Mei was a lady of quality and allure, sexy and mature, with a fondness for white shirts and black pencil skirts. There were rumors that she used to be easy, like a public bus men could board at will, but I didn't believe them. I thought such a sensual woman wouldn't be so casual.
It was the height of summer, and Mei was wearing a miniskirt so short it couldn't possibly get any shorter, along with a pair of crystal-clear flip flops. Her long legs and pale feet were on display, stirring a heat within me.
"Lin, I have a friend who's being pressured to get married. But she's a DINK and tired of the pestering, she's looking to marry a man in name only."
She paused, laid down my résumé with a smile, and continued, "Her requirements are quite simple, too: respectable appearance, at least a bachelor's degree, no older than 25, and it must be his first marriage. After tying the knot, they won't interfere with each other's lives. Moreover, the woman will provide a car, a house, and a dowry of 500,000! She'll even pay the man a monthly allowance of 10,000 for living expenses, which is a lot better than waiting tables at my teahouse."
After Mei finished speaking, she studied my face, as if gauging whether I would be interested in this easy life.
My name is Lin Xingwen, a regular university grad from a second-tier college.
A friend recommended the job at the Mingqing Teahouse because it matched what I was looking for: standard appearance, male, and over 1.80 meters tall. The main tasks were promoting tea and chatting with customers. The salary was 8k plus commission.
I considered myself fairly handsome, as I had been a frequent subject of university crushes.
I suppressed the excitement in my heart and said to Mei, "Could you give me some time to think about it?"
Her proposition had startled me—such windfalls don't just fall from the sky.
Mei nodded, leaving me a phone number, "Once you've decided, give me a call, but I can only give you three days to think it over."
I nodded and then left the Mingqing Teahouse.
When I got back to my place, I tossed and turned in bed. All I had to do was to provide the role of a husband, and in return, I'd get everything I wanted—it was a no-lose situation! After all, dignity's worth little if you refuse the money that comes with it, isn't it?
Early the next morning, I called Mei's number. She was delighted to hear that I'd come around, and so we arranged to meet in her office.
I hurried over without delay. In the office, aside from Mei, there was also a twenty-something girl.
Dressed in professional attire, she looked like a corporate powerhouse, no less than a manager or director, her long legs fair and smooth, complemented by black heels, irresistibly attractive.
Mei introduced us, "This is the candidate I found suitable for you. His name is Lin Xingwen, and he meets all of your requirements."
The woman lifted her head from my résumé, her cool gaze sweeping over me, "Introduce yourself. My name is Zheng Yufei. You should already know my requirements, but I demand a quick marriage! Of course, I'll pay the dowry immediately."
I could sense the disdain in Zheng Yufei's eyes, but she was the one with the money. Money talks, after all, and even if she wanted me to wait on a mistress and wash her feet, I'd be willing. So I nodded without hesitation.
Zheng Yufei handed me a contract next, spelling out the prenuptial agreement: the man and woman would live together, but the man could not have intimate contact without the woman's consent; the man shall not interfere with the woman's activities; in public, they must act like a loving couple, with no interference behind the scenes... Breaking the contract would mean compensating the woman 5 million!
After reading through it, Zheng Yufei added, "Not too many requests. Our marriage will last only three years, after which we can divorce, and I'll give you a central city apartment as compensation."
I was very pleased with the conditions Zheng Yufei offered and immediately signed the document.
As a result, the two of us got our marriage license smoothly the next day.
Since I didn't have much luggage, and Zheng Yufei thought my belongings were junk anyway, I moved in empty-handed, ready to play the role of the little wife.
Zheng Yufei's home was a grand apartment in the city center at Century Garden, something I could never afford in my lifetime!
Upon entering, Zheng Yufei handed me a new pair of slippers, "Your room is on the right, complete with a bathroom. There's also new clothing in there, all for you."
I was surprised at Zheng Yufei's swift preparation, wondering if she was certain I'd agree to her terms. But then again, who could say no to such an offer? Without protest, I changed shoes and entered the room.
No sooner had I entered my room than I overheard Zheng Yufei in the living room on a phone call, snippets such as "I'm already married, what more do you want? It's none of your business whom I marry, isn't it enough that I'm married?" floated in intermittently.