(M) Chapter 42 - A Gentleman and a Rascal
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 knoxt.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
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After the doctor arrived, he gave Li Shuo an injection and left some medicine.
Zhao Jinxin fed Li Shuo the medicine, then picked him up like a princess and carried him into the office's rest area.
Li Shuo, drowsy and weak, said, "Let Xiao Liu... take me home."
"I've already sent Xiao Liu away," Zhao Jinxin said, gently poking Li Shuo's nose with a smile, "You're in my hands now, my little lamb."
Li Shuo didn't have the strength to deal with Zhao Jinxin. He just wanted to sleep.
Zhao Jinxin kissed him on the forehead, "Sleep. You'll feel better after you wake up."
Li Shuo closed his eyes, thinking to himself, let this be a dream. In the dream, Zhao Jinxin is still by his side, and they can naturally hold each other. In the dream... he could be a little more indulgent.
Zhao Jinxin leaned against the headboard, watching Li Shuo gradually fall asleep, not moving his gaze away for a long time.
Li Shuo's eyelashes fluttered as he opened his eyes with difficulty. The familiar beige curtains came into view—he was... home?
For a moment, he couldn't tell if he was awake or still dreaming. His head was still heavy, and his throat was dry and sore.
Right, he remembered. He had a fever and fell asleep in Zhao Jinxin's office. How did he get home? Did he sleep so deeply that he didn't even realise he was carried home?
He moved his fingers and found that he didn't even have the strength to even clench his fist. He took a deep breath. His burning throat forced him to get up and find some water.
Just as he propped himself up, Zhao Jinxin came in, alerted by the movement. "You're awake?"
"…Water." Li Shuo was startled by his own voice as soon as he spoke.
Zhao Jinxin took the cup from the bedside table and brought it to Li Shuo's lips, feeding him. "Drink slowly."
Li Shuo gulped down a large cup of water. His throat felt a little better after being moistened. He frowned and said, "Did you bring me back?"
"Who else?" Zhao Jinxin winked, "Don't worry. You're much lighter than your father."
Li Shuo was stunned for a moment. He then whispered, "Thank you." He wasn't just thanking him for this time. He also remembered that Zhao Jinxin had carried his father for two blocks during the New York bombing, running until he was exhausted.
Perhaps illness made people fragile and soft-hearted. He looked at Zhao Jinxin and wasn't as angry as he had been a few days ago. Now, he didn't even have the strength to be angry.
"What are you thanking me for?" Zhao Jinxin touched his forehead with the back of his hand. "Your body doesn't feel as hot anymore." He took a thermometer and placed it in Li Shuo's mouth.
Li Shuo, with the thermometer in his mouth, his hair messy, a white tank top revealing his shoulders, neck, and collarbones, and his eyes drooping, stared blankly at the blanket. His eyes were moist. He was like a small animal drenched in rain.
This Li Shuo was so different from his usual mature and steady self. It made Zhao Jinxin get erected just by looking at him. He couldn't help but lean over and kiss Li Shuo's hot cheek, "I've arranged for a doctor to come over. Before you go to sleep, you'll get another injection. I guarantee your fever will be gone by tomorrow."
Li Shuo nodded sluggishly, his eyelids growing heavy again.
Zhao Jinxin pulled the thermometer out of his mouth and looked at it. "38.5°C. It indeed had gone down a bit."
Li Shuo took a deep breath and said in as calm a tone as possible, "Jinxin, thank you for today. You should go home. I can take care of myself."
Zhao Jinxin gave him a wicked smile, "Do you really want me to leave?"
Li Shuo closed his eyes, "There's no need to trouble you." In his heart, a voice said the exact opposite of what he spoke. He didn't want to be alone at this moment. This might be his only reasonable chance to indulge himself, to enjoy the company of the person he liked. After all, he was sick. So he was irrational. The clear-headed Li Shuo would never allow himself to show such weakness to Zhao Jinxin.
"You're sick. How could I bear to let you handle this alone?" Zhao Jinxin touched Li Shuo's face and said softly, "Don't pretend to be strong, okay? Don't think about anything else now. We'll talk when you get better. Anyway, I'm not going anywhere."
Li Shuo quietly looked at Zhao Jinxin, momentarily unsure of what to say.
Zhao Jinxin couldn't help but swallow with difficulty. Li Shuo's weak and powerless appearance was simply too tempting. He tugged at the strap of Li Shuo's tank top with his fingers and said hoarsely, "If you keep looking at me like that, I won't be able to control myself."
Li Shuo was stunned for a moment and then turned his face away.
Zhao Jinxin held him from behind, lightly biting his ear and seducing him, "I've heard that people with a fever are especially hot down there. I've also heard that having sex helps you sweat it out, and you'll get better faster. Want to try?"
"No." Li Shuo struggled a bit. But it was useless. He had to warn softly, "Stop messing around."
"But I really want to." Zhao Jinxin licked Li Shuo’s ear with his tongue, "You'll definitely be more sensitive than usual. You might even end up crying."
Li Shuo frowned as his heart raced. He was really afraid that this kid would actually lose control.
Zhao Jinxin chuckled lightly, "Don't be scared. I was just teasing you. I'm a gentleman." He smoothed Li Shuo's messy hair, laid him flat, and covered him with the blanket, "Rest for a while. I'll call you when the doctor arrives."
Li Shuo nodded with his eyes closed. He wasn't actually sleepy. He was just very tired, and he was also exhausted from dealing with Zhao Jinxin.
Zhao Jinxin stayed by his side, humming a soft tune. The room was silent, with only the unknown melody seeping into Li Shuo's heart. It was like a stream of icy spring water flowing through his burning body, giving him great comfort.
Li Shuo was grateful to have someone by his side at this moment, especially that person being Zhao Jinxin.
Not long after, the doctor arrived, gave him another injection, and advised him to change out of his damp clothes.
After the doctor left, Zhao Jinxin ignored Li Shuo's request to change himself and started manipulating his arms to take off his tank top.
It was only then that Li Shuo noticed he was only wearing underwear on his lower body.
Zhao Jinxin carefully wiped Li Shuo's skin with a dry towel, watching him intently as he did so.
Li Shuo felt even more feverish under that scorching gaze, so he simply closed his eyes. But without his sight, his other senses became exceptionally sensitive. He could feel Zhao Jinxin's hands lifting his arms, brushing over his skin, and his fingertips seemed to carry an electric charge, causing small shivers across his skin.
Finally, Li Shuo felt Zhao Jinxin tugging at his underwear.
Li Shuo abruptly opened his eyes, "What are you doing?"
Zhao Jinxin innocently replied, "Doctor said you should change your clothes. You've sweated a lot. If you don't change, your cold will get worse."
Li Shuo frowned at him, "I have enough strength to change myself."
"Yes, I know." Zhao Jinxin smiled slyly, "But I want to help you change. And you happen to not have the strength to resist."
"…Are you a gentleman or a rascal?"
"I'm a gentleman who turns into a rascal in front of you." As Zhao Jinxin spoke, he pulled off that small piece of fabric.
Li Shuo propped himself up, trying to get up. But Zhao Jinxin pressed him back down onto the bed.
Zhao Jinxin tilted his head, looking at Li Shuo, unable to resist reaching out to touch his private part.
Li Shuo's body trembled, "Don't…"
"Maybe this will help reduce the virus." Zhao Jinxin said with an evil smile as he leaned down.
Li Shuo's whole body shook. His entire body felt limp, yet there was one place that was reacting against Zhao Jinxin's mouth.
"Jinxin…" Li Shuo arched his neck, starting to lose control.
"Mm, so hot. So interesting," Zhao Jinxin mumbled indistinctly.
Li Shuo couldn't describe how he felt at that moment. It was as if his entire body was immersed in warm water, floating and sinking with Zhao Jinxin’s head bobbing up and down. His mind was hazy, almost unable to think. But his senses were magnified several times over, making him feel like he was going crazy.
Finally, a torrent surged towards its outlet.
"Mm..." Zhao Jinxin lifted his head, wiping the semen off from the corner of his mouth with his slender fingers. His peach blossom eyes were filled with an ambiguous smile, "You must have held back for a long time, right? It seems Li Shushu has been very well-behaved lately. Consider this a reward for you."
Li Shuo was utterly exhausted, feeling as if even the strength to move a finger had left his body. It left him limp like a puddle of mush.
Zhao Jinxin leaned over and kissed him, "Baby, do you miss this? This isn't even a tenth as good as the real fucking, isn’t it?"
Li Shuo covered his eyes with the back of his hand, "I don't have the energy to deal with you right now. Don't take advantage of me." Zhao Jinxin's actions made him uncontrollably recall their countless intense entanglements, something he had been trying hard to forget. Zhao Jinxin had the ability to turn him into a completely different person in bed. And not only did he not hate that version of himself, he even got lost in it, which was the most terrifying part.
"Fine, I'm taking advantage of you." Zhao Jinxin laughed softly, "Li Shushu is so bad. It’s clear that the one feeling good is just you."
Li Shuo pursed his lips and said nothing.
Zhao Jinxin kissed his lips again, "I know you love it. You look so cute when you're being stubborn."
Li Shuo, as if in a huff, turned his back to Zhao Jinxin, curling up unconsciously.
Zhao Jinxin hugged him from behind. This somewhat childish side of Li Shuo could only be seen at moments like this. And of course, Zhao Jinxin wanted to savor it.
***
The morning sunlight streamed into the bedroom, waking the sleeping person.
Having slept for over 20 hours, Li Shuo was the first to wake up. He yawned widely, feeling that his body was no longer as uncomfortable. He felt a warm presence behind him and a heavy arm draped over his waist.
Recalling last night’s events, Li Shuo rubbed his forehead in frustration and got up.
Zhao Jinxin opened his sleepy eyes and unconsciously whined, "Li Shushu, I'm sleepy."
"If you're sleepy, then keep sleeping," Li Shuo's voice was still hoarse but better than yesterday. His throat also didn't hurt as much. He turned over to get out of bed.
The Zhao Jinxin, who had just sounded like a child, suddenly stretched out a long arm, wrapped it around Li Shuo's waist, and pulled him back from the edge of the bed. He pressed his hard head against Li Shuo's lower back, "Don't go. I kept you company for so long. Stay with me a bit longer."
"What kind of logic is that?" Li Shuo tried to pry his arm off, "Let go. I need to get up and check my temperature." He felt like his fever should have subsided.
Yawning, Zhao Jinxin let go and grabbed the thermometer from the bedside table, handing it to Li Shuo.
Li Shuo put it in his mouth and got out of bed to find his clothes.
Zhao Jinxin propped his head up, watching Li Shuo’s back in just a tank top and shorts. Those broad shoulders, slim waist, perky butt, and those long, smooth legs made him want to take a bite.
Li Shuo, as if sensing something, suddenly turned around to see Zhao Jinxin looking at him with wolfish eyes. He shot Zhao Jinxin a glare and found some pajamas to put on.
"Li Shushu's legs are so beautiful," Zhao Jinxin licked his lips, "They look the best when they're spread out for me."
Li Shuo slammed the wardrobe shut, "That's not something a gentleman would say."
"A gentleman who can't even voice sincere compliments is just too hypocritical."
Li Shuo took the thermometer out, looked at it, then shot Zhao Jinxin a sidelong glance, "Thanks for taking care of me. My fever's gone."
"That's great." Zhao Jinxin sat up, "So, are you going to kick me out now?"
Li Shuo paused as he buttoned his shirt, then turned around and said seriously, "Jinxin, I'm very grateful for your care. But this doesn't change anything."
Zhao Jinxin's expression shifted slightly, "You're switching faces too quickly."
"I'm not switching faces. I just didn't have the energy to argue with you yesterday."
"Didn't you enjoy yourself yesterday?"
“I did.” Li Shuo said calmly, “But I didn’t ask you to do it.”
Zhao Jinxin laughed, “Are you affectionate or heartless?”
“This has nothing to do with affection or heartlessness. I’ve made my decision and I’ve told you so.” Li Shuo lowered his head, feeling an uncontrollable sadness, “How many times do I have to say it? From now on, we’ll only be business partners.”
“No matter how many times you say it, I still can’t understand.” Zhao Jinxin squinted his eyes. His tone was sharp, “Han Feiye has already given up on you. Are you still thinking about him?”
“This has nothing to do with him.”
“Nothing to do with him? If it’s unrelated, why did you suddenly decide to break up with me?” Zhao Jinxin squinted his eyes again, “I’ve already proven to you that Han Feiye is not suitable for you. He’s a person who forgets loyalty at the sight of profit.”
Li Shuo spoke in a low voice, “Don’t forget what you’ve done. Testing someone in that way is too underhanded. You have no right to criticize him.”
“Whether I have the right isn’t important. What’s important is that you and he should be over.” Zhao Jinxin got out of bed and walked towards Li Shuo step by step. His presence was like a beast approaching its prey.
Li Shuo’s heart tightened as he instinctively took a step back.
Zhao Jinxin backed Li Shuo into a corner, causing his back to be pressed against the wardrobe door. He then softened his voice, “Li Shushu, wouldn’t it be nice to go back to how we were? No one will make you happier than I do. We’ve always been happy together. Why should we change that? Isn’t living all about being happy?”
Li Shuo stared into Zhao Jinxin’s eyes, recalling his own delirious words from yesterday and Zhao Jinxin’s response: “If I can’t give it to you, then no one else can either.” He hadn’t been able to think clearly at the time, but now he understood what that meant. Zhao Jinxin wanted to prove that neither Han Feiye nor Li Chengxiu could compare to him.
Li Shuo admitted that, putting aside everything else, Zhao Jinxin was indeed the perfect lover. But those ‘other things’ included aspects of life more important than sex and happiness, like family and peace of mind, which Zhao Jinxin never intended to offer him, nor would he ever demand them.
Li Shuo slowly said, “I’ve already told you, I’m done playing these games. Stop clinging on.”
A hint of ferocity flashed across Zhao Jinxin’s face. He lowered his head until his nose almost touched Li Shuo’s as he spoke in a low voice, “Li Shushu, you’re really starting to piss me off.”
Li Shuo looked at Zhao Jinxin, unmoved by his ferocity.
“If I get angry but can’t bear to be angry at you, I’ll have to take it out on someone else. Like… maybe on Han Feiye?”
Li Shuo’s expression changed, “You wouldn’t dare.”
“You think I wouldn’t?” Zhao Jinxin smirked, “As you said, I am Shao Qun’s cousin after all.”
Li Shuo narrowed his eyes, “Jinxin, if you go after Feiye, it won’t just be between us anymore. I’ll take full responsibility for anything that happens because of me. If you want to go against me, it’ll only end in mutual destruction. Is that worth it?”
“But thinking about him makes me angry.” Zhao Jinxin’s fingertips brushed softly against Li Shuo’s face, yet his eyes were cold, “We were fine before him. How can I not blame him?”
“I thought you were mature, but you’re just a kid.” Li Shuo sneered, “Whatever you want to do, bring it on. Now get out of my house.” He didn’t believe Zhao Jinxin would truly make a fuss over jealousy. Anyone with normal intelligence wouldn’t. This was different from the grudge between him and Shao Qun. Shao Qun genuinely liked Li Chengxiu, but what was Zhao Jinxin’s feeling for him? It was nothing more than the irritation of losing a compatible bed partner and the humiliation of being dumped. Even if Zhao Jinxin really planned to do something, he wasn’t afraid. He’d just take it as an opportunity to teach the two brothers a life lesson.
Zhao Jinxin stared at Li Shuo, his thoughts shifting rapidly. Finally, he said, “Is there nothing I can do to make you want to be with me again?”
Li Shuo’s lips trembled as he felt deeply despondent. He wanted to be with Zhao Jinxin, desperately so, but he wanted someone who would be with him completely, not just for the thrill of sex. Unfortunately, all Zhao Jinxin could offer was the latter, so he decided he didn’t want anything at all.
Seeing Li Shuo’s silence, Zhao Jinxin lowered his head and heavily patted his shoulder, as if suppressing something. Suddenly, he let out a low laugh, “Li Shuo, sometimes I wonder if you’re playing some kind of game with me. Otherwise, how could you be so heartless when I’m so good to you?”
Li Shuo closed his eyes, “You’re overthinking things… Thank you for being good to me.”
Zhao Jinxin leaned in close to Li Shuo’s ear and whispered, “It isn’t over between us.” With that, he turned and left the bedroom.
Li Shuo stood rigidly, listening to the sounds in the living room, waiting for Zhao Jinxin to leave.
Only when he heard the main door close did he let out a long sigh. His eyes were filled with hidden pain.
He leaned against the wardrobe door, standing for a long time before recovering from the discomfort and wearily walked to the bed, collapsing onto it.
His phone chimed twice. He sluggishly crawled to the bedside table and picked it up. It was a message from Wen Xiaohui, inviting him for dinner that evening.
He replied: Xiaohui, I’m not free today. How about tomorrow night?
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*Proofread by 2025.08.03* 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 of discrepancies. The chapters proofread by me will be random too. Thanks for your patience. Proofread version of the rest of the novel will only be available on knoxt.space while Mature Chapters will be released on my Blog.
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