Chapter 216: Planning A Wedding
After lingering joyfully in their private world for over an hour, the newly engaged couple made their way reluctantly back to the car, neither quite willing to break the magic spell of the moment.
As Li Chen drove them carefully homeward, the couple exchanged frequent glances of amazed delight - still adjusting to this wondrous new reality of dreams and longing transformed into tangible commitment.
Li Chen’s face felt near to splitting from sustained grinning. After being convinced his destiny held no prospects beyond solitary existence, here was Zhang Mei by his side - radiant with the promise of an entire shared future now blossoming before them.
She caught him stealing another awestruck look and laughed gently, a vision in the flickering streets lights. Once more, Li Chen marveled how this most formidable woman had chosen willingly promised herself to him - such an undeserving broken soul when her grace could have commanded the devotion of emperors.
Yet by some supreme cosmic mercy, she was here - his ring glinting elegantly on her hand, their two paths now beautifully entwined toward one horizon. As Li Chen pulled slowly into their driveway some time later, he sent up silent thanks to whatever powers had seen fit to gift him this most precious treasure. Always had darkness reigned. But with Zhang Mei, at long last he grasped blissful warmth and blinding light.
Zhang Mei gazed affectionately at Li Chen beside her, still blissfully astonished by how this eventful evening had so wonderfully transpired.
Who would have imagined her closest, most dependable friend secretly harbored such profound romantic sentiments for so long without her noticing? Yet hidden beneath his stoic reliability, evidently Li Chen’s emotions ran far deeper than even Zhang Mei ever fathomed.
She snuck another glance at the striking diamond now gracing her finger, the exquisite band already feeling comfortably familiar, like it had been crafted solely for her hand. With each furtive brush of her thumb across the glittering stone, Zhang Mei’s pulse thrilled at this tangible reminder that she was now someone’s beloved.
How long had it been since anyone had looked upon her the way shy, steadfast Li Chen continued to do now when he thought she wasn’t aware? She basked happily in his unconcealed adoration. To think she could inspire such feverish devotion in the heart of this remarkable man whom she already so treasured and respected...why had it taken so long to finally recognize the enormity of how much they truly meant to one another? They had unnecessarily deprived themselves of untold bliss.
Well, Zhang Mei resolved blissfully, they had more than enough remaining years to make up for lost time. From this soaring point forward, she would ensure Li Chen, selfless provider and protector, felt equally cherished every single day they were gifted together from now until always...
Upon returning home, Li Chen swiftly opened Zhang Mei’s door and escorted her inside like a perfect gentleman.
"Really, I’m capable of walking on my own!" Zhang Mei teased gently as Li Chen ushered her into the living area.
"Perhaps, but I’ll take no chances with my precious bride-to-be!" Li Chen grinned.
After chatting cozily for almost an hour about the blissful future unfolding before them, Zhang Mei finally rose reluctantly. "As wonderful as this evening was, I should get some rest."
Li Chen bid her goodnight, embracing Zhang Mei tightly for a long breathless minute before releasing her to go upstairs.
Alone in his bedroom, Li Chen hurriedly shed his formal attire in exchange for lighter sleep garments before stepping into a blistering cold shower, needing to clear his feverish head. Zhang Mei occupied his every thought - her smile, musical laugh, the enticing prospect of spending his entire existence bonded passionately to her...
Leaning against the chilled tiles for support amidst the pounding water, Li Chen inhaled deeply, scarcely recognizing himself anymore. Not long ago, only machinery and inventions brought zeal. Now suddenly an entirely new exhilarating world of intimacy and promise spread before him, all thanks to one extraordinary woman consenting to transform solitary survival into shared thriving. It was almost too much to fathom without losing all sensible composure!
Gazing at his hand where earlier Zhang Mei’s delicate fingers had rested with implicit trust, Li Chen smiled dreamily. Yes, he was indeed a very fortunate man...
The next morning, Zhang Mei woke up feeling a sense of joy bubbling inside her. Humming a soft tune, she showered quickly and made sure to slide Li Chen’s engagement ring onto her finger, cherishing the feeling of being his fiancée.
Downstairs in the dining room, Li Chen joined her, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush as he sat beside her. Sun Lixia and Li Xinjie couldn’t help but steal glances at the happy couple, their eyes filled with curiosity.
Mu Lingling, unable to contain her excitement, spoke up.
"Zhang Mei, that ring... Is that what I think it is?"
Zhang Mei giggled, feeling a rush of happiness wash over her.
"Yes, Mom, it is! Li Chen proposed to me last night."
Sun Lixia, her eyes widening in surprise, turned to Li Chen.
"Li Chen, why didn’t you tell us?"
Li Chen cleared his throat nervously, his cheeks flushing.
"I wanted to make it official at breakfast. Zhang Mei and I are engaged. We’re getting married."
Mu Lingling and Sun Lixia exclaimed in unison, their faces lighting up with joy. Zhang Mei proudly displayed her ring, her smile radiant.
"Yes, we’re getting married!"
Li Xinjie grinned, feeling proud of his brother.
"Congratulations, brother! Finally, you did it."
Li Chen beamed with pride.
"Thank you, brother. And of course, you’ll be my best man."
The room erupted in laughter, the joyous atmosphere filling the air. Mu Lingling couldn’t help but tease Sun Lixia.
"Well, Sun Lixia, it looks like we’re going to be in-laws!"
Sun Lixia chuckled, her heart filled with happiness.
"And we’ll be fighting over grandkids before we know it!"
Sun Lixia’s joy overflowed as she immediately dialed Li Yanyan’s number. As soon as Li Yanyan picked up, Sun Lixia couldn’t contain her excitement. "Li Chen and Zhang Mei are getting married!" she exclaimed, the thrill evident in her voice.
Li Yanyan’s delight was palpable through the phone as she responded with equal enthusiasm. "What? Really? When?" she inquired eagerly, her excitement mirroring Sun Lixia’s own.
Sun Lixia chuckled with happiness. "Last night... finally, Li Yanyan. You know how much I prayed for these boys to get married," she replied, her voice filled with warmth.
"We’re getting old, we need grandkids," Li Yanyan joked, her tone lighthearted yet sincere.
Sun Lixia agreed wholeheartedly. "Exactly... we have to celebrate this," she affirmed, her anticipation growing with each passing moment.
Li Yanyan promised to join the planning festivities shortly, her enthusiasm infectious. "Of course, and it will be big... I’ll come there shortly, and we’ll plan the wedding of the century," she declared, her excitement palpable.
"I was thinking New Year’s," Li Yanyan suggested, prompting a surprised reaction from Sun Lixia.
"That’s in three weeks!" Sun Lixia exclaimed, her eagerness evident. "I know, why wait?" Li Yanyan replied confidently.
"We’ll talk about it when we get there," she assured Sun Lixia, already brimming with ideas for the grand celebration.
As the call ended, Sun Lixia turned to Mu Lingling with renewed excitement. "We need to start planning the wedding, the sooner the better," she declared, her determination shining through.
Mu Lingling nodded in agreement, her heart filled with anticipation. "Of course, I have to walk my daughter down the aisle while I’m still feeling better," she added, her voice tinged with emotion.
Sun Lixia and Mu Lingling wasted no time, abandoning their breakfast to head to the living room and begin the wedding planning in earnest. Their voices buzzed with excitement as they delved into the preparations.
Meanwhile, Li Chen exchanged a glance with Zhang Mei, his expression apologetic. Zhang Mei smiled warmly in response. "Let them do it. There’s no reason to wait, right?" she reassured him, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"As long as you’re happy," Li Chen replied, his heart swelling with love for his fiancée.
Li Chen watched his mother and Mu Lingling eagerly dive into wedding plans, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Pride swelled in his chest at finally making this commitment to Zhang Mei, but underlying it was a twinge of apprehension. The sudden rush to marry felt overwhelming, yet seeing Zhang Mei’s radiant smile eased his doubts. Despite the whirlwind pace, he couldn’t deny the warmth and love filling the room. As he gazed at Zhang Mei, he knew that, above all else, her happiness was what mattered most to him.
