Chapter 7 – “I can’t help it. I like you.”
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 called a friend in the judicial system, asking for help with an investigation. He then returned home, feeling restless.
He thought hard about who he might have offended recently, and could only come up with Shao Qun. Given his personality and how he treated others, he couldn’t think of anyone else he might have antagonised to this extent.
Shao Qun was Li Chengxiu’s former boyfriend. But he really didn’t want to use the word ‘boyfriend’ to describe that person. He was just a bastard who, relying on a bit of power, completely failed to understand the concept of respect. How could he let Li Chengxiu go to such a person?
He returned to his room, sat at his desk, and stared blankly at the closed notebook in front of him. He felt incredibly heavy-hearted. He thought for a long time in the darkness before slowly opening the notebook and finding the documents for the Benhui Real Estate project.
Benhui Real Estate was a company he had collaborated with when his career was just starting. The boss was a northerner, with a generous personality, like a big brother figure, who had given him some support. For a while, they had a deep personal friendship.
But this person had a weakness: his ambition was too great. He pursued rapid expansion of the company, resulting in projects sprouting up everywhere, creating a huge funding gap. He still remembered that late night several years ago when the boss came to him, proposing to jointly create a beautiful set of accounts that could be used to obtain bank loans. He said that once the projects were up and running again, he could repay the loans immediately, and no one would know. He also promised Li Shuo shares in the company.
He refused without a second thought. He had never done anything against his conscience for money. And he was even less willing to touch any high-voltage lines.
So the boss gradually distanced himself from him.
But because their contract hadn’t expired, he still did the year-end audit work. At that time, Benhui’s books looked much better than he understood them to be. They seemed flawless. Of course, he was suspicious; no fake accounts could be made completely real. Any audit done with care would surely find loopholes. Without telling anyone on his team, he personally stayed up for three straight nights, finding evidence of falsification in the sea of complex data. So he went to confront the boss.
To this day, he couldn’t forget the scene of that man, about his father’s age, crying and begging him, repeatedly making promises and guarantees. As friends, he ultimately softened his heart. Holding onto a glimmer of hope, he expected that after the project turned a profit, the loans could really be repaid without anyone knowing. So he pretended to know nothing and issued the audit report based on those false accounts.
With this audit report, Benhui borrowed 1.2 billion from the bank.
When the truth came to light, the boss didn’t mention him at all and there was no evidence against him. So he only contributed a few testimonies, lost some of his already limited reputation, paid a fine, and then had nothing more to do with the case. Except for that boss and himself, no one knew about the inside story.
But his heart was never clear of this matter.
It was the biggest mistake he had made in his life. It was the decision he regretted the most. He regretted countless times why he didn’t dissuade all of this, watching his friend take such a risk while he played a role in pushing it forward.
After that, he changed the company’s name, brought in two partners, and established a new firm.
This incident was a constant warning hanging over his head and a scar in his heart. But Shao Qun had violently ripped open this scar.
He didn’t quite believe that Shao Qun had any evidence to incriminate him. Even if the matter had leaked from the boss’s mouth, it was still just empty words. However, with enough power, one could make a big deal out of it, enough to make his life unsettled.
Was Shao Qun doing all this just for Li Chengxiu…?
Li Shuo looked at the massive pile of documents and recalled the few nights he had spent staying up all night looking for loopholes. The contradictory feeling of wanting to discover something yet being afraid to find it made him uneasy. His eyes gradually lost focus and the information in his mind was chaotic. It was as if it was about to break through the cage of consciousness and explode completely.
Indeed, anything that deviates from the right path is bound to cause trouble. He did something against his conscience and reaped years of guilt. He then did something against his principles and faced malicious revenge. Money and fame couldn’t shake him. But personal feelings repeatedly dragged him down. The state of life he most hoped to achieve was to be at peace without hurting others. So he tried to handle everything and everyone rationally. The facts further proved his idea that only with enough rationality could one avoid risks and benefit both oneself and others as much as possible.
He didn’t regret anything he did for Li Chengxiu. Even if it wasn’t out of love, helping a friend was an obligation. He didn’t do it perfectly. But he didn’t do it right either.
However, he must better control himself and never let emotions take him hostage again.
After a sleepless night, by the time it was normal working hours in the country, Li Shuo made several calls to friends to understand the situation. It was almost as Xiang Ning had said: the authorities had already filed a case and sent people to investigate the firm. But they hadn’t obtained a search warrant yet. The lawyers withheld the project documents and refused to hand them over, and the whole morning had been spent bickering.
And the current situation is that as soon as he returns to the country, he will immediately be taken away for investigation. Whether they can find anything is unknown. But if he doesn’t return, such a small economic case wouldn’t warrant extradition to the US. So, he would remain safe.
In this case, he certainly couldn’t go back. He didn’t know how many traps Shao Qun had prepared for him. If Shao Qun’s influence was substantial enough to convince the boss to testify against him in exchange for a reduced sentence, then he would really be in trouble.
Li Shuo instructed his lawyer to continue following up while also hiring a private investigator to look into the legal representative of Benhui Real Estate—the boss’s nephew.
After that, he called Xiang Ning, who sighed countless times during their conversation: “Can you tell me what’s going on now? Never mind. I’m not stupid. The guy who came to your office and started a fight last time was Shao Qun, right?”
Li Shuo let out a bitter laugh, “Yes. It was most likely him.”
“My dear bro, I’ve known you for so many years. How could you get yourself into such trouble over emotions?”
“Xiang Ge, this isn’t just about emotions. Shao Qun is a bully. Chengxiu worked at our firm. He was diligent and kind. He is a genuinely good person. Could I just turn a blind eye?”
“You…- Haaa… So what now? Are you just going to stay in the US?”
Li Shuo lowered his voice, using his rich, and magnetic tone to reassure him: “We’ll handle whatever comes our way. Those who do evil will surely pay the price.” The mistake he made back then in a moment of weakness was now exacting its toll. It was karma.
Shao Qun, I’m waiting to see the kind of karma you will pay.
After hanging up, Li Shuo spent a long time trying to calm himself. But his mind remained restless. He thought for a moment and then took out his phone to call Li Chengxiu.
On the other end, the voice was deliberately lowered: “Hello, Li Da Ge.”
“Chengxiu, are you at work?” Li Shuo closed his eyes, imagining Li Chengxiu’s current expression and movements. The more he thought about it, the more amusing it seemed. But he couldn’t bring himself to laugh.
“Yes. Just a moment.”
After a while, the background noise on the phone became much quieter. Li Chengxiu said seriously, “Li Da Ge, when should I talk to your mother? I’m ready.”
Li Shuo smiled faintly, “What have you prepared?”
Li Chengxiu said embarrassedly, “I practised what to say.”
Li Shuo immediately felt a warm feeling in his heart. He said gently, “The time difference always makes it difficult to match. There’s no rush.”
“Okay,” Li Chengxiu responded. He then hesitated and asked, “Li Da Ge, you seem a bit down, did you just wake up?”
“No, I…” Li Shuo closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. His chiselled, handsome face showed clear signs of puffiness and fatigue. He wanted to say something. But was afraid to speak, fearing that Li Chengxiu would likely refuse.
“Li Da Ge, what’s wrong?”
Li Shuo sighed softly, “Chengxiu, I’m sorry… Something unexpected happened here. And I can’t return for the time being.”
“Is it your parents…?”
“No, they’re fine. It’s my firm that’s in trouble.”
Li Chengxiu asked, “Is it serious?”
Li Shuo responded with a hum, “This matter is very complicated. I’ve been falsely accused. Now, if I return to the country, I’ll be investigated. Everything happened so suddenly. I can’t gauge the depth of the situation. So I can’t risk going back. Do you understand?”
Li Chengxiu asked softly, “Is it… very serious?”
Li Shuo said in a deep voice, “I originally didn’t want to tell you to avoid worrying you. But considering your safety, I have to let you be prepared.”
“Huh?”
“This matter, there’s a high probability that Shao Qun is behind it.”
There was a gasp on the other end of the line.
Even across the Pacific Ocean, Li Shuo could almost feel Li Chengxiu’s trembling upon hearing that name. This made his heart ache. He said irritably, “The case I’m currently involved in was closed many years ago and no longer involves any third-party interests. Those who falsely accuse me won’t benefit from this. Instead, they’ll bring trouble upon themselves. Thinking about it, the only reason someone would target me like this is due to a personal grudge. And when it comes to personal grudges, the only person I can think of is Shao Qun.”
Li Chengxiu’s voice already carried a hint of tears, “Li Da Ge, is it really him?”
Li Shuo pondered, “Most likely.”
“Then, you can’t come back?”
“I’m afraid not in the short term. I can’t risk returning to the country. If I stay in the US, the worst-case scenario is that I can never return home. But if I go back… I don’t know what might happen.”
Li Chengxiu’s breathing sounded like it was trembling.
Li Shuo said in a hoarse voice, “Chengxiu, I’m very worried about you right now. If it’s really Shao Qun, his first step is to prevent me from returning. And his second step will be to find you. I’ve already instructed my assistant to find you a new place to live. So be mentally prepared.”
Li Chengxiu whispered, “Li Da Ge, I’m sorry…”
“Chengxiu, you don’t need to apologise. This isn’t your fault. From yesterday until now, I’ve been thinking a lot. I’ve thought about my parents getting older, about the trouble this time… Maybe this is fate’s way of guiding me. Maybe I should stay in the US for a while. I have a question for you now. And the answer is what I really want to hear.”
“What is it?”
“Are you willing to come to the US?”
The other end of the phone fell silent once again.
Li Shuo covered his eyes with his hand. Asking this question took a lot of courage. He knew very well that their relationship wasn’t particularly deep yet. Li Chengxiu felt more gratitude towards him than anything else. “I know this is a big decision. One that would overturn your previous life and take you away from the familiar things in your life. This is difficult for anyone. But as long as you’re willing, everything can be overcome. The language, the environment, friends, work—everything can be overcome. I’m here. As long as you’re willing to come.”
“I… I don’t know.”
“I’ll have my assistant help you with the visa application. During this time, you can think it over. Even if you change your mind right before boarding the plane, that’s okay. But I really hope that one day, I can hold you here in the US.”
To avoid letting his parents notice anything unusual, Li Shuo took a shower and carefully shaved his beard to make himself look better.
When he first returned to China, he experienced all the hardships of starting a business and never asked his family for a penny or complained. Now that his parents were at an age to enjoy their golden years, he couldn’t let them worry about him.
After getting himself ready, he went downstairs for a meal.
The first thing Mr. Li said when he saw him was, “You visited Jinxin yesterday. How is he doing?”
“He’s fine. The swelling should go down in a few days.” Li Shuo suddenly remembered he hadn’t ordered food for Zhao Jinxin yet.
“Oh, that’s good. I hope there are no lasting effects.”
Li Shuo called the nearest restaurant to Zhao Jinxin’s house and ordered lunch to be delivered to him, with a note reminding him to take his medicine on time.
During the meal, Mrs. Li asked when he would be returning to China.
“Oh, no rush.” Li Shuo smiled. “The firm has fewer matters to handle lately. So I’m back this time to spend more time with you both.”
“That’s wonderful,” Mrs. Li said happily. “Your Zhao Shushu bought a vacation villa at Thousand Island Lake. He’s been inviting us to visit. And now that you’re back, let’s go on vacation together.”
Li Shuo’s smile froze, “Together? Both families?”
“Yes, Jinxin doesn’t like coming home often. And now that his hand is injured, it would be easier to take care of him if we all went on vacation together.”
“Uh…” Not only did he have no desire for a vacation. But he also didn’t want to be in close quarters with Zhao Jinxin.
“Your mom has already bought four new dresses,” Mr. Li said, winking at Li Shuo.
“Is that so…” Li Shuo forced a smile, “Then I’ll make sure to get the camera ready to capture Mom at her most beautiful.” He couldn’t find a reason to refuse.
Mrs. Li laughed and said, “By the way, didn’t you always say you wanted me to chat with your boyfriend?”
“Maybe not at the moment. He’s very shy. Perhaps next time, when I bring him back to the US. You can have a good talk then.” There was a flash of sadness in Li Shuo’s eyes.
“That’s fine too. Here, son, try this sea cucumber.”
Just after a few bites of food, his phone buzzed twice. Li Shuo, afraid of missing an important call or message, picked it up to see a message from Zhao Jinxin: “You actually used restaurant food to deal with me.” The message was accompanied by a crying emoji.
Li Shuo quickly replied: “Have you taken your medicine?“
“I don’t want to eat. Don’t want to take medicine. Unless you come to accompany me.“
“I have things to do today. I can’t come over.“
“It’s fine if you don’t come. Just send me a nude photo of yourself.“
Li Shuo put his phone face down on the table and ignored him.
The phone started to buzz continuously with message notifications.
Li Shuo’s parents looked at him in confusion.
Li Shuo said awkwardly, “My assistant is sending files.” He hastily ate a few more bites, took his phone, and went back to his room.
When he looked at his phone, he saw that Zhao Jinxin had sent several more messages.
“Just a photo of your butt will do.”
“Fine. Your chest then.”
“Waist or thigh. I can’t compromise further.“
“Your hand should be fine, right?“
“Li Shushu, I really like your hands. Take a picture and send it to me. I promise to behave all day, okay?“
Li Shuo felt helpless. He had never seen anyone so shameless and good at being a rogue. He turned on the camera, took a picture of his hand, and sent it: “You have to keep your promise and behave all day.”
Zhao Jinxin replied with a smiling emoji, accompanied by the message, “I’ll be a good boy all day thinking about this hand holding my ‘treasure’.“
Li Shuo felt his face flush with embarrassment. He took a photo of himself giving the middle finger and sent it over.
Zhao Jinxin was simply a fox demon.
After a while, the phone buzzed again. Li Shuo saw out of the corner of his eye that it was another message from Zhao Jinxin. After hesitating for a while, curiosity got the better of him and he took a look.
“I know you’re having trouble in China. I’m willing to help you.“
Li Shuo froze, quickly typing: “Stop investigating my affairs!!“
“I can’t help it. I like you.“
Like…
How significant is liking someone?
Did Shao Qun like Li Chengxiu? Probably. But all he brought to Li Chengxiu was harm.
Li Shuo wondered if Li Chengxiu likes him. Probably. But it was mixed with an unknown amount of gratitude and dependence.
And Zhao Jinxin? For someone like Zhao Jinxin, saying he likes someone was probably as frequent as a catchphrase. It sounded nice but with no real value.
Li Shuo let out a bitter laugh and sent a sternly worded message: “Stop meddling in my business.”
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*Translator’s Note: You guys can go and read ‘Sissy’ by Shui Qiancheng and you’ll know what kind of karma Shao Qun will pay. Lol. Though I do think Shao Qun deserves worse karma than that. *sigh* -K
*Proofread by 2024.07.22* 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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