Chapter 20 - collapsed

**In the Lounge, 1 a.m.**

"Mom and Dad, my sister should be stable. However, Dr. Gu suggested deceiving Chengdong into believing she's dead. Jiale feels it's for the best; he doesn't want her to suffer any longer. I just saw her, and she's gravely injured. She's still in a critical state, with her face severely lacerated by glass shards. Jiale mentioned she could experience significant amnesia or possibly remain in a coma for an extended period," Mi Qiang stated.

"But if you mislead Chengdong into thinking Michelle is gone, it could devastate him," Mr. Chen replied.

"What about my sister? Isn't she the one who has suffered enough?" Mi Qiang retorted angrily.

Mr. and Mrs. Chen fell silent.

**Outside the Operating Room, 2 a.m.**

Mr. and Mrs. Song witnessed Scott and Jiale wheeling Michelle out.

"Jiale, is Michelle truly dead?!" Mrs. Song inquired tearfully.

"Yes! Mi Qiang and the Chens went to secure the death certificate, so they left first. Please return to Korea with your son. It's best if you don't come back to Hong Kong or Singapore," Jiale responded.

Mrs. Song then headed back to Chengdong's ward.

Jiale proceeded to the lounge to find Mr. and Mrs. Chen and Mi Qiang.

**In the Lounge, 3 a.m.**

"Jiale, how is my daughter?" Mr. Chen asked with concern.

"Her condition is currently stable. Uncle Chen, Aunt Chen, would you support me in taking Michelle to Japan for reconstructive surgery?" Jiale proposed.

"Is Xiaoxue's condition really that severe?" Mrs. Chen queried.

"If Chengdong weren't so critically ill, I'd be tempted to confront him directly!" Mi Qiang said angrily.

"Let Jiale take Xiaoxue to Japan for surgery. But will she look like a different person?" Mr. Chen questioned.

"That's highly probable. The injuries are extensive. I have one more request," Jiale added.

He then showed them a photo he and Michelle had taken a few months earlier.

"When did you take wedding photos with my daughter?!" Mrs. Chen exclaimed in surprise.

"It was merely for an advertisement. To be truthful, I have feelings for Michelle. If she truly has amnesia, I want to seize this chance to convince her that I am her husband, allowing her to start anew," Jiale explained.

"But isn't that unfair to you?" Mi Qiang asked.

"I can't bear to see her constantly reminded of Song Chengdong. I want her to be happy again," Jiale replied.

"Very well. We also wish for Michelle's happiness," Mr. Chen said.

"Rest assured, if she ever regains her memory, I will host another grand wedding to make it up to her," Jiale assured them.

"Thank you, Dr. Koo," Mrs. Chen expressed gratefully.

"Mi Qiang, if Michelle and I leave Hong Kong, please keep an eye on Chengdong. I worry he may become distraught. If necessary, inform him that Michelle has lost her memory and departed Hong Kong, giving him hope to carry on," Jiale instructed.

"When do you think my daughter will wake up?" Mr. Chen inquired.

"I'm uncertain at this stage, but I will facilitate Michelle's transfer to another hospital. Once she's awake, I'll arrange for her immediate travel to Japan," Jiale responded.

"Dr. Koo, we are immensely grateful for your assistance with our Xiaoxue," Mr. Chen said.

"Uncle and Aunt, just call me Jiale. I'll check on Michelle first. It's raining. Mi Qiang, I appreciate your help with Chengdong," Jiale replied.

**In Chengdong's Ward, 8 a.m.**

Mi Qiang opened the door, and Mr. and Mrs. Song saw him...

"Mi Qiang, how is your sister?" Mr. Song asked.

"We have made arrangements for her funeral," Mi Qiang answered.

"Can Chengdong see her one last time?" Mrs. Song requested.

Mi Qiang hesitated for a moment.

"I'll find out," he replied.

He walked to Jiale's office and knocked on the door.

"Come in," Jiale called.

**In Jiale's Office**

"Apologies for interrupting your rest," Mi Qiang said.

"No problem, I was just resting as well," Jiale replied.

"Can Chengdong see Mi Xue one last time? The Songs seem to struggle with believing she's truly gone," Mi Qiang asked.

"Of course, I will arrange that," Jiale assured him.

"Then you should get some rest. I'll step out now," Mi Qiang said.

As Mi Qiang was about to leave, a call bell rang from Chengdong's ward. Jiale and Mi Qiang hurried over.

**In Chengdong's Ward, 8:30 a.m.**

Chengdong had fallen to the ground, struggling to climb into his wheelchair while the Song couple was away for breakfast.

"I... I want to see Xiao Xue! I refuse to believe she's dead! This can't be happening!" Chengdong cried out.

"Chengdong, please calm down! My sister is gone!" Mi Qiang responded.

Chengdong crawled to Jiale's feet, pushing against him before bowing his head...

"Jiale, I beg you, let me see Michelle! I want to see my wife!" Chengdong begged, banging his head on the floor in desperation.

"Chengdong, please calm down. This isn't helping," Jiale said gently.

"I'm begging you!" Chengdong replied, tears streaming down his face.

Chengdong continued to bow until he was bleeding from his forehead and lost consciousness.

Half an hour later, the Song couple returned to the ward.

"What happened to our son?! Why is he bleeding?!" Mrs. Song exclaimed, panic rising in her voice.

"He insisted on seeing Michelle," Mi Qiang explained.

"Jiale, he's your friend. Please help him," Mrs. Song pleaded.

Jiale stood silent, unable to respond.

"Auntie, it's not that we don't want to show Chengdong Michelle, but my sister's injuries..." Mi Qiang stammered.

"The glass shards inflicted severe damage. I fear Chengdong might collapse if he sees her. I can barely handle it myself," Jiale admitted sadly.

"But he should be allowed to see her one last time. After all, he is Michelle's husband. It might help him find closure," Mrs. Song suggested.

"I will arrange for him to visit the morgue this afternoon. Uncle Song, Mi Qiang, please accompany me. I'll ask Scott to assist and provide Chengdong with a sedative if necessary," Jiale stated.

**At 4 p.m.**

Mr. Song pushed Chengdong towards the morgue to see Michelle.

**In the Morgue**

"Are you sure you want Chengdong to see Michelle? It's one thing for her to be unconscious, but can he handle seeing her like this?" Scott asked.

"If Chengdong doesn't get to see her one last time, his grief will only deepen. Mrs. Song mentioned he hasn't eaten in days," Jiale responded.

Mi Qiang accompanied Mr. Song and Chengdong into the autopsy room.

"Chengdong, please remain calm. We will uncover her for you," Mi Qiang urged.

Once Jiale opened the sheet, Mr. Song gasped in shock. Chengdong fell from his wheelchair, crawling toward Michelle to inspect the ring on her finger...

"Michelle... Michelle, my wife! I hurt you! Why did you push me out of the car? I don't deserve your sacrifice! I only have six months left! Why did you save me?!" Chengdong wept, grasping Michelle's hand.

Jiale, filled with rage, shoved Chengdong to the ground...

"Song Chengdong! Can't you see?! Open your eyes! Look at what you've done to your wife! If you wish to die, do so alone! Why bring her down with you?!" Jiale shouted, tears streaming down his face.

Chengdong cradled his head in despair.

He began to cough violently, blood spilling from his mouth. In that moment, he noticed a knife beside Michelle. Crawling over, he seized the knife and slashed his wrist. Mi Qiang and Scott rushed to restrain him.

"Enough! Stop this madness!" Mi Qiang shouted.

"You... you don't care about me. Michelle... Michelle, I'll follow you," Chengdong gasped before losing consciousness.

Scott immediately wheeled Chengdong into the operating room.

**-End-**