**February 15, 2000 - Sapporo City**
**10:00 AM - Maruyama Zoo**
"It's so much fun here! But it's freezing! I really feel for those animals," Xueer exclaimed joyfully.
"Come here, let me hold you so you won't be cold anymore," Chengxian replied warmly.
"Look, Chengxian! The little penguins are out!" Xueer said with excitement.
"Quick, turn around! Let's take a picture with them!" Chengxian urged.
**1:00 PM - Taku Restaurant**
"The food here is delicious! I visited last year," Chengxian shared.
"Who did you come with? Your mistress?" Xueer inquired playfully.
"Mistress? I'm here with my parents!" Chengxian retorted.
"I can't tell if you're being serious or not! You say things as if they're true!" Xueer replied, feigning anger.
"Oh, Michelle is so unreasonable! We've been together for three years, and you've never trusted me," Chengxian said, frustration creeping into his voice.
"That's because Mr. Song is so charming that your girlfriend has reason to worry!" Master Jiang chimed in with a smile.
"Wait! Master, you can speak Chinese?!" Xueer exclaimed in surprise.
"Of course! I'm from Beijing and an old friend of Master Song's father, Song Guofeng. Don't worry, little sister; our young master will be a great catch. You'll be happy marrying him!" Jiang reassured her.
Xueer turned her gaze to Chengxian.
"Did you bring me here for a reason? Is it just for lunch?" she asked.
At that moment, Chengxian knelt down and presented a sparkling diamond ring.
"Xueer, will you marry me? I'd give up everything just to have you as my wife, Song Chengxian," he declared earnestly.
Xueer closed the box and helped him up.
"Chengxian, I've thought about this a lot over the past few days. Let's see if our love can weather the storm. I admit, it's hard for me to accept the presence of so many girls around you. However, I understand that you genuinely want to participate in that contest."
As she spoke, Chengxian took her hand.
"Let's go back to the hotel and discuss this further," he suggested.
After dinner, they headed to the Sapporo TV Tower.
In the car, silence enveloped them.
**4:00 PM - Sapporo TV Tower**
They captured numerous photos together in the park.
"Xueer, are you feeling cold?" Chengxian asked.
"A little," she admitted.
Chengxian wrapped his arms around her tightly and kissed her, snapping a picture of their moment together.
"Isn't it beautiful? They say that if you kiss your true love while facing the Sapporo TV Tower, your love will last forever," Chengxian stated.
"You believe in legends like that?" Xueer replied, a hint of skepticism in her voice.
Tears welled up in Xueer's eyes, and Chengxian held her shoulders gently.
"Xueer, please look at me! Don't shy away! Look into my eyes—do you love me?!" he asked passionately.
"Chengxian, you're holding my shoulders too tightly. Let go!" Xueer protested angrily.
"Are you really that insecure about me?! We've been together for three years! Isn't that enough trust for you?! Do you realize how much I love you?" Chengxian replied, his voice rising with emotion.
"I know how much you love me! But it's always Christy or Julie! How can I measure your love?" Xueer responded, her voice trembling.
"I would even sacrifice my dreams for you," Chengxian declared.
"What dreams? You're the eldest son of the prestigious Song Dynasty Group! There are still many women interested in you!" Xueer challenged.
Chengxian embraced her from behind.
"Xueer, one day you will understand just how much I love you," he reassured her.
**9:00 PM - Hotel Room**
"I'm going to take a shower," Xueer announced.
"Xueer, can we take a bath together?" Chengxian asked as he held her close.
Xueer was taken aback. Chengxian leaned in and kissed her.
**In the Bathroom**
As they bathed, Chengxian hugged her tenderly.
"Xueer, do you feel more at ease like this?" he asked softly.
"Is this practical? Ultimately, men will always succeed!" Xueer replied with a hint of sarcasm.
"Hey, you're also Li's daughter. I worry someone else might sweep you away," Chengxian admitted.
"Chengxian, your family is so loving, and you have a wonderful home. My parents are divorced, and my sister and I have had to witness their arguments since we were eight. My dad is handsome and tall like you, but he's a playboy with many women. I don't want to end up like my mother," Xueer confessed, her voice tinged with sadness.
"You have nothing to fear. I don't plan on participating in that contest anyway. Even if I do, you are the only one in my heart," Chengxian replied.
"Chengxian, I genuinely want you to compete. You're incredibly talented, and I know you'll be successful. I just want us to be apart for two years so I can focus on my studies, and you can build your career in entertainment," Xueer stated.
"Xueer!? Don't you realize? If I enter the industry, we'll be separated! I don't want that! I can't stand being away from you for even a week, let alone two years! You're being cruel!" Chengxian argued.
"This is a test. It will measure the strength of our love. If we can't endure two years apart, then we aren't meant to be husband and wife," Xueer replied firmly.
After their shower, they lay on the bed.
"Xueer, I've made up my mind. I will sign up next week. I'll achieve great results for you! I want to prove that whether it's two years or ten, we will never be apart! Until death do us part!" Chengxian proclaimed.
They shared a passionate kiss.
After returning to Singapore, Xueer focused on her college studies while Chengxian traveled back to Seoul to participate in the competition.
**One Month Later - March 20, 2000**
**10:00 AM - Dressing Room at Seoul TV Station**
"Steven! Yang'er! Come cheer for me! Where's Xueer?" Chengxian called out.
Xueer approached, and Chengxian embraced her tightly.
"Xueer! My love! I've missed you so much!" he exclaimed.
"Wow, our Song Chengxian made it to the top five! Not bad for a dark horse!" Steven remarked.
"The credit goes to my future wife, Michelle!" Chengxian announced proudly.
Manager Wang overheard the exchange.
"Aren't you worried the reporters might catch that?" Steven asked.
"Why worry? She is truly my girlfriend! It's been a month! I miss Xueer terribly!" Chengxian replied with conviction.
"Alright, enough chatter. Let's head back to our seats. Chengxian, you need to focus," Xueer encouraged him.
The results of the competition were about to be revealed. **12:30 PM**
"And now, we will announce the winners! The third place goes to He Jun! The runner-up is Li Min! And the champion is Song Chengxian!" the emcee declared loudly.
Tears of joy streamed down Xueer's face as Chengxian waved to her from the stage. The program concluded.
**12:50 PM - Backstage Dressing Room**
"Could you help me remove my makeup first? My friends and girlfriend are waiting for me outside," Chengxian requested.
"Sorry, you can't leave yet. There's a press conference you must attend," the makeup artist replied.
"What time will it be? I really need to meet them tonight," Chengxian said anxiously.
"You'll need to check with Manager Wang," she advised.
Chengxian called Xueer.
**1:00 PM - Parking Lot of TV Station**
"Hey, what's wrong with Chengxian?" Xueer asked.
"Xueer, I'm sorry, but I can't join you today. I'll text you as soon as I finish. Don't go to bed too early!" Chengxian promised.
"Okay then," Xueer replied, disappointment evident in her voice.
"What's wrong, sister?" Yang'er asked.
"Chengxian said he couldn't join us for dinner. We'll have to eat without him," Xueer explained.
**10:00 PM - Myeongdong - Outside Ibis Hotel**
Xueer waited for Chengxian. Soon, he arrived in a sleek sports car.
"Xueer, get in!" Chengxian called out.
**10:30 PM - Seoul Tower**
"I'm sorry for arriving so late. I missed you so much!" Chengxian said, embracing Xueer joyfully.
"You must be exhausted after such a long day, yet you still want to see me," Xueer replied, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Baby, it's been a month since I last saw you. I've been so lonely!" Chengxian lamented.
"Chengxian, I won't be able to come to Seoul in the next few months because of a big exam, and then I'll need to work for a year. We both need to focus on our dreams!" Xueer explained.
"Xueer, would you come to my villa tonight? We can cuddle and it'll help ease the longing over the next two years," Chengxian offered.
"What a silly idea! You're 25, yet you still act like a little boy! It's so embarrassing!" Xueer laughed.
They kissed beneath the Seoul Tower.
**- Chapter End -**