The Wager That Started It All
Mark Twain once said, "Sometimes reality is more absurd than fiction." I've come to deeply understand that now.
When my wife Jiang Xiuyan and I walked into the restaurant, we caught Wang Xianzhu in the pathetic sight of getting a faceful of water from some haughty rich girl.
At that moment, I felt a mix of mockery and pity for Wang Xianzhu. Mockery for his short, fat, lecherous loser vibe that probably meant he'd never have luck with women in his life. Pity because, as his friend, I felt sorry for him.
But I never imagined that just four hours later, I'd lend my beloved beautiful wife to him as his "Rent-a-Girlfriend," even scheming to teach him how to romance her—my wife!
I think I've gone mad!
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Four hours earlier—
On the way to the restaurant, Xiuyan had her arm linked with mine, chatting happily, but I felt a bit tense and uneasy.
Even after being with Xiuyan for so long, I still wasn't used to the stunned gazes people shot her way—admiring, obsessed, appreciative, jealous, lustful, desirous. Those burning stares made me uncomfortable, but Xiuyan ignored them all completely. Her eyes stayed fixed on me.
Some guys pretended to be casual as they passed us, only for crashes into poles or stumbles to echo behind us. Plenty of couples too—the guys kept sneaking peeks back at Xiuyan and got a beating from their girls once caught.
In short, every time Xiuyan and I went out shopping, "accidents" trailed in our wake. It made me both proud and terrified. How could an ordinary guy like me, Li Wei, deserve Xiuyan's affection?
The gawkers distracted me from chatting with Xiuyan properly. My thoughts swirled chaotically. We'd been married eight months, but it still felt like a dream—so unreal. How could a plain, average guy like me have a goddess from the clouds, the kind of dream unreachable to most, right here by my side, arm in arm?
We wove through the bustling commercial street crowds and strolled into Green Park. It wasn't big, but it was exquisite, scented with roses and gardenias. Black swans lazily glided on the man-made lake.
Crossing the park would take us straight to the reserved restaurant, where Wang Xianzhu was waiting to introduce us to a friend.
"Honey... I still gotta ask—like, I'm so ordinary. Why do you like me?" In a quiet spot, I couldn't hold back the question I'd asked her countless times. "I'm average-looking, no money, mediocre family, invisible at school. My job's unstable even after we married. If Wang Xianzhu hadn't dragged me into his startup, I'd probably still be jobless. Honestly, if I were a girl, I wouldn't even like myself."
Xiuyan smiled helplessly. "Hubby, don't sell yourself short. You're excellent in my eyes. Most importantly, no matter what others think, you're the best to me! I only love you!"
"It just doesn't feel real sometimes. I dream of suddenly losing you..." I confessed my inner fears.
She stopped, gazing into my eyes earnestly. "Do you believe in fate? I do! Us being together is fate's arrangement. No matter what hardships or setbacks come, I'll never leave you. I belong to you forever!"
She lifted her flawless white hand, brushing back her wind-tousled hair, then whispered deeply, "And I know, in this world, only you love me more than your own life. Besides... your body has my blood, and my eyes have yours..." She gently touched my shoulder.
Near my collarbone was a healed puncture scar.
Her hand was soft and warm, soothing the scar, ironing out my unease.
"So... hubby, can you stop asking? Even if you don't want me, I'll cling to you for life!" Xiuyan cupped my cheeks with her delicate hands, pouting coquettishly.
Her words enveloped me in love, filling my insecure heart. I nodded silently.
Xiuyan smiled, pulling me onward with graceful steps, her figure swaying elegantly, enchanting me in the beautiful scene.
We wandered flower-lined paths under the canopy. Early summer sun filtered through leaves in stunning beams, scattering pretty Tyndall rays.
In the gentle light, Xiuyan's radiant smile outshone the sun. Her eyes sparkled like black gems, too beautiful to behold directly.
If time could freeze here, I'd gaze at her forever...
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Time with Xiuyan always flew. Before I knew it, we'd left the park. The towering Central Tower loomed; the restaurant was on the 68th floor.
Lai Meilu Zhi Restaurant, a Michelin three-star French Century-old store from Burgundy.
Close to the office, Wang Xianzhu always entertained clients here.
A week ago, when I first arrived in Shanghai, he'd treated me. For a fresh grad like me, it was a shock.
But he called it average; he preferred UV on the Bund.
Xiuyan had just arrived yesterday—this was my first time bringing her. I couldn't wait for her to taste the food.
The host led us to a private booth where Wang Xianzhu sat with a luxuriously dressed, noble-looking beauty.
As we approached to greet, the woman slammed the table, splashing water in his face.
The scene was awkward; Xiuyan and I halted outside, watching the clash.
Wang Xianzhu wiped his face with pudgy hands, standing furious. "He Zixuan, what the hell?!"
"You perv! Who said you could grope my leg with your filthy hands?" He Zixuan leisurely wiped her slender hands with a napkin, tone casual, like it'd been nothing.
"Your grandpa said we should get along and build feelings this period. We're engaged by year's end at latest. You'll join the Wang family anyway—so what's a little touch?" Wang Xianzhu grumbled defiantly.
He Zixuan crossed her arms elegantly, smirking scornfully. "Build feelings? Heh~ Wang the Pig! Don't you have a mirror? You know what a sleaze you are? Marry me? Dream on! I'd never marry you! If Dad and Grandpa weren't forcing me, I wouldn't be here! God knows what they see in trash like you. I wouldn't glance at a lowlife like you normally. Any normal woman would pass!"
"Y-you're slandering me! You just hate my guts—you... don't drag other women into it! Plenty of women love me!" Her barbs hit too deep; Wang Xianzhu stammered.
"Pfft~" He Zixuan scoffed, eyeing him disdainfully. "Fine, since you say that... for Dad and Grandpa's sake, I'll give you a shot. A bet: if a woman truly loves you, I'll date you."
"Wh-why should I agree?" Wang Xianzhu wasn't dumb; he smelled a trap.
"What, all those women loving you a lie? Big talk? No way~ Wang Xianzhu, a loveless loser?" He Zixuan arched her slender neck proudly, goading like a swan.
"Bullshit! I'll bring one tomorrow to shove in your face!" He fell right in.
He Zixuan piled on: "Hey, your words~ I'll see her tomorrow, no fakes. Real deal. She can't be uglier than me— that'd insult me!"
"Prettier than you?! He Zixuan, you're rigging it! You know your league—how many in Shanghai top you? Impossible!" Wang Xianzhu fumed.
"Tough. You agreed. Can't back out. Or a janitor auntie counts?" Her logic held.
"Janitor?! You think that little of me? Fine, prettier than you—not just date, but engaged by year-end per deal." He counterattacked, teeth gritted.
"No way, just dating..." He Zixuan wouldn't budge on marriage.
"Scared, He Zixuan? Losing confidence? Or do you love me, playing hard to get?" Wang Xianzhu taunted back.
"Bullshit! Fear ain't in my dictionary." She bit.
"Whoa, easy. I'm a gentleman. If you're scared, fine. But I'll tell your grandpa we're great—wedding on." He grinned sleazily.
He Zixuan, brimming confidence: "No need. Your terms, but I confirm it's real before engagement, or I yield."
Wang Xianzhu pressed: "What if you welsh, no escape?"
Her flawless oval face glowed pride: "We Hes keep our word. I'd die before shaming Grandpa. Fine—if you do it, I'll date seriously." She slyly added, "But fail tomorrow, wedding's off."
"Deal. You'll see—prettier by a hundredfold, tomorrow." He blustered.
"Remember: till engagement, I'm watching. Fake caught, or scam—bet void. Can't 100% convince me she's real, heart and soul—you lose. Cancel wedding, explain to Grandpa, and I pull funding."
"Cheating! Even real, if you say no, I lose?" He spotted the loophole.
She pondered: "If no proof it's fake, you win."
"Done. I'll prove a hundred times prettier woman loves me truly." Face over sense, no consequences weighed.
"Haha, you? Daydream, toad chasing swan. Next life!" She strutted off peacock-proud, tossing back: "Find her, date us both openly. If she wants, she can join Wangs as concubine. Happy?"
Spotting us pretending to hunt tables, her haughty face flashed awe and envy at Xiuyan, then hair-flip, nose-high past us. Her luxury perfume lingered.
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In the booth, post-He Zixuan, Wang Xianzhu slumped dejected.
I hesitated, then whispered, "Wang Xianzhu!" He looked up; I awkwardly scratched my head, waving.
Caught like this, both sides awkward.
But he shrugged: "Sis-in-law, Bro Wei, come in."
Xiuyan followed me in; we sat opposite, embarrassed.
He waved the server casually, handing Xiuyan the menu: "Pre-ordered seasonal specials. Sis-in-law, add whatever."
She shook her head gracefully: "This is fine."
He remembered me, passing the menu: "Bro Wei, you want...?"
I pushed it back, politely: "Skip it? After that mess, appetite?"
"Food first." To the server plating: "White wine... and extra for the beauty..." Xiuyan refused; he ordered anyway.
"Sis-in-law scared of gaining weight? Bro doesn't want, I do." He leered, teasing while ordering, cheap shots galore.
"Shut it!" Xiuyan scolded sternly. "Public place—behave! Or I'll smack you!" Menu raised threateningly.
Years in, he was mildly normal around her—not drooling, tenting like first sight.
Still, dog mouth no ivory—always cheap verbal gropes.
Over dinner, he yammered; I half-responded. Xiuyan ate daintily, listening gracefully.
"Hey, Wang Xianzhu, what was that? She mentioned pulling funds..." I casually probed.
"Ugh, don't ask. He Zixuan—Grandpa's ten-year betrothal. Families set engagement at 20. She's just hit it, so family's pushing time together. I've tried everything short of begging—gifts, surprises, romance. Nada." He moped, near tears.
Then: "Oh, to pair us, her fam invested 55% in my startup—for 'proximity.' She's boss now. The company I pulled you into. She thinks my friends scum. She's back today after week away—watch out tomorrow. Might target you..."
"...Damn, collateral? You dragged me!" I felt duped. "Pre-Shanghai call, no mention you ain't boss. Bamboozled?"
She and Xiuyan both 20. I'd won mine; he chased. Sweet thought.
He explained: "Bro, solo-planned first. Then changes—old man forced her majority stake. No choice. Families pushing, him doubting me—daily supervision."
Bombshell: "Her attitude? Company might fold soon. Can't win her, half-year tops. She's majority and channels."
Shocked, appetite gone. I slammed utensils: "No channels? What've you been doing? No wonder old man's doubts. Said your company or I wouldn't come. Mortgaged house, crossed provinces—you bail, what of me?" Startup, no revenue yet—costs deducted on exit. Here to earn, not lose shirt.
Chump change to them, fortune to me.
Our love nest near Xinghai Music Academy—rented, small, cozy.
Xiuyan quit lease, studies, followed to strange city—not to burden. Mom mortgaged house for 500k stake—"entrepreneurship chance," not wage-slave.
Partner sounded better.
Fail? How much of 500k left? Negative net worth.
All-in, not this end. Face wife, mom how?
He soothed: "Bro, chill. Chasing hard—might turn soon." Fork-stabbed food, brooding: "Gotta think... Can't force—her grandpa's provincial deputy secretary, standing committee. Dad state trust exec. Ironclad."
I snarked: "With your looks, her standards? Tough."
Quiet Xiuyan suddenly: "Her grandpa's name?"
"He Guoliang. Sis-in-law into politics?" He joked.
"Just curious." She ate on, distracted—dessert shout took calls to snap back.
We brainstormed He Zixuan; I advised. My future hinged on her view of him.
Meals passed in his mutterings, my worries, Xiuyan's distraction...
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Dusk fell, lights twinkled. We walked to Wang Xianzhu's apartment for digestion.
Breeze soft, moon misty. Back through Green Park, flowers same...
He schemed nonstop for He Zixuan, exhausted.
"Bro Wei, big bucks for out-of-town escort act?" Post-my rejections, he faltered.
I shook head: "Her dad's trust high-up, grandpa province brass—networks check anyone easy." His romance now my lifeline—serious.
Irked: "Plus, escorts scream low-class. One slip, disaster."
"Ugh, nothing works..." He scratched head.
I blamed: "Stupid bet—why agree? How 'real' enough for her?"
"Head hot, didn't think." Sheepish.
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No ideas, silence. We trudged.
To scenic bridge. Night water rushed below, moon shattered on surface—beautiful chaos.
Water's broken moon prettier than sky's whole—heartbreaking, tender, awe-inspiring.
Poetic mood stirred...
Why poets praise moon's flaw-melancholy over joy?
Li Yu's: "Spring blooms, autumn moon—when ends? Past, how much? Last night east wind, little tower. Old land unbearable under moon. Jade rails, carved balustrades still there? Just rouge faded. How much sorrow? Like spring river east."
Ouyang Xiu's: "Last Lantern Fest, markets bright as day. Moon crowns willows, tryst dusk. This Lantern Fest, moon lamps same. No last year's man, tears wet spring sleeves."
Su Shi's: "Night dream home sudden, little window, combing. Gaze wordless, tears thousand rows. Year year gut-wrench, moon night, short pine hill."
Mirror flower water moon life's truth?
Cup water moon—shatters...
Diamond Sutra: "All forms illusory. All conditioned phenomena like dream, bubble, shadow."
...Love too?
No! Xiuyan's love real, tangible, felt. Eternal.
What am I doing, overthinking...
Bridge peak, Wang Xianzhu halted: "Bro Wei..."
We turned puzzled.
Thick-skinned: "Bro... lend sis-in-law...?"
Brain hammered, I roared: "Know what you're saying?!"
Xiuyan shocked, stepped back, brows furrowed in disgust.
He cowered: "Bro, desperate. All plans flop. Even pro actress, matching He Zixuan's looks/temper? Rare locally, provincially. Outsider risky—loose lips sink us. Sis-in-law knows us, loyal. Her beauty crushes He Zixuan dimensionally!"
"Impossible. She saw Xiuyan today."
"Thinks you passersby dining."
"Married—check exposes!"
"Cross-province marriage records no-go!" Quick.
"Send to Guangzhou?"
Instant: "Secret wedding—few guests; no public dating, school clueless; lease quit; Mom—one call. Su Auntsie feud, but I handle." Knew us inside-out.
"No means no. Dream on." Firm reject.
"Bro, please~ once!" He knelt, hugging leg, snot-tears wailing: "Bro! Save me! Sis-in-law! Without you, ruined—company, wife gone, bachelor life! Dad kicks me, Grandpa seizes cash—street bum! Poor me~ waa~"
Xiuyan hid behind, grossed out.
Flustered: "Public! Shame on you! Up!" Exaggerated: "Not that bad—breakup max."
Crying: "Don't know—catch He Zixuan, Dad/Grandpa's order. Protocol with Hes—wed by her 20, latest year-end."
Phone out, chats from two years: stern commands—win her or else.
Audio: aged authority: "...Wang Xianzhu, warning—if no wedding by year-end, out Wangs, penniless. No inheritance. Dad makes replacement for useless you!"
"Grandpa's yesterday... ultimatum." Sheepish.
Such family—pity his wealth sans warmth.
"Sigh... He Zixuan too high-level!" Headache.
"Bro~ sis-in-law~" Puppy eyes alternating. "Only you. Seen girls, only sis-in-law crushes her all ways. Help, anything."
Stern: "He Zixuan ruthless to debunk. Us agreeing, her buying—means...?"
"Before, no. But cornered..."
Glanced Xiuyan—side-facing distance, indifferent, silent.
Why let discuss her honor? No stop, no stance?
No stance is stance.
Insight hit; to him: "Normal man rejects. Agree, what of me? Her feelings? Respect her?"
Her body twitched, still mute.
Meek: "No disrespect. Sis-in-law moon-high, worship only. Desperate—family you are."
Saw her unhappy; urged: "Go home. I'll talk Xiuyan..."
She pondered, head low, quiet.
He near-kneel again; I kicked: "Ignore, I'm out!"
Jumped up, wiped face: "All yours! Bro help! Sis-in-law save! Your word God's—fire or blade, no balk."
"Scram!" Irked.
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Wang Xianzhu three-steps-back faded; I chuckled helplessly. "That guy... Xiuyan..."
Turned—her starry eyes rippled, mirroring sky moon.
Silky breeze, cool night, skirt dancing shadows.
Awkward: "Honey, ignore him..."
"Your thoughts?" Calm, ambiguous.
"..." Speechless.
"When you said 'talk with me,' you had answer."
"Just discuss..." Mumbled.
"Your true thoughts—I said no lies..." Cool tone.
"Want you happy." Eyes sincere.
She smiled pleased: "That's true."
Moonlit Artemis, hands on cheeks, coaxing: "Real heart—how want me?"
Moon amplified desire, her softness emboldened: "Beauty from angles. You're so beautiful, dreamlike. Closer, less real. Want another view... your beauty."
Eye-roll, mock-pout: "Excuses... Fancy words for pervy lust masked love." Sigh. "Sigh... such pervy hubby. Can't have normal love?"
Shamed, bold: "Love no rules. Loveliest—you far off."
"Sweet talker... Why him? Too beneath me." Doubt, grievance.
"Dunno. Doesn't unsettle."
"Know I won't fall for him? awaken.
Nodded: "Yeah. Confident—you won't ditch for him."
"Wang Xianzhu's novels warped you, but origin? My fault as wife? Not loving enough?" Powerless, leaned chest, heartbeat, aggrieved.
Hugged—curvaceous, perfect.
Stroked back, curves; chest her firm, bouncy breasts.
Shook: "No—too perfect, sacrifices. Love you! Never lose. Want eternal side... but..."
Confused, sorted: "Undeserving. Unreal. Without me, better match. Nightmares—you with other man, fading. Chase, scream—ignore. Wake terrified. Anxiety breeds odd thrill—fear loss, yet crave scene. Your response confirms. Contradictory—closer, fear more. Fantasize you loving him—feels realer, closer. But fear loss... Laughable—have you, yet seek proof..."
Stared, pondered, troubled: "Get it... somewhat."
"Sigh~ Insecure. Said—hardships, I stay. Yours forever!" Deep, lost sigh. "Too self-loathing—want me fall despite love. Won't cure sans indulge."
"Me unreal with you—real with other..." Smirk-sarcasm, fate-mock. "Heh... Joke! Fated together—waves, happy end!" Firm.
"Yes, forever!" Hugged tight, merge her in.
Eyes shut, clung, drawing love-courage.
"Love me?"
"Like breathing—instinct."
"How much?"
"Dreams all you."
"Body or soul?"
"Every form—soul devout. Soul colored world. Ordinary poor boy, undeserve... Past lives wished—heaven sent goddess save, fate you!" Passionate.
Happy smile: "Your goddess—redeem, your wish." Coy: "Love madness? Let's mad. Know The Nightingale and the Rose? For you, nightingale-rose."
Unknown tale—knew her love.
Moonlit embrace, kissed lips—soft, sweet honey.
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Long parted.
"For you, future—agree."
"You...?"
"You like... I like..."
Her moon shattered.
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