Chapter 3 - Wedding proposal

Chengdong remained at the radio station until four o'clock before heading home to prepare for the evening.

**Caribbean Apartment (Chengdong's Residence) - 4:45 PM**

After a refreshing shower, Chengdong changed into a dapper outfit. From his drawer, he retrieved the diamond ring he had used to propose to Michelle three years earlier, reflecting on that memorable moment.

**February 14, 2005 - Kobe, Japan**

**Kobe Garden (Mountaintop) - 10:30 AM**

"It's absolutely stunning here!" Michelle exclaimed excitedly.

"I discovered it online," Chengdong replied.

"My Chengdong is truly remarkable!" Michelle responded enthusiastically.

At that moment, Chengdong unexpectedly knelt before her.

"Xiaoxue, will you make me the happiest man by becoming my wife, Song Chengdong? I promise to bring you happiness!" he asked, kneeling.

Onlookers gazed at them as a 5-carat diamond ring appeared before her. Michelle hesitated, closing the box and bending down...

"Chengdong, please get up. We're still young, and I haven't completed my studies yet. I want to fulfill my dreams first. But I promise, in a few years, we will settle down, and I will return to Korea to marry you," she said softly.

Chengdong rose, disappointment evident on his face.

"Don't be sad! In my heart, you are already my husband!" Michelle reassured him.

**March 31, 2008 - 6:30 PM**

"I hope tonight goes well! Come on, Song Chengdong!" he declared loudly.

Suddenly, he began to cough uncontrollably, causing discomfort in his back.

"God! Spare me from another disaster! I'm getting married soon!" Chengdong prayed.

He took some painkillers and prepared to leave.

By 7:15 PM, he arrived at Chen's residence.

**Outside Chen's Home**

The elderly couple was preparing for dinner when they spotted Chengdong.

"Are you here to pick up Michelle?" Yongkang inquired.

"Yes," Chengdong responded.

After waiting outside for fifteen minutes, Michelle appeared, dressed in a stunning low-cut dress.

"Darling, we can go now," she said.

"Wow! You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Xiaoxue," Chengdong complimented.

"Where are we dining tonight?" she asked.

"With you looking so lovely, we must go somewhere special," he replied.

**Keppel Club - TCC Restaurant - 8:30 PM**

"Mr. Song, we've arranged a private dining room for you. Please come in," the waiter announced.

"Thank you," Chengdong replied.

**In the Dining Room**

"This room has such an incredible view! It feels like we're dining at The Peak in Hong Kong!" Michelle marveled.

"Please serve the food. Thank you," Chengdong said.

As they enjoyed their meal, Michelle excused herself to visit the restroom.

"I'm heading to the restroom," she announced.

Once she left, Chengdong discreetly handed the diamond ring to the waiter.

"Thank you for your assistance," he said.

Five minutes later, Michelle returned.

"It's time for dessert," Chengdong informed her.

The waiter presented the dessert, revealing chocolate melted over a beautiful ring. Michelle gasped in surprise.

"Isn't this the engagement ring from that year?!" she exclaimed, astonished.

Chengdong knelt beside her...

"Xiaoxue, will you accept my proposal this time?" he asked earnestly.

Tears streamed down Michelle's face as she grasped his hand tightly.

"I do! I've always wanted to!" she cried, enveloping Chengdong in a heartfelt embrace.

"Wonderful! You've finally accepted my proposal!" Chengdong exclaimed joyfully.

After dinner, they strolled along the beach.

"Xiaoxue, will you spend the night at my place? You leave for Hong Kong the day after tomorrow, and it may be six months before we see each other again," he suggested.

"Why must we be apart for so long?" Michelle questioned.

"My parents need me at their company temporarily, and they want me to familiarize myself with everything. After that, our Song Chengdong and Michelle will be the Boss Song and his wife," he declared confidently.

"You're so full of yourself! We haven't even signed the marriage certificate yet, so we aren't Mr. and Mrs. Song!" Michelle playfully pinched his shoulder.

They ran around, but suddenly Chengdong collapsed in pain. Michelle rushed to help him up.

"Chengdong! Are you alright?! Let's go home; you must be exhausted. You didn't sleep well last night," she said, concerned.

"Okay," he agreed.

Chengdong drove back to his apartment.

**In the Elevator Corridor - 9:30 PM**

The security guard greeted Chengdong.

"Good evening, Mr. Song!" the guard said.

"Good evening! Today she became my fiancée! I proposed successfully!" Chengdong replied with excitement.

"Congratulations!" the guard responded warmly.

**In Chengdong's Apartment**

Chengdong embraced Michelle as she lay on the bed.

"I'm so happy tonight!" he exclaimed.

"I'm not crazy with you! I need to shower! You still have my pajamas in your closet, right?" Michelle replied.

"Yes, I'll get them for you," Chengdong said.

In the bathroom, as Michelle prepared to shower, she noticed a pill on the floor.

"Is this what Jiexun mentioned? Why is it so large? What kind of pill is this?" she wondered aloud, tucking it away.

Meanwhile, Chengdong experienced a resurgence of pain and fever. He took medication for both pain relief and fever reduction, sitting on the living room sofa.

Fifteen minutes later, Michelle entered the living room and found him peacefully asleep. She held his hand gently.

"Why is he so cold?! Chengdong, are you alright?! Don't scare me!" Michelle exclaimed.

Chengdong opened his eyes weakly.

"Don't worry! I just fell asleep because I was exhausted. I'm going to shower. Watch TV in the room while you wait for me," he said.

**In the Bedroom**

"Chengdong, don't lock the door. Call me if you need anything," Michelle instructed.

"Of course, my dear wife," he replied.

That night, Chengdong held Michelle tightly as they drifted off to sleep.

**Two Days Later**

**Changi Airport - Terminal 3 (Outside the Departure Hall) - 9 AM**

Chengdong, the Chen couple, and Mi Qiang gathered at the airport to bid farewell to Michelle.

"Take care, little sister! Remember to text me when you arrive in Hong Kong! You're about to become someone else's wife! Don't neglect your husband while focusing on work!" Mi Qiang cautioned.

"Don't worry, Mi Qiang. I have friends there to look after her. Michelle, be sure to call my good brother Gu Jiale when you arrive. He lives next door to my villa," Chengdong added.

"I promise to be careful. But I'm worried about you! Make sure to see a doctor when you return to Korea! If anything is wrong, tell me right away! Don't hide anything!" Michelle insisted, tears streaming down her cheeks.

They embraced tightly.

"Why are you crying like this? It's not like you won't see each other again! Hong Kong and South Korea are close enough for quick visits!" Yongkang chuckled.

"Exactly! This isn't a farewell for life and death!" Huiping chimed in.

"Mom! Please don't say such things now! You'll be attending our wedding in South Korea in a year!" Michelle exclaimed.

**On the Plane (Singapore Airlines Flight 380) - 10 AM**

Michelle sat in business class, writing in her diary.

**April 2 (Monday) - Rainy Day**

Is every parting accompanied by rain? My spirits are low right now; I dread being separated from Chengdong for so long. Yet, I also want to pursue my dreams. Am I being selfish?

Fortunately, I still have Chengdong's pills in my bag. At least while in Hong Kong, I can investigate their source. I constantly worry about Chengdong's health, even though he insists he's fine.

Dear God, Chengdong is such a wonderful fiancé! I cannot bear the thought of losing him. Please keep him safe and healthy.

*Michelle*

**-End-**