If You Die, I’ll Stay a Widow for You

The next day was Sunday.

The weather forecast said it would rain, but for now it hadn’t started yet; the sky was only heavy and overcast.

Wen Xi got up at six in the morning.

She spent three whole hours trying on clothes in her walk-in closet.

Soft dresses in all kinds of colors were tossed all over the carpet.

By the time she reached the last one, only a brand-new dress remained — a pale pink, fine-check lace-trimmed slip maxi dress.

After slipping it on, she stood before the mirror and examined herself from left to right.

In the mirror, the girl revealed her bare shoulders and a slender neck.

Her skin was snow-white.

Her long black hair was tied into a half-up princess style and draped down her back.

Because it was a long dress, it didn’t reveal too much skin.

The hem covered her calves, exposing only a pair of delicate ankles.

Wen Xi sat on the stool and slipped on a pair of little white sneakers.

Then she stood up again and looked at the energetic, pink-toned girl in the mirror.

Only then was she satisfied.

At exactly ten o’clock, Wen Xi left her bedroom.

Aunt Wang, who had always taken care of her, was busy preparing breakfast.

Seeing her come downstairs and head straight for the door without eating, she hurriedly called out, “Miss, at least eat something before you go. I’ve already made everything.”

On the breakfast table were steaming Chinese dishes — shrimp dumplings, milk, and egg custard.

Wen Xi had something weighing on her mind. She waved her hand and dashed out like a gust of wind.

“Aunt Wang, you eat by yourself! I have something to do, I’m leaving first!”

Aunt Wang tried to stop her and even followed her out the villa gate. But Wen Xi was already nowhere to be seen.

…

The address Jiang Yin had sent her was a private club called Shanshui Hua.

Though labeled a club, it was actually a proper dining establishment in Ning City, not some decadent playground of excess and indulgence.

That said, the prices were steep.

An ordinary private room required a minimum spend of four figures.

The high-end rooms started at nearly ten thousand with no upper limit.

So most of the regulars were wealthy second-generation heirs.

Wen Xi had a membership here but rarely came.

She didn’t book a private room and instead sat on a sofa near the entrance of the lobby.

Worried that Jiang Jibai might hit it off with one of the other blind dates and settle things early, she and Jiang Yin had made a plan the night before.

Jiang Jibai’s blind date was scheduled to start at eleven. Out of courtesy, the man would usually arrive ten minutes early.

If he were being extra polite, at most twenty minutes early. Thirty minutes early was unlikely.

According to Jiang Yin’s brother, Jiang Jibai himself disliked blind dates and would never waste that much spare time here.

So their plan was for Wen Xi to arrive at Shanshui Hua at ten-thirty and intercept him at the entrance.

But plans never keep up with changes.

Wen Xi didn’t know that Zou Jiayun had added another blind date at the last minute.

Nor did she know that Jiang Jibai had already arrived at Shanshui Hua at ten-twenty.

The hands of her watch moved from ten-thirty to ten-fifty-two. Still, Jiang Jibai hadn’t appeared.

Wen Xi grew anxious. She stood up and walked to the reception desk. Looking at the receptionist, she spoke.

“Hello.”

The receptionist stopped typing on the keyboard and looked up with a sweet smile.

“Hello, Miss. How can I help you?”

“I’d like to ask whether Mr. Jiang Jibai has arrived?”

With so many blind dates scheduled here, the reception must have his private room number registered.

Before the receptionist could respond, someone beside her spoke. It was a gentle male voice.

“May I ask who you are, Miss?”

Wen Xi turned her head.

Less than two meters away stood a young man in a suit, one hand in his pocket, his hair slicked back.

He had an excellent aura. Tall and upright.

Even without seeing his face, his presence alone screamed elite professionalism.

He looked somewhat unapproachable.

But his naturally smiling peach blossom eyes softened that sharp edge.

To make sure she intercepted the right person today, Wen Xi had gotten a photo of Jiang Jibai from Jiang Yin the night before — a blurry high school graduation group photo.

Though unclear, she could tell that the man in front of her wasn’t Jiang Jibai.

“And you are?” she asked curiously.

“Bo Yu.”

He straightened and took a step closer, stopping at a polite one-meter social distance.

“I’m the owner of this establishment. So, you are?”

Wen Xi blinked.

If it were only the receptionist, perhaps a bit of sweet pleading would have worked.

But with the boss present, the receptionist wouldn’t dare reveal anything involving customer privacy.

Her mind spun rapidly. An idea surfaced.

Putting on an act, she said, “My name is Wen Xi. I’m the blind date he arranged to meet today. I forgot the private room number. Could you help me check?”

Bo Yu let out a soft laugh.

“I see. Mr. Jiang did indeed reserve a private room here, and he has already arrived. However, there is currently another lady inside.”

Wen Xi’s mouth drooped instantly.

‘It’s over.’

‘Why did Jiang Jibai arrive so early?’

‘How am I supposed to intercept him now?’

‘It’s not like I can barge into the private room and interrupt someone else’s blind date and throw myself at him. That’s embarrassing and rude!’

But if she just watched Jiang Jibai go on blind dates and he ended up choosing someone else, what would happen to her plan to meet her idol?

Her disappointment was so obvious that Bo Yu spoke again.

“As far as I know, Mr. Jiang has several blind dates scheduled today. May I ask which number you are?”

His reminder sparked a flash of inspiration.

Without batting an eye, Wen Xi lied, “Ahem… the second one.”

Jiang Yin had said Jiang Jibai had high standards and kept his distance from women.

How could he possibly fall for the very first blind date so easily?

She could pose as the second one. There was still a chance!

“Is that so?”

Bo Yu tapped lightly on the reception desk.

“Check the name of Mr. Jiang’s second blind date.”

Wen Xi’s eyes widened. What?!

They even had a record of the names and order of the ten blind dates?!

This place was that meticulous?

They even documented the identities of customers’ meeting partners?!

“Apologies. Since Mr. Jiang has many reservations today, for security and privacy reasons, we need to verify your identity,” Bo Yu explained, his peach blossom eyes slightly curved.

“….”

Wen Xi immediately regretted giving her name so quickly.

She debated internally whether it would be more embarrassing to wait until the receptionist discovered that the second lady wasn’t named “Wen Xi,” or to confess right now.

After only a few seconds, she slapped her small hand on the marble counter.

“Wait—”

With a scrunched-up face, she looked at Bo Yu and confessed, “Okay, I lied. I’m not Jiang Jibai’s blind date. Sorry for disturbing your work.”

After saying that, she turned to head back to the sofa by the entrance and resume her role as gatekeeper.

“Just a moment, Miss Wen,” Bo Yu called out from behind.

“What is it?” she turned back.

“Actually, I’m also in charge of Mr. Jiang’s blind date arrangements today. If you wish to have a blind date with Mr. Jiang, I can arrange one for you.”

Bo Yu stood there smiling at her in a rather peculiar way — like an old fox.

Wen Xi was shocked. “Really? That’s possible? It works like that?”

“Of course.” Bo Yu lied with complete seriousness.

“Mr. Jiang’s mother entrusted me with handling this matter. She is very eager for him to get married soon.

The more women he meets, the greater the hope. If his mother were here and saw how young and pretty you are, she would agree as well.”

Wen Xi believed him.

She turned around fully, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Bo Yu.

“Then please arrange it immediately! Thank you!”

Truly, just when the mountains seem to block the way, a new village appears beyond the willows and blossoms.

“Not a problem. Just a small favor,” Bo Yu said.

“May I make one request?” Wen Xi asked.

“Please.”

“Could you arrange me earlier in the schedule?”

She said shyly, “I won’t cut the line for free. If you can place me second, I’ll give you a generous reward. And I won’t treat the girl I cut in front of unfairly either. There’s a Chanel store next door. She can choose any bag she likes, and I’ll pay.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Bo Yu replied.

“There are already several ladies waiting in private rooms. Asking them to wait longer likely wouldn’t be acceptable.”

“I see.”

If she couldn’t cut in line, even if she joined Jiang Jibai’s blind date queue, she would have to wait until all ten before her were done.

Only then could she meet him.

So whether Bo Yu arranged it or she camped at the entrance, it made no difference.

Wen Xi sighed. She wilted like a frostbitten eggplant.

“Alright then.”

Bo Yu spoke again.

“However—”

Wen Xi looked at him.

“If any of the later ladies happen to be late, I can prioritize you.”

She blinked.

It was Sunday. Traffic was heavy.

If the fourth or fifth lady happened to be late, she could still meet Jiang Jibai early!

Though it was a matter of probability, it was better than being last.

“Thank you, Boss! May you get rich!” Wen Xi perked up again.

Bo Yu smiled. “I’ll take your blessing.”

“I’ll wait by the entrance then. You can call me anytime.” She pointed to the sofa.

Bo Yu extended a gentlemanly hand.

“It’s crowded and noisy here. I’ll arrange a private room for you. Follow me.”

“That works. Thank you.”

He was generous.

Not an ordinary room on the first or second floor, but a high-end room with a minimum spend of nearly ten thousand.

After thanking him politely, Wen Xi entered.

Bo Yu watched the door close. The smile in his eyes deepened.

He had sharp hearing and an excellent memory.

The moment he heard Wen Xi speak at the front desk, he recognized her as the girl from yesterday who had been eyeing Jiang Jibai at the hotel.

Yesterday, from his angle, he couldn’t see her clearly. He had assumed she was just an ordinary fangirl.

Turns out, she was a bit unexpected.

She was very beautiful.

Even Bo Yu, who had seen countless beauties, had to admit her beauty was striking and straightforward.

She just looked young. Very innocent.

And very easy to trick.

With that thought, Bo Yu walked downstairs while pulling out his phone to message his friend.

Bo Yu: [How’s the chat going?]

A few seconds later, the reply came: [Something wrong?]

Bo Yu: [I prepared a surprise for you. You can look forward to it.]

Soon after, another message: [Finally planning to shut your place down?]

Bo Yu: [If I shut it down, Aunt Zou will just find somewhere else for you to continue.]

This time, Jiang Jibai didn’t reply.

Bo Yu stopped messaging and headed to the front desk.

In the high-end private room at the far west end of the third floor, the fifth girl pressed her lips together and stomped out in high heels, clutching her handbag angrily.

Her perfume was heavy.

Even after she left, the cloying sweetness lingered in the room.

Jiang Jibai reached out and pushed the wooden window fully open. Fresh air rushed in.

Only then did he lean back in his chair and close his eyes to rest.

Yesterday’s words had angered Madam Zou.

Today, she had ruthlessly arranged ten blind dates for him.

Handling blind dates wasn’t difficult.

What exhausted him was the time and energy wasted on them.

A female server entered quietly and began clearing the teacups and cold pastries left by the previous lady.

As she worked, she couldn’t help stealing glances at Jiang Jibai.

She was very familiar with this young Mr. Jiang.

Over the past month, he had been here on blind dates — no fewer than a hundred women.

She couldn’t understand rich people’s standards.

Those women were all beautiful, in all styles — sexy, elegant, proud, radiant, gentle — every type imaginable.

Even the servers couldn’t help but admire them.

Yet Mr. Jiang showed no interest whatsoever.

In private gossip, she had heard that his parents wanted him to marry soon.

Not even for grandchildren.

Just for marriage itself.

A man this handsome and wealthy — would he really lack women wanting to marry him later?

Even at thirty or thirty-five, countless women would flock to him.

Rich people were strange.

No matter how much she thought, she dared not look too long.

After quickly replacing the tea set, she slipped out silently.

The room fell quiet again.

A few seconds later, the door opened once more.

Footsteps entered. Not a server. The sixth blind date had arrived.

On the table was a printed sheet from Madam Zou listing eleven women’s basic information.

The sixth was named Li Chengming.

Unwilling to waste even a second, Jiang Jibai didn’t open his eyes. Nor did he wait for her to approach. He spoke first, his tone cold.

“Miss Li, let me say this upfront.”

“I have a hidden illness.”

“If you mind, then we don’t need to waste time introducing ourselves. Goodbye.”

The trick didn’t need to be new — as long as it worked.

Saying he had a hidden illness easily rejected 99% of women.

He didn’t care if they spread rumors about him.

If the rumors spread far enough, eventually no one would accept Madam Zou’s blind date invitations, and he would finally have peace.

The approaching footsteps were light — like a cat sneaking food.

She didn’t speak.

Whether she was startled by his words or hadn’t heard clearly, he was about to repeat himself when a soft, sweet voice rang out beside him.

“I don’t mind that you have a hidden illness. And I can even marry you.”

A chair was pulled out with a faint scraping sound. She sat down across from him.

Today, she was the first girl who remained seated after hearing he was “incapable.” And the first to directly propose marriage.

He opened his eyes and looked at her.

She wore a pink fine-check slip dress. Her skin was very fair. Her face was young.

She sat with textbook-primary-school posture. Both hands placed neatly on the table.

Her small, palm-sized face faced him directly. Her bright black eyes stared at him without blinking.

There were photos of the blind date candidates on the document.

She was neither Li Chengming nor any woman Madam Zou had arranged.

He looked at her expressionlessly. The girl spoke again.

Her soft, syrupy voice was extremely serious.

“Really. You can believe me. Even if your hidden illness is severe — even if it’s so serious you won’t live past this year — I still won’t dislike you.”

“If we get married and you pass away soon after, I’ll remain a widow for the rest of my life, Jiang Jibai.”