245: Chapter 244 Returning to Work Warms Hearts! Love Blossoms Day and Night, Together They Plan Their Wedding (2)

Mu Li slowly stopped the car, got out, and walked to Xia Wan's side. He gently tidied the stray hairs on her forehead, his fingertips brushing against her cheek as he spoke with concern, "Exhausted? You look a bit pale. Was it a busy afternoon?"

"It was alright. There weren't too many patients today, just some trivial matters. I'm a little tired," Xia Wan said with a smile. She naturally took Mu Li's arm and rested her head lightly on his shoulder, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness. "Shall we go to the market? I've already decided what side dishes I want to eat."

"Alright, whatever you say." Mu Li nodded, reached out to pat the back of her hand, opened the car door, and carefully let Xia Wan sit in the passenger seat. He then walked around to the driver's side and drove toward the market.

The evening market was bustling with activity and noise. Various shouts of vendors and the sound of haggling intertwined, filled with a strong sense of everyday life. Fresh vegetables, live aquatic products, and tender meats were everywhere, offering everything one could want. Mu Li and Xia Wan walked hand-in-hand through the various stalls, the warmth of their touching fingertips filling their hearts.

"Boss, are these ribs fresh? I want to make Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, so please pick a piece with better meat for me," Mu Li said as he walked to a pork stall, pointing at a fresh rack of ribs. His tone was gentle yet meticulous.

"Don't worry, young man! They're absolutely fresh! Just slaughtered local pig. Look at this meat; it's fine and firm, without any connective tissue. It's perfect for Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs!" the boss said enthusiastically. He picked up the ribs and held them out to Mu Li, specifically pointing out the texture of the meat.

Mu Li picked up the ribs to look at them, then leaned in to smell them. After confirming they were indeed fresh, he nodded with satisfaction. "Alright, give me two jin. Please chop them into small pieces, thank you."

"You got it!" The boss nimbly weighed the ribs, picked up his knife to quickly chop them into small pieces, put them in a fresh-keeping bag, and handed them to Mu Li. "Young man, you really have a good eye. These ribs will definitely be delicious!"

Afterward, they walked to the aquatic stall and selected a fresh sea bass. The boss skillfully prepared it and handed it to them in a bag. Xia Wan pulled Mu Li along to buy some greens, tofu, and seasonings. As she picked them out, she chattered about the dishes she wanted to eat, her eyes sparkling like a child who had received candy. Mu Li noted everything down in his heart, patiently accompanying her as she chose, a gentle smile always on his face.

After returning Home, Mu Li put on an apron and got busy in the kitchen, skillfully washing the ribs and preparing the sea bass with quick and practiced movements. Xia Wan also followed him into the kitchen, rolling up her sleeves and wanting to help. Her gaze was determined. "I want to help you. We'll cook together. It's more meaningful that way, and we can finish faster."

Mu Li smiled helplessly, unable to refuse her. He could only nod in agreement. "Alright then, thank you for your hard work, our Dr. Xia. Help me wash the greens and the tofu. Move slowly and don't get your clothes wet."

"Okay! Mission guaranteed!" Xia Wan agreed happily. She took the greens and tofu, walked to the sink, and began washing them seriously. The gurgling water reflected her gentle profile, making her look exceptionally moving.

Inside the kitchen, the lights were warm. The two had clear roles and cooperated perfectly. Mu Li was responsible for the ribs and fish—blanching, marinating, and seasoning—doing every step meticulously. Xia Wan was responsible for washing the vegetables and preparing the seasonings, occasionally handing him a plate or a spoon with gentle and careful movements. From time to time, they would look at each other and smile. The air was filled with a warm and sweet atmosphere; this was likely what a peaceful life looked like.

"Mu Li, look, did I wash them clean? There's not a single grain of sand!" Xia Wan held up the washed greens and said proudly, her eyes sparkling like a child seeking praise.

"Clean, very clean," Mu Li said with a smile. He stopped what he was doing and looked at her with a tender gaze. "Our Xia Wan is so capable. You can heal people and do housework; you're truly my treasure girl."

Xia Wan's cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her head, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up. As she continued washing the tofu, she whispered, "You're the one. You can protect our Home and cook; you're much more impressive than I am."

Before long, the Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs and Steamed Fish were ready. They were brightly colored and fragrant. Along with two refreshing vegetable dishes, they were laid out on the dining table, looking exceptionally tempting. Mu Li brought the food to the table, set out the bowls and chopsticks, and called toward the kitchen, "Xia Wan, time to eat!"

Xia Wan immediately dried her hands and hurried to the table. She couldn't wait to pick up her chopsticks and put a piece of Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs into her mouth. The sweet and sour sauce coated the tender ribs, and the texture was soft and glutinous. The aroma spread through her mouth, making her squint her eyes and show a satisfied smile. "So delicious! Mu Li, your cooking is getting better and better. It's even better than in a restaurant!"

"If you like it, eat more. If it's not enough, I'll make more for you," Mu Li said with a smile. He placed a piece of fish in Xia Wan's bowl, carefully picking out the bones. "Try the fish too. It's very fresh and has few bones."

They chatted while eating, sharing their daily work and interesting stories. Xia Wan told Mu Li about a heartwarming incident at the hospital—a child who was discharged after recovering had specially given her a drawing they had made. Mu Li also told Xia Wan about the progress at the base and the jokes Zhao Gang and others made about his wedding. The meal was warm and satisfying, filled with laughter. Simple food became exceptionally sweet because of each other's company.

After the meal, Xia Wan took the initiative to do the dishes, not allowing Mu Li to argue. "Today was your first day back at work; you must be exhausted. Go to the living room and rest. Watch some TV and relax. Just leave this to me."

Mu Li could only walk helplessly to the living room and sit on the sofa to watch TV. However, his gaze involuntarily drifted toward the kitchen, watching Xia Wan's busy figure. His heart was filled with warmth and happiness. He felt that this kind of plain and warm life was exactly what he had always wanted—no hidden dangers, no life-or-death tests, just his beloved by his side through the three meals and four seasons, year after year.

After Xia Wan finished the dishes, she dried her hands and walked to the living room, sitting gently beside Mu Li. Mu Li naturally pulled her into his arms, letting her lean on his shoulder. He held her tightly, feeling her body heat, and his heart felt settled. They snuggled together, quietly watching TV and occasionally whispering a few words. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, a peaceful time with lingering warmth.

"Mu Li," Xia Wan softly raised her head and looked into his eyes, her tone carrying a bit of hesitation and expectation, "For our wedding venue, do we really want to choose the square at Xuanguang Base? Won't it be too much trouble for everyone?"

Mu Li looked down at her gentle eyes and nodded slightly, his tone firm and tender. "Yes, we'll choose that place. It's where we met, got to know each other, and fell in love. It holds many of our beautiful memories—the first time we faced a crisis together, the first time we stood at our posts together, and the first time we encouraged each other in a desperate situation. I want to announce to everyone there, where we fought side by side, that you are my wife and the person I want to protect with my life."

Xia Wan's heart was filled with emotion, and her eyes turned slightly red. She reached out to gently hug Mu Li's waist, her voice a bit choked up. "I really like it there too. I also want to marry you in the place where we left our memories. It's just that holding a wedding at the base means bothering everyone to set up the venue and maintain order. I'm afraid of being too much trouble."

"It won't be," Mu Li patted her back gently, reassuring her tenderly. "Everyone is looking forward to our wedding. Zhao Gang, the Technical Team Leader, and the others have all offered to help, saying they want to give us the liveliest and warmest wedding. Besides, the base square is large enough to accommodate all the friends and family we invite. I've already reported to the base leadership, and they are very supportive. They even said they would fully cooperate with our wedding preparations."

"That's good then." Xia Wan nodded, a gentle smile appearing on her face as the worry in her eyes dissipated. "Then when do we start preparing the specific details of the wedding? Like the wedding dress, the suit, and the guest list. I want to prepare early; I don't want anything to go wrong."

"Next week," Mu Li thought for a moment and said. "This week, I'll first straighten out the work at hand and arrange the various tasks. Next week, we'll find time to pick out the wedding dress and suit, and then we'll draft the guest list together. By the way, do you have any particular wedding style you want? I'll listen to you."

"I want a simple and warm wedding." Xia Wan thought about it, her eyes full of longing. "It doesn't need to be too luxurious or grand. As long as I have you and our friends and family by our side, and our shared memories, that's enough. I want to accept everyone's blessings with you and start our new life."

"Alright, whatever you say." Mu Li lowered his head and kissed Xia Wan's forehead gently, his tone doting and firm. "I will give you the warmest and happiest wedding; I won't let you down. Every day in the future, I will accompany you and protect you. I'll never let you suffer even a bit of grievance or worry again."

Xia Wan nodded vigorously and hugged Mu Li tightly, burying her face in his chest. Her heart was full of happiness and security. She knew that after that life-and-death ordeal, they cherished each other even more and understood the meaning of companionship better. No matter what storms they encountered on the road ahead, they would fight side by side and walk together with one heart, from youth to old age, from dawn to dusk for the rest of their lives.

Over the next few days, Mu Li devoted himself entirely to his work, working overtime to straighten out the various matters at hand and arranging everything in an orderly fashion, all so he could accompany Xia Wan in preparing for the wedding with peace of mind next week. Xia Wan also remained busy at her post in the hospital, carefully looking after every patient. However, the two of them would still find time to contact each other every day, sharing their lives and feelings. Even a simple greeting could fill their hearts with warmth. Every evening, Mu Li would go to the hospital on time to pick Xia Wan up from work, and then they would go Home together to cook, eat, and watch TV, living a plain and happy life for two. Every moment was filled with the flavor of daily life and sweetness.

On the weekend, Mu Li finally straightened out all the work at hand and took a whole day to accompany Xia Wan in starting the specific preparations for the wedding. They first went to a bridal shop with an excellent reputation. The shop was exquisitely decorated and filled with all kinds of wedding dresses, white as snow, elegant and moving. Xia Wan was dazzled, her eyes full of longing.

The bridal shop staff greeted them warmly and recommended various styles of wedding dresses based on Xia Wan's temperament and preferences. There were simple and elegant mermaid styles, elegant and romantic princess styles, and gentle and sophisticated off-the-shoulder styles.

"Take your time choosing, no rush. Try on whichever one you like; I'll be with you," Mu Li said with a smile, looking at Xia Wan with a tender gaze full of doting. No matter which one she wore, she was the most beautiful in his heart.

Xia Wan nodded and, with the help of the staff, selected a simple off-the-shoulder wedding dress. The dress was pure white, the fabric light, and the skirt was embroidered with exquisite lace patterns, low-key yet luxurious. The off-the-shoulder design perfectly showcased her beautiful collarbone lines, making her look even more gentle and moving.

When Xia Wan walked out of the fitting room wearing the wedding dress, Mu Li's eyes instantly lit up, and his gaze was fixed on her, unable to look away. He looked at the Xia Wan before him, wearing the pure white dress, her long hair draped over her shoulders, a faint blush on her face, her eyes gentle and her smile sweet. She was like an angel fallen to earth, so beautiful that his heart skipped a beat, and he even felt a bit dazed.

"Does it look good?" Xia Wan asked somewhat shyly, turning her body slightly. The skirt fluttered with her movement, like a blooming white flower, gentle and moving.

Mu Li stepped forward quickly and gently took Xia Wan's hand, his fingertips trembling slightly. His tone was firm and affectionate. "It looks good, very good. Xia Wan, you are truly beautiful today, even more beautiful than I imagined."

Xia Wan's cheeks turned even redder, and she lowered her head, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up. Her heart was full of sweetness and happiness. The staff member also smiled and praised from the side, "This young lady looks truly perfect in this dress. It's as if it were custom-made for you, gentle and elegant. Sir, you really have a good eye. Your girlfriend looks like a fairy in this dress. A talented man and a beautiful woman—you're a perfect match."

Mu Li smiled and looked down at Xia Wan, his gaze tender. "This is the one, okay? I think this one suits you best."

"Yes." Xia Wan nodded vigorously, her eyes shimmering with tears. She also really liked this wedding dress and the feeling of being cherished by Mu Li.

After choosing the wedding dress, they selected the bridesmaid and groomsman outfits. For the bridesmaid dress, they chose a light pink dress, simple and elegant, making the wearer look gentle and lovely. For the groomsman outfit, they chose a deep blue suit, steady and handsome, complementing Mu Li's suit.

Next, they went to a high-end men's clothing store to pick out a suit for Mu Li to wear on the wedding day. Mu Li had a tall and straight figure and handsome features; he looked good in any style of suit. The staff recommended several, all of which were suitable. In the end, they chose a dark gray suit paired with a white shirt and a black tie. It looked steady and handsome, fitting Mu Li's temperament without losing the solemnity of a wedding.

By the time they finished picking out the wedding dress and suits, it was already noon. The sun was just right, and the warmth was pleasant. Mu Li took Xia Wan to an elegant Western restaurant, found a seat by the window, and ordered the steak and dessert that Xia Wan liked best.

"Thank you for accompanying me for so long today. You must be exhausted," Xia Wan said. She picked up her knife and fork and gently cut the steak on her plate, her tone carrying a bit of guilt.

"Silly girl, why are you being so polite with me?" Mu Li said with a smile. He reached out and gently took Xia Wan's hand, his tone tender and affectionate. "Preparing for our wedding is the thing that makes me happiest. Being with you makes any amount of fatigue worth it. Shall we draft the guest list this afternoon? Let's invite our friends, family, and our partners from the base to witness our happiness together."

Xia Wan nodded, a gentle smile appearing on her face, her eyes full of longing. "Alright, we'll draft it together. We'll invite all the important people to share our joy."

The sunlight filtered through the window of the Western restaurant, spilling over the two of them, warm and bright. They looked at each other and smiled, their eyes full of longing and expectation for the future. A warm and happy wedding was slowly beginning to unfold through their joint preparations. And those partners at Xuanguang Base were also quietly preparing, looking forward to witnessing this couple, who had gone through life and death together, enter the hall of marriage and start a brand new chapter of their lives.