Chapter 14 - Alcoholism

**In the Disney Ballroom**

At 9:00 PM, Chengdong and Michelle made their rounds, toasting at each banquet table. Chengdong was consuming drinks heavily, attempting to mask his sadness.

Afterward, they returned to their seats.

"Chengdong, what's wrong? You keep drinking excessively," Mr. Song inquired with concern.

"Tonight is the happiest occasion for me, Song Chengdong! Even if I drink myself to death, I will have no regrets!" Chengdong declared loudly, clearly intoxicated.

"Chengdong, what are you talking about?" Michelle asked quietly.

"I'm heading to the restroom," Chengdong replied.

Jia Le followed him.

**In the Men's Restroom, 9:15 PM**

Jia Le trailed behind Chengdong, who was hunched over the toilet, vomiting.

"Song Chengdong! Have you had enough? Do you want to die!?" Jia Le exclaimed angrily.

At that moment, Jie Xun was also in a nearby stall.

"Your life or death is none of your business! Just leave!" Chengdong shouted back.

"Do you realize you have cancer cells in your liver? You can't drink so much! Your liver could deteriorate rapidly, and no doctor could save you!" Jia Le responded, frustration evident in his voice.

"You... what are you saying!? Cancer cells? Didn't you tell me my liver was stable?" Chengdong asked in shock, grabbing Jia Le.

A scuffle ensued, prompting Jie Xun to step out of his stall.

"Enough fighting! It's a wedding banquet; why are you brawling? Dr. Gu, you're foolish! Why would you disclose this to the groom today?" Jie Xun admonished loudly.

"If I don't tell him, he won't grasp how serious his condition is while he continues to drink!" Jia Le retorted angrily.

"That's a valid point, but this isn't the right place to air it. Keep it down; we don't want others overhearing. And wipe your mouth—there's blood on your sleeve," Jie Xun advised.

As Chengdong prepared to return to his seat, he felt a wave of dizziness. Michelle noticed...

"Chengdong! Are you okay?" Michelle asked anxiously.

"I... I'm fine," Chengdong reassured her.

However, Michelle observed blood on his sleeves and bruises at the corners of his mouth.

"Chengdong, where did this blood come from? And those bruises—what happened to you in the restroom?!" she pressed with concern.

"It's nothing. I was just a bit drunk and fell in the restroom. It's not serious," Chengdong insisted.

The wedding banquet concluded at 10:30 PM.

Chengdong and Michelle were bidding farewell to the VIPs when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his right side, causing his complexion to turn pale and yellow. Jia Le and Scott, sensing something was wrong, decided to remain until the end. Despite the pain, Chengdong forced a smile and shook hands with the departing guests. Just as the Chen family was leaving, he began to cough violently, vomited blood, and collapsed.

"Chengdong! Chengdong?! What's happening?!" Michelle cried out.

Jia Le and Scott rushed over, with Scott immediately dialing for an ambulance.

"Jia Le! What's wrong with Chengdong!?" Michelle asked in a panic.

"Don't worry, Scott has called for help. We'll update you once we get to the hospital," Jia Le reassured her.

**North Lantau Hospital - Outside the Emergency Room, 10:50 PM**

"Didn't you say he was fully cured? Why is he suffering an attack on his wedding day? I'm so worried!" Mr. Song said, his voice filled with anger.

"His liver is deteriorating. He drank heavily tonight," Jia Le replied.

"Why is Chengdong's liver failing?" Michelle asked, her anxiety palpable.

"Perhaps he just recovered from surgery and immediately resumed work without taking proper care of himself," Scott suggested.

"Don't worry. Rest for a few days and then head to Japan for your honeymoon. It should be fine," Jia Le added.

At that moment, a nurse approached.

"Dr. Gu, Dr. Scott, Dr. Zhang needs you in the operating room," the nurse announced.

"Understood!" Scott and Jia Le replied as they headed inside.

**In the Operating Room, 11:00 PM**

"Doctor Zhang, what's wrong with Chengdong?" Jia Le inquired.

"We chose not to remove a small portion of his liver for examination because cancer cells have also spread to his lungs. It's likely his blood cancer has not been treated effectively; the situation has escalated alarmingly. It's truly unfortunate—he must be aware of the bruises on his body," Doctor Zhang explained.

"How could it progress so quickly? Can't he have more time to enjoy with Michelle?" Jia Le asked, sorrowful.

"Doctor Zhang, what medication can you provide him?" Scott pressed.

"Morphine pills or syringes," Doctor Zhang replied.

"Doctor Zhang! Please check again! Chengdong doesn't seem that severe! He's only 27; it can't be his time yet!" Jia Le implored, distressed.

"Mr. Song must have had declining health for some time. He's been enduring pain remarkably well," Doctor Zhang stated.

"Is there truly no alternative?" Scott asked.

"Two options: one, administer electrotherapy drugs along with various painkillers; two, undertake electrotherapy three times a week. However, it will be extremely taxing for him, and we fear his body may not withstand it," Doctor Zhang explained.

Scott and Jia Le fell silent, grappling with the grim reality.

"His cancer is at a terminal stage and is irreversible. It's best to help him fulfill his wishes. How tragic for his wife to receive such devastating news right after their wedding. They should still go on their honeymoon, but it's wise for someone to watch over him as he could faint at any moment," Doctor Zhang advised.

**In Chengdong's Ward, 11:45 PM**

Michelle remained by Chengdong's side while he was unconscious. Scott and Jia Le entered.

"Brother Jia Le! How is Chengdong doing?" Michelle asked anxiously.

"Don't worry. He's fine. He just fainted from low blood pressure due to exhaustion and alcohol poisoning," Jia Le replied.

"Is it really that simple? He looks so unwell," Michelle said.

"Everything will be fine. You'll be going on your honeymoon soon. Don't dwell on it," Scott reassured her.

Just then, Chengdong began to stir. Michelle rushed to his side.

"Dong? Are you awake?" she asked.

"I'm sorry; it's all my fault. I ruined such a precious night for you," Chengdong said, guilt-ridden.

"Silly! We can still go on our honeymoon! The most important thing is that you're okay," Michelle said, beaming.

"Michelle, please return to the hotel and check us out. Jia Le and I need to discuss something," Chengdong instructed.

"Okay. I'll be back shortly," Michelle replied.

As she left, Chengdong remarked, "I should be able to be discharged today."

"You'll be discharged tomorrow. The hospital is arranging your medication," Jia Le said.

At that moment, Dr. Zhang entered the room.

"Hello, Mr. Song. You were brought in tonight due to alcohol poisoning," Dr. Zhang stated.

"Don't deceive me! Alcohol poisoning doesn't cause vomiting blood! Be honest! I know my health has deteriorated rapidly over the past week!" Chengdong responded, agitated.

"Chengdong, please calm down. I will explain everything when you return from your honeymoon. Let's focus on fulfilling your wishes first," Scott suggested.

"Fulfill my wishes!? Do you think I'm naive!? Am I terminally ill?!" Chengdong demanded anxiously.

"Since he's aware, we might as well be honest. It won't stay hidden for long," Dr. Zhang said.

"I... am I really terminally ill?! Why now?! How long do I have left!?" Chengdong cried.

An eerie silence enveloped the room.

**-End-**