Chapter 15 - Honeymoon

From that day forward, Chengdong embraced a more vibrant lifestyle.

June 30, 2008. 10:00 AM.

Jia Le discreetly followed Chengdong to Japan, having taken an earlier flight to observe him from a distance.

In the departure hall of Hong Kong Airport.

10:30 AM.

"Shall we grab a bite before the flight? It doesn't depart until noon," suggested Michelle.

"Sure, let's head to the food court," Chengdong replied.

Food Court.

"What would you like? I can get it for you," Chengdong offered.

"Oh! Husband, you're still treating me like a little sister! I'm your wife, and I can buy my own food. You sit tight; I'll get something for you too," Michelle insisted before leaving.

As she walked away, Chengdong reflected sorrowfully, "She has truly matured. If I were to pass away soon, at least I would do so peacefully."

Once Michelle was gone, he injected morphine, quickly disposing of the syringe and vial. Observers around him whispered in concern.

"Why is that man using drugs so early? Is he injecting something serious?" a bystander remarked.

Chengdong pulled a hat down to obscure his face.

"Look what I brought back! Your favorite roasted goose legs!" Michelle exclaimed, returning.

"Thank you," Chengdong replied, his voice lacking enthusiasm.

"Why do you seem so down? Are you feeling unwell?" Michelle inquired, worry etched on her face.

"Nothing's wrong," he responded with a forced smile.

"You're sweating even though we're in an air-conditioned space. That's odd," Michelle noted.

After their meal, they boarded the plane.

ANA Business Class. 12:30 PM.

"Mr. and Mrs. Song, may I offer you something to drink? We have red wine, orange juice, or apple juice," the flight attendant inquired.

"Two glasses of orange juice, please," Michelle ordered.

"Xiaoxue, I'm going to take a nap," said Chengdong as he leaned back, hoping for a respite from his pain.

An hour later, he awoke, wracked with agony. Michelle noticed him sweating in the adjacent seat and grasped his hand in alarm.

"Chengdong! What's wrong? Are you having a nightmare? Please wake up!" she urged.

"I'm alright. Just a bad dream. I need to use the restroom," he replied.

Taking his medicine bag with him, he headed to the restroom.

In the Restroom.

Chengdong nearly collapsed from the pain, hastily taking more painkillers. He recalled Jiale and Scott's earlier words.

Two Days Earlier. June 28, 2008.

North Lantau Hospital - Cancer Department. 6:00 PM.

Chengdong visited the hospital for a check-up where Jiale and Scott presented him with the x-ray results.

"Chengdong, there's nothing we can do in terms of treatment. We can only offer you painkillers and morphine injections, which are controlled substances since you'll experience significant pain during episodes," Jiale explained.

Chengdong forced a smile, suppressing his despair. "How often can I receive morphine injections?"

"Only twice a day at most, or you risk addiction," Jiale cautioned.

June 30, 2008. On the Plane.

Chengdong took painkillers, sipped water, and wept uncontrollably. The water induced a coughing fit, causing him to expel blood. He crumpled to the restroom floor, sobbing. After regaining his composure, he washed his face and returned to his seat.

"Sweetheart, are you okay? Why were you in the restroom for so long?" Michelle asked.

"I'm fine, just freshening up," he assured her.

"Mr. Song, what would you like to eat?" the flight attendant asked.

"I'll have a Coke and some ramen," Chengdong replied.

"Chengdong, aren't you eating enough?" Michelle questioned.

"The roasted goose leg is still sitting heavy in my stomach. I can't manage another bite," he explained.

Three hours later, they arrived at Osaka Airport and took a train to Kyoto.

On the Train. 4:30 PM.

"Honey, look! Isn't the train beautiful?" Michelle exclaimed.

"Let's take some pictures together," Chengdong suggested.

Ninety minutes later, they checked into their hotel.

In the Room at Kyoto Grand Hotel. 5:30 PM.

Chengdong unpacked his belongings.

"Let's head to the supermarket downstairs for sushi," Michelle proposed.

"Sure, I'll go to the restroom first," Chengdong replied.

In the Restroom.

Chengdong took more painkillers, but the pain overwhelmed him, causing him to fall and injure his arm. Michelle, hearing the noise, knocked frantically on the door.

"Husband! Are you alright? Did you fall?" she called anxiously.

In his haste, Chengdong had forgotten to lock the door, allowing Michelle to enter.

"Your arm is bleeding! How could you be so careless?" she exclaimed, alarmed.

"It's nothing. I just got a bit tired and stumbled," he replied dismissively.

"No, I'm taking you to the clinic," Michelle insisted.

Just as they were about to leave, Jiale knocked on their door. Michelle opened it, surprised to see him.

"Brother Jiale!? What are you doing in Kyoto?" she asked.

"I'm here for a hospital review meeting. I remembered you were on your honeymoon. Where's Chengdong?" Jiale replied.

"Perfect timing! He fell in the restroom and hurt his arm. There's a lot of blood," Michelle explained.

Jiale rushed in to find Chengdong resting on the bed and quickly jotted down some medication names for Michelle.

"Xiaoxue, please pick these up at the pharmacy downstairs and grab some dinner," Jiale instructed.

"Okay," Michelle nodded as she left the room.

"You foolish boy! Are you taking your medication? This is serious!" Jiale scolded Chengdong.

"I'm trying to limit my meds to spend more time with Michelle. They make me so drowsy. I feel completely useless!" Chengdong cried.

"Chengdong, you must take them! Otherwise, you'll suffer terribly! These medications are meant to alleviate your pain," Jiale replied somberly.

"Stop! I don't want to hear it! Scott has already told me everything! I… I only have six months left! Right now, I just want these two weeks with Michelle," Chengdong exclaimed, tears streaming down his face.

"Then when will you tell Michelle about your condition?" Jiale pressed.

"I know my limits; don't worry about me! Gu Jiale, you followed us to Japan on purpose, didn't you?!" Chengdong retorted angrily.

"Scott suggested it. We were concerned that if you fainted, Michelle would be stranded in a foreign country alone," Jiale explained.

"That makes sense. If I were to pass unexpectedly, she might fall apart. If we go together, it might be easier," Chengdong conceded.

Jiale grasped Chengdong's sleeve firmly.

"Song Chengdong! What did you just say? You want Michelle to share your fate? Are you out of your mind?" Jiale shouted, furious.

"She is my wife! Why shouldn't she?" Chengdong countered, agitated.

"Song Chengdong, listen to me. If you dare to involve Michelle in this, we will no longer be brothers! I'll make sure she is safe and never harmed!" Jiale declared passionately.

"Gu Jiale, you must want me dead immediately so you can be with Michelle! As long as I'm alive, I won't let you near her!" Chengdong shot back.

"Fine! Just remember what you said!" Jiale retorted loudly.

-End-