Chapter 10 - Successful operation

**North Lantau Hospital - Outside Chengdong's Room, 4:30 PM**

"She isn't Xue; she's Chengdong's fiancée, Michelle," Jiale explained.

Scott responded in disbelief, "It's astonishing how some people can look so alike! Not only do they share a striking resemblance, but they also have the same name! What a coincidence it is that she's engaged to both of you brothers!"

"Scott, let's focus. You mentioned that Michelle's bone marrow is a perfect match for Chengdong. If the transplant is successful, does he stand a good chance of survival?" Jiale inquired, a hint of hope in his voice.

"Given his current condition, it's difficult to determine," Scott replied thoughtfully. "I reviewed his medical reports yesterday, and while his situation isn't critical, I can only hope that the cancer hasn't metastasized. If it has, a bone marrow transplant may not be effective."

Concern washed over Jiale and Michelle at Scott's words. Observing their expressions, he added, "Don't be disheartened. Perhaps a miracle is on the horizon! Wishing Michelle and Chengdong a joyful wedding! Have you set a date?"

"Not yet, but Chengdong proposed to me in Singapore. Once the operation is successful, we plan to have our wedding at the church in Discovery Bay," Michelle replied.

Jiale gazed at her, surprised, and took her hand. "Let's step into the corridor for a moment," he suggested.

**In the Corridor, 4:15 PM**

"Gu Jia Le, what is the matter with you? Let go of my hand!" Michelle exclaimed, irritated.

"Michelle, are you truly going to marry Chengdong? You do know that even if the operation goes well, there's always a risk of relapse," Jiale said anxiously.

"I have made my decision. He has done so much for me; now it's my turn to support him," Michelle stated earnestly.

"If anything happens, Jiale will be right here by your side," he assured her, holding her hand firmly.

"Thank you, but from now on, we should keep some distance. I plan to continue publishing and writing storybooks. As for film projects, you should find someone else. I don't want Chengdong to misunderstand me again; I want to cherish every moment we have together," Michelle replied before departing.

After that day, their encounters became infrequent.

Two days later, Michelle was set to undergo a transplant operation for Chengdong.

**North Lantau Hospital - Outside the Operating Room, 9 AM**

"Jia Le, why are you wearing a doctor's gown today?" Mr. Song asked.

"I recently handed over my film company to Eric and re-applied for my medical license last month. It was approved just two days ago. I've decided to assist Chengdong alongside Scott, as I performed his surgery ten years ago," Jiale explained.

"Thank you ever so much, Jia Le. You truly are a remarkable brother to Chengdong," Mrs. Song expressed gratefully.

Jiale entered Michelle's ward.

"Why are you dressed like this?" Michelle asked, taken aback.

"I officially resumed my role as a doctor yesterday," Jiale replied.

"Thanks to Jia Le, the renowned cancer doctor, for performing the surgery," Scott added.

"But how did you manage to get your medical license so quickly?" Michelle inquired, astonished.

"That was a month ago. I didn't plan to return to medicine, but upon seeing Chengdong's condition in February, I decided to come back. I want to help him," Jiale explained.

"Brother Jiale, thank you," Michelle said.

"Enough talk; you need to prepare for the operating room," Jiale urged.

"Ms. Chen, with Dr. Gu Jia Le here, Chengdong's surgery will certainly be successful," Scott assured her.

Michelle and the unconscious Chengdong were wheeled into the operating room together.

**In the Operating Room, 9:30 AM**

Michelle and Chengdong's beds were positioned side by side.

"Doctor Gu, may I hold my fiancé's hand during the surgery?" Michelle asked.

Jiale nodded in agreement.

Both Michelle and Chengdong received anesthetic injections.

The operation lasted six hours before concluding.

**Outside the Operating Room, 4:30 PM**

Jiale and Scott emerged from the operating room.

"Jia Le, how are Chengdong and Michelle faring?" Mr. and Mrs. Song asked with anxiety.

"Congratulations! The surgery went exceptionally well! We will be moving them to the same ward for easier care. You should grab a bite to eat first," Jiale responded.

"Why don't we all eat together?" Mrs. Song suggested.

"That sounds good. Scott, please keep an eye on them while I have dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Song and update them on Chengdong's condition," Jiale replied.

"Absolutely, Jia Le. No problem at all," Scott affirmed.

"Uncle, Aunty, let's head to the cafeteria for dinner," Jiale suggested.

**In the Cafeteria, 5:30 PM**

"Uncle, Aunty, what would you like to eat? I can go get it," Jiale offered.

"Let your uncle handle it. You've worked hard in the operating room for six hours," Mr. Song insisted.

"Alright then," Jiale conceded.

"Jiale, I can't thank you enough for performing the surgery and being there for Chengdong," Mrs. Song expressed.

"Chengdong asked me for a favor back in February, which motivated me to retake the exam," Jiale explained.

**February 10, 2008 - Causeway Bay, Hong Kong**

**Causeway Bay Doctors Sports Club - Swimming Pool, 4 PM**

Chengdong struggled to swim a lap before experiencing back pain, prompting Jiale to help him rest.

"What's wrong? Did you overexert yourself having fun with Michelle?" Jiale teased.

"No, it's just that my back hurts again, and I've been having frequent fevers and nosebleeds lately," Chengdong replied, struggling to speak.

"What!? When did this start?" Jiale asked, concerned.

"It began at the end of January. I had to quit modeling because I collapsed during training in Taichung due to the pain," Chengdong explained.

"Chengdong, you really should get another physical examination," Jiale advised.

"Jiale, I have a request. If my illness relapses, can you be my attending physician? I can only trust you," Chengdong said earnestly.

"Don't say that! You and Michelle are about to marry! Don't speak such negative thoughts!" Jiale replied, frustrated.

"But I have a bad feeling," Chengdong said sadly.

"Don't worry. If that day comes, I will be there to perform your surgery again," Jiale promised.

**May 15, 2008 - North Lantau Hospital, Hong Kong**

**Canteen, 5 PM**

"Uncle Song, thank you for your understanding," Jiale said.

"Thank you for keeping us informed about our son. He has been quite withdrawn since childhood, largely due to us. Thankfully, it's not too late to make amends," Mr. Song said contentedly.

"Uncle Song, while Aunty Song is away, I should prepare you for some news. Although Chengdong's surgery was successful, I discovered some liver issues during the procedure. I will monitor his medication and see how he responds," Jiale shared.

"What?!" Mr. Song exclaimed in shock.

"This information is confidential between us—only Dr. Scott and you should know. Please don't inform others, especially Chengdong," Jiale instructed.

"Understood," Mr. Song replied.

**In the Ward, 6 PM**

Michelle awoke and, spotting Chengdong in another bed, pulled the IV out to get up. Mrs. Song quickly intervened.

"Xiaoxue, what are you doing? You just had surgery and shouldn't be getting out of bed!" Mrs. Song said anxiously.

"Auntie, I'm fine! I'm extremely worried about Chengdong! Please let me get up!" Michelle insisted.

"Oh, I truly can't keep up with you. Come on, I'll help you get out of bed, but take it slowly," Mrs. Song said.

Jiale was about to enter the ward and witnessed the whole scene.

Michelle sat by Chengdong's bed, gently caressing his face.

"Adong, I'm so sorry! You've endured so much pain. After we marry, I'll make sure to protect you fiercely. I will never let you go again," Michelle cried.

Tears fell onto Chengdong's face, rousing him from unconsciousness.

"Michelle... Michelle! Please don't go! Don't leave me again," Chengdong murmured weakly.

Michelle leaned in and kissed him.

**-End-**