Chapter 2 - Recalling the past

**Chen's Residence - Michelle's Room, 4:30 AM**

"Chengdong, how are you holding up? Do you think you need to go to the hospital for a checkup?" Michelle asked with concern.

"No, that's not necessary. I'm accustomed to this," Chengdong replied, his voice barely audible.

"I'll get your clothes from the closet," Michelle offered.

Chengdong grasped Michelle's hand tightly. "Xiaoxue, please don't leave me!" he implored, drawing her closer.

"I'm right here; I'm just going to get your clothes," Michelle assured him.

"Xiaoxue! Have you forgotten the wonderful seven years we've shared? Can't you endure this tough time? I truly love you; please don't abandon me! My life without you is unimaginable! I would give up my career just to ensure you have a good future! I would sacrifice everything for you!" Chengdong struggled to articulate, tightening his embrace.

"Chengdong, don't worry. I spoke out of anger. How could I not want you in my life? But you really need to lighten your workload. Ah Dong, you're pushing yourself too hard," Michelle said, her face showing genuine concern.

"I won't be exhausted. We're planning to marry in a year or two, so I need to save more money. But don't worry; I'm quitting my job as an anchor. My parents want me back in Korea to help them. I'm truly worn out," Chengdong explained.

"You're taking a day off tomorrow, right? Then take a shower, and we can talk and relax together," Michelle suggested.

Chengdong nodded in agreement.

He took his clothes and stepped into the bathroom, feeling a sharp pain in his back and noticing blood trickling from his nose.

"What's happening to me? Is my illness acting up again?" Chengdong thought, shocked.

Sitting on the bathroom floor, he reminisced about the days spent with Michelle in Hong Kong. Overwhelmed by emotion, he began to cry. Hearing his sobs, Michelle knocked on the bathroom door.

"Chengdong, are you okay? Please don't scare me!" she called out anxiously.

When he didn't respond, she opened the door to find him in tears. She rushed to him and enveloped him in her arms.

"Chengdong! What's wrong? Why is your nose bleeding? I'll call an ambulance!" Michelle exclaimed, alarmed.

"No, it's fine. I'm okay," Chengdong reassured her.

"Just take a shower, and keep the door open. I'll stay right here. Call me if you need anything," Michelle instructed, her voice filled with care.

Chengdong nodded again.

Meanwhile, Michelle picked up a photo album from the room, filled with pictures from their past. One photo reminded her of her 21st birthday spent with Chengdong in Tokyo, Japan.

**February 12, 2004 - Michelle's Birthday, Tokyo - Disneyland, 9:00 AM**

"This is my first time at Disneyland! I'm so happy!" Michelle exclaimed.

"I've booked a hotel for us to stay tonight," Chengdong replied.

"Thank you, Chengdong!" Michelle said, hugging him.

"Why thank me? I'm your boyfriend; it's my responsibility," he responded with a smile.

**March 31, 2008 - 5:00 AM**

"Back then, Chengdong was just a recent graduate. I was so happy with him; he was entirely mine, Michelle Chen. But now, he's famous, and fans are everywhere he goes," Michelle reflected bitterly.

Chengdong, just emerging from the bathroom, overheard her murmurings.

"Xiaoxue, you care so much for me. I'm sorry for making you work so hard all these years!" Chengdong said as he embraced her.

"I'm fine. I just miss the carefree days when you were still in college," Michelle replied wistfully.

**11:00 AM**

Chengdong got dressed and penned a note before heading out.

*Michelle, I'm heading back to the radio station first. I'll be at your house by 8 PM to take you out for a nice dinner. I love you. - Chengdong*

As he descended the stairs, he found his family gathered.

"Good morning! What brings everyone here?" Chengdong asked.

"It's Saturday; we don't have to work today. You look great in that outfit. Heading back to the station now?" Yongkang questioned.

"I'm technically submitting my resignation. I planned to do it last week, but I didn't have the chance to tell Michelle. I'm leaving my job on May 1st to help my parents with their business in Korea," Chengdong explained.

"Are you planning to get married? You've been together for nearly eight years," Huiping asked.

"I proposed to Michelle a year ago, but she turned me down," Chengdong replied.

"That silly girl!" Mi Qiang reacted, frustrated.

Chengdong smiled as he stepped out.

He drove to the TV station.

**At the TV Station (93.5 Radio Station Office), 1:00 PM**

"Chengdong?! Aren't you supposed to be on vacation today? What are you doing here?" Bao Ge asked, surprised.

"I need to speak with the boss," Chengdong replied.

He entered the general manager's office.

"Chengdong, what's so urgent that you needed to see me?" Charles inquired.

"After careful consideration, I've decided to submit my resignation. I'm not feeling well, and my parents need my help as well. I'll leave on the first of next month," Chengdong stated.

"Since you've made your decision, I won't pressure you to stay. The audience will miss you dearly; you've been such a charming and handsome presence," the general manager acknowledged.

"Thank you for your guidance throughout my time here," Chengdong expressed.

Outside the glass window, Brother Bao noticed Chengdong handing the letter to the general manager.

"Brother Bao! What are you gossiping about?" Sufen asked.

"It seems there are two possibilities: either it's a wedding invitation or a resignation letter," Brother Bao speculated.

"There's no way! Chengdong is so popular; he can't resign now!" Sufen replied, astonished.

"Ah, you don't know! Rumor has it his relationship is on rocky ground. Plus, he hasn't been well lately, and he's been taking some time off," Bao Ge added.

At that moment, the general manager and Chengdong exited the office.

"I'm announcing that April 30th will be Chengdong's last day at the station. He needs to return to Korea to assist with his family's business," the general manager declared.

"Thank you all for your support over the years," Chengdong said, bowing in gratitude.

He felt tears welling up as he spoke. Bao Ge patted him on the back.

"Come on, don't cry! You're a grown man! Good work! Just don't overexert yourself, or you'll neglect your future wife!" Bao Ge exclaimed.

"Exactly! Don't forget about your wife who has waited for you for seven years!" Sufen chimed in.

"Thank you!" Chengdong said, his heart filled with joy.

The group shared hugs before Chengdong returned to his desk to write in his diary.

**March 31, 2008 (Saturday) - Sunny and Breezy**

Last night, I realized how much Michelle has been sacrificing for me while I've been consumed with work. I've decided to let go of my dream of being a host. I'll be returning to Korea, and there's no need for me to continue in this role. My priority is to support Xiaoxue in her dreams. I finally managed to put in a good word for her with Eric, and he was impressed with her work.

I hope Xiaoxue enjoys this opportunity.

I also plan to propose to her again, hoping she'll accept this time.

Additionally, I need to return to Hong Kong for a medical check-up; I've been feeling unwell lately. I hope it's nothing serious.

My ultimate desire is to marry Michelle, start a family, and have two children—that would be perfect.

**Chengdong**

*End of Chapter.*