Chapter 13- The banquet

**Disneyland Hotel Room - 11:45 AM**

"You truly frightened me! I saw you clutching your stomach and sweating earlier, and I thought something was wrong," Michelle exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.

Chengdong wrapped his arms around Michelle tightly.

"Oh, my silly wife! Why the tears? I'm perfectly fine," he chuckled, his laughter echoing in the room.

"You're such a scoundrel," Michelle retorted playfully.

"Alright, take a moment to relax. We'll be welcoming guests soon," Chengdong suggested.

"The banquet starts at six, so you need to change into your evening gown and do your makeup by three," Michelle reminded him.

"Don't worry. I've ordered room service so you can rest. Lunch will be here shortly," Chengdong reassured her.

"I think I'll take a nap," Michelle decided.

"You go ahead and sleep; I'll catch up on some company paperwork," Chengdong replied.

"Darling, don't wear yourself out. Please stay with me while I sleep," Michelle requested.

"Okay, okay! I'll stay with you," Chengdong affirmed.

He gently kissed Michelle's forehead. Despite her exhaustion, Michelle struggled to fall asleep, while Chengdong wrestled with his own discomfort. Unable to rest, he got up and turned on his computer to review company documents and sent a text to Scott.

- "Doctor Scott, I need to discuss something with you at tonight's wedding banquet. Can you come a bit later?" Chengdong inquired.

Ten minutes later, Scott responded.

- "Sure, no problem."

Chengdong sank into his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling.

It was now 2:30 PM.

Michelle awoke to find Chengdong asleep in his chair, his computer still on.

"My husband is such a workaholic," she thought to herself.

She gently called out to him. "Honey, it's almost three. Time to get up."

"Oops, sorry, I must have dozed off," Chengdong mumbled as he stirred.

As he attempted to rise, he felt faint, and Michelle quickly caught him.

"Adong! What's wrong? Are you alright?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

"Michelle, please get ready with Joey for your evening attire. I'll join you by five," Chengdong instructed.

"Are you really okay?" Michelle questioned, still concerned.

"Honestly, I'm fine. I just need a little rest," he reassured her.

"Alright then, I'll head to the banquet hall first. Please take care," Michelle said as she left the room.

Chengdong called Jiale, who was busy preparing for the evening's festivities.

**Discovery Bay - Jiale Villa - 3 PM**

In his room, Chengdong spoke urgently. "Brother Jiale, I need you to come to the Disney Hotel right away. My room number is 808. And could you please call Dr. Scott? I need to clarify something."

"Sure, I'll be there shortly," Jiale replied before hanging up.

"Oh no! Did something happen to Chengdong?" Jiale thought anxiously as he hurried to the Disney Hotel.

**Disney Hotel - Room 808 - 4 PM**

Jiale and Scott knocked on the door, and Chengdong, despite his pain, managed to open it.

"Chengdong, are you alright?" Jiale asked, visibly anxious.

Inside the room, the atmosphere shifted as Chengdong and Jiale began to argue, prompting Scott to intervene.

"You two are supposed to be brothers! Why are you fighting?" Scott exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.

"Brother? A brother who didn't even inform me that his sibling was unwell!" Chengdong accused angrily.

"Enough! I told Jiale to keep it quiet! If you have something to discuss, come to me! Jiale only found out today!" Scott shot back.

"What's wrong with me? Tell me! I've recovered! Why did you let me learn of this on my wedding day? I promised Michelle I'd be by her side forever!" Chengdong knelt, his voice filled with desperation.

"Calm down! Your liver condition isn't critical. Enjoy your honeymoon first, and we can check on you when you return. If you experience any severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately," Jiale advised, gripping Chengdong's hand.

"Let go! You doctors are all deceitful! Get out of my room!" Chengdong shouted, pushing them away.

Scott and Jiale left, heading to the banquet early.

**Disney Ballroom - 5 PM**

"Since we have some time, let's visit the dressing room to see Michelle. I heard she'll be wearing a Disney princess gown tonight; she's bound to look enchanting," Scott suggested.

"Sounds good," Jiale agreed.

**In the Dressing Room - 5:10 PM**

Jiale and Scott knocked at the door.

"Who is it? The dinner doesn't start until 6:30!" Joey called out.

"Nothing serious, Joey. I'll open the door," Michelle replied.

"But can you manage in that long skirt?" Joey questioned.

"Of course, I can handle it," Michelle assured him.

As she opened the door, she accidentally tripped on her gown and fell into Jiale. They exchanged surprised glances.

"Are you alright? Is Michelle too charming, or is Gu Jiale just ridiculously handsome? You both seem electrified!" Joey joked.

Jia Ling and Hui Ping, eavesdropping nearby, couldn't help but peek at the scene.

"Oh! What a coincidence! The princess opened the door for her prince! How amusing!" Scott chimed in.

"Apologies! Did I interrupt your preparations?" Jiale asked politely.

"It's fine," Michelle responded.

"I'll head to the back to rest for a bit. You two can catch up," Joey said.

"I'll step out for a moment as well," Scott added.

Jiale and Michelle sat facing each other, exchanging smiles.

"Your evening gown is even more stunning than your wedding dress this morning. You truly embody the princess look. Xue wore the same dress before, but you wear it far better," Jiale complimented.

"Thank you for your kind words, Brother Jiale," Michelle replied, touched.

Jiale took Michelle's hand gently.

"Michelle, remember what I said. After marriage, if you ever face difficulties or feel down, reach out to me immediately. Don't keep it to yourself. Did Chengdong upset you earlier?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.

"Thank you for your concern, Brother Jiale. Chengdong treats me very well," Michelle reassured him.

"I know he does, but I just want you to know I'll always be here to support you," Jiale affirmed.

Michelle embraced Jiale warmly.

"Thank you, Brother Jiale," she said gratefully.

"I'll step outside for a bit. You can continue preparing," Jiale replied.

Meanwhile, Hui Ping, upset, confronted the situation. "What on earth is happening? This is so embarrassing!" she exclaimed.

Joey stepped out. Michelle, wiping her tears, responded, "Oh! You can't bear to part with your dark horse prince? Michelle, you're impressive! Even the star has fallen for you! If anything happens to Chengdong, you could be together!"

"Joey! Stop it! That would be awful if anyone overheard!" Michelle whispered urgently.

Hui Ping and Jia Ling emerged from their hiding spot.

"Mom... Mommy!? Sister-in-law! I thought you just stepped outside?!" Michelle asked, surprised.

"What a great time to step outside! If we hadn't been eavesdropping, we wouldn't have believed the rumors!" Hui Ping exclaimed angrily.

"Mommy! Please listen! I had a crush on Jiale while we were together, but it was purely admiration; there's nothing more between us," Michelle explained.

"Enough chatter! Let's get you dressed!" Joey urged.

At 6 PM, Jialing and Mi Qiang entered the dressing room with food.

Chengdong also arrived, bringing with him an air of charm.

"Oh! Prince Charming has arrived! Michelle made the right choice; you look dashing!" Joey exclaimed.

"Chengdong, you're here," Michelle greeted him warmly.

"Let's grab a bite first; we won't have time later with all the toasting and the program ahead," Chengdong said, leaning in to kiss Michelle.

"You should eat something too. Skipping meals before drinking isn't good for your stomach," Michelle advised.

Chengdong nodded in agreement.

**6:30 PM - Disney Ballroom - Reception Area**

Chengdong and Michelle were busy greeting guests.

When the clock struck seven, the dinner commenced, with Disney Cantonese melodies playing throughout the ballroom. As the lights dimmed and the spotlight focused on the center aisle, the emcee announced, "Let's welcome tonight's newlyweds: Song Chengdong and Chen Michelle!"

"Wow! The bride looks absolutely stunning!" the guests chimed in, showering compliments.

**- End -**