Chapter 25: Have You Fallen in Love with Him?

To the world, you may be just one person;
But to someone, you are the entire world...

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Lu Huaining smiled softly and said, “Come here, I have something to tell you.”

The two of them gazed at each other tenderly, as if the entire world had narrowed down to just the two of them.

Madam Lu, not wishing to disturb them, stood up, stepped outside the ward, and gently closed the door behind her.

Seeing the others leave, Lu Huaining took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace, pressing a gentle kiss onto her eyelids. With a commanding tone, he said, “No more crying — your eyes are swollen like walnuts. If you keep crying and go blind, how will you count money? You little money lover, I will get better, just give me some time.”

She heard his playful words but could not laugh; instead, her heart ached. He pinched her cheek gently and said, “But I don’t like a boss lady with swollen eyes. If you want to stay by my side and count money, then rest well and smile often. No crying, understand?”

Though his body was tormented, he wished for her happiness.

“Mm.” Xue Zuining suddenly opened her arms and wrapped them tenderly around his waist, burying her cheek in his broad chest. Softly, she said, “Huaining, from now on, I will treat you well.”

“How well?” Lu Huaining traced her hair, resting at her hair whorl, and chuckled softly.

“Very, very well...” Xue Zuining silently vowed in her heart. She would love this man wholeheartedly, making up for the absence of her mother’s love as well.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss to her jet-black hair. “I’m sleepy. Go and tell grandma to get a good rest. She’s never been strong and has been worrying about me too much—she mustn’t overexert herself. You should rest early too. Sleep beside me like last night; maybe I’ll recover faster.”

“Mm.” She kissed his brow and smiled gently.

He loosened his grip and watched as she stood, straightened her clothes, and left the ward toward the outer room. The door was unlocked, and her soft voice drifted faintly back to him. After listening for a while, he could no longer resist sleep and sank into a deep slumber.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized; unlike the previous day, he no longer suffered repeated bleeding. Madam Lu’s tightly wound nerves relaxed somewhat, and the energy she had forced herself to muster dissipated. Now, she was merely a weary elder. After hearing Xue Zuining relay Lu Huaining’s concern, she felt much comforted and lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining asked a nurse to bring a blanket over, and only after Madam Lu had fallen asleep did she return to Lu Huaining’s side. Madam Lu’s gaze lingered on Xue Zuining’s retreating figure, thoughtful and silent.

That silhouette was so familiar—it was as if it were Zhong Yilan from years ago.

Xue Zuining washed up simply and returned to lie beside Lu Huaining, carefully covering them both with the blanket. She wrapped her arms around his, enveloped by the scent that clung to him, feeling warm and safe.

This man loves her—she knew it—and she was unwilling to betray that love.

She couldn’t sleep. Her fingers gently stroked his cheek, then traced down his neck, finally resting on his stomach. She dared not press her full weight there, fearing it would cause him discomfort. Holding that position made her arm ache, but she did not want to move her hand away. She had experienced stomach pain herself—not severe, but excruciating. He had vomited so much blood—how much pain must he have endured?

At that time, he must have been thinking of her, thousands of miles away, but she could not feel the depth of his suffering.

She did not know when she fell asleep. The next morning, the doctor came in; he was still unconscious. She quickly rose to let the doctor examine him, washed her face, then bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. The two ate quietly and then went to check on Lu Huaining, relieved to see his complexion improved. Their spirits lifted considerably.

Madam Lu glanced at Xue Zuining and said, “Miss Xue, come with me outside. We need to have a proper talk.”

Some matters cannot be avoided; they must be faced head-on.

Xue Zuining’s heart fluttered as if caught by a thread, suspended in midair. She clenched her fists and followed Madam Lu into the outer room, sitting face to face.

Time passed quietly, but both understood the weight in the silence.

Madam Lu, accustomed to strictness and high expectations, had not changed her clothes since arriving due to worry, and her face was drawn and pale. She feared that once she calmed down, her displeasure would manifest.

But at this point, the situation was beyond any one person’s power to change.

Madam Lu’s first impression of her—even before they met—was clear: when people dislike someone or something, they subconsciously magnify their flaws. She brushed her hair back helplessly. This was the hand dealt; she would play it as best as she could.

Yet, Madam Lu’s gaze was calm, even showing a trace of warmth, which surprised her.

Xue Zuining adjusted her breathing, maintaining a composed smile as she waited for her to speak.

“Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Many truths were beyond my expectations. First, I must apologize for his shameful actions and, on behalf of the Lu family, apologize to you and your mother. Though I understand, the suffering you endured cannot be mended by mere apologies.”

Xue Zuining was somewhat taken aback but replied, “This is not your fault. For an elder to apologize, I feel embarrassed as a junior.”

“It seems Lanlan really did raise you well. She has always been a kind soul; I just misjudged her.” Madam Lu sighed and expressed regret. “I failed in raising Huaining properly. Our so-called marriage was just a facade. Moreover, I concealed his biological mother’s identity, so his father was cold to him, and the woman he called mother only feigned warmth. We were strict to the point of harshness with him, demanding excellence in studies and behavior. We did not provide the care he needed. His cold and aloof temperament is our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how he once mentioned his childhood illness and having to take medicine alone. The servants only obeyed their masters’ moods and never truly cared for him. A pang of sorrow welled in her heart.

“I do not wish to meddle in your affairs, but as a grandmother, I want my grandson to live well.” Madam Lu sighed deeply, her gaze lingering on the ward door before returning to Xue Zuining’s eyes. “Miss Xue, our families once had ties. I made mistakes before, but this time, I cannot afford to be wrong again.”

Aging softens the heart. Arguments become meaningless. What remains is the joy of a full family.

Xue Zuining stared at Madam Lu, her heart pounding wildly. She was at a loss how to respond to such generosity, how to explain her four years of disappearance without a trace.

Madam Lu was silent for a long while, then said, “I do not want to revisit past disputes. I believe you understand the burdens of the Lu family’s high standing. No one is without fault, but to be fair, you are innocent. Huaining owes you a lifetime of atonement for his wrongs. He cannot live without you, and I will not trouble you going forward. I say all this to let you know: your relationship with Huaining cannot yet be made public, as his engagement to Wan Yi remains. Public knowledge would hurt all three of you. We must carefully consider our next steps.”

Xue Zuining pressed her lips and said, “I understand.”

Madam Lu sipped her tea, trying to calm the storm within her. After a while, she added, “I heard you are married.”

Xue Zuining’s heart skipped, but she could only nod. Seeing the coldness flash in Madam Lu’s eyes, her heart tightened.

The shadow on her face lasted only a moment before returning to calm warmth. She said, “I believe you have your reasons. Just please, do not hurt Huaining again.”

Xue Zuining pondered, then replied, “I understand your meaning. I will handle my matters swiftly and will not cause unnecessary trouble.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need help, just ask. Neither Huaining nor I will stand idly by. The Lu family may not wield absolute power, but we have the strength you can rely on.”

“Thank you, Madam Lu.” Xue Zuining smiled in agreement but her inner resolve remained firm. This was best for now.

Madam Lu’s expression softened further. “Miss Xue, if you want to stay with Huaining, there will be many challenges ahead. Family issues are only one part. Huaining carries many responsibilities. To be his partner, you cannot be a woman who only manages the household. I don’t expect you to have his level of control, but you must integrate into his world. Formal social occasions aren’t just about flaunting jewels and gowns on TV. Connections are forged amid clinking glasses and social exchanges. Leaders travel with their spouses; you’ve heard of diplomatic spouses, haven’t you?”

Recalling her own youth, Madam Lu advised, “Elevate yourself to support your husband. Though it sounds arduous, if you don’t, the gap between you two will only widen. Love can spark in a moment of passion, but to last, it requires effort. Life with Huaining will not be the romantic, carefree existence that young women imagine. Be prepared.”

“I understand. Thank you for your advice.” Four years ago, Xue Zuining might have been daunted by such a life, but now she faced it with calm resolve.

Madam Lu said, “Endure a little longer. When Huaining recovers, I will find the right time to make your relationship public. I will be busy for some time, so you must take care of Huaining. You two can live as a married couple, get to know each other, and see if you truly fit. I reserve my judgment for now, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, I want my child’s happiness—long-lasting and steady, without great upheavals.”

Xue Zuining knew this was a great concession from Madam Lu, and every word was reasonable and indisputable. She thought carefully, then smiled. “Rest assured, since I have chosen to be with Huaining, I am ready to face any challenges ahead. I will strive to improve myself, stand by his side, not cower behind him relying on his protection.”

“That’s good to hear. Thank you for your efforts. If you need anything, call me directly. If I’m unavailable, call the butler.” With that, Madam Lu handed her a contact number and went to look once more at her sleeping grandson.

If all this is punishment for past mistakes, then letting go might be the best form of atonement.