Chapter 5 - Hospital

**5:30 PM at the Television Station**

"Let's call for an ambulance," Brother Bao suggested.

Chengdong was rushed to a nearby hospital.

**6:00 PM Outside the Emergency Room at National University Hospital**

"Do you have any family members for the patient?" the nurse inquired.

"His relatives are not in Singapore, and his fiancée is in Hong Kong. It's fine; I can handle the hospitalization paperwork," Brother Bao reassured her.

**A Few Hours Later**

**9:00 PM in Chengdong's Hospital Room**

Chengdong stirred awake, repeatedly calling out for Michelle. Brother Bao and Sufen approached him.

"Chengdong, are you alright? You fainted and kept saying Michelle's name. Did you forget to take your medicine?" Brother Bao asked with concern.

"Yes... you brought me to the hospital? Thank you," Chengdong replied weakly.

"Thank you! We are old friends! You need to take care of yourself; you and Michelle are getting married soon!" Brother Bao encouraged.

"I know. Thank you," Chengdong responded.

"Then we'll head back. We can rest easy knowing you're awake. We were really frightened seeing you collapse in the office and hearing the cup shatter," Sufen added.

Afterward, Bao and Sufen departed.

**Half an Hour Later, the Doctor Entered Chengdong's Room**

"Mr. Song, have you ever been diagnosed with leukemia or any common blood disorders?" the doctor asked.

"I had leukemia at 17. What's the matter, doctor?!" Chengdong inquired anxiously.

"I recommend a comprehensive check-up. Have you been feeling unwell lately? Please be honest with us so we can assist you properly," the doctor replied.

"I've been experiencing fever, back pain, vomiting, and nosebleeds, along with a poor appetite. I've lost 5 kg," Chengdong admitted.

"Be careful; excessive strain can lead to bleeding," the doctor warned.

"I understand everything! No need to repeat it!" Chengdong snapped.

That night, he struggled to fall asleep.

**The Following Morning at 9:00 AM**

Chengdong approached the doctor's office and knocked on the door.

"Come in!" the doctor called.

"Doctor, is this medication available here in Singapore?" Chengdong asked.

"What? Who prescribed this to you? This medication can harm your liver and other organs!" the doctor exclaimed.

"My doctor in Korea prescribed it. I'm nearing the end of my supply, which is why I fainted. He said it would alleviate my pain and reduce bleeding risks," Chengdong explained.

"Do you realize this medication controls certain cancers? It can also manage blood disorders. I heard from your colleagues that you and your fiancée are getting married. Why take such risks? Don't you plan to have children?" the doctor questioned.

"What do you mean?!" Chengdong replied, panic rising in his voice.

"Please get a physical examination as soon as possible," the doctor urged.

"I'll return to Hong Kong for a check-up next month, so don't worry!" Chengdong replied angrily.

Chengdong completed his discharge paperwork.

**Outside Discovery Bay Supermarket in Hong Kong at 10:00 AM**

Michelle drove her small electric car to the local supermarket, where she unexpectedly encountered Jiale's mother, Lifen, who was shopping. Lifen was taken aback upon seeing Michelle.

"She... how can she resemble Xue so much!? It's impossible! Xue died in a car accident five years ago! Oh my!" Lifen exclaimed in shock.

She dropped her groceries and fell to the ground.

Michelle quickly rushed to assist her.

"Auntie, are you alright? I just finished shopping. You can use my electric car for a ride home," Michelle offered.

"Thank you... I'm okay," Lifen replied.

Michelle helped her load her items into the car.

"Auntie, which villa do you live in?" Michelle inquired.

"I reside in villa number 18," Lifen responded.

Michelle drove back to the villa, helping Lifen carry her groceries inside. Upon entering the living room, she was startled by a wedding photo on the wall and dropped her items.

"Auntie, I'm so sorry for dropping your things. Who... who is the girl in the photo?!" Michelle asked, astonished.

"She was to be my future daughter-in-law. Tragically, she passed away in a car accident five years ago. My son has been burdened with guilt ever since and even gave up his medical career. Now, he lives aimlessly," Lifen replied sadly.

Suddenly, Michelle studied the man in the photo closely.

"How does he look so much like Gu Jiale from yesterday?" she wondered aloud.

"Yes, Gu Jiale is my son. He was a doctor, but now he's in the entertainment industry, which is why he appears different," Lifen explained.

"When he was pale, he resembled Chengdong a lot. And his ex-fiancée looks exactly like me. This is quite surprising," Michelle mused.

"I was also startled by your resemblance in the supermarket! I thought I saw a ghost! By the way, have you just moved in? I've never seen you before," Lifen said.

"I'm from Singapore. I lived in Hong Kong when I was a child. Actually, I'm your neighbor; I live in the villa next door," Michelle replied.

"It seems like fate! God has brought my son another woman who resembles his late fiancée," Lifen remarked.

"Auntie, you're mistaken. I'm already engaged. The villa next door was purchased by him," Michelle clarified.

"Oh, what a pity. It's strange, though. I heard someone bought the villa next door but have yet to see them. They haven't moved in yet," Lifen added.

"That's because Chengdong is very busy and travels often. But this is our love nest!" Michelle said happily.

At that moment, Jiale returned from his run and overheard their conversation.

"What are you doing in my house?!" Jiale demanded, glaring at Michelle.

He yanked Michelle's hand, pulling her outside.

**Outside Jiale's Villa**

"Let go! You're hurting me! Are you insane? I was merely helping your mother home, unaware she was your mother!" Michelle retorted angrily.

"Just stay out of my house! My mom might misunderstand! By the way, change your clothes; we have a meeting at Eric's office at 11:30," Jiale instructed.

Michelle stormed away in frustration.

**In Singapore**

**At 11:00 AM in the VivoCity Guardian Store**

Chengdong approached the pharmacy counter with his last two pills in hand.

"Excuse me, do you stock this medication?" Chengdong asked.

"Sir, this medication is prohibited from sale here. It can only be dispensed by a physician. Only the cancer department of a hospital can distribute it, and it requires a doctor's prescription for cancer patients," the pharmacist explained.

At that moment, Jie Xun and Joey, who were shopping nearby, noticed Chengdong arguing with the pharmacist and went to investigate.

"Hey, look, it's Song Chengdong. Why is he so angry? I rarely see him lose his temper," Jie Xun whispered.

"How can this be? I've bought it at clinics in Hong Kong and South Korea! It can't be unavailable in Singapore!" Chengdong shouted furiously.

A crowd began to gather, intrigued by the commotion.

"Isn't that the famous anchor Song Chengdong? Why is he so upset? He's usually so friendly," an employee remarked.

"I'm really sorry, but you might have to go back to Hong Kong or South Korea to purchase it. You should also see a doctor soon; there might be serious issues with your health," the pharmacist advised quietly.

Chengdong walked away, expressionless, heading toward the dock alone, with Joey and Jie Xun following him.

**Outside VivoCity – Dockside**

"Hey, should we call your best friend? Will he jump into the sea? What's going on?" Jie Xun asked, concerned.

"That's ridiculous! Even if he wanted to commit suicide, he wouldn't do it here. He's a well-known artist. Shouldn't we help him?" Joey replied.

"Let's wait a moment and see how it unfolds," Jie Xun suggested.

Chengdong sobbed while clutching the pills tightly.

"What should I do?! I'm out of pills, and my back pain is worsening. It'll be weeks before I can leave Singapore," he lamented to himself.

Joey and Jie Xun approached him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Mr. Song, are you alright?" Joey asked gently.

Chengdong dropped the pills in shock, quickly wiping away his tears as his hands trembled.

"What a coincidence," Chengdong stammered.

"What's wrong? Have you run out of pills? Is it a drug issue? Is that why the pharmacy wouldn't sell it to you?" Jie Xun queried.

"No. It's a highly restricted painkiller," Chengdong replied.

"Your condition sounds serious. You really should get a thorough check-up," Joey advised.

"I know what I need! Thank you!" Chengdong snapped in frustration.

**-End-**