Chapter 28- Back to Singapore

**Selecting a Nursery Home - Dressing Room, 2:00 PM**

"Chengdong, you should take a break today," the dean suggested.

"No, I'm fine. Staying busy helps me not dwell on things," Chengdong replied.

"Alright then. I'll prepare the room and fresh linens for you. Uncle Lin will keep you company tonight," the dean assured him.

"Thank you, Dean. Will you be available after the performance? I'd like to talk about my biological parents," Chengdong inquired.

"Of course, I'm here for you," the dean responded.

After taking his medication and applying makeup, Chengdong donned a clown wig. Just as he was about to rise, he suddenly experienced a nosebleed, and his vision blurred. He sat down to collect himself.

"I've never felt like this before. Am I going blind?" Chengdong thought in shock.

Uncle Lin entered the room, concern etched on his face. "Mr. Song, are you alright?"

"I'm okay. A little rest will help," Chengdong reassured him.

Later, Chengdong performed and thoroughly enjoyed himself with the children, momentarily forgetting his physical discomfort.

**Choosing a Nursery Home - Dining Table, 6:30 PM**

"Mr. Song, I've brought you porridge and fried noodles. The director said you should stick to lighter meals," Xiao He informed him.

"Thank you," Chengdong replied, glancing at his phone. He received a text from Brother Bao.

"Chengdong, is everything okay? I haven't heard from you since your and Michelle's wedding a year ago," Brother Bao wrote.

Struggling to read the message, Chengdong felt his eyesight deteriorating and a throbbing headache setting in. Xiao He noticed him pinching his temple.

"Mr. Song, are you feeling unwell?" Xiao He asked.

"I just have a headache," Chengdong replied faintly.

As he gripped his head tightly, blood began to drip from his nose. He wiped it away, noticing the crimson stain on his hands. Covering his nose, he quietly ascended the stairs to his room, struggling with each step.

**Jiale Villa, 7:00 PM**

Jiale and Xuefen were having dinner.

"Jiale, do you think we were too harsh on Chengdong this morning at the law firm? After all, he was my husband," Xuefen expressed her concern.

"Was he too harsh when he wanted to harm you?" Jiale retorted angrily.

"But he truly regrets it," Xuefen insisted.

"I'm full. I have a night shift tonight, so don't wait for me," Jiale said before leaving.

After washing the dishes and tidying up, Xuefen took a shower, lost in thought about the morning's events, and unexpectedly fell, hitting her head. Flooded with memories, she recalled significant moments from their past.

**July 6, 2008, Hong Kong, 1:30 PM**

Inside a car, Michelle shouted angrily, "You want to die, right? Fine! Let's die together!"

"No! I had that thought, but I never intended to harm you!" Chengdong weakly protested.

**November 7, 2009, Hong Kong, 7:30 AM**

Xuefen woke up, realization dawning on her. "The car accident was my fault, not Chengdong's! I've wronged him! I need to see him immediately!" she told herself anxiously.

**Choosing a Nursery Home - Guest Room, 7:45 AM**

Chengdong woke up, blood dried on his nose. He washed up, brushed his teeth, and changed clothes. Just as he was about to head downstairs, dizziness struck, causing him to tumble down the stairs. The noise alerted those below, and they rushed to find him unconscious, bleeding from his nose and eye, and called for an ambulance.

**Mid-Levels Private Hospital - Jiale's Office, 7:50 AM**

Xuefen burst in. "Jiale! I remember everything! Chengdong didn't want to hurt me; it was our argument that led to the accident. We've all blamed him unfairly!"

"What!? You regained your memory?" Jiale exclaimed.

"I remember everything. But let's proceed with the wedding. I know you've sacrificed a lot for me," Xuefen said, embracing Jiale.

At that moment, a nurse rushed in. "Doctor Gu! It's urgent! Mr. Song fell from the second floor of the orphanage and is bleeding!"

Xuefen and Jiale hurried to the emergency room.

**Outside the Emergency Room, 8:15 AM**

"Stay here while I check on him," Jiale instructed.

Inside the emergency room, he asked, "Scott, Lao Jiang, how's Chengdong?"

"We've halted all injection treatments. He has multiple small tumors on the right side of his brain, causing complete loss of sight in that eye. He was likely suffering from headaches but didn't mention it due to fear of missing a trip to Singapore," Scott explained.

"As his friends, you should encourage him to accept his condition. He has only a month left if he continues to resist treatment," Doctor Jiang added.

"Scott, Lao Jiang, please keep this from him and Michelle. She just recovered her memory," Jiale requested.

"I will expedite the wedding in Singapore for next week," he announced.

"You both go out; Scott and I will assess his condition," Doctor Jiang instructed.

**In Chengdong's Ward, 10:00 AM**

"I managed to remove some small tumors, but he won't wake up soon. You can return tomorrow; I'll call once he regains consciousness," Doctor Jiang said.

"Xuefen, let's prepare for the wedding and come back tomorrow," Jiale suggested.

"Please take good care of Chengdong. He must be in pain," Xuefen said sadly.

They left for the parking lot.

**Hospital Parking Lot, 11:00 AM**

"You squeezed my hand too hard! Why are you upset? We're getting married! What's your issue with Chengdong?" Xuefen questioned angrily.

"Now that you remember, do you still want to marry me? I know you love Chengdong," Jiale responded sadly.

"I... I care for both of you, but I owe Chengdong so much," Xuefen cried.

Jiale embraced her. "We'll face this together. I hope Chengdong can hold on until our wedding, but I'm worried about his health. His tumor is serious, and Dr. Jiang said he could lose the use of his left hand altogether."

Xuefen, distraught, exclaimed, "If I had known, I would have let him go. I can't bear to see him suffer!"

"I'm most concerned about the flight. He's still got a tumor, and the pressure changes could hurt him. He may even bleed from the strain," Jiale replied.

They proceeded to a wedding dress shop.

**Wedding Dress Shop, 11:30 AM**

"Shall we grab lunch first?" Jiale suggested.

"No, let's pick a wedding dress first. I'm not hungry," Xuefen replied.

"Don't overthink it. Enjoy the moment," Jiale encouraged, kissing her cheek.

They took numerous photos.

"Mr. Gu, don't worry. We'll expedite the photo development; you should receive them within the week," the shop owner assured.

**Mid-Levels Private Hospital - Chengdong's Ward, 7:30 AM the Next Morning**

Chengdong awoke, and the nurse promptly informed Dr. Jiang and Dr. Scott.

Feeling thirsty, he attempted to reach for water with his left hand, but it didn't respond. Realizing this, he grabbed the quilt with his right hand, but his grip trembled, spilling the water.

Chengdong looked at them helplessly. "Is my left hand... gone?" he asked, fighting back tears.

Scott patted his shoulder. "Chengdong, listen carefully. You have multiple tumors in your brain. We've removed what we could. One tumor damaged the nerves in your left hand, and we must discontinue treatment. You have two options: move to a nursing home after the wedding or sign a consent form for end-of-life care," Doctor Jiang explained.

Chengdong clutched the quilt, sobbing.

"Please... don't tell Jiale and Michelle about my condition. I'll sign the consent form after Singapore," he gasped.

"Why not sign it now?" Doctor Jiang pressed.

"I need time to think," Chengdong replied, harboring thoughts of ending his life.

"Just so you know, we're flying to Singapore on Saturday. It will be very painful for you to endure the flight. Jiale has booked three business seats to accompany you," Scott informed him.

"I feel like a burden; there's no point in living," Chengdong whispered.

"What did you say?" Doctor Jiang asked.

Chengdong shook his head.

**Saturday Morning, 6:00 AM**

In the parking lot of Mid-Levels Private Hospital, Jiale helped Chengdong into the car.

"I can manage myself," Chengdong insisted.

Jiale secured the wheelchair in the back as Scott drove them to the airport.

Silently, Chengdong sat in his sweater and hat, Xuefen beside him.

"Chengdong, your lips are chapped and bleeding. Let me help you with lip balm," Xuefen offered.

"Use this one; it's better for his condition," Jiale advised.

"Thank you," Chengdong replied.

**At the Airport, 7:00 AM**

"Jiale, can I skip the wheelchair? I'm afraid of being recognized," Chengdong asked.

"No, you're too weak; you'll tire quickly," Jiale insisted.

Chengdong remained silent.

**On the Plane - Business Class, 8:30 AM**

Stewards assisted Chengdong to his seat, his hands trembling.

"Chengdong, try to relax. If you feel unwell during takeoff, let us know immediately," Jiale instructed.

Chengdong nodded silently, gripping the armrest in fear.

As the plane ascended, the pressure exacerbated his headache, leading him to feign sleep. Jiale noticed his discomfort.

"I'll give you morphine and some sleeping pills," Jiale offered.

Chengdong's right hand shook as he took the cup.

"Are you alright?!" Xuefen asked, worried.

"I'm... cold," Chengdong stammered.

Xuefen lifted him, and soon he fell asleep.

Two hours later, a sharp pain in his stomach jolted him awake.

"I need to use the restroom," he whispered.

"I'll help you stand," Jiale said.

"No... I can walk," Chengdong insisted.

Struggling, he made his way to the restroom, his strength waning.

"Miss, where's the toilet?" Chengdong asked, feeling disoriented.

"Right in front of you. Can't you see?" the stewardess snapped.

Once inside, he suffered intense stomach pain, resulting in vomiting blood. He stayed hidden for too long, causing Jiale to worry.

"What's taking him so long?" a passenger grumbled.

At that moment, another stewardess rushed over, unlocking the door. They found Chengdong collapsed, covered in blood.

"Chengdong! How long until we land in Singapore?" Jiale asked urgently.

"Fifteen minutes," the stewardess replied.

Upon landing, paramedics swiftly carried Chengdong to an ambulance.

**Inside the Cabin, 11:30 AM**

"Oh, isn't that the famous radio host Song Chengdong? What's wrong with him?" passengers whispered.

"Enough! Yes, he is Song Chengdong, a terminal cancer patient!" Jiale snapped in frustration.

A reporter, who was also a part-time DJ, secretly captured the moment and recorded their conversation.

**TV Station (93.5 Radio Station Office), 2:00 PM**

Johnny returned to the station, greeted by Brother Bao and Charles.

"Hey! I brought snacks from Hong Kong and Macau! Plus, I have a major scoop for tonight's magazine!" Johnny exclaimed.

"What's the scoop?" Brother Bao asked eagerly.

"I'll keep it under wraps for now. You'll find out tomorrow when it hits the papers. It's about someone you know!" Johnny teased before rushing off.

Brother Bao sensed trouble. "I think it's Chengdong! But he's been out of the industry for a while. The last news was about his wedding two years ago."

"We need to find Johnny now! If it's bad news, it could be disastrous!" Charles urged.

**Singapore General Hospital - Chengdong's Ward, 6:00 PM**

Chengdong had just regained consciousness, with Xuefen resting beside him. He gently stroked her hair, reminiscing about conversations with Jiale from October.

**Hong Kong, October 8, 2008, 9:00 PM**

One week after Jiale and Michelle returned from Hong Kong, Chengdong opened the door to Jiale.

"Why are there so many boxes?" Jiale asked.

"This villa is being handed over to new owners next month," Chengdong replied sadly.

"Chengdong, I have something to tell you—Michelle and I are together," Jiale confessed, guilt-ridden.

"I know. She doesn't remember me at all. You should marry her quickly while she doesn't remember; I won't be around much longer. I hope you can go to Singapore for the wedding since her family is there," Chengdong said quietly.

"Don't you resent me for taking advantage of the situation?" Jiale asked.

"I should be grateful. I'm heartbroken, but I realize no woman would want me in my current state," Chengdong said with a weak smile.

**November 8, 2008 - Singapore, General Hospital, 7:00 PM**

"Are you awake?" Jiale asked as he entered.

"Don't wake Michelle. Jiale, can I ask you for one last favor? I want to spend today and tomorrow with her, okay? You have three days until your wedding; she'll find you at the hotel the day after tomorrow," Chengdong requested.

"Chengdong, are you out of your mind? You can't be alone with her in your condition!" Jiale protested.

Chengdong fell to his knees. "Jiale, please, I beg you, this is my last wish," he said, tearing up.

Xuefen supported him, saying, "Let him have this."

"Fine, Xuefen can stay at Chengdong's place for the next two days," Jiale reluctantly agreed.

"I want to leave the hospital; I don't want to waste time," Chengdong stated.

"Xuefen, take Chengdong home. You can get a taxi back," Jiale instructed.

**Taxi Stand, 7:30 PM**

"Let's visit your family first before dinner," Chengdong suggested.

"Chengdong, are you serious?" Xuefen asked, surprised.

"I want to apologize and see them one last time. If I return to Hong Kong, I might not come back to this beautiful city again," Chengdong replied softly.

**Chen's Mansion - Living Room, 7:50 PM**

"Mom and Dad, Chengdong and I are back," Xuefen announced.

Mr. and Mrs. Chen, along with Mi Qiang and his wife, looked at them in astonishment.

"Why are you back together? Where's Jiale?" Mr. Chen asked.

"Dad, just eat your meal. Wang Sao, help Miss eat. Mr. Song only needs soup," Mi Qiang replied.

"Okay," Wang Sao said.

"Does Chengdong know about the scandal in the newspapers?" Jialing asked quietly.

"Don't ask too many questions; just eat," Mi Qiang instructed.

Chengdong overheard and felt uneasy.

"I've missed this food so much!" Xuefen exclaimed happily.

"Chengdong, don't just drink soup; have some vegetables too," Mrs. Chen urged.

"Mom, he can't eat much; he only has half a stomach," Mi Qiang interjected.

An awkward silence fell over the table.

"It's fine; I can eat a little. After all, I don't have much time left, and it's rare to dine with Uncle Chen and Aunt Chen again," Chengdong said, forcing a smile.

After dinner, they chatted in the living room. Suddenly, Chengdong knelt down, causing Mi Qiang and Xuefen to rush to help him up.

"Chengdong! What are you doing? Get up!" Mi Qiang shouted.

"I... I'm sorry for making your daughter so unhappy! I've failed her as a husband. She deserves a divorce," Chengdong cried.

Mr. and Mrs. Chen assisted him back to his feet. "Don't say that. We know how much you care for our daughter," Mr. Chen reassured him.

Chengdong embraced them, tears streaming down his face.

"Drive one of the cars home," Mr. Chen suggested.

**In the BMW X3, 8:30 PM**

"This is my old car," Chengdong noted.

"Yes, I still use it. Drive carefully," Mi Qiang advised.

Xuefen took the wheel.

"It's still early; can we stop by the Keppel Club for a walk? I'm not as wealthy as before," Chengdong asked.

"Sure," Xuefen agreed.

**At the Keppel Club, 8:45 PM**

Xuefen parked the car. "Let me help you, or would you prefer a wheelchair?" she offered.

"I feel more comfortable in a wheelchair," Chengdong replied.

She helped him into the chair and pushed him to the dock.

"Have you recovered your memory?" Chengdong asked, his voice shaky.

Tears streamed down Xuefen's face. "I remembered the day you collapsed at the orphanage," she confessed.

"Did you hold back because of guilt? I'm still your ex-husband! Or do you resent my thoughts of dying with you? I was a fool to think you loved me!" Chengdong exclaimed, his emotions overwhelming him.

Xuefen hugged him tightly. "No! I love you the most. You're the one who can't let go!" she cried.

Chengdong pulled away. "I don't want to be in a wheelchair! You're the one holding on. Don't lie! You even changed your name! I had hope for you and thought you would reconsider. I heard Jiale gave you the name Xuefen!" he shouted in despair.

Chengdong sat on a chair at the dock, tears streaming down his face.

"Chengdong, don't cry; your eyes are bleeding. Let's go home and get you some medicine," Xuefen urged.

"Let go! When I was 17, I regretted falling for you! All those feelings over the last decade were false! Your Mr. Right isn't me! I realized that when I saw Jiale with his ex-fiancée, Xue. Yet I chose to ignore it. I've been so stupid!" Chengdong lamented.

Just then, his phone rang.

"Hello, Brother Bao. Why are you calling me now?" Chengdong asked, his voice weary.

"Adong, are you alright? Did you see the news?" Brother Bao asked urgently.

"No, Michelle and I are just taking a walk near my home," Chengdong replied.

"Then your divorce from Michelle is a sham!? This Johnny is causing chaos! By the way, are you free tomorrow at noon? We'd like to visit you and bring lunch," Brother Bao proposed.

"Okay, see you tomorrow," Chengdong agreed.

Once he hung up, dizziness washed over him, and Xuefen swiftly helped him back into the wheelchair.

"Michelle, can I ask a favor? Please be my wife one last time tomorrow," Chengdong said weakly.

"Sure, I'll stay at your place tonight and won't return to the hotel until tomorrow night," Xuefen replied.

**-End-**