She didn't know Jiang Yang was part of the bridal party today. Scanning the traffic behind the wedding cars, she asked, "Did you see me?"
Jiang Yang: "Yeah. Brother Shi spotted you first."
Xu Qinghe: "…"
Jiang Yang said proudly, "I'm on the bride's side today, escorting her with Brother Shi."
Xu Qinghe looked at the motorcade again. Were they in the second or third car?
From inside the car, Jiang Yang saw Xu Qinghe searching for his vehicle in the motorcade. "Sis, I don't know if there are any superstitions about wedding cars—whether we can open the window halfway? So I won't. No rush. Just take your time walking to the hotel. I'll hang up now."
Xu Qinghe: "…"
The motorcade was heading toward the hotel. The bride and groom hadn't arrived yet, but she, a mere guest, was already on her way.
She wanted to explain that she left early not just for the banquet, but also to enjoy the sun.
But she felt it would only make things worse, so there was no need.
Just as she hung up on Jiang Yang, a message came in from Shi Wenli: [Day off today?]
Xu Qinghe: [Yeah.]
Since she was already here this early, she might as well tell him openly: [I had days off earlier but switched to today specifically for the banquet (smirking)]
Shi Wenli: [Thanks.]
Shi Wenli: [We'll probably arrive at the hotel before you. Find Jiang Yang when you get there.]
Xu Qinghe: [Okay. You go ahead.]
She didn't look away until the wedding cars passed the intersection and merged into traffic, becoming indistinguishable.
When she arrived at the hotel ballroom, the welcome flower wall was bustling with a crowd of people taking photos with the bride and groom.
Xu Qinghe could hear laughter from afar, with Jiang Yang's voice being the loudest.
As long as work wasn't mentioned, he was always the happiest person.
In the crowd, she immediately spotted the beautiful bride and handsome groom.
When Shi Miao suddenly married the boss of Jinghe Group, the grandson of the powerful Min family, it had been the hottest gossip at the hospital.
Almost no one believed in this match.
How could a cold, overly busy cardiac surgery resident and a rational, reserved, even busier powerful man make their marriage work?
But a year later, the two were as thick as thieves.
Her gaze swept past the couple and quickly scanned the area. Shi Wenli was nowhere to be seen.
Jiang Yang spotted her first and waved eagerly. "Sis! Hurry, hurry! Come take a group photo!"
Xu Qinghe quickened her pace, approached, and first congratulated Shi Miao and Min Ting.
"Happy wedding. May you be this happy every day from now on."
Min Ting gave a faint smile. "Thank you."
Shi Miao hugged her. "Thank you. I thought you might not make it today."
The temperature had dropped more than ten degrees recently, so emergency surgeries kept coming one after another, keeping the entire anesthesia department running off their feet.
Xu Qinghe hugged her back. "It's your wedding. No matter how busy, I had to come."
After complimenting the wedding dress, she praised the flower wall design. "I've never seen anything so unique."
Shi Miao turned to look at the flower wall and smiled. "It was all my brother and Min Ting's idea."
Xu Qinghe looked at the romantic, soft, and elegant flower wall and couldn't help thinking of the tablecloth and vase in Shi Wenli's rental apartment—seemingly casual combinations but uniquely warm and tasteful.
Just then, the photographer called everyone to find their spots for a group photo.
Min Ting wrapped an arm around Shi Miao's waist and gently pulled her close.
Xu Qinghe, who was neither a bridesmaid nor a groomsman, deliberately moved to the side.
Shi Miao called out, "Come to the middle!"
Xu Qinghe said, "Standing anywhere is the same. I'll take a separate photo with you two later."
Shi Miao gave up and looked around but couldn't find Shi Wenli.
"Where's my brother?"
Min Ting said, "Probably inside the hall."
As he spoke, Shi Wenli came out of the banquet hall.
Shi Miao shouted, "Brother, hurry up!"
Xu Qinghe followed the voice and looked over, but her gaze froze instantly.
Shi Wenli was striding over in a dark suit, with a finely crafted white shirt underneath. His collar was slightly open, revealing a defined Adam's apple.
In the years she had known him, she had only ever seen him in scrubs or a white coat, never dressed up like this.
Afraid someone might notice her staring, she quickly averted her gaze.