Chapter 23 - Holiday
**On Chengdong's Birthday, 2 PM**
The birthday celebration had just concluded, leaving Chengdong feeling a sense of unease. As he passed by the study of the Song couple, he inadvertently overheard a conversation that he was not meant to hear.
**Inside the Study**
"Eventually, Chengdong will learn about his true background. The doctor called this morning with concerning news; his reports are not promising, indicating early leukemia. We need to reach out to his relatives in Hong Kong," Mr. Song stated.
"It's a difficult situation. It feels wrong to tell him now, especially since he has relied on us since childhood," Mrs. Song replied, her voice heavy with sorrow.
At that moment, Chengdong knocked and entered the room.
"Chengdong! What's the matter?" Mr. Song inquired.
"Are you... are you not my biological parents? Why have you lied to me?" Chengdong exclaimed, shock evident on his face.
"Son, we never wanted to hurt you. When your parents passed away, you were only five. We couldn't bring ourselves to tell you the truth," Mr. Song explained.
Upon hearing this revelation, Chengdong collapsed.
**July 28, 2008, Hong Kong**
**Top Floor of a Private Hospital in Mid-Levels, 5 PM**
"Just let me go. I can't endure this anymore. I'm so exhausted. If it weren't for Michelle, I doubt I would have made it to seventeen. She was my beacon of hope, allowing me to hold on until now. Without her, what reason do I have to continue? The treatments are nothing but torture," Chengdong sobbed.
He was on the verge of letting go...
"Song Chengdong! If you jump, you'll never see my sister again!" Mi Qiang shouted urgently.
Chengdong hesitated, pulling back.
"What did you say?" Chengdong asked, astonished.
"I'm sorry, I lied to you. My sister is completely amnesiac and disfigured. Jiale took her to Osaka for plastic surgery and a vacation. I also want to inform you that Michelle has lost her memory and now considers Jiale her husband," Mi Qiang replied.
"How could this happen? How could Jiale betray us like this?" Mrs. Song questioned angrily.
Chengdong was silent.
"Mi Qiang, please help me back to the ward," Chengdong said.
Mi Qiang assisted him into a wheelchair as Chengdong wept quietly.
**Osaka Beauty Hospital Clinic, 12:30 PM**
"Ms. Chen, congratulations! The surgery was successful, and your beauty has been restored," Dr. Sorimachi announced.
"Thank you," Michelle responded.
Afterward, Jiale and Michelle packed their lunch and returned to their apartment.
**In the Apartment, 1 PM**
"Oh, I'm finally home!" Michelle exclaimed.
"It seems you missed home," Jiale replied.
"Of course! It's such a beautiful apartment, and I have a handsome, caring husband. I'm truly happy," Michelle said cheerfully.
"Where do you want to go for dinner after lunch?" Jiale asked.
"Let's rest first. We'll go traveling tomorrow," Michelle suggested.
"Alright. I'll head to the nearby supermarket to buy dinner ingredients," Jiale said.
"I want to join you!" Michelle replied excitedly.
They then set off to the nearby supermarket.
**In the Supermarket, 3 PM**
"How about we grill steak tonight? You love it medium rare," Jiale proposed.
Suddenly, Michelle paused...
"Wait, that sounds familiar. I think I've heard that before," Michelle remarked.
"Do you remember something?" Jiale asked eagerly.
"I've had dreams featuring the voices of men recently, but I can't recall their faces," Michelle responded.
"Take your time; it's okay if you forget. We can start anew," Jiale reassured her.
Afterward, they returned to the apartment.
Jiale busied himself with dinner while Michelle browsed tourist attractions.
Post dinner, Michelle prepared for their trip. Jiale reviewed the travel list she had created.
"Shall we visit the hot springs in Arima?" Jiale asked.
"Yes! I've heard it's beautiful, and there are intriguing sights in Kobe as well," Michelle said enthusiastically.
"Let's book a hotel right now and leave tomorrow! We'll drive there!" Jiale exclaimed.
From that day on, they explored numerous places together.
**Three Days Later, Arima Hot Spring**
**Tanyukan Hotel - Reception Area, 1 PM**
"Mr. Gu, your reserved bath room will be ready at 2 PM," the receptionist informed.
"Thank you. We'll take a stroll first and return in the evening," Jiale replied.
"Certainly! We've arranged transportation for you to explore the city," the receptionist added.
"Thank you," Jiale acknowledged.
In the car, Michelle gazed around, finding everything strangely familiar.
"Why are you staring out the window so intently?" Jiale asked.
"Honey, have we visited here together before?" Michelle inquired.
"Yes, it was a few years back," Jiale answered.
"Don't say anything further; we've reached the city station. Let's disembark," Michelle said.
"Thankfully, she hasn't recalled everything," Jiale thought to himself.
Michelle took Jiale's arm as they wandered about.
"Let's find somewhere to eat before our foot bath," Jiale suggested.
Suddenly, Michelle remembered their past trip together with Jiale and Chengdong.
"I remember! We had teppanyaki nearby!" Michelle exclaimed joyfully.
"Lead the way then," Jiale replied.
Miraculously, Michelle guided Jiale up the familiar slope, leaving him in shock.
"If this continues, she'll regain her memory soon! No!" Jiale fretted.
"I also recall there's a renowned pizza shop just a short distance away," Michelle added, beaming.
Jiale was stunned that Michelle remembered everything so clearly.
They arrived at the teppanyaki restaurant.
**In the Teppanyaki Restaurant, 1:45 PM**
"I'm heading to the restroom first," Jiale said.
"Alright," Michelle replied.
**In the Restroom**
Jiale discreetly swapped Michelle's medication with ordinary vitamins.
"Michelle, I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I want to protect you from further pain," Jiale murmured to himself.
He returned to their table.
"I've placed our order," Michelle informed him.
"Let's take your medication first," Jiale suggested.
"Okay," Michelle agreed.
After lunch, they continued to explore and bought several local products.
Eventually, they returned to the city center to wait for the hotel shuttle.
**City Center, 5 PM**
**In the Shuttle Bus**
"Feeling tired?" Jiale asked.
"Just a slight headache. It's still early to head back. Why not enjoy a hot spring bath in our room before dinner?" Michelle proposed.
"Will you be comfortable?" Jiale asked hesitantly.
"Why not? I remember we took baths together before," Michelle replied shyly.
They both laughed.
**In the Tangxianguan Hotel - Fenglu's Room, 5:30 PM**
"This room is stunning! Yet, it feels strangely familiar. I believe we've stayed here before," Michelle remarked.
Jiale embraced Michelle...
"Indeed, it's familiar. We've visited more than once," Jiale confirmed.
"I'll check out our private hot spring," Michelle said.
"Let's soak together," Jiale suggested.
They changed into towels and relaxed in the hot spring, with Jiale kissing Michelle.
"Michelle, your skin is incredibly smooth," Jiale complimented.
"Stop it! Who says such things while bathing? You're a big pervert!" Michelle retorted playfully.
"I only say that to my wife. By the way, let's return to Hong Kong and have another wedding, shall we?" Jiale asked.
"Why? Aren't we already married?" Michelle questioned.
"Because you look slightly different now, I want to help you get a new wedding dress and marriage certificate," Jiale explained.
"Alright. I'll go along with that," Michelle agreed.
Back in Hong Kong, Michelle busied herself writing scripts and preparing for their wedding.
**August 1, 2008, Hong Kong**
**In Jiale's Office, Mid-Levels Private Hospital, 9 AM**
"Jiale, I heard you're getting married soon. Who's the lucky girl?" Scott inquired.
"You know her too," Jiale replied.
"I know her?! Could it be Michelle?!" Scott exclaimed in surprise.
Jiale nodded. Scott struck him hard, gripping his collar...
"How could you do this to Chengdong? He has only a year and a half left to live, and now his only love is taken from him!" Scott shouted angrily.
"Scott, Chengdong and I are good friends. I'm doing this so Michelle can completely forget him and find happiness, allowing Chengdong to leave peacefully. I admit I have feelings for Michelle—very strong feelings. It's not just because she is Xue; it's because she is Michelle. I intend to love her not just as Michelle, but for the rest of my life, even as the second man in her life," Jiale expressed sadly.
Scott took a moment to compose himself.
"I'm torn between feeling happy or sad for Chengdong. However, he has seemed content this month. His treatment is progressing well; his condition has stabilized with bi-weekly sessions. He has returned to work, although he now lives in a modest house at the foot of the mountain. He doesn't want to rely on his parents anymore. The old house is where his parents lived when they were alive. Now, he works as a clown at an orphanage, entertaining children. He wants to fulfill his wishes before he passes. He adores children, and given his health, this job suits him well; he only works three days a week," Scott shared.
**-The End-**