New Beginnings and Old Traditions

“That's the last box,” Chen announced, setting down a crate labeled 'Medical Journals - Ancient History' in what was now their shared study. The afternoon sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse apartment, catching the dust motes dancing in the air.

“Are you sure you want me to take over your study?” Mei Hua asked, already arranging her books on the custom-built shelves. “I know this was your father's old workspace.”

Chen wrapped his arms around her from behind. “He'd approve. Besides, I had Yi Ning feng shui the entire place. Apparently, we're now aligned with all the right energies.”

“Is that why she and Kai insisted on moving the bed three times?”

“Actually, I think they were just hiding their housewarming surprise. Speaking of which—”

A commotion at the front door interrupted them. Yi Ning burst in, carrying what looked like enough food to feed a small army. Behind her, Kai struggled with several mysterious packages.

“No peeking!” Yi Ning commanded, shooing them toward the bedroom. “Go get changed. We have plans!”

“In our own home?” Chen raised an eyebrow.

“Less questioning, more moving!” Kai called out. “And wear something nice!”

An hour later, they understood the fuss. Their friends had transformed the spacious living room into an intimate traditional tea ceremony setting, complete with family heirlooms borrowed from both the Lin and Zhang households.

Madam Lin was there, resplendent in a classic qipao, while Zhang Min stood beside her, handling the ceremonial tea set with practiced grace. Wei arrived with his wife, carrying a familiar wooden box that made Mei Hua's breath catch – their father's personal tea service.

“A home isn't truly a home until it's been blessed with family tea,” Madam Lin explained, her eyes twinkling. “And since you two did this somewhat backwards, skipping the formal engagement ceremony...”

“Mother!” Mei Hua protested, but Chen squeezed her hand, looking touched by the gesture.

The ceremony was beautiful in its simplicity. As the eldest, Madam Lin prepared the first cup, using Dr. Lin's tea service. The blend was his favorite – a special oolong he'd discovered during his military service.

“Your father and I shared our first cup of tea in this very building,” Madam Lin revealed as she poured. “Different floor, of course, but the same view of Shanghai.”

As the ceremony progressed, stories flowed as freely as the tea. Wei shared tales of their childhood, while Min revealed embarrassing stories about Chen's first attempts at traditional ceremonies. Yi Ning and Kai, for once, maintained perfect decorum – though Mei Hua caught them sneaking pictures for their ever-growing collection.

After the formal part concluded, the gathering relaxed into comfortable familiarity. Chen's parents arrived later, bringing more food and their blessings. His father, usually stern and business-focused, surprised everyone by bringing a medical textbook from his own father's collection.

“For the study,” he said gruffly. “It belongs with people who'll appreciate it.”

As evening approached, their friends and family began to depart, leaving behind warmth, blessings, and enough leftovers for a week. Yi Ning hugged them both fiercely before leaving.

“Check the guest room after everyone's gone,” she whispered. “Kai and I left something special.”

Later, they found what she meant – a beautifully crafted photo wall, featuring moments from their journey together. The hospital lecture where they first met, candid shots from their residency, the military ball, and countless small moments in between. In the center was the recent photo of Chen with Lei Lei and her teddy bear, surrounded by images of their four-person friendship group.

“They're ridiculous,” Mei Hua said fondly, leaning against Chen as they admired the wall.

“They're family,” he corrected. “Speaking of which…” He pulled out a small box from his pocket. “I was going to wait, do something elaborate, but after today…”

Inside was a ring – elegant yet practical, designed to be worn even during surgery. The stone was set deeply, with a subtle pattern that reminded her of medical symbols.

“I'm not asking yet,” he clarified quickly. “Just promising. When we're ready, when the time is right…”

Mei Hua took the ring, understanding what he meant. It wasn't a proposal – not yet. It was a promise, like the tea ceremony, like their shared study, like the photo wall. A promise of more beginnings to come.

“It's perfect,” she said, slipping it onto her right hand. The left would wait for another day, another ceremony. For now, this was enough.

Their phones chimed simultaneously – the hospital group chat exploding with Yi Ning's latest update.

“Did she seriously hide a camera in here?” Chen wondered, reading the messages.

“Probably several,” Mei Hua laughed. “Want to give them something to really talk about?”

She pulled him close for a kiss, knowing somewhere their friends were probably celebrating another successful scheme. In the background, Shanghai's lights twinkled like stars, witnessing another moment in their story.

The ring caught the light as she wrapped her arms around his neck, a promise shining as bright as their future. Tomorrow would bring new patients, new challenges, new moments to navigate together. But tonight was for them, in their new home, surrounded by the echoes of love both old and new.

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