Chaper 6 - A Date

**In Hong Kong**

**Discovery Bay Pier - Yacht at 11:30 AM**

"Is this your personal yacht?" Michelle inquired.

"Indeed. My company is based at Central Pier, and having a private yacht is quite convenient," Jiale replied.

"That certainly seems like a life of luxury," Michelle remarked.

"May I ask how old you are? It appears you haven't officially entered the workforce yet," Jiale questioned.

"Who said that? I've been working as a deputy manager at Citibank for several years," Michelle retorted.

"Then what draws you to storytelling?" Jiale continued.

"I've had a passion for writing stories since childhood. My role as a deputy manager is merely to earn a living," Michelle explained.

As the yacht docked at Central Pier, they made their way to the parking lot. Jiale opened the door of his Ferrari for Michelle, drawing the attention of onlookers and nearby reporters.

"Damn those reporters! Michelle, hop in the car!" Jiale urged, anxiety creeping into his voice.

Without hesitation, Jiale drove off.

"Who is that woman with him?! I've never heard of Gu Jiale having a girlfriend," a reporter speculated.

**Connaught Center - Gu Ying Entertainment at 1 PM**

Jiale and Michelle entered the office.

In the chairman's office, Michelle asked, "Aren't we supposed to meet with Eric? Why are we in your office?"

Just then, Eric entered the room.

"Good afternoon, Jiale and Michelle. I forgot to mention at the airport yesterday that a film producer is interested in adapting your story into a movie. Jiale and I believe you would be perfect for the lead role," Eric announced.

"Me?! But I lack any filming experience! I would surely mess it up," Michelle exclaimed, taken aback.

"Everyone has to start somewhere. How will you know unless you try?" Jiale encouraged.

"Honestly, you have the looks and charm for the entertainment industry. To be frank, Jiale wasn't even in this field before, and look at how well he's doing now," Eric added.

"Alright, I'll give it a shot. But if I fail, please forgive me," Michelle conceded.

Eric and Jiale shared a laugh.

"Haha! It looks like you're going to be starring in an action film. Please excuse me in advance," Eric joked.

At that moment, Michelle's phone rang.

"Excuse me, I need to step outside to take this," Michelle said.

Jiale discreetly followed her to a corner.

"Hey, Joey, what's the matter? Do you need something?" Michelle asked.

"It's urgent! Today, Singapore's entertainment magazines reported that Song Chengdong was hospitalized yesterday. Jie Xun and I saw him at VivoCity, desperately searching for his medication. His temper has been terrible, and he even hinted at suicidal thoughts. You should call him as soon as possible," Joey replied.

"What!? Chengdong is in the hospital! Why didn't he tell me?!" Michelle exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.

Jiale overheard the entire conversation.

Michelle quickly dialed Chengdong's number.

**In Singapore**

**Chengdong's Apartment - 3:30 PM**

Chengdong lay on his bed, suffering from back pain and a bleeding nose.

He answered the phone, his voice faint. "Hello... Michelle."

"Chengdong! What's wrong with you!? Joey mentioned you're in the hospital! Why didn't you tell me? You sound terrible!" Michelle cried.

"Don't worry. Reporters love to exaggerate. I simply fainted from exhaustion at the radio station. I'm fine," Chengdong reassured her.

"If you need me, I'll come back to Singapore right away! I'm worried about you being alone with no one to care for you. You could resign early from the radio station and recuperate in Hong Kong with me," Michelle insisted, her voice trembling.

"Xiaoxue, please don't be upset. Your career has just begun; it wouldn't be wise to take leave now. I'll think about coming to Hong Kong soon and let you know," Chengdong replied.

"Promise me you'll follow through. I'll be waiting for your call," Michelle urged.

"Alright. Just keep calm. Don't cry, silly," Chengdong said.

As Michelle walked towards the restroom, Jiale grasped her hand.

Several colleagues noticed.

"Who is this Miss Chen? She seems very close to Jiale," a female colleague remarked.

"I'm not sure, but she appears to be from Singapore," a male colleague responded.

"Michelle, are you alright? If you need to postpone work, we can manage. Your boyfriend's health is more important," Jiale said, his concern evident.

"It's fine. He mentioned he might visit Hong Kong soon. Thank you for your concern," Michelle replied, sadness evident in her voice.

Seeing her distress, Jiale suddenly embraced her tightly.

"Ah, but we're at work! If you hug me here, it will stir up rumors. My boyfriend is a well-known artist; I need to be careful not to affect you," Michelle said, pulling away.

"You worry too much about these things," Jiale replied.

**In the Restroom**

Michelle wept quietly.

Ten minutes later, she returned to the office.

In the chairman's office, Jiale and Eric noticed Michelle's swollen eyes from crying.

"Michelle, are you okay? Did something happen at home? Why are your eyes so puffy?!" Eric asked, alarmed.

"My boyfriend is going through a tough time. I've spoken to him. Thank you for your concern," Michelle said softly.

"Oh no! Chengdong?! Is he alright?! He's our friend too. Let us know if you need anything. We're here to help," Eric offered, surprised.

Michelle took out a pill.

"By the way, could you help me identify what this pill is for?" she asked.

Jiale took the pill and assured her, "Don't worry. I'll ask a friend for you."

"Thank you," Michelle replied gratefully.

They continued to chat in the office until nearly ten o'clock at night.

"Wow! It's getting late!" Eric exclaimed.

"I got so absorbed in work that I lost track of time," Michelle admitted.

"Shall we grab a late-night snack together?" Jiale suggested.

"I can't. My son is waiting for me at home. You two carry on. By the way, it's late; the boat must be gone. What are your plans, Michelle?" Eric asked.

"Don't worry, Eric. I'll have her stay at my villa on the mountain tonight," Jiale said confidently.

"Great! Michelle, take the day off tomorrow, and let Jiale take you shopping for clothes. The press conference is the day after tomorrow," Eric instructed.

"Thank you, I appreciate it," Michelle replied.

Eric left the office first.

"Oh no, I didn't bring any change of clothes!" Michelle realized.

"Not an issue. I have some clothing from Xue's past at my villa. You're welcome to use them if you don't mind," Jiale offered.

"That would be great. Thank you for your hospitality tonight," Michelle said.

"I'll treat you to something nice to eat. Let's go," Jiale replied.

"But... isn't this inappropriate?" Michelle said, lowering her gaze.

Jiale took her hand.

"Come on, silly! What time is it? Even if reporters are around, we don't have to worry; I'm here," Jiale said with a grin.

Michelle smiled and nodded.

They got into the car, and Jiale drove them up to the mountain.

**Mountain Parking Lot - 10:30 PM**

"Is there anywhere to eat up here at this hour?" Michelle asked.

"Follow me!" Jiale replied, pulling her hand.

Suddenly, Michelle felt an unexplainable sensation.

She thought to herself: How peculiar; Jiale's hand feels completely different from Chengdong's. One is gentle, while the other is cold, yet both possess such warm hearts.

**Outside McDonald's Restaurant**

"Silly, are you daydreaming? What do you want to eat?" Jiale asked.

"I'd love a fish burger meal!" Michelle responded.

At that moment, Jiale seemed to see a reflection of Xue.

Michelle nudged Jiale.

"Jiale, are you alright?" she asked, concerned.

"I'm fine. You wait outside while I grab the food," Jiale assured her.

"Thank you," Michelle said.

After purchasing the food, Jiale led her to the rooftop to dine.

**The Peak Building - Top Floor - 11 PM**

"Wow! This place is stunning! So romantic!" Michelle exclaimed.

Jiale's car was filled with McDonald's meals.

"Let's eat," Jiale said.

"Wow, you celebrities really know how to pick dining spots," Michelle complimented.

"That's not true. This place used to be a favorite of mine and my late fiancée. Back then, I wasn't a celebrity and had no desire to be one; it all happened by chance," Jiale reflected.

"That's understandable; it's been five years," he added.

As Michelle sipped her drink, a few shooting stars streaked across the sky, prompting her to make a wish.

"What did you wish for?" Jiale asked.

"I hope Chengdong recovers his health!" Michelle replied, sadness in her voice.

**One Hour Later**

**No. 8 Hilltop Villa - Ancient House (Xue's Room) - 11:45 PM**

Jiale opened Xue's closet.

"Feel free to wear whatever you like," he said.

"Okay, I'll put on these pajamas. Thank you," Michelle replied.

"It's late; you should shower first," Jiale suggested.

**In the Bathroom**

Ten minutes later, Michelle had just finished her shower and was about to open the bathroom door when she suddenly fainted.

**-End-**