Chapter 43: From the Clouds to Hell

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

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

The two gazed at each other with tenderness, as if they were the only two people left in the world. Wishing not to disturb them, Madame Lu stood up, walked out of the hospital room, and pulled the door shut.

Seeing that the others had left, Lu Huaining pulled her into his arms and pressed a tender kiss to her eyelids. He said in a domineering tone, "No more crying. Your eyes are as swollen as walnuts; if you cry yourself blind, how will you be able 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 pang of heartache. He pinched her cheek and continued, "I don't like a boss lady 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, understand?"

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

"Mm." Xue Zhuining suddenly opened her arms, wrapping them gently 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.

"Very, very good..." Xue Zhuining promised in her heart. She would cherish this man well, carrying forward the love that her mother had been unable to give.

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

"Mm." She kissed his brow and finally smiled.

He released her, watching as she stood up, smoothed her clothes, and walked into the outer room. The door was left ajar, and he could hear her soft voice drifting in. After listening for a while, he finally succumbed to his exhaustion and drifted into a deep sleep.

With Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized and no longer suffering from the recurrent hemorrhaging of the previous day, the tension in Madame Lu’s nerves eased, and the energy she had forced herself to summon dissipated. Now, she was merely a weary elder. Hearing Xue Zhuining relay Lu Huaining’s concern for her, she felt a sense of comfort and lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zhuining had a nurse bring a quilt, and only after the older woman was asleep did she walk back toward Lu Huaining. Madame Lu watched her retreating figure, lost in thought.

That back was so familiar; it was as if Zhong Yilan had returned.

After a quick wash, Xue Zhuining returned to lie down beside Lu Huaining. She carefully tucked the quilt around them both and held his arm, feeling warmed as she was enveloped by his scent.

She knew this man loved her, and she was unwilling to let him down.

Unable to sleep, she gently traced his cheek with her fingers, moving down his neck until she stopped at his stomach. She dared not rest the weight of her hand there for fear of causing him any discomfort, and while the strained position made her arm ache, she did not want to pull away. She, too, had suffered from stomach pain—though not severe, it had been agonizing. Seeing how much blood he had vomited, she could only imagine how much pain he must be in.

He must have been thinking of her, thousands of miles away, while she had been unable to feel the pain of her beloved.

She did not know when she finally drifted off. Early the next morning, the doctor arrived while he was still asleep. She quickly rose to allow the examination, washed her face, and went to buy breakfast for herself and Madame Lu. After eating in silence, they checked on Lu Huaining and found his complexion had improved, which lifted their spirits. Madame Lu turned to look at Xue Zhuining 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 has no choice but to face them head-on.

At these words, Xue Zhuining’s heart felt as if it were being pulled upward by a string, dangling precariously in mid-air. She clenched her fists secretly and followed Madame Lu out of the room, sitting down across from her.

Time passed quietly, with each keeping their own thoughts hidden.

As someone of such high status, Madame Lu was naturally accustomed to demanding perfection. Because of her worry for Lu Huaining, she hadn’t changed her clothes since arriving, and her attire was wrinkled, her complexion poor. She feared that once Madame Lu regained her composure, she would find plenty to be displeased about.

Yet, at this point, it was beyond her control.

She had sensed Madame Lu’s first impression of her even before they had met; people often unconsciously magnify the flaws of those they dislike. She smoothed her hair, feeling helpless—it was what it was; she would just have to deal with whatever came her way.

However, the gaze Madame Lu directed at her was calm, even tinged with a hint of gentleness, which took her by surprise.

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

"Huaining told me everything yesterday. Many facts 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 Zhuining was startled, then replied, "This is not your fault. As a junior, I feel very uneasy having an elder apologize like this."

"It seems Lanlan raised you well. In truth, she was always a generous person; it was I who misjudged her." Madame Lu sighed apologetically. "It was my failure as an elder to keep him in check. In the past, I was indeed neglectful of Huaining. His parents' marriage was merely a shell, and because I hid the truth about his biological mother, his father remained distant, while the woman he called 'mother' only performed superficial kindness. They were very strict, even harsh, with him regarding his studies and conduct. Admittedly, we failed to provide the care a child needs. That he grew up to be so cold and arrogant is our fault."

Xue Zhuining 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, and the servants only cared about his father’s moods, with no one truly looking after him. Her heart ached.

"I do not wish to interfere in your affairs. After all, as a grandmother, I only want my grandson to be happy." Madame Lu sighed deeply, her gaze lingering on the door to the inner room before returning to look intently at her. "Miss Xue, our two families have a history. I made mistakes in the past, and this time, I do not wish to repeat them."

As one grows old, the heart mellows. Fighting for more has no meaning; all she wished for now was the joy of seeing her descendants thrive.

Xue Zhuining stared at Madame Lu, her heart pounding. She was so moved by this generosity that she didn't even know how to respond or explain her four years of total disappearance.

After a long silence, Madame Lu said, "I do not wish to dwell on past grievances, and I trust you understand the difficulties of those in high positions in the Lu family. Regardless of anything else, in all fairness, you were innocent. Furthermore, Huaining has wronged you, and spending his life making amends is his responsibility. 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 say that your relationship with Huaining cannot be made public yet. After all, his engagement to Wanyi still stands. To make it public now would only cause harm to all three of you. We must consider our strategy carefully."

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

Madame Lu took a sip of tea, trying to calm her turbulent emotions. After a while, she added, "I heard that you are married."

Xue Zhuining felt a jolt of alarm but could only nod. Seeing the cold sharpness in Madame Lu's eyes, her heart skipped a beat.

The shadow on her face lasted only a moment before she regained her composed, gentle demeanor. She looked at her and said, "I believe you must have had your reasons, but please, do not hurt Huaining again."

Xue Zhuining thought for a moment and replied, "I understand what you mean. I will handle my personal affairs as soon as possible so as not to cause any unnecessary trouble for you."

Madame Lu nodded. "If you need any help, do not hesitate to ask. Huaining and I will certainly not stand idly by. While the Lu family may not be all-powerful, we have the influence you can trust."

"Thank you, Madame," Xue Zhuining said with a polite smile, though it did not shake her inner resolve. Some matters were best handled in her own way.

Madame Lu’s expression softened further. "Miss Xue, if you are to walk this path with Huaining, there is much you will have to face. Family factors are one thing, but Huaining carries a great deal of responsibility. His partner cannot simply be a woman who only knows how to manage a household. I am not asking you to have the same ability to command the situation as he does, but you must integrate into his circle. Formal social occasions are not like the ones depicted on television, where people just show off jewelry and gowns; connections are built amidst the clinking of glasses. Leaders bring their wives on state visits—I’m sure you’ve heard of 'spouse diplomacy.'"

Recalling her own youth, Madame Lu advised, "Improve yourself and support your husband. It sounds exhausting, but if you don't, the distance between you will only grow. Two people can fall in love in a flash of passion, but to make it last, it requires management. Life with Huaining cannot be the romanticized version of wealth that young girls imagine. You must be mentally prepared."

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Madame." If this had been four years ago, Xue Zhuining might have been daunted by that life, but now, she faced it with a calm heart.

Madame Lu continued, "Bear with the situation for a little longer. Once Huaining has recovered, I will find a suitable opportunity to make your relationship public. I will be busy in the near future, so Huaining will be in your care. You may interact as a couple and see if you are truly well-suited. I am keeping an open mind for now, but please understand my caution. As an elder, I only hope the children will be happy—and that this happiness will be lasting, without any major ups and downs."

Xue Zhuining knew this was a significant concession from Madame Lu, and her words were perfectly reasonable and irrefutable. After careful consideration, she smiled. "Please rest assured. Since I have decided to be with Huaining, I am 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 work. If you need anything, call me directly. If I am unavailable, you may call the housekeeper." With that, Madame Lu handed her the contact information and went to check on her sleeping grandson once more.

If everything happening now was a punishment for the grievances of the past, then perhaps letting go was the best way to seek redemption.