Chapter 27 - The taste of divorce

**Location: A Private Hospital in Mid-Levels - 1:30 PM**

Mi Qiang hurried to the hospital immediately after finishing his lunch.

**Inside Scott's Office**

Mi Qiang knocked on the door, entering Scott's office.

"Mi Qiang! You actually came?!" Scott exclaimed, clearly taken aback.

"Which ward is Chengdong in? He's not in his usual room," Mi Qiang inquired.

"He's in the ICU. The situation isn't looking good. He's been resistant to waking up, and if this persists, his condition will only worsen," Scott replied, his expression somber.

"I need to be updated on his condition," Mi Qiang stated firmly.

Mi Qiang felt a wave of disbelief wash over him.

"This Chengdong has given up on life! What is he thinking?! I know how to help him wake up, but he's in so much pain. Do you have any means to alleviate his suffering?" Mi Qiang asked, frustration evident in his voice.

"I just need to wake him up to ease his pain," Scott replied.

"I hope so. I'm concerned about how Chengdong will cope once he awakens," Mi Qiang expressed.

"I'll do everything I can. Let's head to the ICU," Scott assured him.

**Entering the ICU**

**Time: 2:00 PM**

Mi Qiang, Scott, and Nurse Huang made their way into the ICU.

"Doctor Chen, do you have any methods to awaken Mr. Song? He's in a state of limbo and suffering greatly," Nurse Huang asked.

"If I were in his position, I would choose to sign a death certificate. Terminal patients endure immense pain, and his condition is dire," Mi Qiang responded.

"I wish it were that simple, but he won't do it for Michelle," Scott remarked.

"Step aside. I will attempt to hypnotize him," Mi Qiang declared.

Chengdong was drenched in sweat and tears. After thirty minutes of hypnosis, he remained unresponsive, mumbling incoherently in his sleep.

"It's intensely painful for him. His emotional state is unstable; he must be experiencing severe stomach pain," Mi Qiang noted.

"Mi Qiang, do you think it would help if you spoke to him?" Scott suggested.

"I can give that a try," Mi Qiang replied.

He grasped Chengdong's hand firmly.

"Chengdong, you need to calm down. We're here to assist you. If you don't wake up, it could be dangerous. Don't you want to see Michelle again? Don't give up!" Mi Qiang urged, his voice rising.

"Yes! Didn't you promise to wait for Michelle's return?" Scott added.

At that moment, Chengdong began to bleed from his body and mouth.

"This is bad! Chengdong is bleeding again. We need to move him to the emergency room immediately!" Scott shouted, panic evident in his voice.

---

**Date: November 5, 2009**

**Setting: Law Firm Reception Area - 10:00 AM**

Chengdong entered the law firm alone, spotting Jiale and Michelle engaged in cheerful conversation. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.

"Chengdong, you came alone?" Jiale asked.

Chengdong merely nodded in response.

"Xuefen, I'll wait for you here. You and Chengdong can go in," Jiale instructed.

"Mr. Song, Ms. Chen, please follow me to the conference room. Lawyer Wang will arrive shortly," the secretary informed them.

**In the Conference Room - 10:05 AM**

"Chengdong, how have you been lately?" Xuefen asked.

"Not... not too bad. I had a treatment yesterday morning, so I'm feeling a bit weak. Brother Jiale has been very kind to you! He took special leave to accompany you here. You'll be very happy with him. I... I have a request. Scott told me I have six months or less left. Can... can you consider getting married sooner? I'd like to attend your wedding. And... could I hold your hand and give you to Jiale? I swear I won't interfere!" Chengdong said, his voice filled with anxiety as he looked down.

"Let's consult the lawyer first," Xuefen replied.

Chengdong nodded weakly, his hands trembling as he gripped the pen tightly. Lawyer Wang entered the room.

"Mr. Song, Ms. Chen, good day. The documents have been prepared for you; you just need to sign here," Lawyer Wang stated.

Chengdong began coughing, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Mr. Song, are you alright? Should we reschedule signing for another day?" Lawyer Wang asked.

Lost in memories, Chengdong didn't notice Wang was speaking to him. Overwhelmed, he began to cry.

"Can I take it back?!" Chengdong asked through tears.

"Chengdong, are you okay? Why are you crying?!" Xuefen questioned, alarmed.

"I... I'm fine. I was just joking. I'll sign now," Chengdong replied, forcing a smile.

He glanced at the secretaries and Jiale outside the door.

**Outside the Meeting Room**

"Xiaowei, Mr. Song looks familiar. I think I've seen him before. It's such a pity that such a young and handsome man has terminal cancer and a divorce looming over him. I wonder what his future holds," Jiemin remarked sadly.

"That man deserves it! Didn't you read the newspaper a year ago? He tried to kill his wife! He was a well-known model in Hong Kong and a DJ in Singapore! His reputation is tarnished now! He made headlines two years ago when he cut ties with his adoptive parents and attempted suicide," Xiaowei replied loudly.

Chengdong, sitting close to the door, overheard everything and felt a wave of discomfort. Lawyer Wang, having heard the conversation, opened the door.

"Return to your seats! No chatting here!" Lawyer Wang ordered.

He returned to the meeting room.

"My apologies for the interruption. You may proceed with signing the divorce papers now," he said.

Chengdong watched as Xuefen quickly signed.

"Michelle signed so readily. Clearly, she doesn't remember me at all. She's deceiving me. But I truly don't want to sign. Once I do, I'll be alone. I won't even have my parents," Chengdong thought sadly.

"Mr. Song, is everything alright? Are you not in agreement?" Lawyer Wang inquired.

Chengdong glanced at them, feeling cornered, and reluctantly signed the documents. Lawyer Wang shook their hands and stepped out.

Jiale, listening outside, heard the exchange between Xuefen and Chengdong.

"Don't leave yet! I need to speak to you!" Chengdong pleaded, gripping Xuefen's hand tightly.

"What are you doing? That hurts!" Xuefen protested angrily.

"You've gone too far! You haven't regained your memory at all! Why lie to me!? Are you just feeling sorry for me? I don't want anyone's pity!" Chengdong cried, his emotions spiraling.

Jiale burst into the room, pulling Xuefen back to his side.

"Gu Jiale, this is all your fault! You led Michelle to believe this!? You're being unreasonable! I thought she genuinely remembered everything!" Chengdong cried out.

"Song Chengdong! I do recall some memories, but they're of you trying to kill me!" Xuefen retorted angrily.

"Enough arguing! People are watching from outside. Chengdong, come with us to Singapore. We're planning to hold the wedding there since Michelle's parents live there," Jiale suggested.

Chengdong nodded quietly.

"I will definitely go," he replied.

"Would you like to have lunch with us to discuss the wedding details?" Jiale proposed.

"No, I have to work at the orphanage later," Chengdong declined.

"Alright then. Just remember, I'll see you at the hospital on the 8th," Jiale said.

Chengdong nodded and started to walk away.

"Chengdong, are you sure you don't want to join us for lunch? We can go over the wedding plans," Xuefen asked.

"Leave me alone! The wedding is between the two of you! Please don't torture me any further," Chengdong responded through tears.

"Chengdong, that's not my intention. We want to include you in our plans," Jiale clarified.

Chengdong, still crying, walked away without a word. Lawyer Wang observed the scene.

"Let him be. After all, Miss Chen was once his wife. He's bound to feel uncomfortable after the divorce," Lawyer Wang remarked.

Chengdong walked away, tears streaming down his face. Soon, he found himself at his favorite tea restaurant.

**In the Tea Restaurant - 12:10 PM**

"Mr. Song, are you having porridge again today?" the waiter asked.

Chengdong remained silent for a moment, his eyes red. The waiter noticed his distress.

"Mr. Song, what's the matter? You don't look well today," the waiter said with concern.

"I just came from the law firm. Today... my wife and I are getting divorced," Chengdong replied, tears falling.

"I'm truly sorry to hear that. Perhaps you should stick to porridge if you're feeling unwell," the waiter suggested gently.

"I'm in a bad mood today. I want to eat what I like. I'll have a B meal, macaroni, fried chicken legs, and iced milk tea," Chengdong said, wiping his tears.

"Your stomach isn't well; can you really handle all that?" the waiter asked, concerned.

"Well, I have six months left, so why not enjoy something good?" Chengdong answered.

"Alright then," the waiter agreed reluctantly.

Chengdong sat there, crying and laughing while eating. Other diners stared at him in confusion.

"Xiao He, is Mr. Song okay? He's laughing and crying at the same time," the boss inquired.

"He divorced his wife this morning," the waiter explained.

"Oh, that makes sense," the boss replied.

Chengdong reminisced about the times he spent with Michelle in Hong Kong and Singapore. After finishing his meal, he walked to the orphanage alone.

**Outside the Orphanage - 1:00 PM**

Before entering the orphanage, Chengdong vomited all the food he had just eaten, collapsing beside a nearby ditch. Some children playing nearby noticed and quickly alerted the director.

Seeing the blood in the vomit, Chengdong cried out in anguish.

"Oh God! How much longer will I be tormented!? What have I done wrong!? I have less than six months left. Is it a sin to eat the things I love!? I've only had soup for over a year. I can't take this anymore," Chengdong sobbed on the ground.

"Sister, why is brother crying and vomiting blood? Should we call an ambulance?" a little boy asked in shock.

Hearing the child's words calmed Chengdong somewhat.

"Xiaoling, take the children inside. I'll assist Mr. Song," the dean instructed.

The dean helped Chengdong to his feet.

"Chengdong, are you alright? You frightened the children. Do you need to go back to the hospital?" the dean asked, concerned.

"Dean, can I stay here tonight? I'm feeling really low and don't want to be alone at home. I truly feel like an orphan now," Chengdong said, walking inside slowly.

**-End-**