Chapter 35: Why Didn’t You Deceive Me Forever?

To the world, you may be just one person; but to one person, you may be the whole world...

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

The two looked at each other with tenderness, as if they were the only two people left in the world. Not wishing to disturb them, Madame Lu stood up, walked out of the hospital room, and closed the door.

Seeing that the others had left, Lu Huaining pulled her into his arms and pressed a tender kiss to her eyelids. He spoke in a domineering tone, "Stop crying. Your eyes are as swollen as walnuts. If you cry yourself blind, who will be left to count your money? You little miser, I will definitely get better; just give me some time."

Hearing his playful words, she couldn't bring herself to smile, feeling only a deep ache in her heart. He pinched her cheek. "I don't like a bossy wife with swollen eyes. If you want to stay by my side and count money, you need to rest well and smile more. No more crying, do you hear me?"

Though his body was suffering, he only wanted her to be happy.

"Mhm." Xue Zuining suddenly opened her arms, gently wrapping them around his waist. Burying her face in his broad chest, she whispered, "Huaining, I will be good to you from now on."

"How good?" Lu Huaining stroked her hair, resting his chin against the crown of her head, and let out a soft chuckle.

"Just... very, very good..." Xue Zuining promised silently in her heart. She would love this man deeply, carrying the share of love that her mother had been unable to give him.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss to her dark hair. "I’m sleepy. Go tell Grandmother to get some good rest. She hasn't been in good health, and she’s been worrying so much over me; she shouldn't wear herself out. You should rest early, too. If you sleep beside me like you did last night, maybe I’ll get better even faster."

"Mhm." She kissed his brow and finally offered a faint smile.

He let go of her, watching as she stood up, smoothed her clothes, and stepped out into the outer room. The door was left ajar. He listened to the faint, gentle sound of her voice for a while, but eventually, unable to fight the drowsiness, he drifted into a deep sleep.

With Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized and no longer showing the recurrent bleeding of the previous day, the tension in Madame Lu’s nerves eased somewhat. The energy she had forced herself to maintain evaporated, and she was, after all, just a tired elderly woman. Hearing Xue Zuining relay Lu Huaining’s concern made her feel much more at ease, and she lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining had a nurse bring a quilt, and only after the older woman had fallen asleep did she walk back toward Lu Huaining. Madame Lu watched her back as she walked away, lost in thought.

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

After a quick wash, Xue Zuining returned to Lu Huaining’s side and lay down. Carefully tucking the quilt around them both, she held his arm, feeling surrounded by his scent and feeling a sense of warmth.

This man loved her; she knew it, and she was all the more unwilling to let him down.

She couldn't sleep. Her fingers gently traced his cheek, then trailed down his neck, finally stopping at his stomach. She didn't dare place the weight of her hand on his abdomen for fear of causing him any discomfort. The tension in her arm made her muscles ache, but she didn't want to pull away. She had suffered from stomach pain herself—nothing serious, yet it had been unbearable. He had vomited so much blood; how much pain must he have been in?

At that time, he must have been thinking of her, a thousand miles away, yet she had been unable to perceive her lover’s agony.

She didn't know when she finally drifted off. Early the next morning, the doctor came in, but he was still asleep. She hurriedly got up to let the doctor examine him, washed her face, and went out to buy breakfast for herself and Madame Lu. After they ate in silence, they checked on Lu Huaining. Seeing that his complexion had improved, their spirits lifted as well. Madame Lu glanced at Xue Zuining and said, "Miss Xue, come outside with me. It’s time we had a proper talk."

Some things cannot be avoided; when they must be resolved, one must face the difficulties head-on.

Hearing this, Xue Zuining’s heart felt as if it were being hoisted by a thread, dangling in mid-air. She secretly clenched her fists and followed Madame Lu to the outer room, where they sat face-to-face.

Time ticked by quietly, both lost in their own unspoken thoughts.

As someone of such high status, Madame Lu was naturally accustomed to demanding strict standards from everyone. Because of her worry for Lu Huaining, she hadn't changed her clothes since she arrived; she looked rumpled, her complexion poor. Xue Zuining feared that once Madame Lu calmed down, she would be filled with all sorts of displeasure.

But by now, it was no longer something she could change on her own.

She could sense the first impression Madame Lu had of her, even before they had ever met. People subconsciously magnify the faults of those they do not like. She smoothed her hair, feeling helpless, but resolved to take things as they came.

To her surprise, however, Madame Lu’s gaze was calm, even tinged with a hint of gentleness.

Xue Zuining steadied her breathing, maintained a polite smile, and waited quietly for the other to speak.

"Huaining told me everything yesterday. Many things were truly beyond my expectations. Let me first apologize for his shameful behavior, and on behalf of the Lu family, I apologize to you and your mother. Though I understand that the suffering you endured cannot be undone by an apology."

Xue Zuining was surprised, then replied, "This is not your fault. As a junior, I feel very uneasy having an elder apologize like this."

"It seems Lanlan really raised you well. In fact, she was always a kind-hearted person; it was I who misjudged her." Madame Lu sighed apologetically. "It is my failure as an elder. I was indeed neglectful of Huaining in the past. What was called a marriage between his parents was merely a shell, and since I hid the truth about his biological mother, his father was always cold toward him. Even the woman he called 'mother' only performed superficial acts of affection. They were very strict, even harsh, with him regarding his studies and behavior. Admittedly, we did not give him the care he needed as a child. The cold, proud nature he has developed is our fault."

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, remembering how he had once mentioned in passing that when he was sick as a child, he had to take his own medicine. The servants only watched the masters' moods; no one had truly cared for him. Her heart ached for him.

"I do not wish to interfere too much in the affairs between the two of you. After all, as a grandmother, I only want my grandson to be happy." Madame Lu sighed deeply. Her gaze lingered on the door to the inner room before shifting back to look at her intently. "Miss Xue, our two families once had deep ties. I have made mistakes in the past, and this time, I do not wish to make the same mistake again."

As one grows old, the heart grows old, too. Fighting for more holds no meaning; what she hoped for now was simply the joy of a house full of children and grandchildren.

Xue Zuining looked at Madame Lu, her heart pounding. She didn't know how to respond to such generosity, nor how to explain her own disappearance over the past four years.

Madame Lu remained silent for a long time before saying, "I do not want to bring up the rights and wrongs of the past, and I believe you can understand the difficulties of being in a high position like the Lu family. Regardless of who it was, you were innocent. Besides, Huaining has wronged you; it is his responsibility to spend a lifetime making amends. Since he cannot live without you, I will not make things difficult for you in the future. I tell you all this today only to let you know that your relationship with Huaining cannot be made public yet. After all, his engagement to Wanyi still stands. If it were to be made public now, it would only bring harm to all three of you. It is better to wait and deliberate on a strategy."

Xue Zuining pursed her lips and said, "I understand."

Madame Lu sipped her tea, trying to calm her turbulent emotions. After a long moment, she added, "I heard that you are married."

Xue Zuining’s heart skipped a beat, but she could only nod. Seeing the cold glint in Madame Lu’s eyes, her heart jumped.

The shadow on the older woman's face lasted only a moment before she regained her calm and gentle demeanor. She looked at her and said, "I believe you must have had your own hardships, but please, do not hurt Huaining again."

Xue Zuining thought for a moment and replied, "I understand what you mean. As for my own affairs, I will handle them as soon as possible so as not to bring you any unnecessary trouble."

Madame Lu nodded. "If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask. Huaining and I will not stand idly by. Although the Lu family cannot move mountains, we still have the influence you can trust."

"Thank you, Madame," Xue Zuining replied with a polite smile, though her resolve remained unshaken. Some things were best left as they were.

Madame Lu’s expression softened further. "Miss Xue, to stay with Huaining, you will have to face many things. Family factors are one aspect, but Huaining carries many responsibilities. His partner cannot simply be a woman who stays home to manage the household. I am not asking you to have the same ability to command the big picture as he does, but you must integrate into his circle. Official social occasions are not like the scenes in television dramas where people only show off jewelry and gowns; connections are built over wine and conversation. When leaders make state visits, they bring their wives. I’m sure you’ve heard of 'first lady diplomacy'."

Recalling her own youth, Madame Lu advised her, "Improve yourself and support your husband. It sounds tiring, but if you don't do this, the distance between you will only grow. Two people can fall in love in an instant, but to make it last, it takes effort. Life with Huaining cannot be the romanticized version of high-society life that young girls imagine. You must be mentally prepared."

"I understand. Thank you for your advice, Madame." Had this been four years ago, Xue Zuining might have been daunted by such a life, but now, she could face it with a calm heart.

Madame Lu said, "I must ask you to endure a little longer for now. Once Huaining has recovered, I will find a suitable opportunity to make your relationship public. I will be quite busy in the near future, so I leave Huaining to your care. You two can spend time together as a couple and see if you truly are a match. I will reserve my opinion for now, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, I only wish for my children to be happy—and for that happiness to be lasting, without major ups and downs."

Xue Zuining knew this was already a significant concession from Madame Lu; her words were reasonable and irrefutable. After careful reflection, she smiled. "Please rest assured. Since I have decided to be with Huaining, I am naturally prepared to face any difficulties that may come. Moreover, I will strive to improve myself so that I can stand by his side, rather than hiding behind him and relying on his protection."

"I am glad you think that way. It will be hard for you. If you need anything, call me directly. If I am unavailable, you can call the butler." With that, Madame Lu handed over her contact information and went back to check on her sleeping grandson one more time.

If all of this was a punishment for the rights and wrongs of the past, then perhaps letting go was the best way to seek redemption.