Chapter 16 - I Don’t Mind Being a Back-Up

Gu Nianbin was busy with his work all the morning. It was almost noon when Zhou Ting called to remind him that it’s time for the appointment with Xia Xiaowan. He put down his pen, took his coat from the hanger, and walked out while taking on the coat.

He was always punctual to time. Like last time, Xia Xiaowan was already waiting there and waved to him gently upon seeing him.

“Have you been waiting for a long time?” Gu Nianbin asked.

“No, just for a while.” Xia Xiaowan replied with a smile.

A waiter served the menu and they made order respectively. To his surprise, Xia Xiaowan ordered pork chop instead of steak which was more popular among girls.

Xia Xiaowan noticed his surprise and explained, “I preferred pork since childhood, especially streaky pork. Very delicious.”

“Don’t you think it’s greasy?”

“No,” Xia Xiaowan showed her hands and said, “I’m a heavy meat-eater. Fortunately, I never get fat for that.”

She behaved very naturally, as if taking him as an old friend.

Gu Nianbin smiled, “I know someone who prefers beef on the contrary, but is as slim as you.”

Xia Xiaowan was a smart girl. She didn’t say anything but got herself prepared for his story with her cheek on a hand.

Gu Nianbin didn’t want to waste time and intended to go straight to the point. Beholding her posture and expression, he couldn’t help but smile, “You are very smart. You know what I mean.”

Xia Xiaowan switched a hand, cocked her head and escaped his penetrating sight, “Yes, I know what you’re going to say.” She lowered her eyes and said slowly, “In fact, I have heard about you and your story with Miss Xia for a long time. I was deeply moved by your persistence. It must be sheer bliss to have a man so infatuated with you. That’s why I agreed on the blind date when I knew it was you. I believe it is a kind of fate to have the same name as Miss Xia.”

She took a sip of water from the cup and smiled, “Unfortunately, it seems you are not going to give me a chance, are you?”

“I don’t want to waste your time,” Gu Nianbin said. “I am not that picky to turn down a girl like you, so I asked for a second date. I think it’s better for you to refuse me.”

A bit of silence, then, “What if I don’t refuse?” Xia Xiaowan suddenly looked up and asked, neither too seriously or too teasingly.

“Are you kidding?”

“No, Mr. Gu,” Xia Xiaowan took on a serious expression, “I’m serious. Actually I know you have a five-year commitment with Miss Xia, and there isn’t much time left. To be honest, I don’t mind being a backup.”

“It’s not fair to you.” Gu Nianbin said of disapproval, “and it’s a waste time for you.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Xia Xiaowan said. “I’m 26. Even if I wait for a year for nothing, I am still not too old for a proper marriage. You need not worry about me.” She paused and said, “Now, would you please give me a chance? Let’s make friends first and get to know each other better. Maybe you will find some charm in me. If that Miss Xia doesn’t show up, you still have me, another Miss Xia. What do you say, Mr. Gu?”

Gu Nianbin smiled. This was out of his expectation and made him speechless for a while. But the sincerity in her eyes prevented him from refusing her, “Well, I think it’s fine to be friends with you.”