The future of Oliver and Li Mao

With the consolidated cultural exchange program and the support of hospitals both in China and in the native country of Oliver, the couple had reached a stability that seemed distant. Despite the initial challenges, his joint effort had paid off, and the impact of the program began to feel in both nations. Oliver saw how Chinese doctors adopted advanced technologies to diagnose and treat.

Diseases, while Western professionals immersed themselves in the richness of traditional Chinese medicine, carrying millenary practices to their own patients.

Although his agendas were tight, Oliver and Li Mao had found a unique rhythm for his life. The couple frequently traveled between countries, dividing their time between hospitals participating in the program. Each trip was an opportunity to strengthen their love, discover unfamiliar places and, most importantly, remember that they were building something together.

On one of his trips to the hometown of Oliver, Li Mao had the opportunity to learn more about her husband's roots. He walked with him through the fields where Oliver used to play as a child and sat with his parents on the terrace of the family home, learning traditional recipes while exchanging anecdotes and laughter. At that time, Oliver proudly watched how Li Mao joined perfectly, breaking any cultural barrier with its warmth and disposition. 

For his part, Oliver struggled to continue learning the Chinese language and customs, a gesture that not only strengthened his link with Lio's family, but also allowed him to gain respect for his colleagues in Shanghai. Li Mao's family, initially cautiousabout his relationship, had come to deeply admire Oliver, seeing not only a loving husband, but a man determined to be part of his world.

On his third wedding anniversary, Oliver surprised Li Mao with a proposal that left his heart beating hard.

"I have been thinking about something special," Oliver said one night as they both rested after a long day of work. Holding his hand, he added, "What do you think of our votes? But this time, in a place that represents what we are now.

Li Mao looked at him, his face illuminated by a mixture of emotion and curiosity.

"And where would that be?" He asked with a smile that showed his enthusiasm.

Oliver showed him a photo on his phone: a beautiful Buddhist temple in the mountains of Yunnan, surrounded by flower cherry trees and with views that touched the sky.

"This place." A symbol of balance, love and peace. There we can celebrate not only what we have achieved, but also the love that has taken us here.

Li Mao accepted excitedly, and together they began planning the ceremony. Unlike his first wedding, he would be small and intimate, with only his closest family and friends.

When the day came, the temple was decorated with white and roses flowers, a delicate contrast with the green mountains that surrounded it. Oliver, dressed in a suit.

Traditional combined with modern details, I expected on the altar. Li Mao, dazzling in a white Qipao embroidered with golden details, walked towards him, accompanied by his mother.

During the ceremony, both looked deeply while exchanging new votes.

"LI Mao," Oliver began, "I promise to continue learning from you, your culture and life we build together." I promise to be your partner, your support and your greatest admirer. Today, as years ago, I reaffirm that it does not matter where we are, while we are together, we will be at home.

Li Mao, with tears in his eyes, replied:

"Oliver, with you I have learned that love has no borders." I promise to be by your side at each step, celebrating your successes and facing each challenge together. Our love is a bridge that joins two worlds, and there is nothing that we cannot build together.

When they finished, the guests surrounded them with applause and flower petals. The couple hugged under the blue sky, feeling that at that time everything in their life was in perfect harmony.

After the ceremony, the couple decided to take a few days for them. They climbed to the top of a nearby mountain, from where they could see the temple in the distance and the clouds gently covering the valleys. Sitting next to each other, they shared a cup of tea while looking at sunset.

"It's beautiful, right?" Li Mao murmured, laying his head on Oliver's shoulder.

"Not as beautiful as being here with you," he replied, gently kissing his forehead.

The silence extended to each other, but it was not uncomfortable. It was the type of silence that speaks for itself, full of love and gratitude.

Finally, Oliver spoke.

"Do you know what I think?" This horizon ... is like our life. Full of possibilities. A reminder that what we have built together has no limits.

Li Mao nodded, intertwining his fingers with his.

"We have come so far, but the best is yet to come."

Li Mao took Oliver's hand and, with a smile that mixed nervousness and emotion, he said:

"As this horizon we share, I have more than I want to show you." 

With delicacy, he took a small object from his bag: a positive pregnancy test. His eyes shone with joy as he gave him to Oliver, who initially was silent, trying to process what he saw.

"Oliver," Li Mao whispered, with tears sliding down his cheeks, "we will be parents. This is the fruit of our love; of everything we have built together.

For a moment, Oliver was speechless, but then his face lit up with a mixture of amazement and euphoria. He jumped up, raising his hands to heaven as if he wanted to shut his joy to the universe.

"I'm going to be a father!" I am going to be a father! He exclaimed, his voice bouncing between the mountains.

He returned to Li Mao, who watched him with a mixture of laughter and tears, and hugged her strongly, filling her with kisses as she murmured in a trembling voice:

"Thank you ... thanks for giving me this gift." I cannot imagine anything more perfect.

Li Mao Rio softly while resting his forehead on his, closing his eyes to savor the moment.

"Simos, Oliver." This little one will be the living proof that love can with everything.

While the stars began to shine in the sky and the wind whispered between the trees, the couple hugged even stronger, their hearts beating in unison. The horizon before them was no longer only a symbol of what they had overcome, but of everything that wasyet to come: sleepless nights, children's laughs, first words and dreams shared as a family.

And, at that moment, they knew they were ready. Ready to face any challenge, because their love was stronger than ever, and now they had a new reason to continue building their future.

Because in the end, the true power of love does not only reside in overcoming barriers, but in sow His own miracle.