Chapter 32: The Sky City

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

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

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

Madam Lu, not wanting to disturb them, stood up, walked outside the ward, and closed the door softly.

Seeing the others leave, Lu Huaining took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace and gently pressed his lips against her eyelids, speaking with a hint of possessiveness, “Don’t cry anymore. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts. If you cry yourself blind, how will you count money later? You little money lover, I will get better, just give me some time.”

She heard his playful words but could not smile, only feeling a pang of sorrow. He pinched her cheek gently. “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, understood?”

Though his body was in pain, he wished for her happiness.

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

“How well?” Lu Huaining traced her hair and touched the crown of her head, letting out a light laugh.

“Very, very well...” Xue Zuining promised quietly to herself. She would love this man wholeheartedly, making up for the absence left by her mother.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss on her black hair. “I’m tired. Go and tell Grandma to get a good rest. She’s already frail and has been worrying about me. She can’t afford to be overexerted. You should rest early too, like last night when you stayed by my side. Maybe I’ll recover faster.”

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

He released her hand and watched her stand up, straighten her clothes, and leave the ward for the outer room. The door was unlocked. Her soft voice drifted faintly through the air. After listening for a while, he could no longer resist the drowsiness and fell into a deep sleep.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized; unlike the previous day, there was no recurrent bleeding. Madam Lu’s taut nerves relaxed somewhat, and the energy she had been forcing herself to maintain dissipated. Now she was just a weary elder. After Xue Zuining relayed Lu Huaining’s concern, Madam Lu felt much more at ease and lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining asked the nurse for a blanket, waiting until Madam Lu was asleep before returning to Lu Huaining’s side. Madam Lu’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, silent and contemplative.

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

Xue Zuining washed up simply and returned to lie beside Lu Huaining. She carefully covered them both, wrapping her arms around his, enveloped by the warmth of his scent.

This man loved her, she knew it, and she dared not betray that love.

Unable to sleep, her fingers gently stroked his cheek, then traced down his neck, stopping at his stomach. She dared not put all her weight there, fearing it might cause him discomfort. Holding her arm in that strained position made it ache, yet she could not bring herself to withdraw her hand. She had experienced stomach pain before, not severe but agonizing, and he had vomited so much blood—how much must it have hurt?

He must have been thinking of her far away, yet she had been unable to sense his suffering.

She didn’t know when she fell asleep. Early the next morning, the doctor came in while he was still unconscious. She hurriedly got up to let the doctor examine him, then washed her face and bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. After they quietly finished eating, they checked on Lu Huaining, seeing his complexion improve, which lifted their spirits. Madam Lu glanced at Xue Zuining and said, “Miss Xue, come with me outside. We need to have a serious talk.”

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

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

Time passed quietly, both understanding the unspoken.

Being a woman of such stature, Madam Lu was naturally accustomed to strict demands. She had not changed her clothes since arriving out of worry for Lu Huaining; she looked tired and her complexion was poor. Madam Lu feared that once she calmed down, she might feel displeased in many ways.

But at this point, it was beyond anyone’s power to change.

Madam Lu’s first impression of her—even before they met—was that people tend to unconsciously magnify the faults of those they dislike. She smoothed her hair resignedly. “It is what it is now. We must deal with it as it comes.”

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

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

“Huaining told me everything yesterday. Many of the facts were beyond my expectations. First, I must apologize for his shameful actions, and on behalf of the Lu family, I apologize to you and your mother. Though I understand that apologies cannot make up for the suffering you endured.”

Xue Zuining was somewhat taken aback but replied, “It’s not your fault. For an elder to apologize like this, I feel embarrassed as the junior.”

“It seems Lanlan has educated you well. She has always been a kind person; I was the one who misjudged her.” Madam Lu sighed and expressed regret, “I didn’t raise Huaining properly. Our so-called marriage was only in name, lacking true affection. Moreover, I concealed the truth about Huaining’s biological mother, so his father was cold towards him, and the woman he called mother only showed superficial warmth. We were strict, even harsh, about his studies and behavior. Admittedly, we failed to give him the care he needed. His cold and aloof nature is our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how he had once casually mentioned that when he was sick as a child, he had to take medicine by himself; the servants only took their cues from the master’s mood, with no one truly caring for him. Her heart ached.

“I don’t want to interfere too much in your matters. After all, as a grandmother, I want my grandson to live well.” Madam Lu sighed deeply, her gaze fixed briefly on the door to the inner ward before returning to her. “Miss Xue, our families once had ties. I have made mistakes before, but this time, I can’t keep making them.”

As one grows old, the heart grows weary. No matter how much one argues, it becomes meaningless. What she longs for is the joy of a full family.

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

Madam Lu was silent for a long time before saying, “I don’t want to revisit past disputes. I believe you understand the difficulties of the Lu family’s high status. Honestly, you are innocent in this. Besides, Huaining owes you a lifetime of repayment; it’s his responsibility. He can’t let you go. I will not make things hard for you in the future. I’m telling you all this because your relationship with Huaining still cannot be made public. After all, the engagement between Huaining and Wanyi remains. If it becomes public, it will hurt all three of you. We must consider carefully before deciding what to do.”

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

Madam Lu took a sip of tea, trying to calm the turmoil in her heart. After a moment, she said, “I heard you’re married.”

Xue Zuining’s heart skipped, but she could only nod. She saw a cold glint flash in Madam Lu’s eyes and felt her pulse quicken.

The shadow on Madam Lu’s face lasted only a moment before she regained her calm and warmth, looking at her with sincere eyes. “I believe you have your reasons. Just please don’t hurt Huaining anymore.”

Xue Zuining thought for a moment and replied, “I understand what you mean. Regarding my situation, I will handle it quickly and won’t cause you unnecessary trouble.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Huaining and I will not stand idly by. The Lu family may not command the world, but we still have capabilities worth your trust.”

“Thank you, Madam Lu.” Xue Zuining smiled in agreement, though her inner thoughts remained unchanged. Many things were better left as they were.

Madam Lu’s expression softened further. “Miss Xue, if you want to be with Huaining, there will be many challenges ahead. Family matters are one thing, but Huaining carries many responsibilities. As his partner, you cannot be a woman who only supports him at home. I don’t expect you to have his level of control, but you must integrate into his circle. Formal social occasions are not just about showing off jewelry and gowns like on television. Relationships are built amid clinking glasses. Leaders always bring their spouses on official visits. You’ve heard of ‘spousal diplomacy,’ haven’t you?”

Recalling her younger self, Madam Lu advised, “Improve yourself and support your husband. Though it sounds hard, if you don’t, the distance between you will grow. Love can be sparked by passion in an instant, but to last, it requires effort. Life with Huaining won’t be the romantic fairy tale a young girl might imagine. Be prepared.”

“I understand. Thank you for the advice, Madam Lu.” If this had been four years ago, Xue Zuining might have been daunted by such a life. But now, she faced it calmly.

Madam Lu continued, “Please bear with it a little longer. Once Huaining recovers, I will find a proper time to make your relationship public. I’ll be busy for a while, so Huaining will rely on you to take care of him. You can live together as a married couple, work through your differences, and see if you truly suit each other. I remain cautiously reserved, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, I want my child to be happy—and to be happy for a long time, without great upheavals.”

Xue Zuining knew this was already a great concession from Madam Lu. Every word was reasonable and irrefutable. She thought carefully and smiled, “Rest assured, since I’ve decided to be with Huaining, I’m prepared to face any challenges ahead. I will work hard to improve myself and stand by his side, not hide behind him relying on his protection.”

“It’s good you think that way. Thank you for your efforts. If you need anything, call me directly. If I’m unavailable, contact the housekeeper.” With that, Madam Lu handed over her contact information before returning to look at her sleeping grandson.

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