Chapter 1-Graduation

**March 30, 2008 – Singapore**

**Marina Sands Memory Center, 7 PM**

In the dressing room, Michelle and Joey were preparing for the event.

"Hey, there's always a guy picking you up after class in college. Is he your boyfriend? Honestly!" Joey asked with a serious tone.

"I prefer to keep his identity under wraps. Even though we've been together for seven years, I often feel constrained," Michelle responded.

"What's the issue? Is he a playboy? Does he have multiple girlfriends? Or is he so exceptional that you feel undeserving?" Joey queried, concern evident in his voice.

"He might show up at my graduation ceremony tonight. I explicitly told him not to come, but he insisted he would make time regardless of his busy schedule. It's quite a headache!" Michelle replied.

"Michelle Chen, you're fortunate to have a man who has loved you consistently for seven years! Look at me! I've been with Jie Xun for three years, yet his heart has never truly belonged to me! Let me guess, your boyfriend must be unattractive, short, and overweight to be so devoted!" Joey exclaimed in frustration.

"Enough talk; it's almost our turn to go on stage," Michelle interjected.

As they exited the dressing room and approached the meeting room, a voice called out from behind.

"Dear, congratulations! This bouquet is for you," Chengdong announced loudly, pulling Michelle into an embrace and kissing her cheek.

The crowd gasped in surprise.

"Oh! He… he's your boyfriend?! He's the renowned model and anchor, Song Chengdong! Mr. Song! Could I please have your autograph?" Joey exclaimed excitedly.

A swarm of girls rushed toward Chengdong, causing Michelle to feel a surge of anger. He pushed through the crowd.

"Sweetheart, I'll take you to the celebration party after the graduation ceremony," Chengdong said.

"Didn't you mention you had a late shift tonight?" Michelle questioned.

"It's fine, my show doesn't start until 10 PM. I can drop you off after work," Chengdong assured her.

"Dong, you don't need to take me to the celebration. I can go with my friends," Michelle replied curtly.

With that, she walked away in frustration.

"Don't worry, Brother Song. Just wait here," Joey said, as they made their way into the conference center.

"Oh! So your boyfriend is Song Chengdong! He's a very famous model in Asia and the anchor of 935 Radio! You're incredibly lucky!" Joey said, beaming.

"Then you can be his girlfriend. It's exhausting being with him," Michelle retorted angrily.

"Oh! So Michelle's boyfriend is him. He's quite handsome. But I've seen him using drugs frequently while working at the radio station last month. He looks pale and too thin. I don't get why so many girls are infatuated with him. They must see him as a prince charming, right, Michelle?" Jie Xun inquired.

"He's not only good-looking; he's also very thoughtful and caring. He's my first love," Michelle replied defensively.

"It seems some people still admire him. I understand that being with a celebrity can be challenging," Jie Xun said.

Once the graduation ceremony concluded, Michelle's parents and Chengdong waited outside the conference center.

"Chengdong, it's 9:30. Are you still planning to take them to the celebration? It'll be cutting it close," Yongkang remarked.

"Not an issue, uncle. Don't worry. I'll make sure she gets home after the ceremony," Chengdong assured him.

"We're very relieved that you are her boyfriend," Huiping added.

Just then, Michelle and her friends emerged.

"Let me introduce you. This is my boyfriend, Song Chengdong. These are my college friends," Michelle said.

"Hello," Chengdong greeted politely.

"No need for introductions. Song Chengdong! He's a household name in Singapore!" Jie Xun exclaimed.

Chengdong said nothing, maintaining his silence.

Joey nudged Jie Xun, "Shh! Enough with the chatter!"

They all climbed into Chengdong's BMW X1.

"Rich people are different," Jie Xun remarked.

Michelle shared the address with Chengdong.

"Oh, it's near Fengshan Temple," he noted.

"By the way, Mr. Song, do you remember me? I saw you in the elevator at the radio station that day. You seemed to be in pain and were using drugs. Are you alright?" Jie Xun asked.

Chengdong was taken aback, almost missing the traffic light.

"Chengdong! Watch out! It's a red light!" Michelle warned.

"Right… I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention," Chengdong replied.

The three of them exchanged worried glances.

Outside the bar where the celebration was held, at 10 PM, Chengdong said, "I'll pick you up after midnight."

"Mr. Song, thank you for dropping us off," Joey and Jie Xun responded gratefully.

"Not a problem," Chengdong replied.

Inside the bar, Jie Xun helped Joey and Michelle get their drinks.

"Is beer alright?" Jie Xun asked.

They nodded in agreement.

"Michelle, I've known you for four years, and honestly, I feel that Song Chengdong isn't as honest as he seems. There are two possibilities: either he's using drugs or he's hiding a serious illness from you," Jie Xun informed her.

"I feel something is off with Chengdong too, especially when he reacted so nervously to what you said. There's definitely more to the story. Plus, he looks so pale," Joey added.

Michelle stayed silent, contemplating their words.

"Let's change the topic. Michelle, how did your interview in Hong Kong go?" Jie Xun asked.

"Great news! I landed the screenwriter job at a prestigious publishing house!" Michelle exclaimed, her mood lifting.

They chatted for several hours. At 1 AM, Michelle received a text message. She opened it to read:

"Michelle, I arrived here half an hour ago. Are you all set? Let's go grab a bite. – Chengdong"

"Sorry, I need to head back. Let's keep in touch. Bye!" Michelle replied.

As she stepped outside the bar, she spotted Chengdong, looking pale and holding his back. Hiding in a corner, she watched as he took some pills and drank a lot of water. Tears welled up in her eyes. Wiping them away, she approached him.

"Chengdong, have you been waiting long? Have you eaten?" Michelle asked gently.

"No, let's eat now. I can tell you're hungry too," Chengdong replied.

"Have you been feeling unwell lately? I just saw you taking medication," Michelle pressed.

"I've been swamped with work lately, and my eating schedule has been irregular. I've had recurring stomach issues and low blood pressure, so I've been taking medication. I'm sorry for worrying you," Chengdong explained quietly.

"Let's go to McDonald's at West Coast Park for a midnight snack," Michelle suggested.

**West Coast Park – McDonald's, 1:40 AM**

Chengdong went to buy food and returned 20 minutes later.

"I got you your favorite fish fillet burger set," he said.

"Why did you only get an apple pie? Is it really okay for you to eat so little? It feels like you're hiding a lot from me," Michelle questioned.

"I'm fine. I'm just too exhausted to eat," Chengdong replied.

They lapsed into silence.

After finishing their meal, they took a stroll along the beach.

"Chengdong, how long have we been together?" Michelle inquired.

"About seven years. Why do you ask?" he responded.

"Then why have you kept so much from me?!" Michelle exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.

"What have you heard? Why would I hide anything from you?" Chengdong replied, anxiety creeping into his tone.

"I'm exhausted! Every time we go out, it's either early morning or late at night! I think we need to take a step back and reevaluate our relationship. I feel so insecure being with you!" Michelle said, her voice rising.

"You're tired?! What about me? I've traveled to Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea because of you! I never complained! Do you even know how much you mean to me?!" Chengdong cried.

Seeing Chengdong in tears made Michelle soften. She embraced him tightly.

"I'm sorry for raising my voice. Chengdong, can you consider stepping back from one of your careers? Even if it's not for me, think about your health. You've been unwell lately," Michelle urged.

Chengdong nodded in understanding.

"It's late. I'll drive you home," he said.

At 3 AM, they arrived outside Michelle's house. Chengdong parked the car.

"Chengdong! Please don't be so nice to me!" Michelle said, her frustration resurfacing.

"Then can you treat me better? You never acknowledge me as your boyfriend in front of your friends! Do you have any idea how uncomfortable that makes me? Yet I've never hidden the fact that you're my girlfriend! Why do you treat me this way?!" Chengdong retorted angrily.

The commotion disturbed Mi Qiang, Michelle's brother, and his wife, Jia Ling, prompting them to come downstairs.

"I really don't want you to continue modeling! You could go back to your father's company!" Michelle exclaimed.

Before Chengdong could respond, he slumped against the car, nearly fainting. Mi Qiang rushed over to support him.

"Little sister! Have you lost your mind?" Mi Qiang scolded.

"Husband! Help Chengdong to the guest room to rest," Jia Ling instructed.

"Brother, I'll help him upstairs. You two should go back to sleep," Michelle said, taking charge.

**-End of Chapter-**