booktalesy Chapter 187 The Wedding in the Hospital Ward
Chapter 187 The Wedding in the Hospital Ward
The two remained silent for a moment, just sitting there quietly.
The sun shone warmly, and in the distance, water birds skimmed across the lake, leaving behind a string of clear calls.
"Zhiyuan, do you remember that time you told me you were waiting for an answer? So much time has passed..."
Han Tingting didn't finish speaking, but Wu Zhiyuan understood.
"Perhaps there will never be an answer." Wu Zhiyuan sighed deeply.
"Zhiyuan, what exactly happened?"
She fell off a cliff right before my eyes, and below her was the vast ocean.
Moreover, she was injured. More than a year has passed; she has neither been found alive nor dead.
"Sigh!" Han Tingting sighed, but ultimately said nothing.
Seeing Wu Zhiyuan's sorrowful expression, Han Tingting changed the subject: "Brother Zhiyuan, do you remember when I was ten years old, I fell into the pond?"
Wu Zhiyuan nodded: "I remember. Back then, you insisted on coming with me to pick water chestnuts, and you slipped and fell in."
The water was deep, and you can't swim. I jumped in to get you, but you thrashed around and almost dragged me down with you.
"At that time, I thought I was going to die." Han Tingting looked at the lake with a distant gaze. "Water rushed in from all directions, filling my nose and ears. I couldn't see or hear anything. It was just a feeling of suffocation."
Then suddenly someone grabbed me and pulled me upwards with all their might. When I woke up, the first thing I saw was your tear-streaked face.
She turned her head and looked at Wu Zhiyuan, her eyes glistening with tears: "Back then, I thought that when I grew up, I would definitely repay you properly."
But as I grew up, I realized that I couldn't do anything.
"Zhiyuan, do we really have to go to the provincial hospital tomorrow?"
"You absolutely have to go! You didn't look too well when you came back this time, didn't you notice?"
Han Tingting smiled slightly: "I thought I was lovesick. It's all because of lovesickness."
Wu Zhiyuan didn't know if she was telling the truth, joking, or perhaps half-truths.
"Tingting," Wu Zhiyuan stood up and extended his hand to her, "It's getting windy, go back inside, don't catch a cold."
Han Tingting grabbed one of Wu Zhiyuan's hands.
With a gentle pull from Wu Zhiyuan, Han Tingting stood up.
They parted ways almost immediately.
Wu Zhiyuan released his grip and turned to walk home.
Han Tingting followed behind him, looking at his tall and straight back, feeling the lingering warmth in her palm, and felt a mix of emotions she couldn't quite describe.
It's been like this since I was little.
He walked in front, and she followed behind.
He was her light, her direction, and her everything she looked up to.
But the light did not linger for her.
……
Provincial Hospital.
Wu Zhiyuan booked an appointment with a specialist for Han Tingting online in advance.
The doctor was an elderly man with gray hair, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and he looked very kind.
After understanding the situation, he asked Han Tingting to have her blood drawn for testing.
After the test results came back, I went for a follow-up visit.
After reviewing the lab results, the doctor looked at Han Tingting and asked, "Young lady, has anyone in your family ever had a blood disorder?"
Han Tingting shook her head and said, "My mother passed away when I was very young. I don't know what illness it was from. I haven't heard anything about it from my father's side."
The doctor pointed to several indicators on the lab report: "Your blood routine is very bad. Your hemoglobin is only 65, your platelet count is only 30,000, but your white blood cell count is abnormally high, reaching 28,000."
Based on your symptoms—fatigue, dizziness, bleeding tendency, and recurring low-grade fever—I highly suspect acute leukemia.
The doctor's words were like a bolt from the blue for Wu Zhiyuan!
His mind went blank, and his vision went black.
Han Tingting was also ashen-faced, clearly not expecting such a serious illness.
The doctor continued, "However, a bone marrow aspiration is still needed for confirmation."
If so, the treatment plan and prognosis will vary depending on the subtype.
Wu Zhiyuan asked anxiously, "Doctor, what are the chances of a cure?"
The doctor said, "It depends on the specific subtype and the patient's physical condition."
For certain types, the cure rate can reach 60% to 70% through chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
However, if it is a high-risk type, or if the patient does not respond well to treatment, it is hard to say.
Of course, it's too early to say anything now; getting a diagnosis is the priority.
After leaving the consultation room, Han Tingting remained silent, letting Wu Zhiyuan lead her away.
The hospital corridor was long, with white walls and white lights, and people with different expressions came and went.
There were joyful family members of new mothers, worried elderly people, and crying children.
Sunlight streamed in through the window at the far end, and although it was warm, Wu Zhiyuan felt a chill run through his body, a chill that went to his very bones.
While waiting for the test results, Wu Zhiyuan stayed by Han Tingting's side, feeling an indescribable pain in his heart.
He lost Lin Keke, and now he faces another possible loss.
The bone marrow aspiration results are in, and the diagnosis is acute myeloid leukemia, M5 type, which is a high-risk type.
The doctor advised immediate hospitalization and the start of chemotherapy.
Han Tingting was admitted to the hematology ward.
It was a triple room. The bed by the window was empty, the middle bed was occupied by an elderly woman in her sixties, and the bed by the door was Han Tingting's.
Wu Zhiyuan took his annual leave and began his life as a caregiver.
He arrives at the hospital at seven o'clock every morning to bring breakfast for Han Tingting;
I went to buy her a nutritious meal at noon and watched her finish it.
In the afternoon, I would talk to her or massage her arm, which was swollen from the IV drip.
I waited until she fell asleep before lying down on the folding chair.
Chemotherapy is a brutal process.
On the third day after her first chemotherapy session, Han Tingting began to lose a lot of hair.
When I woke up in the morning, there were clumps of black hair scattered on my pillow.
She sat on the bed, staring blankly at the hair in her hands, tears falling silently down her face.
Wu Zhiyuan brought hot water and said gently, "Tingting, cut your hair short, it will be more comfortable that way."
Han Tingting raised her tear-filled face: "Ugly..."
"It's not ugly." Wu Zhiyuan took the comb and scissors. "I'll cut it for you."
He moved a chair to the edge of the bed and sat down, making Han Tingting turn her back to him.
Wu Zhiyuan held a comb in one hand and scissors in the other.
Strands of black hair fell down.
Looking in the mirror at her increasingly short hair and pale face, Han Tingting's tears welled up again.
Wu Zhiyuan picked up a tissue and gently wiped away her tears: "Tingting, don't cry. When you get better, your hair will grow back, and you'll be even prettier than before."
Through her tear-filled eyes, Han Tingting looked at his gentle expression, then suddenly grabbed his hand, her voice choked with emotion: "Brother Zhiyuan, if I die..."
"Don't say things like that! You'll get better, you definitely will!"
I promised you I would take you to see West Lake, the Great Wall, the sea, and all the places you want to see!
You must believe in me, and you must believe in yourself!
The side effects of chemotherapy followed one after another.
Feeling nauseous, vomiting, and losing her appetite, Han Tingting vomited everything she ate, and her weight dropped drastically.
Because of her weakened immune system, she repeatedly got infected and had fevers, and each time she had a fever, she had to use a lot of antibiotics.
The worst time was when she had a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius, became delirious, and kept talking nonsense.
Wu Zhiyuan stayed by her bedside for three days and three nights, barely closing his eyes. He wiped her body repeatedly to lower her fever, fed her water again and again, and called her name softly each time.
On the morning of the fourth day, the fever finally subsided.
Han Tingting weakly opened her eyes and saw Wu Zhiyuan sleeping by the bedside.
Han Tingting reached out her hand, wanting to touch his face, but stopped in mid-air.
She just stared at him quietly for a long, long time, until tears blurred her vision once again.
The man she loved deeply was right beside her, never leaving her side.
But she didn't know how much of this protection stemmed from a sense of responsibility, how much from compassion, and how much from the kind of affection she longed for.
She dared not ask, nor dared she think.
A few days later, on a warm afternoon, an unexpected visitor came to the ward.
That day, Han Tingting had just finished her IV drip and was leaning against the headboard reading a book.
Wu Zhiyuan went out to buy fruit, and the ward was very quiet.
A soft knock sounded, and then the door was pushed open a crack, revealing a beautiful face.
"Is Han Tingting in this ward?"
Han Tingting looked up and saw a young girl standing at the door, wearing a light pink sweater and a white skirt, with long hair draped over her shoulders, holding a large bouquet of white lilies.
The girl was very beautiful, the kind of beautiful that's sunny and healthy, with curved eyebrows and eyes.
"I am Han Tingting. You are...."
"My name is Xu Yunxi, and I'm Zhiyuan's friend."
Xu Yunxi came in and placed the flowers on the bedside table. "I heard from Zhiyuan that you were here, so I came to see you. Are you feeling any better?"
Han Tingting paused for a moment, then slowly said, "I'm much better. Thank you for coming to see me. Please sit down."
Xu Yunxi sat down on the chair by the bed and looked Han Tingting up and down.
Although the girl in front of me looked sickly and pale, and her hair was cut short because of chemotherapy, you could still tell that she was originally an extremely beautiful girl.
Especially her eyes, clear as an autumn lake, pure and captivating.
"Zhiyuan went to buy something, he'll be back in a bit," Han Tingting said softly.
"I know, I ran into him downstairs just now, and he told me to come up first," Xu Yunxi said with a smile, taking a thermos out of her bag. "This is some rock sugar pear stew I made this morning, it's good for your lungs, have a taste."
The insulated box was opened, and a sweet aroma wafted out.
Xu Yunxi ladled out a small bowl and handed it to Han Tingting. Han Tingting hesitated for a moment before taking it.
The stewed pears were crystal clear, and the broth was sweet and refreshing. She sipped it slowly.
"It tastes so good," Han Tingting said sincerely.
"I'm glad you like it." Xu Yunxi said excitedly, "I'll bring you something else next time."
You need to eat more nutritious food; the hospital meals alone aren't enough.
The two girls started chatting like that.
At first, she was a little reserved, but Xu Yunxi has an outgoing personality and is good at finding topics to talk about, from stewing soup to painting, from university life to interesting things in her hometown.
Han Tingting didn't talk much, mostly listening and occasionally responding, but her expression gradually relaxed.
"Are you studying painting?" Han Tingting asked curiously.
"Yes, I'm a sophomore at the Hangzhou Academy of Fine Arts." Xu Yunxi showed Han Tingting some of her works on her phone, including a watercolor of West Lake, an oil painting of sunflowers, and a sketch of a portrait. "I like to draw people the most. Every face tells a story."
Looking at the paintings, Han Tingting's eyes revealed envy: "They're really amazing. I wanted to learn to paint when I was little, but there were no teachers in my area."
"I can teach you!" Xu Yunxi said enthusiastically. "When you're feeling better, we can draw together."
Drawing is a great way to relieve stress. When I'm in a bad mood, scribbling makes me happy.
Han Tingting was touched by her enthusiasm: "Okay."
Just then, Wu Zhiyuan returned carrying fruit.
Seeing the harmonious scene in the ward, he was somewhat surprised: "You guys seem to be having a good chat."
"Of course, Tingting and I hit it off immediately." Xu Yunxi stood up and took the bag from Wu Zhiyuan's hand. "The oranges are the sweetest this season!"
"Hmm, I picked out a few that look pretty good." Wu Zhiyuan peeled an orange, broke off a segment, and handed it to Han Tingting. "Try it, see if it's sweet."
Han Tingting took it and put it in her mouth. The cool juice melted in her mouth and it was indeed very sweet.
Xu Yunxi peeled one for herself, and the three of them ate oranges and chatted.
After a while, Wu Zhiyuan had to go see the doctor, leaving only the two girls in the ward.
Xu Yunxi removed the white pith from the orange segments, placed the pulp in a small dish, and presented it to Han Tingting: "Sister Tingting, are you and Brother Zhiyuan childhood sweethearts?"
"We grew up together." Han Tingting neither admitted nor denied it.
"Then he must take good care of you, right?"
Han Tingting nodded, her eyes softening: "He has always taken care of me like an older brother. He has been my guardian angel since I was a child."
"Sister Tingting, you need to get better soon." Xu Yunxi looked at her earnestly, "For your own sake, and for Brother Zhiyuan's sake."
You don't know, but he decided to change jobs so he could spend more time with you.
Han Tingting was taken aback: "Brother Zhiyuan wants to change jobs? Why?"
"Because my current job requires me to travel frequently, and sometimes I can't even get in touch with them."
He feels that you need someone with you most right now, and he doesn't want you to be unable to find him when you need him most.
Han Tingting's tears fell silently, one drop at a time, landing on the back of her hand, scalding hot.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Xu Yunxi quickly pulled out a tissue to wipe her tears.
"No, thank you for telling me." Han Tingting took the tissue, wiped away her tears, and looked up with red eyes. "Yunxi, you really are a very good girl."
Xu Yunxi smiled: "You too, Sister Tingting. So let's all take good care of ourselves, okay?"
The two girls smiled at each other.
When Wu Zhiyuan returned, Han Tingting and Xu Yunxi were sitting with their heads close together, looking at photos on their phones and occasionally bursting into cheerful laughter.
He stood at the door, hesitant to go in for a long time, afraid of breaking the beautiful scene.
……
Wu Zhiyuan took some time to meet Xu Youwei.
It was Liu Qingqing who opened the door.
More than a year later, Wu Zhiyuan saw her again.
She remains as beautiful and intelligent as ever.
"Zhiyuan's here! Come in quickly!" Liu Qingqing greeted him warmly.
"Teacher Liu, I'm sorry to bother you."
"Don't talk about disturbing me." Liu Qingqing led him to sit down in the living room, looked him over, and said, "Zhiyuan, you've lost weight and look haggard."
Yunxi told me everything. How is your sister doing now?
Wu Zhiyuan briefly recounted Han Tingting's recent situation. As Liu Qingqing listened, her eyes reddened: "Poor child, suffering so much at such a young age. I'll make time to visit her next time."
Zhiyuan, don't overwork yourself. Taking care of patients is extremely exhausting.
"I'm fine, Teacher Liu. Tingting is very strong and sensible."
This is the hardest time for her, and I can't be away from her.
Liu Qingqing nodded and said, "You did the right thing. In this life, there are responsibilities to bear and favors to repay. Just say the word if you need help!"
I know a few traditional Chinese medicine practitioners who are very skilled at regulating the body. Once your sister's condition stabilizes, you can try traditional Chinese medicine to regulate her body.
Just then, Xu Youwei came out of the study.
"Zhiyuan's here, have a seat." Xu Youwei sat down on the sofa opposite him. "I heard from Yunxi that you're considering changing jobs?"
"Yes, Governor Xu. I have a younger sister, whom I grew up with, who has now been diagnosed with leukemia and needs long-term treatment and care. So I'd like to find a relatively easy job."
Xu Youwei said, "I understand your situation. I've spoken with Director Han of the Provincial State Security Department to arrange your transfer."
He was first transferred to the Provincial Public Security Department, still at the deputy division level, and given a relatively easy position initially.
Wu Zhiyuan quickly said, "Thank you for your concern, Governor Xu."
"Actually, Zhiyuan, with your abilities and experience, you would have a better career prospect if you went to a front-line department."
Wu Zhiyuan smiled wryly: "Governor Xu, all I want to do right now is spend more time with Tingting. Nothing else matters."
Xu Youwei nodded: "I understand. During this time, you focus on taking care of the patients and don't need to worry about work."
"Thank you, Governor Xu."
Xu Yunxi has returned from sketching outside.
She studies at a university in Hangzhou and can only return to her home in Jiangzhou on weekends.
Speaking of Han Tingting, Xu Yunxi said, "Sister Tingting is so nice. We even made a promise that I'll teach her to draw when she's feeling a bit better!"
Wu Zhiyuan actually knew that Xu Yunxi had always secretly loved him.
In a sense, Han Tingting is her rival in love.
Yet, she was so kind and so magnanimous.
She felt no jealousy towards Tingting at all; on the contrary, she genuinely helped and cared for Tingting.
This is true kindness; it's not about being without selfishness, but about having a broader mind beyond selfishness.
Days passed, and the chemotherapy entered its second cycle.
Han Tingting's reaction became increasingly severe; she vomited to the point of near collapse, and her weight dropped to less than 80 pounds.
Wu Zhiyuan tried everything to supplement her nutrition, stewing all kinds of soups and cooking all kinds of porridge, but she would vomit it up shortly after eating it.
That night, Han Tingting developed a high fever again, with her temperature soaring to 45 degrees Celsius.
Doctors and nurses provided emergency treatment, using antipyretics and ice packs to lower the fever.
Wu Zhiyuan stayed by her bedside, holding her hand and calling her name over and over again.
"Tingting, hang in there, I'm here, I'm right here..."
Han Tingting was delirious, muttering incoherently, "Cold...so cold...Brother Zhiyuan, I'm so cold..."
Wu Zhiyuan covered her with every blanket he could find, but she still kept shivering.
Finally, he climbed into bed, hugged her tightly through the blankets, and warmed her cold body with his own body heat.
"Don't be afraid, Tingting, don't be afraid, I'll keep you warm while I'm holding you..."
He held her like that all night.
Listening to her rapid breathing and feeling her heartbeat, I was filled with an unprecedented fear.
That fear was exactly the same as when Lin Keke fell into the sea—the fear of losing her, the fear of never seeing her again, the fear that her laughter would never be heard again in this world.
The difference is that he was powerless that time, but this time he can at least hug her and tell her "I'm here".
As dawn broke, the fever finally subsided.
Han Tingting weakly opened her eyes and found herself being held tightly in Wu Zhiyuan's arms.
He closed his eyes, his chin resting on her forehead, his breathing even, as if he were asleep.
She could smell his masculine scent and feel the warmth of his chest.
She didn't move, just lay there quietly, listening to his heartbeat, one beat after another, steady and strong.
At that moment, she felt as if she had returned to her childhood, to that afternoon when she fell into the pond and was rescued by him, to being held by him like this, to listening to his heartbeat like this, and to feeling so at ease like this.
But she knew that everything was different now.
She grew up, and so did he.
They are no longer two children, but adult men and women.
Wu Zhiyuan stirred and woke up.
When he opened his eyes, he was met with Han Tingting's eyes, which were very close to his own.
Those eyes, clear as lake water, were quietly watching him.
Both of them froze, neither moving for a moment, remaining in that embracing position.
Wu Zhiyuan gently released his grip and sat up: "How are you feeling now?"
"Much better," Han Tingting said softly.
Wu Zhiyuan reached out and touched her forehead; it was indeed no longer hot.
He breathed a sigh of relief and got out of bed to pour her some water.
The scene from just now lingered in his mind.
He held her as if she were the most precious treasure in the world. His desire to protect her and to keep her alive was so strong that it felt like a foreign thing to him.
This wasn't the kind of affection a brother had for his sister. He was perfectly aware of that.
He took the water glass back to the bedside, helped Han Tingting sit up, let her lean on his shoulder, and slowly fed her water.
She sipped it slowly.
"Tingting," he suddenly said, "you have to promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
No matter how uncomfortable or painful it is, never give up.
I want you to live, to live well. That's my only request of you.
Tears welled up in Han Tingting's eyes. She nodded frantically, but couldn't utter a word.
After a while, Han Tingting suddenly asked, "Brother Zhiyuan, why are you so good to me?"
Wu Zhiyuan blurted out, "Because you are Tingting."
"Is it just because I'm Tingting?" she pressed.
"Tingting, I've made many choices in my life, some were right and some were wrong."
But one thing I'm sure of is that I can't lose you.
Whether as your older brother or in any other capacity, I will stay by your side and watch you get better.
Han Tingting burst into tears, these were tears of happiness.
She reached out her hand, and Wu Zhiyuan grasped it; their fingers intertwined.
……
Several months later, one afternoon, the ward was unusually quiet.
Han Tingting lay on the hospital bed near the door, even thinner than during her last chemotherapy session. Her cheekbones were prominent, and her wrists were so thin they looked as if they would break at the slightest touch.
After the second course of treatment, the condition experienced a brief period of relief.
However, the good times didn't last long. Less than two months later, the cancer cells launched a fierce counterattack.
The third round of chemotherapy had little effect, and the latest bone marrow biopsy report showed that the proportion of residual cancer cells had increased rather than decreased.
The attending physician spoke privately with Wu Zhiyuan, tactfully indicating that they had done their best and that the next step of treatment would focus on alleviating pain and improving quality of life.
"Brother Zhiyuan," Han Tingting said softly.
Wu Zhiyuan leaned over and took her cold hand in his.
"I'm a little cold."
Wu Zhiyuan tucked her in, then filled a hot water bottle, wrapped it in a towel, and placed it at her feet.
"Are you feeling better?"
Han Tingting nodded, her gaze gently falling on his face.
"Brother Zhiyuan, I had a dream last night. I dreamt that when we were little, in the village, you held my hand and we walked across a hillside covered with wildflowers."
The sun was shining, the breeze was warm, and you picked a purple morning glory, tucked it behind my ear, and said I was prettier than the flower.
Wu Zhiyuan said gently, "Tingting, when you're better, we'll go back to the village. I'll take you to see the flowers and pick water chestnuts, just like when we were little."
Han Tingting laughed: "Brother Zhiyuan, you never lie. When I was little, you could tell right away if I secretly ate candy."
She paused, her expression turning sorrowful: "I know my own body. I can probably guess what the doctor told you."
I'm not afraid, really. These past few months, with you by my side, have been the happiest days of my life.
"Tingting, don't say that..." Wu Zhiyuan's voice choked with emotion.
He knew that Han Tingting didn't have much time left, and there was something he had always wanted to ask, but he had never been able to bring himself to ask.
But we can't wait any longer.
"Tingting, tell me, what's something you regret? Tell me the truth."
After a long silence, Han Tingting said, "Brother Zhiyuan, I've liked you since I was little. As I grew up, that liking turned into love, but not the kind of love a younger sister has for her older brother."
I want to be your bride, wearing a white wedding dress, standing beside you. I've dreamt this my whole life.
Do you think I'm stupid? The way I look…
"I'm not stupid." Wu Zhiyuan interrupted her, cupping her thin face in his hands. "Not at all. Tingting, let's get married!"
Han Tingting froze, her eyes slowly widening, as if she hadn't heard clearly, or as if she couldn't believe it.
"Tingting, let's get married! Right here." Wu Zhiyuan's tone was resolute. "I want you to be my wife, Han Tingting, will you marry me?"
Tears welled up instantly, Han Tingting's lips trembled, and she couldn't utter a single word, only nodding frantically, again and again.
Wu Zhiyuan immediately went to see the attending physician and the department director.
Initially, the doctors were against it, worried that the patient's body could not withstand it.
But Wu Zhiyuan insisted, saying, "This is not an impulsive act. This is her last and greatest wish."
If I can't even do this for her, I will never forgive myself for the rest of my life.
Please help me. Her comfort and safety are paramount. I will take full responsibility.
The hospital eventually agreed and promised to provide full convenience and support.
For the next two days, this small ward became a temporary preparation center.
Liu Qingqing has arrived.
With tears in her eyes, she hugged Han Tingting: "Leave some of the wedding arrangements to me. I'll figure out the wedding dress, the bouquet, and the simple decorations for the room. The bride absolutely has to look beautiful."
Xu Yunxi took leave and came from Hangzhou.
She walked into the ward carrying a large bouquet of white lilies and baby's breath, her eyes lighting up: "Sister Tingting! Congratulations! Oh my god, this is so romantic!"
She put down the flowers, took out a sketchbook and charcoal pencil from her bag, and said, "I'm going to draw everything today! Also, will you be my bridesmaid?"
Han Tingting nodded with a smile, but tears kept flowing.
Wu Zhiyuan's parents, Han Tingting's father, and Wu Kexin all came.
Wu Zhiyuan bought a wedding ring.
The wedding took place on a sunny winter afternoon.
On the window of the ward, there was a large red "囍" character, which Liu Qingqing cut out herself.
The windowsill and bedside table were filled with fresh flowers—lilies, roses, and carnations—exuding a faint fragrance.
A painting hangs on the wall—a watercolor that Xu Yunxi finished after two sleepless nights:
On the shimmering lake surface, on the lush green island in the middle of the lake, a little girl with pigtails holds a boy's hand and walks along the shore covered with wildflowers.
Above the painting, she wrote in her delicate handwriting: "To Brother Zhiyuan and Sister Tingting—love is the unchanging scenery of the island in the lake."
Liu Qingqing and Xu Yunxi helped Han Tingting, who was in the hospital bed, put on a pure white wedding dress and a wig.
Wu Kexin applied light makeup to Han Tingting with extremely gentle touches, including a touch of blush and lipstick.
"Tingting, you are so beautiful." Wu Kexin looked at the person in the mirror and said sincerely, but her eyes were red.
Han Tingting looked at herself in the mirror and gently stroked the soft fabric of the wedding dress, as if touching a fragile dream.
Wu Zhiyuan wore a suit with a "Groom" boutonniere on his chest.
Another flower, with the word "Bride" written on it, was pinned to Han Tingting's wedding dress.
Wu Kexin's eyes were swollen like peaches as she tightly gripped Han Tingting's hand: "Tingting, from now on you're my sister-in-law."
Medical staff also arrived, bringing a beautiful fruit cake with "Happy Wedding" written on it in cream.
The small ward was bustling with activity.
Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Han Tingting's bed and casting a golden glow on her pale face and white wedding dress.
Wu Zhiyuan stood by Han Tingting's bedside, held her hand tightly, and faced everyone.
"Today is my wedding day with Tingting. Thank you all for coming to witness our wedding." He paused, looked down at Han Tingting with tender eyes, and said, "Tingting, I'm sorry, the wedding was too simple. There was no banquet hall, no red carpet, and no guests."
Tears streamed down Han Tingting's face: "Brother Zhiyuan, I'm so happy, really."
"Han Tingting, I, Wu Zhiyuan, am willing to marry you."
"Whether in sickness or in health, whether in poverty or in wealth, I will love you and stay with you until the end of my life. Will you marry me?"
The ward was extremely quiet; everyone was holding their breath.
Han Tingting's tears flowed uncontrollably. Looking at Wu Zhiyuan, the man she had loved throughout her entire life, she mustered all her strength and declared, "I do!"
The golden ring was slowly slipped onto her slender ring finger.
The size was a little loose, so Wu Zhiyuan carefully adjusted it.
Then, Han Tingting picked up another ring, her hands trembling so badly she could barely hold it.
Wu Zhiyuan took her hand and helped her put the ring on his finger.
The ceremony was simple, without legal notarization or the binding force of a marriage certificate.
But everyone present knew that this was more solemn and more eternal than any other form.
"Give me a kiss! Give me a kiss!" Xu Yunxi said, tears welling up in her eyes, as she led the applause.
Everyone clapped along, their faces smiling, their eyes filled with tears.
Wu Zhiyuan leaned down and, with utmost gentleness, placed a long and precious kiss on Han Tingting's smooth forehead.
Then, he kissed her hand, which was adorned with a ring.
Han Tingting closed her eyes, feeling the warmth from her forehead and the gentle touch on the back of her hand. A warm current of happiness flowed through her body, and even the pain seemed to have temporarily disappeared.
A radiant smile bloomed on her pale face, breathtakingly beautiful.
Everyone started cutting the cake and saying their blessings.
The small hospital room was filled with brief but genuine laughter, like a real, lively wedding.
Han Tingting was in unusually good spirits. She leaned against the pillows that Wu Zhiyuan had specially propped up for her, looking at everyone with a sparkle in her eyes.
She couldn't eat the cake, only taking a small bite of the cream that Wu Kexin fed her, and she smiled like a child.
However, Han Tingting's brief resurgence lasted less than an hour.
Her gaze gradually became unfocused, her breathing became shallow and rapid, and her grip on Wu Zhiyuan's hand gradually weakened.
Wu Zhiyuan keenly noticed this.
He gestured for everyone to keep their voices down, then hugged her tighter, letting her rest in his arms in a more comfortable position.
"Brother Zhiyuan..." she called out to him weakly.
"I'm here," he whispered softly in her ear.
"I'm so happy... really... it feels like a dream..." Her voice grew softer and softer, "I'm your bride..."
"Yes, you are my bride, my beautiful wife." Wu Zhiyuan's voice choked with emotion, but he tried hard to keep it from her noticing.
"Is the flower blooming on the island in the middle of the lake?"
"Soon, when spring comes, the flowers will bloom. They'll cover the mountains and fields."
"I want to go back and see...just a little more..."
"Okay, we'll go back when you're feeling a bit better. I'll go with you to see him."
Han Tingting smiled, very lightly and faintly.
Her gaze slowly swept over her family members by the bedside: her father, Aunt Zhang, Uncle Wu, Kexin, Teacher Liu, Yunxi...
Finally, the image focuses on Wu Zhiyuan's face.
Her eyes were filled with endless longing and contentment.
"Brother Zhiyuan..."
"Um?"
"In the next life...find me sooner...don't make me wait...for so long again..." Her voice was barely audible.
Wu Zhiyuan's tears finally broke free, rolling down in large drops that landed on her pure white wedding dress.
He nodded frantically, his throat so constricted that he couldn't make a complete sound, he could only nod forcefully and repeatedly.
Han Tingting looked at him with eyes so tender they seemed to melt.
She gently moved her ringed finger one last time, intertwining it with his.
Then, slowly, peacefully, and forever, she closed her eyes.
A satisfied smile still lingered at the corners of his mouth.
Her breathing stopped.
The heaving in my chest subsided.
She held his hand, then slowly let go, and it lost its last bit of warmth.
The ward was deathly silent.
The sunlight shone quietly, illuminating her serene, smiling face, her pristine white wedding dress, and the gleaming gold ring on her ring finger.
Wu Zhiyuan remained motionless, still embracing her, his face buried deep in her neck, his shoulders trembling violently, but he made no sound.
Only scalding tears silently soaked her hair and wedding dress.
Outside the window, dusk was falling, and the last ray of golden sunlight gently enveloped the two figures embracing on the hospital bed, like a still, exquisitely beautiful painting.
In Wu Zhiyuan's arms, on this winter afternoon when she became his wife, Han Tingting fell asleep forever, filled with love and contentment...