Chapter 29 - Blind

**Chengdong's Apartment - Living Room, 9 PM**

Xuefen entered Chengdong's apartment, carrying an assortment of medications.

"Get those pills away from me! I refuse to take them!" Chengdong exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.

"Do you want to see me marry happily? Jiale and I might not know what Scott and Dr. Jiang have told you, but as your ex-wife, I know you all too well! I realized you were blind in one eye the moment you woke up. Do you think that brings me joy?" Xuefen expressed, her sadness palpable.

Chengdong began to calm down.

"How did you know I was blind in one eye? Did Scott tell you?" he asked, astonished.

"As your wife, I'm aware of everything you do. I saw you taking your medication before I showered," Xuefen replied.

Chengdong took eight different pills, and while Xuefen took her shower, he turned on the TV, where entertainment news was airing.

"Do you remember the once-famous TV DJ, Song Chengdong? Recently, he was spotted on a flight appearing to faint. Rumors suggest he has divorced his wife, Michelle Chen, and is suffering from terminal cancer with only weeks to live. We've interviewed the flight attendant and a reporter aboard the plane, Johnny," the entertainment anchor reported.

"The poor man, Mr. Song seems to have severe eyesight issues. I assisted him when he fainted in the restroom. It was terrifying; the sink was filled with blood clots," the flight attendant recounted.

As Chengdong watched the news, tears streamed down his face.

**In the Toilet**

Xuefen glanced at her phone.

"Sister, please keep Chengdong away from the TV and internet. There's negative news about him everywhere. I fear he won't handle it well," Mi Qiang cautioned.

Xuefen rushed into the living room wearing only her underwear and saw Chengdong joyfully singing the Korean songs he once loved. Watching him sing brought back memories of their second meeting.

**September 10, 1999 – Hong Kong**

At Wang Ding KTV, 8:30 PM.

"Hey! Xiaoxue! I heard a superstar is coming to sing here tonight! Let's go check it out!" Jialing exclaimed.

Michelle followed Jialing and Mi Qiang into the karaoke hall, where they spotted Chengdong and Jiale. Chengdong was performing a Korean song.

Michelle and Jialing observed Chengdong from a corner; it was the second encounter for Michelle with him.

"Sister Ling, I've seen that guy before. He... he stole my first kiss," Michelle whispered.

"No way! When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me? Do you know who he is? He's a famous model and Korean artist!" Jialing replied excitedly.

"He's very shy and has a strong masculine charm. I admire him a lot," Michelle confessed.

"Could it be you have feelings for him? For your sake, I'll play matchmaker!" Michael declared loudly.

After finishing his song, Chengdong stepped off the stage.

"Chengdong! It's been a while! How have you been?" Michael called out.

"Doctor Chen! What brings you to Hong Kong?" Chengdong inquired.

"Hong Kong is like my second home. Let me introduce you to my sister, Michelle, and my girlfriend, Carina," Michael said.

"Ah, so your sister is her! Miss Chen, I sincerely apologize for what happened on the subway. You should join us for karaoke tonight; it's on me," Chengdong offered.

"What happened that day was more than just a glass of water. In ancient times, it would've required a love pledge," Michael joked.

"Oh! Brother, stop with the nonsense!" Michelle interjected, blushing.

**November 8, 2018 – Singapore**

Chengdong, now completely blind in his right eye, was unaware that Michelle was nearby. Overwhelmed with emotion, he sang.

"Chengdong... I'm the one to blame. I hurt you, and you worked so hard for me, ending up like this! It's all my fault! And now I'm marrying someone else! I'm so sorry," Xuefen cried quietly.

Though Chengdong couldn't see her, he heard her words.

After showering, Xuefen emerged to find Chengdong.

"I heard you singing your old songs while I was showering. You're still so talented," she complimented.

"I'm going to take a shower now," Chengdong responded.

**In the Shower Room, 10 PM**

Chengdong took his phone into the bathroom, straining to see the items around him.

"Chengdong, don't lock the door. Call me if you need anything; I'll come right away," Xuefen urged.

"Okay!" he replied.

After his shower, Chengdong dressed and sat on the toilet, calling Brother Bao.

"Hello, Brother Bao. Is it a good time to talk? I apologize for calling so late," Chengdong said.

"Of course, Chengdong! I just got home from dinner. How are you? Is there anything you need me to bring tomorrow?" Brother Bao inquired.

"I remember you know a wig supplier. I'll send you an old photo of mine—can you help me find a similar wig? Also, do you know anyone who can do makeup for the deceased?" Chengdong asked.

Brother Bao paused, taken aback.

"Chengdong, are you... are you alright? Why would you need a makeup artist for that?" he questioned, surprised.

"Honestly, I returned to Singapore to die. I only have a week or two left. My ex-wife Michelle and my good friend Jiale are unaware of this," Chengdong replied sadly.

"How... how can this be!?" Brother Bao asked, shocked and heartbroken.

"Tomorrow, just act as if everything is fine and enjoy a meal," Chengdong instructed.

"Okay, I'll take care of it. Send me the photos later. Good night," Brother Bao said.

Chengdong busily searched for old photos, unaware that his right foot was growing numb and his vision was deteriorating. He diligently located photos from his debut and happily sent them to Brother Bao. Just as he was about to stand up, his vision suddenly blacked out, causing him to collapse.

"Michelle! Michelle! Turn on the light! I... I can't see!" Chengdong cried out in panic.

Xuefen rushed to the bathroom, opened the door, and found Chengdong on the floor. She quickly helped him to bed.

**In the Room, 10:45 PM**

Michelle called Jiale.

"Hello, Jiale. Chengdong fell in the bathroom and is bleeding from his head. What should I do?!" Michelle asked frantically.

"There are two syringes in his backpack. One is morphine; administer the other. Remember to tie his arm tightly before injecting," Jiale instructed.

"Understood," Michelle replied.

"Keep an eye on him after the injection. His stomach is weak; he may vomit," Jiale added.

"Got it," Michelle said before hanging up.

Chengdong gripped Michelle's hands tightly.

"Michelle! Michelle! Don't leave! Just for one night! Please be Michelle for me!" he begged.

"Silly, I've always been by your side. I never left," Michelle assured him sadly.

She got up to fetch something from the kitchen. Chengdong tightened his grip on her hand.

"Don't go!" he exclaimed loudly.

"Don't worry, I'm just getting something from the kitchen. I'll be back soon," Michelle replied.

In the kitchen, she grabbed a basin and was startled by the sound of Chengdong vomiting. She rushed back to the room.

"Chengdong, are you alright? No... we should go to the hospital," she said anxiously.

"Can... can you call a doctor? I don't want to waste any more time with you. After all, we only have one more day together," Chengdong replied weakly.

Michelle called Jiale, and half an hour later, he arrived at Chengdong's home. After administering an injection, Chengdong fell asleep.

**Outside the Pavilion at Chengdong's Apartment, 3 AM**

"Do you remember everything?" Jiale asked.

"I remember everything. I owe Chengdong more than I can repay in this life. Given his condition, he likely only has a few weeks left," Michelle responded.

Chengdong fell into a dream, one where he suddenly went blind at Michelle's wedding.

**In the Dream**

Chengdong waited outside the church as Michelle walked toward him. Suddenly, he lost his sight.

"Xiaoxue! Xiaoxue! Where are you? Where is my... my wife? I... I can't see!" he shouted in panic.

He heard a crowd mocking him from behind.

"How laughable! A person like you thinks he deserves a wife? You might as well die! You're blind, half your body doesn't work, and you still have the audacity to stick around!" they jeered.

Chengdong collapsed in fear, and even Michelle joined in, questioning him.

"Look at yourself, like a toad, refusing to leave!" she said mockingly.

**In Chengdong's Apartment, 4 AM**

"No! I don't want to divorce my wife! I want to be with Michelle until the very end!" Chengdong cried out desperately.

Michelle held his hand tightly beside the bed.

"Chengdong, don't be afraid. I'm here," she comforted him.

"Please! Don't leave me! Xiaoxue! I... I can't live without you! Please!" Chengdong pleaded, trembling.

He trembled so much he wet himself, which Michelle noticed.

"Come, Chengdong, let me help you clean up," she offered.

"I... I don't need it. Just help me to the toilet. You're no longer my wife, so you don't have to take care of me," he replied softly.

"Why would you say that?" Michelle asked, confused.

"What do you want me to say? You're marrying Jiale the day after tomorrow! I'll be the witness!" Chengdong cried.

"Chengdong, if you don't want to, we can call off the engagement. Just say the word," Michelle urged.

Chengdong began to sob, a sight that deeply affected Michelle. He held her hand tightly.

"Can... can time go back?! Can... can I... never have had cancer? Please, God, don't take me away so soon! I truly don't want to leave you!" Chengdong sobbed.

"Chengdong, please don't cry. Your eyesight is already poor. Get some rest. Your old colleagues will visit tomorrow," Michelle said gently.

"I'll wash up first," Chengdong replied.

After cleaning himself, he fell asleep next to Michelle.

**-End of Chapter-**