Episode 10 Chen Xi's Heartache

'Yueniang Xiaojie, don't worry about me. Me, Ah Tao will be contented to serve you till the day I die. By the way...er...'

'What is it, Taojie?'

'That day, Miss Libbya came again. And she told me that Chen Xi Shaoye is in hospital...'

Yueniang was already regretting as she enter the hospital. Afterall, what could she say to Chen Xi? He is already happily married with kids and she should not hinder his treatment. Just as Yueniang was pondering on her thoughts, a familiar figure walked up towards her.

'Yueniang, you're finally here. That's great.' Libbya said as she wiped off her tears.

'Libbya, what happened? I thought you and Chen Xi went back to England for his treatment? Why is he still here? Yueniang asked.

'You know the reason Yueniang. He chose to be with me because he thought you were dead. But now....Only you can persuade him...Please Yueniang...Ask him to go back for treatment please..Or else...' Libbya was already back in tears before she could finish her sentence.

'Or else? How long does he has to live?' Yueniang asked while trying to fight back her tears.

'Two months or so...if he skipped treatment, he might not even live past a month..'

Libbya's words seemed to have poked hard into Yueniang's heart. Although she had not been able to see Chen Xi for the past eight years, at least Yueniang knew that he was happy with Libbya at a faraway land. However in time to come, Yueniang would never be able to see him again. Never ever.

Chen Xi laid weakly on the bed. Other than his pale face, Chen Xi still looked very much like eight years ago.

'Chen Xi, how are you feeling?' Yueniang enquired softly.

'Yueniang?! You're here? Finally, you're here!' Chen Xi exclaimed like a child but minus the energy.

'Libbya told me everything. Listen to me, you MUST return to England for treatment. You are no longer alone. Think of Libbya and your kids.'

'Yueniang, why? Why did you lie to me? I thought you were dead all these years..But I am so thrilled to see you again!'

'What must I say to make you give up? It's all too late now. I've been married to Paul and you to Libbya. Just return to England and continue with your life, will you? Yueniang said as she turned to leave.

'Wait! Yueniang, you dare say you no longer feel for me? My feelings for you never changed!' Chen Xi shouted with all his might.

'Yes. My husband is Paul and I only loved him.' Yueniang replied and left immediately.

All this while, unknown to Yueniang, Libbya was outside the ward and had overheard everything.

To be continued

Episode 11 A Different Xiufeng

The way home was exceptionally long. Yueniang could think of nothing but Chen Xi's words.She hated herself for being so cruel to a dying Chen Xi and yet more would be hurt if she did not.

'Yueniang Xiaojie, look who's here!' Ah Tao said as she pulled Yueniang into the house.

It was Paul.

'Yueniang, are you all right? I'm so sorry that I could not be back in time for you. I'm really sorry.' Paul apologised profusely as she grabbed Yueniang's hands onto his chest.

'Aunt Xiufeng! You're here too? Yueniang said as she turned towards a middle-aged lady dressed in plain kebaya.

Xiufeng was once an unapproachable figure in the Huang family during the days when Yueniang was treated like a maid. But after eight long years, much had changed. Aunt Xiufeng had now reduced to a lonely widow after Jincheng died from heart attack the day Tianbao was sentenced to death. Among her three children, Tianbao had died while Yuzhu was mentally ill.

'Yueniang, have you had any news of Zhenzhu?' Xiufeng asked.

'Aunt Xiufeng, like what you requested. I've gotten Paul to get his PI friends to help. But there's no news till now.' Yueniang replied.

'This Zhenzhu...Where could she go? Ever since the day she left the Chen family eight years ago, she had never even bothered to contact me...She's the only one I have left now....' Xiufeng broke into tears.

'Aunt Xiufeng, you still have Yuzhu. My friend told me her condition in England had stabilized. I will have her sent back as soon as there are further improvements. I promise.'

'My poor Yuzhu.. I don't know how to face her...I brought everything upon her...'

Just as Yueniang thought of Yuzhu, she could not help but felt that she had been responsible for Yuzhu's plight.

That night, Paul finally tells Yueniang the truth about Zhenzhu.

To be continued

Oh yes... when is Episode 12 coming???

Mediacorp should buy the script from you leh... and make TLN 2 - Modern Nyonya

epi 12?

Episode 12 A Stained Pearl

'Yueniang,when I was back in England for the law convention, I had news of Zhenzhu from my PI friends there. You are right, she had went to England as you expected.' Paul said as he laid on the bed.

'Really? That's great! Aunt Xiufeng will be thrilled!' Yueniang exclaimed while she hurried from the dressing table towards the bed, asking Paul for more details.

'But...Yueniang, This might not sound good. Richard said he saw Zhenzhu at one of the infamous red light district in London.' Paul muttered.

'What? Are you sure your friend got the right person? How could that be?' Yueniang asked.

'Richard is sure about it. The woman he saw fits the photo you gave me. And....'

'And? Paul, tell me the truth, please.' Yueniang continued asking as she held tightly to Paul's arms.

'Yueniang, Richard had confirmed that Zhenzhu has been working as a call-girl at one of the pubs. Apparently, she is quite famous there by the name of Pearlyn.' Paul stopped the moment he saw tears started rolling down Yueniang's cheeks.

It proved a sleepless night for Yueniang as she tossed about in her bed. She was thrilled to have Paul back by her side and yet she felt so lonely after saying the most hurtful words she could ever said to Chen Xi. Morever, news about Zhenzhu did not seemed promising.

'How could I tell Aunt Xiufeng? No..There must be some mistake. Zhenzhu would never....' Yueniang thought to herself.

'Nya Nya....What should I do? What can I do?' Yueniang fell into her tired dreamland as she thought about her mother, Juxiang.

'Aunt Xiufeng, what brings you here?' Yueniang was surprised at Xiufeng's visit the next day.

'I must be getting old. I had forgotten all about it yesterday. And so, I am here again today. I've got something for you. It's from Nya.' Xiufeng said replied.

'Guihua Mama?' Yueniang said in a surprised tone.

'Yes. She had instructed me to pass you this.'

To be continued

Episode 13 The Family Ties

As soon as Xiufeng finished her sentence, she handed a cheque to Yueniang.

'What's this?' Yueniang asked as she pushed away Xiufeng's hands.

'Yueniang, this is the money from my sister Xiujuan you had passed me the other day. After discussion with Nya, we had decided that you should keep the money.' Xiufeng replied.

'No. This money belongs to the Huang family. I cannot take it.' Yueniang said as she rejected Xiufeng once again.

'You are the Huang family. You had spent so much buying back the Huang's house and on Pa's funeral. Furthermore, you had been paying for Nya's medical fees all these years. I'm afraid this money isn't even enough.'

'Nya can't thank you enough. If not for her condition, she would have given you the money herself. Like me, she hopes for your forgiveness.' Xiufeng continued.

Without saying a word, Yueniang held Xiufeng's hands and gave a forgiving smile.

'Yueniang Xiaojie, why are you so silly? You should have taken the money. It belongs to you rightfully!' Ah Tao complained when Yueniang told her about Xiufeng's visit and her rejection of the money.

'Taojie, since when you've became a money-grabber?' Yueniang joked.

'No...It's just that....Just that, have you forgotten how they treat you, your Nya Nya and Mama? Morever, you had spent almost your entire savings to buy back the Huang's house from the bank.' Ah Tao laments.

'Taojie, I believed either Nya Nya or Mama will do the same too. Don't you agree? We are afterall one family. No matter how bad they had treated us before, they are still our family and it is only right that I help them without any motives.' Yueniang explained as she stared at the full moon which somehow reminds her of her mother again.

As Ah Tao went back to her work, Yueniang could not help but think of the plight of her poor mother. At the same time, Yueniang felt ashamed in comparison to her mother, who had been so brave to fight for her own happiness. Unlike herself, who had been such a coward in her lovelife and had even caused harm to her closest sister, Yuzhu.

Just then, the phone in the living room rang loudly, followed by Ah Tao's high-pitched scream.

'Yueniang Xiaojie! Yueniang Xiaojie! It's a call from Singapore! Something happened to Liu Yidao!'

To be continued

Episode 14 The Racial Riots Of 1964

The train ride to Singapore was a solemn one. Ah Tao was crying all the way from the house to the station and had only started to stop with Yueniang's constant consolation. Paul, on the other hand seemed to be at an awkward position seeing Yueniang and Ah Tao tearing.

'Don't worry Yueniang and Taojie, the medical care in Singapore is very efficient. I'm sure brother Yidao will be fine.' Paul consoled.

'Taojie, Paul's right. Brother will definately be fine. He is a strong man.' Yueniang added.

'But I was told he had been stabbed a few times! A few times! Why are the people in Singapore so cruel? He should had stayed in Malacca with us...' Ah Tao said before beginning to cry again.

'I've read from the news that these few days had been a mess in Singapore. This racial riot seemed serious.' Paul explained.

'How did brother ever get himself involved in the riots? Despite continuing to be a rugged man, I am sure he was not as aggressive as before.' Yueniang commented as she continued to console a crying Ah Tao.

The journey from the train station to the hospital was near perilous. There were policemen stationed at every corner and the streets were in a mess. For a moment, Yueniang was reminded of the scene where her parents and herself were escaping from the bombardment of the Japanese troops during the war.

'LIU YIDAO!!!!!! How can you do this to me!!!!! How can you leave me alone after saying those words to me!!!!' Ah Tao broke into a hysterical cry as she saw a body laying as still as a rock on the bed. The body had just been covered by the nurse.

'NO!!! LIU YIDAO!!! You cannot do this to me! You said you want me to follow you!! Wake up! Wake up!' Ah Tao continued to shout in tears as she wrapped her arms around the lifeless body.

'Ah Tao!' A man's voice echoed loudly in the ward.

While everyone turned towards the source of the voice, Ah Tao suddenly stopped her cries for she thought that she must had been dreaming. Liu Yidao was standing by the door outside the ward. Apart from his bandage chest, Yidao was the same rugged man in Ah Tao's eyes as before.

'You're all right?....Was I.....No!' Ah Tao immediately covered her face with her hands after realizing that she had mistook someone else for Yidao.

'Brother! You're fine!' Yueniang ran towards Yidao as fast as she could and hugged him tightly.

'I'm fine.. Damn that Maozai. He must had exaggerated things. A street fight like these can't kill me.' Yidao laughed as he continued to stared at Ah Tao, who was keeping very silent at the corner of the ward.

'Ah Tao, did you mean what you said just now?' Yidao asked as he walked towards Ah Tao.

'What are you talking about?' Ah Tao muttered softly, keeping her back at Yidao.

'You don't want me to leave you alone?' Yidao said.

'No such thing! No such thing! I never said I want to be with you!' Ah Tao stopped instantly, knowing that she had again revealed her feelings towards Yidao unwittingly.

To Yueniang's surprise, Yidao said nothing. Instead he held Ah Tao's hands and placed them close to his heart.

Seeing Ah Tao and Yidao, Yueniang suddenly thought of Chen Xi. At this point, Yueniang could never deceived herself anymore.

To be continued

Episode 15 In Pursuit Of Happiness

For the next few days, Yueniang had decided to stay over at Yidao's place in Singapore to take care of him with Ah Tao. Paul had returned to Malacca the next morning to attend to matters of his law firm. It was in fact Yueniang's first time visiting Yidao's house in Singapore since he moved from Malacca two years ago. Yueniang was happy for Yidao seeing that he had became a successful businesman, owning a bunglow at the Katong area. The big mansion was in stark contrast to Yidao's run-down hut in Malacca.

Yueniang was especially thrilled that her brother had finally found himself a good partner in life as Yueniang had felt guilty for voiding her marriage with Yidao nearly a decade ago.

'Taojie, I'm really happy for you.' Yueniang said.

'Yueniang Xiaojie, stop teasing me. You know..I'm still a Mahjie who had taken the vows of celibacy. People will talk.' Ah Tao said as she checked the porridge in the stove meant for Yidao.

'Taojie, only ourself can control our own fate and life. You chose to take the vow of celibacy. You can also choose to be with my brother.' Yueniang explained.

Ah Tao merely kept mum as she stirred the boiling porridge.

'You don't agree?' Yueniang asked.

'Then how about you? Why do you give up then?' Ah Tao replied.

'Juxiang Xiaojie was brave to pursuit her happiness. But Yueniang Xiaojie, where is your happiness? Are you really happy with Paul?' Ah Tao continued.

'I....' Yueniang was at a sudden loss for words. It seemed that Ah Tao's words had striked the spot in her confused heart.

That afternoon, Yueniang finally picked up her courage and decided to pay Chen Xi a visit at the hospital. Upon reaching the hospital, she was surprised to learnt that Chen Xi had been discharged days ago. After some consideration, Yueniang decided to drop by at the Chen's house.

'Lingjie!' Yueniang greeted as the familiar housekeeper of the Chen's family answered the door.

'Yueniang Xiaojie! What brings you here? Come in! I'll inform Laoye.' The old housekeeper said.

'Lingjie, it's all right. I'll be leaving in a minute. How is Chen Xi and Libbya?' Yueniang asked.

'Are you looking for them? I'm afraid you are too late, they had just returned to England yesterday.'

To be continued

Episode 16 A Journey To The West

Returning back to Malacca, Yueniang made a bold decision that shocked both Ah Tao and Paul.

'Yueniang, are you sure about the trip? I can accompany you, you know?' Paul said, alarmed by Yueniang's sudden decision to go to England.

'Paul, I am sure of this trip. I've even gotten Aunt Xiufeng to take care of Zuye while I'm away. Don't worry about me, you cannot possibly put down your work at the law firm to accompany me to England.' Yueniang said.

'It's time for me to visit Yuzhu and at the same time, I want to find out more about Zhenzhu's situation. You know, Aunt Xiufeng is terribly anxious about her whereabouts.' Yueniang continued as Paul gave her an understanding look.

'And also to visit Chen Xi perhaps?' Paul interrupted.

'Yueniang, Libbya already told me everything before she returned to England with Chen Xi.' Paul continued.

Expecting Paul to be trying his very best to stop her further, Yueniang was astonished when Paul held her hands and gave her a card.

'Yueniang my wife, I know you are a determined and strong lady. And I also know that there is no way I can stop you. When you reach England, feel free to call Richard at the number on the card. He will assist you in every way he could.' Paul said.

'Paul....I...Thank you. I'm sorry.' Yueniang thanked while she held back her tears.

'Silly girl, there's no need to apologise. Just promise me that you'll be back safe and sound. I will be waiting for you at home with Zuye.' Paul said, looking earnestly into Yueniang's eyes.

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'Grandpa really let Mama went to England alone?' Anqi asked as she lifted her tired eyes from the old diary to look at Aunt Tao.

'Your Mama was a very determined lady. Her stubborness was number one and your Grandpa Paul knew that. He was the most generous man I've known. No doubt he loved your Mama deeply, yet he risked his marriage just because he does not want your Mama to be unhappy.' Aunt Tao said slowly.

'Mama is really brave. I believe no other girls would do that during that era.' Anqi complimented as she continued to flip through the diary.

'Yes...But it's a pity Yueniang Xiaojie's braveness came too late....' Aunt Tao murmured under her breath.

To be continued

Episode 17 A Sisters' Reunion

Yueniang was thoroughly mesmerized by the facades of the countless buildings that flooded the narrow streets. The surroundings were so immensly contrasting to Malacca and Singapore that Yueniang thought that she had travelled into the future. For one thing, Yueniang felt awkward for being one of the very few black-haired asian walking along the streets.

'Thank you, Richard. If not for you, I don't think I can even step out of the airport. Everywhere is so alien here.' Yueniang said as her eyes darted around the path to the mental hospital. Yueniang had decided to visit Yuzhu first whom she had missed for years.

'No problem. It's my pleasure. Paul is my best friend and thus it is my duty to bring you around London.' Richard said with a manly voice.

In no time, Yueniang came upon a large mansion painted in pure white with a beautiful garden next to it. Serenity filled the atmosphere as Yueniang entered the lobby, before proceeding straight to a ward at the floor level.

The ward was brightly lit by the sunlight shining through the iron grilles on the window. At the centre of the spacious ward was a bed with a woman sleeping soundly on it. The woman looked much older than her actual age and had hair trimmed to a very short length.

It was Yuzhu.

Upon seeing the different looking Yuzhu, Yueniang's tears rolled down uncontrollably down her cheeks as she approached Yuzhu.

'Yuzhu...' Yueniang's voice had already started to tremble in sadness.

As though she knew someone was calling her, Yuzhu's eyes opened slowly and started turning her head towards Yueniang in slow motion.

'Yuzhu....I'm Yueniang...Your best sister... Yuzhu..' Yueniang started calling out to Yuzhu.

However, Yuzhu seemed to have been put to a pause when she saw Yueniang. Without any further movement, Yuzhu simply gazed through Yueniang blankly.Yueniang tried to call her again but Yuzhu simply remained motionless with her eyes staring into space.

'It's my fault.....It's all my fault......' Yueniang blamed herself as she walked out of the ward. Later on, Yueniang found out from Yuzhu's doctor that although her condition had stablised, but due to the delayed treatment, a hundred percent recovery was impossible. Yueniang was warned that there was a high possibility that Yuzhu's condition will remain as it was despite continued treatment.

'I don't know what had happened between you and the patient, but I can tell you were very close with her. Trust me, I believe she knows you care.' Richard said while he accompanied Yueniang to her hotel that evening.

'I hope so.' Yueniang simply replied with a forced smile before thanking Richard for his company.

For the millionth time, Yueniang wished that she was never the one who had caused Yuzhu to lose her happiness and sanity.

To be continued

Episode 18 Yueniang's Woes

After a sleepless night, Yueniang braced herself for a new day. The address of the Chen's mansion in London is not hard to find. Based on the address given by Lingjie, the Chen's mansion was situated in the midst of a classy district near the downtown, which made it easier to locate. To avoid Richard from questioning, Yueniang had decided to venture on her own with him knowing.

Yueniang's heart was beating very fast as she reached for the doorbell at Chen's mansion. After a few buzz and minutes of waiting, Yueniang finally saw a pregnant lady coming out of the house. At the second look, Yueniang immediately recognised the lady as her comrade Libbya.

'Yue...niang? Libbya muttered in surprise upon seeing Yueniang standing at the gate.

Yueniang simply smiled and gave a little bow.

'Yueniang! I can't believe it. You actually came all the way from Malacca to London? Are you alone? Come in!' Libbya bombarded Yueniang with questions as she ushered her into the house.

'I came alone because Paul is busy with his firm. I came to visit Yuzhu and... ' Yueniang stopped suddenly as if she had got something in the throat.

'Chen Xi? He'll be extremely thrilled to see you here. Come, he's upstairs...' Libbya said, grabbing Yueniang's hands.

'Upstairs? Chen Xi's not in hospital? I thought you said he needs treatment in the hospital? Yueniang asked, puzzled by Libbya's words.

Libbya gave a long sigh before stopping at the stairway.

'He refused treatment. I've tried my very best only to get him back to London last week. No matter how I continued to persuade him, Chen Xi simply refused to get treatment at the hospital. In fact, I'm at a loss of what to do...' Libbya complained.

'Yueniang, you must talk him round. You must...or else...' Libby continued.

As Libbya showed Yueniang into a room on the far left of the second floor, Yueniang's heart skipped a beat as she saw Chen Xi working on the desk. Upon seeing Yueniang with Libbya at the door, Chen Xi stopped whatever he was doing and stared at Yueniang in bewilderment.

'Yueniang! You're here! You've finally appeared in front of my eyes! I am not dreaming, am I? Chen Xi exclaimed as he got up from his seat and started walking towards Yueniang.

'Er...I'll leave you two alone.. I'll cook lunch.' Libbya made an excuse and left.

'Yueniang, I am really very happy to see you. Really.' Chen Xi said. All the while, Yueniang kept very still and silent, not knowing what to say to Chen Xi. She would loved to tell Chen Xi how much she had missed him and yet, Yueniang felt that it was pointless. Most importantly, Yueniang could never had her conscience cleared if she were to do anything to hurt Paul and Libbya.

'Chen Xi, I beg you to go to the hospital to seek treatment. Do you know how worried is Libbya? I've never imagine her to tear.' Yueniang said sternly.

'What's the use. I know my illness cannot be cured. And the company needs me.' Chen Xi explained.

'Libbya and the kids need you too. And....me. It pains me to see you like this. Please stop torturing me.' Yueniang said as she broke into tears.

'Do you know ever since I last saw you at the hospital in Malacca, I could not stop thinking the past? Even when I dream, I dream of you. And that is not supposed to happen! I am a married woman and you are a father of five going on six. We can never ever be like the past anymore. That is why I never want to let you know that I survived the fire. Even if I cannot forget about you, at least you can!' Yueniang continued.

'Yueniang... Sorry... I'm very sorry for making you feel that way...I just want you to be happy....'

To be continued

kleve

you are superb. now you make me come back to mobtv again everyday for part II. hook on to your sequel. oh no.