Shuo smiled and stretched his arm. “I played with my dad this morning. It’s been a while since I played. I ended up straining a muscle. Maybe next time.” He glanced at the Zhao couple from the corner of his eye and saw that they were visibly relieved.
Zhao Rong Tian cleared his throat. “What tennis? We have a meeting at the company tomorrow.”
“Oh,” Zhao Jinxin replied, as if just remembering, “then I’ll see you at the company tomorrow.” He took out his phone. “Da Ge, can you give me your number?” He flashed a mischievous smile that only Li Shuo could understand when he said the word ‘number’.
Li Shuo calmly took out his phone, tapped a few times, and slid it across the table. He looked at Zhao Jinxin with a faint smile.
Zhao Jinxin picked up the phone and saw the blacklist page. He laughed, removed his number from the blacklist, and slid the phone back. “Please take care of me from now on, Da Ge.”
“You’re too polite.”
After dinner, the family of three said their goodbyes.
As soon as they got back in the car, Mr. Li said unhappily, “Why did you say those things in front of them?”
Li Shuo calmly replied, “Zhao Jinxin is not suitable to work together with. He’ll cause me trouble. It’s best if his parents can make him stay away from me.”
Mr. Li didn’t respond. He just sighed heavily.
Mrs. Li tried to console him, “Our son is not reckless. Jinxin has been spoiled since he was a child and might really be unsuitable for working together.”
“Well, I’ve heard he’s a playboy and not sure if he has any real abilities. Xiao Shuo, I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want. You handle it as you see fit.”
Li Shuo hugged his dad’s shoulders and gently shook him, smiling warmly. “Thank you, Dad.”
The next morning, the Li father and son went to the headquarters of Ennan Group. The receptionist escorted them to the conference room, where Zhao Rong Tian, Zhao Jinxin, two executives, and a secretary were present.
As soon as the two entered the conference room, everyone except Chairman Zhao Rong Tian stood up.
It was the first time Li Shuo saw Zhao Jinxin in formal attire. He stood half a head taller than the stout foreigners around him, wearing a charcoal grey three-piece suit with a matching tie, which accentuated his slim waist and long legs. The suit made him look sharp and efficient, as if he could step into a fashion shoot at any moment. Li Shuo couldn’t help but think about the perfect body wrapped in that suit—after all, he had seen it before.
After a few polite exchanges, Zhao Jinxin took the initiative to pull out chairs for the Li father and son. “Please have a seat, Li Shushu. Please have a seat, Da Ge.”
Li Shuo thought, with Zhao Jinxin’s proper demeanour, who would ever guess that he had propositioned for a hookup right after they met, even sending half-naked photos to a stranger?
If it weren’t for Li Chengxiu, Li Shuo would actually be tempted to ‘visit’ Zhao Jinxin’s mentioned apartment.
Zhao Rong Tian’s demeanour had completely shifted from the friendly one of yesterday to that of a corporate leader. He first introduced two senior executives: his Director of Strategic Development and the Financial Director who would be assigned to their domestic operations. He then briefly explained his ideas for developing northern trade. He wanted Li Shuo to provide consultations on local policies, taxation, and audit cooperation.
After he finished speaking, Zhao Jinxin opened a PPT presentation and started explaining their plan. Although the company was still in the recruitment phase and hadn’t completed its organisational structure, the Zhao father and son seemed to have a clear vision of the company’s long-term development, projecting several years into the future.
If this had been a small company, Li Shuo might have thought they were being overly ambitious and boastful. But given Ennan’s imposing office building, his assessment—echoing his father’s words—was that Zhao Rong Tian was a visionary man.
Zhao Jinxin’s capabilities also impressed the Li father and son. He delved deeply into several issues, demonstrating expertise that a fresh graduate wouldn’t possess. In fact, during the few hours they chatted on the plane, Li Shuo had realised that Zhao Jinxin was far from being a mere spoiled rich kid.
After a morning of discussions, Li Shuo was genuinely interested in the cooperation. It promised significant benefits for his firm and would elevate both his personal reputation and that of his firm in the industry.
Turning down such an opportunity solely because of personal matters would be a waste, and he had no reason to fear Zhao Jinxin’s ‘advances’. He should trust his own principles and self-control.
After the meeting, Zhao Rong Tian had other matters to attend to. So he asked Zhao Jinxin to show Li Shuo around the company and take him out for lunch.
Leaving the office, Zhao Jinxin gave Li Shuo a tour of Ennan Group’s headquarters, showing him various functional areas. This office building was located in Midtown Manhattan, just two blocks from Rockefeller Center. It was in a very expensive area. Ennan Group occupied four floors, with the remaining floors leased out.
To put it mildly, even if Zhao Jinxin were much less attractive, just mentioning his financial background would have countless people lining up for him. Unfortunately, material wealth didn’t have much appeal for Li Shuo since he lacked nothing. He worked because he enjoyed the sense of achievement that work brought, not because of money.
The office was full of employees. Zhao Jinxin behaved with grace and propriety. However, as soon as they entered an empty break room, he dropped the facade, suddenly leaning close to Li Shuo’s ear and whispering, “Don’t you think I look good in a suit? You were staring at me the whole time.”
Li Shuo stepped back, smiling. “Appreciating beauty is a natural ability everyone possesses.”
“Well said.” Zhao Jinxin reached out and lightly brushed Li Shuo’s tie, giving him a meaningful smile.
Li Shuo glanced at his watch. “I won’t take up your time at lunch. I happen to have plans with a friend.”
“Plans with a friend? Why not invite them to join us? My treat.”
“It’s inconvenient. Maybe next time.”
Zhao Jinxin shrugged. “Alright, I’ll see you downstairs.”
The two walked to the underground parking lot, where Li Shuo extended his hand. “Thank you for today. Contact me after you return to China. We can communicate via phone if there are any issues.”
Zhao Jinxin shook his hand, smiling. “Sure, we’ll have a deep cooperation.” He deliberately emphasised the word ‘deep’.
Li Shuo ignored his suggestive tone. He withdrew his hand and opened the car door.
“Is his name Li Chengxiu?” Zhao Jinxin asked with hands in his pockets, lazily watching Li Shuo without realising the impact of his words.
Li Shuo’s body stiffened. He turned around. His face darkened. “Did you investigate me?”
“The 21st century is the information age. I just got to know you a bit. Don’t be so serious.”
Li Shuo narrowed his eyes. “Zhao Jinxin, I’ve tolerated a lot from you. Don’t go too far.”
“Are you angry? How about I apologise to you?” Zhao Jinxin smiled. “I’m sorry, I was just… curious. He’s so skinny. Can he even satisfy you?”
Li Shuo grabbed Zhao Jinxin by the collar, spun him around, and pressed him heavily against the car door.
Zhao Jinxin raised his hands. But the relaxed smile on his face didn’t change a bit. “It seems you’re not as principled as you claim to be. You’re the third party in someone else’s relationship. So why resist me so much?”
“You don’t know a damn thing,” Li Shuo said coldly. He was genuinely angry. Zhao Jinxin’s previous teasing had been more exasperating than upsetting. After all, it’s hard to strike a smiling face. Zhao Jinxin hadn’t truly offended him. But his recent words hit a sore spot that Li Shuo didn’t want anyone to see. Furthermore, Zhao Jinxin had even investigated him!
“I don’t understand much. But I agree with you,” Zhao Jinxin said, blinking. “If you want something, you should just go and get it. If you can’t get it, then take it by force. Isn’t that the nature of the male species? You did well.”
“It’s not what you think. Li Chengxiu was with that bastard…” Li Shuo closed his eyes. Why was he explaining this to an outsider? He opened his eyes. His gaze was sharp and clear. “Our affairs have nothing to do with you. If you offend me even once more, I won’t consider any courtesy.”
Zhao Jinxin laughed heartily. “You’re really interesting. I like you. I’m just doing the same thing you did. Why are you so scared? Are you afraid that you can’t resist me? Or are you afraid that you’ll see yourself in me?”
Li Shuo tightened his grip on Zhao Jinxin’s collar. His fists clenched and his eyes looked fierce enough to devour someone.
The two stared at each other for a while. But Zhao Jinxin didn’t show a hint of tension. His charming eyes remained smiling from start to finish.
Li Shuo let out a breath and finally released Zhao Jinxin. He disliked violence and losing his composure. He straightened his collar, pushed Zhao Jinxin aside, and got into the car.
Zhao Jinxin leaned on the car door, grinning wickedly. “Baby, if you like that type, I bet you’ve never experienced a real ‘climax.’”
Li Shuo was about to explode with anger. He pushed Zhao Jinxin’s hand away and shut the car door.
Suddenly, Zhao Jinxin let out a high-pitched scream of pain.
Li Shuo was startled. He looked up and saw that the car door had caught Zhao Jinxin’s right hand!
Li Shuo quickly pushed the car door open and saw Zhao Jinxin’s pale face. He was definitely not faking it. He said nervously, “Why didn’t you pull your hand away… How is it?”
“It hurts, it hurts, it hurts,” Zhao Jinxin bent over, clutching his hand and grimacing in pain. “You’re so mean.”
Li Shuo took a deep breath. “I swear I didn’t do it on purpose. Get in the car, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Zhao Jinxin got into the passenger seat. Sweat started to bead on his face as he writhed in pain. “It hurts so much.”
Li Shuo pulled the seatbelt over and buckled him in. “You’re an adult, bear with it. Who told you to hold onto the car door?”
Zhao Jinxin looked at Li Shuo. His eyes drooped as he pouted slightly, looking truly pitiful.
Li Shuo sighed, feeling somewhat guilty. “I’m sorry. But I really didn’t mean it.” Though you kind of deserved it.
“Give me a kiss and I’ll believe you,” Zhao Jinxin said, blinking his eyes.
Li Shuo pushed his head away. “Sit properly.”
When they arrived at the hospital, four of Zhao Jinxin’s fingers were already swollen, with purple-black bruises where they had been caught. It looked quite bad.
After an X-ray, it turned out that the bones were fine and the skin wasn’t broken either. The doctor applied an ice pack, prescribed some oral and topical medication, and recommended rest.
Li Shuo looked at Zhao Jinxin’s temporarily incapacitated right hand and felt a headache coming on. He thought Zhao Jinxin was going to cling to him now.
Sure enough, Zhao Jinxin waved his hand. “Take me back home. I can’t drive like this.”
Li Shuo rubbed his temples. He picked up the medicine and medical records as he sighed. “Let’s go.”
Li Shuo thought he’d never end up at the apartment Zhao Jinxin had mentioned repeatedly. But fate had other plans and here he was.
As soon as he stepped inside, vivid images popped into his head. They were all thanks to Zhao Jinxin’s brazen words.
Zhao Jinxin collapsed onto the sofa, looking pitiful. “It hurts so much.”
Li Shuo replied, “What can we do? Right now, you can only use ice packs. It’s not that serious. The swelling will go down in a few days.”
“But it hurts. It just hurts,” Zhao Jinxin said. His expression was as woeful as a puppy’s.
Li Shuo sighed, took away the ice pack, and carefully held his hand. Those originally long and beautiful fingers were now swollen like carrots. He indeed felt a bit guilty. He gently touched them and then placed the hand back on the ice pack. “Keep it iced for now. Ice it for a day, then switch to heat. I’ll portion out your medication for each day and set reminders on your phone. Make sure you take them on time.”
“And then? Then you’re just going to leave me?”
“I… what else do you want me to do?”
Zhao Jinxin pouted. “I’m hungry. Can you cook?”
“Yes. What do you want to eat?”
“Just see what’s in the fridge and make something simple.”
Li Shuo took a cushion from the sofa and placed it under Zhao Jinxin’s head. “Rest for a while. Bear with the pain. The doctor did prescribe painkillers. But it’s best not to take them.”
Zhao Jinxin gazed at him quietly. He then nodded, showing a side completely different from his usual demeanour—obedient and calm.
Li Shuo thought for a moment before reaching out and ruffling his hair to comfort him before heading to the kitchen to cook.
Zhao Jinxin watched his figure disappear into the kitchen and lightly whistled.
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*Proofread by 2024.07.18* 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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