Chapter 5: Chapter Three

Di Zhiwei looked at Jiang Jie with admiration and patted his chest. “Cousin, you’re amazing!”

“What can I do? The bid deposit is just four or five hundred million short.”

“You even got fake pregnancy documents?!”

“I have connections with the doctor.”

“Then get me one too, so…”

Jiang Jie shook his head and refused—he didn’t really approve of his own actions; it was his grandfather’s insistence on the marriage-and-pregnancy scheme to claim the five-hundred-million inheritance that forced him into this desperate move.

"Cousin!" Di Zhiwei protested discontentedly.

“I need this inheritance for an urgent reason, and even after I no longer need it, I’ll donate it to charity. What’s your reason that would make me truly accept it?” Jiang Jie took a sip of wine; when he had time, he’d meet his cousin at a pub for a drink.

“To build my business!” Di Zhiwei said without a hint of shame.

“Your ‘business’ is just eating, drinking, and enjoying life,” Jiang Jie retorted bluntly.

“That’s just my fate—what can I do?”

“I can’t help you,” Jiang Jie held firm. “And don’t you dare reveal the truth. The wedding will be simple—I’ll try not to attract media or too many relatives. I only need this inheritance for a while; I don’t want any fuss.”

“Will the bride cooperate?”

“She’ll attend the wedding alone,” Bai Ziling had already made it clear to him.

“Just her?!”

“Di Zhiwei, this is a fake marriage.”

“And she gets three million?”

“In three months.”

“Will she cause trouble?” Di Zhiwei worried. “What if after three months she doesn’t want a divorce? After all, one hundred and fifty million in final payment can’t compete with your wealth and your person—what if she tries to blackmail or cling to you?”

“Bai Ziling isn’t that kind of person!” Jiang Jie had full confidence in her.

“How do you know?”

“Di Zhiwei, if I weren’t certain, do you think I’d casually suggest this to someone?” Jiang Jie spoke with confidence. “You’ll meet her—then you’ll understand!”

“She must be a breathtaking beauty,” Di Zhiwei guessed.

“She’s beautiful, elegant, and truly stunning.”

“Then you two could turn fake into real!”

“You know well—”

“Cousin, Zi Si Qi is already Chen Shi’s wife. No matter how many people were shocked by her decision, the fact remains—she’s happy now, caring for orphans every day, completely forgotten who you are. Let go of yourself!” Di Zhiwei poured him more wine.

Jiang Jie downed it in one gulp. The problem wasn’t whether he could let go—he couldn’t accept that Zi Si Qi had abandoned him, a CEO, for a painter who wasn’t even wealthy, an orphan with no background. For years… he still couldn’t understand what women were thinking.

“Cousin, where did you find such a perfect ‘partner’?” Di Zhiwei tried to change the subject. “Next time it’s my turn, I’ll keep an eye out.”

“At the celebration party for the groundbreaking of the Suzhou Science Park.”

“I was there! Why didn’t I notice…?”

“You arrived too late.”

“If only I’d come earlier…” Di Zhiwei groaned. “Whenever something good happens, you always get there first!”

“Di Zhiwei, I didn’t get there first—I just got luckier, worked harder, knew what to do. Unlike you… you’ve been coddled since childhood. Even wasting your days, you’re perfectly content. I don’t have your luck,” Jiang Jie complained.

“Cousin, if you want to insult me, just say it straight!”

“Isn’t that the truth?”

“Fine. Even if it’s true, what happens between you two fake spouses during the marriage?”

“Nothing will happen,” Jiang Jie told him openly, no secrets. “Unless she throws herself at me.”

“You mean you won’t…”

“I’m not an animal.”

“But you’re still a man, and you said she’s beautiful—you can’t be completely unmoved,” Di Zhiwei doubted. “Cousin, you wouldn’t just pick any woman to marry. This woman must have something special.”

“She does. But if all I wanted was sex, I could get it easily. I won’t bother her,” Jiang Jie said with casual ease. “Even if she stood naked in front of me…”

“You’d still stay calm?”

“I’d politely ask her to put on clothes, so she doesn’t catch a cold.”

“Cousin…” Di Zhiwei burst out laughing. “You’ve really piqued my curiosity. I mean… if I fall for her after your three-month deal ends, can I pursue her?”

“You want to chase your own cousin’s wife?” Jiang Jie was surprised.

“It’s a fake marriage!”

“But many close relatives will know she’s my wife.”

“The fake marriage will eventually be exposed—then everyone will know the truth,” Di Zhiwei joked further. “Cousin, I trust your taste—this woman is no ordinary woman!”

“She’s young. Still a girl.”

“Even better!”

Jiang Jie didn’t think it was better at all. Though it was fake, Bai Ziling would still be his wife for three months, living in his home. He couldn’t stand Di Zhiwei now talking about possibly chasing his “ex-wife”—it felt strange.

“Di Zhiwei, I’m not joking. Only you know about this—keep your mouth shut!” Jiang Jie ordered.

“I’m not a fool. If I ruin your plan, you’ll never forgive me for the rest of your life,” Di Zhiwei knew full well.

“Good. You understand.”

“Then the wedding date—”

“This Sunday.”

“So soon?!”

“Everyone who needs to be notified has been.”

“After this Sunday… you’ll be a married man!” Di Zhiwei looked stunned. “Cousin, are you sure? Marriage is a grave—it’s… hell!”

“It’s just a fake marriage,” Jiang Jie wasn’t worried. “Everything’s fake. No one enters a grave, no one goes to hell. Relax!”

Bai Ziling didn’t feel married. When she stood in Jiang Jie’s home with her luggage, she thought of it as a vacation—a three-month holiday.

Jiang Jie’s home was a classic yuppie-style residence. Since he was single, the furniture and décor were all cool-toned, simple and elegant, clearly high-functionality imports. The open kitchen was a pleasant surprise—more luxurious and comfortable than a five-star hotel.

She lied to her family, saying she was staying with Chang Weiwei during her pregnancy and postpartum period—three months total. Her family believed her, since they knew Chang Weiwei well; it made perfect sense, no contradictions.

Bai Ziling looked at Jiang Jie, then thought of his relatives and friends whose faces she couldn’t even remember. Only now did she realize how absurd this all was—she and he had become “husband and wife” like some childish game.

Jiang Jie looked at her too. She wore a pink dress rented from a wedding photo studio—elegant, festive, fresh. She looked beautiful in anything.

And she… was his wife.

“Want to see your room first?” he asked.

“Either way.”

“Come with me…” He picked up her large suitcase; her small personal bag he left for her to carry.

“Your room has a private bathroom, a mini-fridge, TV, computer, so…”

“A five-star ‘cell’?” Bai Ziling couldn’t help saying.

“Only three months,” he raised an eyebrow.

When Bai Ziling stood in her three-month “cell,” she unconsciously smiled—clearly, the sheets, bedspread, and blankets were all new, the room spotless and fresh, even with fresh flowers still glistening with water droplets.

“Auntie comes every Tuesday and Friday to clean and do laundry, buy daily supplies,” Jiang Jie said.

“No wonder you don’t want to marry,” she teased.

“I really have no need to marry—if not for…”

“I know!” She waved him off, dropped her small bag on the bed. “I want to change out of this dress—I’ve worn it all day, it’s exhausting!”

“Understood.” He smiled, then pulled a check from his suit pocket and placed it on the bed.

Bai Ziling glanced at it.

“One hundred and fifty million. As we agreed,” Jiang Jie said with firm assurance. “Cash check.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll give you your monthly allowance tomorrow.”

“There’s an allowance?!” Bai Ziling was surprised.

“You need to eat, buy things. I’ll give you fifty thousand a month. Not much, but I think it’s enough,” Jiang Jie didn’t want to shortchange his temporary roommate and partner.

“I didn’t expect an allowance,” she didn’t know whether to thank him or feel hurt—did he see her as a parasite?

“Then count it as a bonus.”

“Jiang Jie, honestly… do you look down on me?” She sat on the bed, feeling down. “I made three million almost effortlessly, and now I get an allowance. Do you think I’m gold-digging?”

“You’re helping me.”

“But any woman could help you!”

“Not any woman,” Jiang Jie loosened his tie. “Bai Ziling, I had choices.”

“So… I’m not completely worthless?” She tried to comfort herself. “We’ll go out together sometimes—how should I explain our relationship then?”

“I’ll handle it.”

“So I don’t have to act like Madam Jiang, CEO’s wife?”

“You want to be called that?” Jiang Jie shook his head slightly. “Bai Ziling, you’re young. The fewer people who know you were ever married—true or fake—the better.”

Originally, Bai Ziling had hoped they might grow close over time. Now she saw it was pointless—Jiang Jie only wanted to use her for three months.

“So no matter what I do, it’s all wasted effort,” Bai Ziling sighed, resigned.

“I really don’t want to be a married man.”

“Fine,” Bai Ziling suddenly stood up, exhausted. “Can you help me unzip this dress? I’ve lost all strength to fight with this zipper.” She wasn’t trying to seduce him—she was truly worn out.

“Easy enough.” He didn’t mind.

So Bai Ziling turned her back to him, lifted her hair at the nape of her neck, and exposed her smooth neck.

Jiang Jie had helped countless women undress before; this was easy for him. But when his fingers touched the zipper and gently pulled it down, a sudden current surged through his body, making him shudder.

Bai Ziling didn’t notice his reaction, for she had already decided Jiang Jie had no interest in her—he wanted only his grandfather’s inheritance.

“Done yet?” she asked lazily.

“Done…” His voice was hoarse. Her half-revealed back made his throat dry. He had long understood: a fully naked woman wasn’t alluring—it was the hint of exposure that drove men wild. Bai Ziling’s back outline was undeniably sensual.

“See you tomorrow,” she turned around.

“Tomorrow?” He was momentarily stunned.

“I’m tired. I want to sleep,” she said, her eyes weary.

“You… aren’t afraid, are you?” He suddenly didn’t want to leave the room. After all, it was his wedding night—even if it was fake. “Some women can’t sleep alone!”

“I’m used to sleeping alone,” she thanked him kindly.

“If you have nightmares…” he shrugged.

“I’ll chant Amitabha.”

“My room isn’t hard to find,” he said with a touch of humor. “No need to pretend you’re brave or strong. This is still unfamiliar ground for you.”

“I can manage,” she assured him.

“Then… good night.” He walked toward the door.

“Jiang Jie,” she called out abruptly. “I hope these three months aren’t too hard for either of us.”

Jiang Jie didn’t answer. He stepped out of the guest room and quietly closed the door behind her.

Xia Zhen, Chang Weiwei, and Sima Xingchen stared, eyes wider than ever, utterly stunned. Even if Madonna stood naked before them, or Kimura Takuya showed off his bare body, they wouldn’t have been this shocked.

“Bai Ziling, you got married?!”

“Who did you marry?!”

“Are you insane?!”

She knew they’d react violently, yet Bai Ziling calmly played with the Chanel bag she’d bought yesterday—her fifty-thousand-yuan allowance was now down to less than ten thousand.

“I’m not insane. I really got married. I married Jiang Jie,” Bai Ziling answered all three questions at once.

“Jiang Jie?!”

“The chairman of Jiang Corporation?!”

“But you said he never marries!” Chang Weiwei took a breath, terrified her unborn child might be startled into an early birth.

“For his grandfather’s inheritance…” Bai Ziling could hide this from her family, but she couldn’t lie to her three closest friends—especially since she needed Chang Weiwei’s cooperation. “If my mom calls you, Weiwei, you have to say I’m staying at your place.”

“You want me to lie?!”

“It’s not a big lie.”

“But fetal education…”

“Bai Ziling, what the hell are you doing?!” Xia Zhen couldn’t hold back. “Explain this to me right now!”

Bai Ziling had no choice but to recount everything—though it wasn’t honorable, at least she could be president’s wife for three months.

“So Jiang Jie paid you three million?!” Sima Xingchen couldn’t believe it. “Just to be his wife for three months?”

“Yes! I’ve already received one point five million.”

“And you have to get pregnant?!” Xia Zhen glared at her angrily.

“It’s fake!”

“And divorce after three months?!” Chang Weiwei gently rubbed her belly. “Ziling, that leaves a divorce record!”

“So what?” Bai Ziling didn’t see it as serious. “Have you ever thought money could be this easy to earn? I don’t have to sleep with him, or work as his housemaid. Three million in three months—where else can you find that? Look at my new Chanel bag…” She proudly displayed her trophy. “No need to buy secondhand. I even get fifty thousand a month as allowance!”

“Ziling…” Sima Xingchen was speechless. This kind of thing only happened in novels or movies.

“What’s that look for, Xingchen?”

“Don’t you think it’s wrong?” Sima Xingchen sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Bai Ziling was perfectly calm.

Chang Weiwei followed up: “Aren’t you afraid something will go wrong?”

“What could go wrong?”

“Your head…” Xia Zhen was furious.

“What are you worried about?” Bai Ziling was confused. “Jiang Jie isn’t a pervert—he’s perfectly normal. He just desperately needs his grandfather’s five-hundred-million-yuan inheritance. I don’t even lock my door at night—he’s probably the one who wants to lock it. I’m perfectly safe! He has no evil intentions toward me. He just needs a fake wife. When the three months are up, I move out, and he pays me the remaining one point five million. Isn’t that simple?”

“What if you fall in love with him? What if, when the three months are over, you don’t want to leave?” Sima Xingchen snapped.

“I won’t fall in love with him!”

“But what if it happens anyway?” Chang Weiwei was annoyed too.

“I’ll still leave. I’m not that shameless.”

“Ziling, you haven’t thought this through—you’re too close to see it,” Xia Zhen said, speaking as someone who’d been there. “You sound so carefree now, but can you really go back to your old life after three months?”

Bai Ziling froze.

“You might earn three million, but have you considered you might be left broken, your heart shattered into a million pieces?” Chang Weiwei said solemnly.

Bai Ziling’s face darkened, her mood heavy.

“Jiang Jie made it clear—he wants no marriage, no wife. He’s just ‘using’ you for three months. When it’s over, he can walk away without a backward glance. What about you? Can you leave without looking back?” Sima Xingchen looked at her gently. “We’re afraid you’ll get hurt.”

“I’m not that fragile,” Bai Ziling finally spoke.

“Ziling…”

“Why don’t you worry he might fall in love with me? He might. Maybe it’ll be me who walks away, and he’s the one crying his heart out.”

Xia Zhen, Chang Weiwei, and Sima Xingchen stayed silent. Men’s hearts were usually harder than women’s. Even if Jiang Jie truly fell for Bai Ziling, he wouldn’t necessarily sacrifice his freedom. Besides, Jiang Jie was surrounded by beautiful women daily—could Bai Ziling really stand out?

“Do you look down on me so much?” Bai Ziling’s face flushed with anger. “You can marry Jin Guixu, but I, Bai Ziling, can’t—”

“Ziling, you know that’s not what we mean!”

“You’re in a fake marriage. Jiang Jie doesn’t love you.”

“After three months, you’ll just be Cinderella again.”

The truth hurt—but they’d rather speak harshly now than comfort Bai Ziling’s wounded heart later.

“Then I’ll find a way to keep his heart. I’ll make him fall in love with me!” Bai Ziling declared defiantly. “I don’t believe we can’t fall in love living under the same roof.”

“Ziling… Jiang Jie…” Xia Zhen had heard rumors. “He’s a woman-killer. He doesn’t soften for women.”

“Then I’ll prove it!” Bai Ziling was determined.

Bai Ziling couldn’t cook, but she bought takeout from five-star hotels. She set the table with atmosphere—like a Western restaurant: candles, red wine, music. Only the husband was missing. All she needed was his return.

To prove to Xia Zhen, Chang Weiwei, and Sima Xingchen that she could make Jiang Jie fall for her, she gave it her all. She had nearly three months. It wasn’t hopeless—if she didn’t try, she had zero chance. But if she tried… there was at least hope.

But Bai Ziling waited from six to seven—food grew cold. From seven to eight, she grew restless. From eight to nine, she lost her appetite. When the clock struck eleven, her heart was beyond tears—worse, she had no way to contact him.

She didn’t have his company phone number.

She didn’t have his mobile number.

She had no idea how to find him… only to wait helplessly.

Looking at the untouched food and her carefully arranged table, Bai Ziling, who had held back tears all evening, finally let them fall one by one. She’d never understood the heart of an abandoned wife—until now.

Only near midnight did Jiang Jie drag his exhausted body through the door. He’d spent the entire night in meetings over a U.S. shipbuilding contract; everyone was drained. But when he saw Bai Ziling…

“You’re still awake?!” He was stunned.

Suppressing the urge to scream at him, Bai Ziling wiped her tears and began clearing the table.

“You… haven’t eaten yet? What time is it?!” He sounded reproachful.

If he’d shown guilt, or even a hint of comfort, she might not have snapped. But now—she exploded like a bomb, snatching a dish and hurling it to the floor.

“Bai Ziling…” he gasped.

“I don’t have to eat, do I?!” Her voice cracked.

“You… were waiting for me?” He was surprised.

“No. I was waiting for my lover,” she said, forcing a smile worse than crying.

“I didn’t know you’d…” He felt guilty.

“You didn’t even call!” she cried out.

“I thought…”

“Forget I’m your fake wife—even if I were just your roommate, wouldn’t you at least call to check in?” She didn’t care if he threw her out now. “You can call me too!”

“You could’ve called me…”

“I don’t know any of your numbers!” She smashed another dish. “It’s ridiculous—but I truly had no idea how to reach you. I could only wait!”

Jiang Jie took a deep breath.

“You said even if we’re fake, we should act like real ones. Did you do that?” she challenged him.

“I was careless…”

“I waited for you nearly six hours…” She hurled bowls and chopsticks to the floor. “Jiang Jie, even if I’m insignificant, even if you own the world’s wealth, you have no right to treat me like this. This is emotional abuse!”

“I didn’t think you’d wait for me to eat,” Jiang Jie didn’t stop her. “No one’s ever waited for me to eat.”

“Jiang Jie, I’m not dead! I live in this house too!” she shouted. “You’re… cruel!”

“I really…”

“Don’t worry—I’ll never be this foolish again.” Bai Ziling forced strength, then knelt to clean up the mess.

“Leave it to the housekeeper…”

“Don’t tell me what to do!”

“Bai Ziling…” His tone sharpened.

“I’m just serving time in prison—I’ve got all the time in the world, I’m bored every single day, just leave me alone!” She bent down to pick up the shards on the floor, each piece making her sadder.

“I’m sorry.” He finally said.

“I don’t want it!” she shouted.

“I truly am sorry.”

“I don’t care.”

“From now on… I’ll tell you every day whether I’ll come home for dinner.” Jiang Jie had never made such a concession, had never said such words to any woman—he had always been self-centered, and even with his former girlfriend Yu Si, he never told her where he was going.

Bai Ziling said nothing, but her anger was slowly fading. She wasn’t blind to when to stop; she knew she had won this round, won the first battle.

“I’ll give you all my contact numbers—anytime you want to find me, you can reach me.”

“I don’t want to call you often—I just want to know if you’re coming home for dinner. You… you have to eat dinner, right?” She finally looked at him.

“I’ll eat.”

“Then…”

“I won’t come home every day, but I’ll try…”

Bai Ziling let out a faint smile—that was all she ever wanted.