WTA Chapter 8

Chapter 8 – Coaxing the Fox Demon

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*

֍֍֍

People who accomplish great things are often accompanied by a decisive and efficient personality. Li Shuo had just agreed to go on vacation together yesterday. The next day, his father notified him to pack his bags and that they would leave in the afternoon.

Li Shuo was a bit dazed. He was already overwhelmed with the domestic affairs and his overseas phone calls had cost nearly five figures. He had no mood for any vacation. But seeing his mother’s excited look, he didn’t want to disappoint her. So he asked the housekeeper to pack his bags while he continued making phone calls.

Just as he was discussing important case information, a constant beeping sound came through the phone, indicating an incoming call. He looked and saw it was Zhao Jinxin calling. He immediately hung up, saying, “Lawyer Wang, please continue.”

They hadn’t talked for long when another call came in. Li Shuo, feeling very impatient, said in a deep voice, “Lawyer Wang, please give me half a minute.” He switched to Zhao Jinxin’s call, “Hello?”

“Hello,” Zhao Jinxin dragged out the last syllable, sounding lazy and casual. “Are you ready?”

“I’m ready. But I’m now…”

“Remember to bring swimwear. I like black ones the best,” Zhao Jinxin chuckled. “I can’t wait to check out the results of your workouts.”

Li Shuo was already in a foul mood. Hearing Zhao Jinxin’s frivolous teasing, his anger rose uncontrollably. He said stiffly, “I’m busy right now. Can you not waste my time with this nonsense?!”

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. Zhao Jinxin’s voice became serious and low, sounding a bit hurt as he said, “I just wanted to hear your voice… I’m sorry.”

The call ended.

Li Shuo held the phone stiffly, feeling his scalp tingle. He was already regretting what he said.

He had never been one to misdirect his anger at others. But this time, the situation was not just about being set up by a rival in love. It also uncovered a mistake that had been weighing on his conscience for years. Moreover, he was worried about Li Chengxiu. It was a time when he felt defeated, anxious, and fearful. And Zhao Jinxin had simply walked right into the line of fire.

But this wasn’t an excuse for his outburst. He’d apologise to Zhao Jinxin when they met in the afternoon…

After lunch, Guang Shu drove them to a flying club in the suburbs of New York. There was a small airport here where small and medium-sized private planes were maintained, parked, and operated. Zhao Rongtian’s plane was usually kept here.

The Zhao family of three had arrived earlier. Zhao Rongtian was dressed as if he was going to play golf, in white shirt and pants, looking very casual. When not in the office, he looked much more amiable.

Zhao Jinxin’s bruised hand hung at his side and his head was drooping. Upon seeing them, he gave a listless greeting, glancing briefly at Li Shuo before looking away.

Li Shuo felt even more guilty. He walked over: “Jinxin, have you been taking your medicine on time?”

Zhao Jinxin nodded, still keeping his head down.

Li Shuo pulled him aside and said in a low voice, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lost my temper at you.”

Zhao Jinxin looked up, gazing at Li Shuo with a somewhat resentful expression. He whispered, “Do you really dislike me that much?”

“Never,” Li Shuo hurriedly replied, “I may not be able to accept you. But I’ve never disliked you.” Although Zhao Jinxin was frivolous and unrestrained, he also had a charming spontaneity. In any case, who would casually dislike someone who liked them?

Zhao Jinxin blinked, “Then do you find me annoying?”

Li Shuo smiled, unable to resist ruffling his hair: “You are indeed quite persistent. Can you give your Li Shushu a breather? I’ve been really busy lately.”

Seeing Li Shuo’s gentle and bright smile, Zhao Jinxin felt his heart flutter. His lips pressed together imperceptibly. His eyes shone like stars, seeming to glow.

Unfortunately, Li Shuo didn’t notice the way Zhao Jinxin looked back at him that seemed ready to devour him, as he was called away by his father.

The group chatted for a while and then the plane was ready.

It was a Cirrus jet, with only a co-pilot on board.

Li Shuo asked, “Where’s the captain?”

Zhao Rongtian laughed heartily, pointing to himself: “If Jinxin’s hand wasn’t injured, it would have been just us two flying. We got our licences together.”

Li Shuo said guiltily, “It’s all my fault for not being careful…”

Mrs. Zhao smiled and said, “Oh, it’s alright. Bumps and bruises are unavoidable sometimes.”

“Da Ge, it’s really okay. Because of this, I got to eat two meals cooked by you. I didn’t expect you to be such a good cook,” Zhao Jinxin said with an especially well-behaved smile.

Li Shuo felt quite embarrassed by his words. He had barely paid attention to Zhao Jinxin yesterday. So with a desire to make amends, he said, “I’ve been a bit busy these past couple of days and haven’t taken good care of you. The doctor said we should start applying heat today. When we get to Qiandao Lake, I’ll help you with the heat therapy.”

Zhao Jinxin hooked his arm around Li Shuo’s shoulders, “Thanks, Da Ge.”

Li Shuo clearly felt Zhao Jinxin’s height and weight. He felt slightly pressured. Even in Europe and America, he wasn’t considered short. But Zhao Jinxin had the height and shoulder width of a Caucasian, although without such exaggerated muscles. He sometimes found it strange how Zhao Jinxin could act coy and spoiled so naturally.

They all boarded the plane. Zhao Jinxin pulled Li Shuo to sit in the last row of seats. Then he raised both hands and smiled at Li Shuo.

Li Shuo immediately understood his intention and leaned over to fasten his seatbelt.

As the seatbelt buckle clicked shut, Zhao Jinxin suddenly and unexpectedly planted a kiss on Li Shuo’s cheek.

Li Shuo was startled. He looked at Zhao Jinxin in surprise. He then quickly turned his head to look at the four elders. Fortunately, no one had turned around at that moment.

Li Shuo glared at him, mouthing the words, “What are you doing?”

Zhao Jinxin stared back innocently: “I don’t know. I couldn’t help it.” His expression was like that of someone who had accidentally taken a bite of someone else’s ice cream.

Li Shuo felt both annoyed and amused: “This is a family trip. Behave yourself.”

Zhao Jinxin licked his lips and nodded.

Li Shuo sat back in his seat. He took out his phone and sent a text message to Xiang Ning, saying he wouldn’t be able to contact him for a few hours. He then turned off his phone.

The situation was currently at a stalemate. The authorities had filed a case, but didn’t have enough evidence to obtain a search warrant. However, according to the lawyer, it was only a matter of time before they got the warrant. And he was strongly advised against returning to China.

Li Shuo was worried about both himself and Li Chengxiu. After reviewing the whole situation over the past couple of days, he speculated that Shao Qun didn’t really intend to do anything to him. He was certain Shao Qun didn’t have sufficient evidence. But this move could effectively prevent him from returning to China. As long as he didn’t go back, separated by half the globe, he wouldn’t be able to protect Li Chengxiu.

Tomorrow his assistant will temporarily settle Li Chengxiu in a hotel. He had chosen a very secluded place to ensure Shao Qun couldn’t find him in the short term. Through his connections at the embassy, he had applied for an expedited visa which would be ready in just three days. Once Li Chengxiu was by his side, he would be able to protect that man who was both soft-hearted and headstrong.

Li Shuo watched the ground gradually recede through the window. His heart was filled with unease.

Suddenly, a hand rested on his shoulder. Li Shuo turned his head.

Zhao Jinxin said, “Our first encounter was also on a plane.”

The engine noise somewhat masked their voices. As long as they lowered their volume, the people in the front rows couldn’t hear what they were saying. Li Shuo clearly sensed that this kid was getting a bit restless. After all, mentioning the plane reminded him of their first meeting, which had left an extremely deep impression on Li Shuo.

Li Shuo cautiously replied, “Yes, it was.”

“When I said it was love at first sight for me, I meant it,” Zhao Jinxin leaned his head over, nuzzling Li Shuo’s shoulder. “You’re exactly my type.”

Li Shuo really wanted to ask if he lacked paternal love. But considering it would be disrespectful to Zhao Rongtian, he didn’t voice it. He could only respond with a perfunctory smile.

Zhao Jinxin looked at Li Shuo. His eyes were looking as innocent as a fawn’s: “I’ll help you solve your trouble back home if you agree to go on one date with me. How about it?”

Li Shuo shook his head: “I told you not to get involved in my affairs. I can handle it myself.”

“Really? But you look quite troubled. You didn’t sleep well last night, did you? I can see the dark circles under your eyes.” Zhao Jinxin gently touched his face, for once speaking seriously, “Da Ge, I really want to help you. Even if you’re going back to China to see someone you like sooner, I still want to help. I don’t want to see you upset.”

Li Shuo’s heart trembled. Zhao Jinxin’s eyes were bright and dark, showing no trace of insincerity. He was genuinely worried about him. After so many interactions between them, this Zhao Jinxin, without his usual playful smile and frivolous wit, made him feel touched for the first time. He opened his mouth and said sincerely, “Jinxin, thank you. But I don’t want to owe you any favours.”

“I just want to go on a date with you. Just once,” Zhao Jinxin grabbed his arm and shook it gently. “Just dinner and drinks. Nothing else.”

Looking at his expectant face, Li Shuo couldn’t bring himself to refuse. Perhaps beneath the frivolous exterior, Zhao Jinxin really did like him. But since he couldn’t accept this person, he shouldn’t take advantage of him. He sighed and said softly, “Dinner and drinks are no problem, of course. But it’s not a date. Friends can do that too. As for my problem, I’ll still handle it myself. Thank you for your kindness. Really, thank you.”

Zhao Jinxin smiled. It was a smile so beautiful it made one’s heart skip a beat: “It’s a deal then. There’s a great bar in that resort. The owner is German. And all the beer is imported from Germany. I must take you there to try it.”

Li Shuo nodded with a smile: “Alright. I’m looking forward to it.”

Zhao Jinxin reached out again. His thumb gently brushed over Li Shuo’s slightly dark eye bags. The corner of his lips curled into a faint smile.

֍֍֍

*Translator’s Note: Let me remind you guys that during the time when this story was written, it was back in the age when international calls were expensive. We didn’t have calls using apps (with wifi/internet) like nowadays back then. -K

*GLOSSARY: 

• Gege/Ge/Da Ge = (Big) Brother

• Shushu = Uncle

• Ayi = Auntie

• Didi = (Little) Brother

☝🏻Reiteration…

*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.

֍֍֍