Chapter 4: Chapter Two

Jiang Jie drove the car to a riverside park near Shilin, then firmly asked Bai Bai Ziling to get out with him; thus the two walked along the embankment. Though Bai Bai Ziling wore an unhappy expression, now that she was out of the car, she could do nothing about it. The evening gown she wore made her feel out of place, and many strange glances were cast their way.

"Shouldn't I first let you change out of that evening gown?" Jiang Jie, being attentive, noticed it too.

"You just need to send me home... no! 'Let' me go home!" Bai Bai Ziling said very displeased.

"Bai Bai Ziling, last time your impression of me was good..."

"I also thought your view of me was not bad, but..."

"I am a businessman, often too busy to handle everything."

"Is that a reason?" She did not accept it.

"And women to me..."

"Have always been the ones who actively come to you, throwing themselves into your arms, so you don't call!" Bai Bai Ziling spoke before him. "Jiang Jie, perhaps you truly are some golden bachelor, but I, Bai Bai Ziling, also have some standards; I do not chase men!"

Jiang Jie gazed at Bai Bai Ziling, noticing for the first time that besides her stunning beauty, she also possessed backbone and character, unlike the women of ordinary days who came at his call and left at his wave.

"So you are truly angry that I did not contact you!" Jiang Jie smiled faintly. "Should I apologize to you?"

"Save it! That is your freedom."

"Bai Bai Ziling, can we start over?" Jiang Jie suddenly asked; he was truly very interested in her now.

"Start over?"

"Pretend we just met today."

"What would that change?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Then you could not be angry with me."

Bai Bai Ziling felt his sincerity; if she continued to be petty, she would truly become a laughingstock.

"Jiang Jie, I am not angry about anything; if I am... it is anger at myself!" She lowered her defenses.

"Angry at yourself?" He did not understand; he truly did not understand women at all.

"Xia Zhen is my childhood friend; she is now the wife of a bank president."

"Are you envious?"

"I have two other childhood friends; one is Han Ze's wife. You know Han Ze, that hotel tycoon. Last time you celebrated the groundbreaking of the Suzhou Technology Park..." She tried to awaken his memory.

"I remember."

"And another good sister... her husband is the head of an accounts receivable company, getting wind when he wants wind and rain when he wants rain."

"So you are pitying yourself?" Jiang Jie understood somewhat; Bai Bai Ziling's close friends had all married well, leaving only her still searching. She was partly angry at herself and partly pitied herself. "Bai Bai Ziling, everyone has their own fate."

"Yes! Those three have good fates, but what about me?" Bai Zhen pointed to herself. "I have to wear a second-hand designer gown, a mountain of credit card debt I don't know when I'll finish paying off, and without a university diploma, I can't even find a good job!"

"You didn't graduate from university?" He was somewhat surprised.

"They didn't either!"

"None of you four have university diplomas?"

"Is that not allowed? Am I considered inferior?!"

"That is not what I meant." Jiang Jie clarified lightly. "I know Lei Lei Hanyu and Han Ze; although I am not very close to them, I assumed they were of matching social status..."

"Jiang Jie, class prejudice indeed still exists, but there are still men who remain true to themselves; they marry the women they love and wish to spend their lives with!" Bai Bai Ziling spoke up for her friends' husbands.

Hearing this, Jiang Jie smiled without speaking, seeming to feel something.

"What about you? Do you have very strict conditions?" Bai Bai Ziling asked directly.

"What conditions?"

"Conditions for your wife candidate!"

"I do not want to marry!" He stated bluntly.

"You do not want to marry?!" Hearing this, she felt quite disappointed.

"I do not understand women, nor do I need them that much; of course, women have their uses and merits, but I am truly not interested in marriage!" Knowing this would make Bai Bai Ziling furious and jump up and down, Jiang Jie still lacked the patience to coax women with sweet words.

Bai Bai Ziling squinted at him, wanting to clarify his meaning. "Are you saying... you play with women, but you will not and do not want to marry?"

"Everyone does so willingly; it is not 'playing'!"

"So even if we..." Bai Bai Ziling made an analogy. "Even if we become boyfriend and girlfriend, I should still not dream of becoming Mrs. Jiang?!"

"I do not know what you want, but..."

"You do not offer marriage." She continued.

"Marriage suffocates people."

"Thank you for your honesty." Bai Bai Ziling did not blame him at all; instead, she smiled at him. "At least you are an open and upright man; you will not give women unrealistic fantasies."

"Yes! You understand!"

"Then may I go?" Bai Bai Ziling really did not want to walk around in this place dressed like a female movie star. Perhaps in others' eyes she and Jiang Jie were a perfect couple, Jin Tongyunu, but she now knew the golden boy refused marriage.

"We could go for a cup of coffee." He suggested.

"No."

"Bai Bai Ziling, even if I do not offer marriage, I can still offer 'other' things!" His words carried hidden meaning.

"Jiang Jie, when we first met, I already clearly told you I do not 'sell'!" Bai Bai Ziling reiterated. "Use your brain; look at the situation of my friends nearby. I would rather starve to death than sell my soul or my body."

"Very high-minded." Jiang Jie said lightly.

"If all you want is a woman's body, then any woman is the same to you; you need not spend time and energy on me!" She expressed clearly.

"I will take you back." He suddenly said.

"Thank you." She thanked him sincerely.

"I indeed dislike wasting time."

"So do I!"

"If I had met you a few years earlier..." Jiang Jie shrugged. "The situation might have been different!"

"Perhaps." Bai Bai Ziling felt a touch of regret, yet she was not in pain. She had long ago made a pact with herself to never become a man's plaything; even a man like Jiang Jie could not make her lower her standards. What she wanted was a man who would cherish her... of course, having money would be better.

And Jiang Jie—it seemed they were destined never to meet.

Sima Sima Xingchen had returned from a trip to Italy, bringing many exquisite little things to distribute among her three best friends. Besides exchanging gifts, the true purpose of the gathering between Sima Sima Xingchen, Xia Zhen, and Chang Chang Weiwei was to interrogate Bai Bai Ziling. Thanks to Xia Zhen's promotion, Sima Sima Xingchen already knew of the figure Jiang Jie, and they all maintained a high level of concern regarding the subsequent development of the matter.

Yet Bai Bai Ziling acted contrary to her usual self; far from displaying the uncontainable joy and self-satisfaction of catching a golden toad, she appeared silent and reserved, as if her thoughts and attention were entirely focused on the music box Sima Sima Xingchen had given her.

"Bai Bai Ziling, if you keep pretending, you won't look like yourself!" Xia Zhen struck first. Her precious son was currently sleeping soundly in her arms like a little angel; she stroked her son's hair while speaking.

"What am I pretending?"

"Stop feigning calmness. Did you get it done?" Chang Chang Weiwei touched her large belly. The earlier ultrasound showed it was a girl, and Han Zele was crooked.

"Get what done?"

"The president of the Jiang Group!"

Bai Bai Ziling wore an expression impossible to read; she played with the music box, listening to the beautiful melody over and over.

"Bai Ziling, stop playing games!" Sima Sima Xingchen joined the ranks of the busybodies. "Now only you remain single, and among the four of us, you possess the strongest capability and the greatest ambition. Now it all depends on you!"

"No hope." Bai Bai Ziling finally spoke.

"No hope?!" The three married women exclaimed in unison.

"Jiang Jie said he has no interest in marriage."

"Is that so?" Xia Zhen was somewhat suspicious, then recalled her husband's words. "Lei Hanyu did mention he has many female 'friends' and maintains friendly relations with every woman, but he didn't say Jiang Jie doesn't plan to marry!"

"Even so, that was before; now he has encountered our Bai Ziling." Chang Chang Weiwei had deep confidence in Bai Bai Ziling. "Bai Ziling will surely ignite his desire to settle down. A successful man always likes freedom and dislikes being bound, but once the destined woman appears..."

"He said it clearly!" Bai Bai Ziling told the three of them very plainly.

"Said what clearly?"

"He might be a little interested in me, but he has no intention of marriage. He can provide other things, but he does not provide marriage!" she said word for word.

"How terrible!"

"How irresponsible!"

"What a rotten man!"

Bai Bai Ziling looked at her three friends and simply shrugged. "Actually, you shouldn't scold him. At least he is an honest man. He didn't give me too many illusions or draw a bunch of empty pies for me. I appreciate that."

"Could it be..." Xia Zhen suddenly said with worry. "Jiang Jie is actually a homosexual..."

"I believe he is not!" Bai Bai Ziling smiled in response.

"Then he might have suffered losses from women." Chang Chang Weiwei added.

"I don't know that."

"So you and he just... Game Over?!" Sima Sima Xingchen's expression held a touch of regret. "Xia Zhen said he is both cool and unbelievably sexy!"

"Sima Xingchen, your Lan Bowei is also cool and full of charm!" A indescribable low tone was in Bai Bai Ziling's voice. "Men like this are best at hurting women's hearts, but fortunately, he said it before I fell into a situation from which I couldn't extricate myself. My heart is still intact."

"True, there are still plenty of opportunities." Xia Zhen encouraged her. "With your qualifications... plus that perfect silver spaghetti-strap gown, Bai Ziling, you are more beautiful than Nicole Kidman!"

"You all need not worry about me," Bai Bai Ziling said confidently, "Besides Jiang Jie, there must be many qualified bachelors or Prince Charmings for me to encounter!"

"Exactly! Wait until Chang Weiwei gives birth, Han Ze will surely hold a full-month banquet for his precious daughter. At that time, a crowd of wealthy merchants and tycoons will attend..." Sima Sima Xingchen joked, "Bai Ziling, then you can show off your skills again."

"What a pathetic feeling." Bai Zhen mocked herself.

"That is the opportunity!"

"You will surely find a golden toad."

"Your charm is irresistible to ordinary people."

Bai Bai Ziling looked at the music box in her hand and couldn't help but think of Jiang Jie. Having surveyed the unmarried men around her, Jiang Jie was one of the few high-quality candidates who could stand on the stage and still allow her to indulge in fantasies. It was just a pity... he had no interest in marriage. What a shame.

A special assistant walked into Jiang Jie's office holding a file.

"President, regarding the US shipbuilding project contract, a bid bond of one billion is required." He said with some worry.

"And now?"

"There is a shortfall of four or five hundred million."

"Can't it be transferred from the accounting department?"

"Many letters of credit have been opened for European goods, so for the moment..."

"I understand!" Jiang Jie pondered. Could this be the will of heaven? Or was his grandfather too good at calculating?

He took out a napkin from the drawer. On it was a mobile phone number written by Bai Bai Ziling in lipstick. He pressed those numbers on the phone keypad.

She could not guess at all why Jiang Jie had asked her out, but since they had already spoken clearly, she did not deliberately dress up or groom herself. Wearing tight jeans, a V-neck black T-shirt, and high-heeled sandals, she looked fresh and generous, making it impossible to look away.

A beauty is a beauty; every gesture and movement exuded charm. Jiang Jie, who had been waiting in the chain coffee shop, saw Bai Bai Ziling push open the door and walk in from afar, giving him a feeling of visual delight.

Bai Bai Ziling first waved at him, then went straight to the counter and ordered a cup of the shop's signature coffee. She came here often and knew the ropes, so when Jiang Jie asked her where to meet over the phone, she specifically named this coffee shop.

Carrying the coffee, Bai Bai Ziling arrived at the seat where Jiang Jie was sitting. It was by the window, in a corner, with a good view and no disturbance. If there were not many customers, she would choose this seat too.

"Having you pay for the coffee yourself..." Used to always paying for women, Jiang Jie felt somewhat unaccustomed.

"It's just a cup of coffee." Bai Bai Ziling sat down, looking completely at ease. She did not want to owe him the favor of a cup of coffee.

"Later I'll treat you to..."

"President Jiang Da!" She deliberately kept her distance from him, intentionally not calling him by his name. "What exactly did you want to see me about?"

"I have a proposal." Jiang Jie said straight to the point.

"A proposal?" She took a sip of coffee, adding neither sugar nor cream.

"You drink coffee without sugar?" Jiang Jie noticed.

"I don't like overly sweet tastes."

"But coffee is very bitter..."

"I think it's just right."

It was rare to encounter a woman who drank black coffee. Generally, girls liked sweet things; otherwise, so many women wouldn't flock to afternoon tea. Many women were clearly full, but as soon as desserts were served, it was as if they had two stomachs and could eat more no matter how full they were.

"My proposal..." Jiang Jie returned to the matter at hand. "Marriage."

"Marriage?" Bai Bai Ziling thought she had misheard; she focused her attention. "Who with whom?"

"You and me."

"The two of us?!"

"Otherwise what?"

Bai Bai Ziling did not jump for joy; her face darkened, showing some displeasure. "April Fool's Day has already passed."

"What does that have to do with April Fool's Day?" he asked her seriously.

"You don't want to get married." She reminded him.

"The situation has changed."

"We only met two weeks ago; could these two weeks..."

"I need five hundred million." He said it lightly.

"If you marry me, you will..."

"Yes! As long as I get married, I can get five hundred million."

"Jiang Jie, is this a prank?" Bai Bai Ziling's face turned cold. "I have no sense of humor, so you had better explain in detail and clearly."

So Jiang Jie spent a few minutes explaining the whole matter clearly.

"So... this is a fake marriage?!" Bai Bai Ziling understood immediately.

"But we must pretend it's real!" Jiang Jie emphasized.

"And... fake pregnancy?!" She found it incredible.

"I can get a doctor's certificate."

"And then?"

"I receive the five hundred million inheritance."

"And then we..."

"Divorce, and at the same time you unfortunately 'miscarry'; that way the job is done!"

Bai Bai Ziling did not know that besides playing the role of CEO perfectly, Jiang Jie was also a "screenwriter" genius; he could actually plan such an absurd matter so calmly and logically: five hundred million inheritance, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, miscarriage; everything seemed to go so smoothly. Was it really so?

"Well?" Jiang Jie asked casually.

"Why me?"

"Why not you."

"You must have many female friends willing to..."

"But I think asking you would cause less trouble."

"Is that what you think?"

"Bai Bai Ziling, actually all women in the world are the same; what they want is largely similar, but you have a bit more backbone and style. I think you won't bother me after the fact; you are the type who does as much as the money pays for. Am I not wrong?" Jiang Jie's expression was cold and arrogant.

"So you want to pay me?" Bai Bai Ziling narrowed her eyes, not expecting such a TV drama to happen to her.

"Three million." He said readily.

"Three million!" Bai Bai Ziling's mouth opened slightly, her lips trembling a bit.

"Three million for three months."

"So... as long as I be your 'wife' for three months, after three months, I miscarry and divorce, and I can get three million?" She repeated his proposal, hoping no misunderstanding would arise.

"Exactly." He nodded.

"I... don't have to sleep with you?"

"Unless you take the initiative..."

"I must live under the same roof as you?" Ignoring his provocation, she asked all the details very practically.

Jiang Jie nodded. "We must pretend it's real!" he said. "Five hundred million yuan is not that easy to get; luckily I have an acquaintance who is a doctor."

"If the truth comes out..."

"This five hundred million is for an emergency; once my pressing need is resolved, I can return the full five hundred million!" Jiang Jie was not worried at all.

"And I can earn three million easily..." she murmured.

"It only costs you three months."

If there was truly such a "gift from heaven," eighty percent of the time it referred to this; this was simply giving money to her! She could hardly believe such a good deal actually existed in the world.

"Bai Bai Ziling, do you dare earn this three million?" Jiang Jie's expression was sharp and mocking; he seemed to be testing her courage, as if wanting to know just how daring she was.

"Jiang Jie, if after three months... you don't want to set me free?" Bai Bai Ziling asked with a deliberately mocking face.

"You fear I will... bother you?!" He wore an expression of disbelief, having never imagined she would say such a thing.

"Anything is possible."

"Bai Bai Ziling, you are worrying too much." Jiang Jie laughed wildly. "Rest assured! When the time comes, I will divorce you immediately; I will return your freedom to you immediately."

"But if you fall in love with me..." She still looked at him steadily.

"Bai Bai Ziling, you have too much confidence in yourself." He sneered.

"Impossible?"

"Impossible!"

"Why?" She wanted to know.

"I am not homosexual, nor am I a pervert; I like sleeping with women, I like your body temperature, your moans, your soft sighs, your appearance at climax; I am completely normal, but asking me to love a woman..." Jiang Jie showed a contemptuous expression. "I am not that stupid, nor that crazy; women... none are worth a man loving with his heart!"

"Jiang Jie!" Bai Bai Ziling was very angry. "What kind of twisted logic is this? Why are women not worth loving? Why are women merely tools for you to vent your sexual desires?"

"That is how I feel; that is the only evaluation I can give women!" Jiang Jie looked at her with a domineering gaze.

Bai Bai Ziling was naturally angry; if one had to choose a representative of chauvinistic machismo, she would guarantee Jiang Jie would be selected; he thought having a little money allowed him to trample women underfoot.

"You can refuse my proposal." He looked at her with eyes that did not insist she was the only one. "I just thought of you first."

"I won't turn down money," Bai Bai Ziling said coldly.

"You... are willing?"

"Of course I am willing."

"For three million?"

"Otherwise for what?" She was as cold as he.

"Aren't you worried... that you'll fall in love with me?" It was Jiang Jie's turn to ask her this question. "Bai Bai Ziling, I'm not overestimating my charm, but for women, besides giving them money, fine clothes, and jewelry, I can also give them the whole world."

"There is one thing you cannot give." She gave him a "sweet" smile. "You have no heart, so you have no true feelings!"

"That's a lie!"

"Jiang Jie, was there a woman who once gave you a hard time, who stabbed you hard? Otherwise, why do you have such a cold-blooded mindset and conduct?" Bai Bai Ziling asked fearlessly: "Does ice flow in your veins, or black blood?"

Jiang Jie did not answer.

"Did I hit the mark?"

"Bai Bai Ziling, say what you want, think what you want. In short, I only need you for three months. I pay, you give your time. We will be a husband and wife in name only for three months. I will not fall in love with you, and don't be foolish enough to fall in love with me. There can be no love between us." Jiang Jie spoke clearly, fearing she might misunderstand even slightly.

"I understand!" Bai Bai Ziling replied.

"The wedding will be held soon."

"The simpler, the better!" she blurted out.

"Rest assured! I am more afraid of those formalities than you. Except for immediate family, I don't want anyone else to know. I only want that five hundred million!"

"My three million..." Since it was a transaction, she too would be a bit commercial.

"Half after the wedding, half on the day of divorce. Is that okay?" Jiang Jie asked for her opinion.

"Okay!" Bai Bai Ziling did not hesitate.

"You will have your own room and privacy. When we need to appear together, we will play the part of a divine couple. If anyone asks about our motive for this lightning marriage, we will say... we fell in love at first sight and couldn't wait a moment, because you are already pregnant, so..." Jiang Jie had already thought it all out.

"You've already made up the story..." Bai Bai Ziling let out a cold snort. "We are like dry wood meeting a raging fire."

"We are not, but let everyone think so!" he laughed.