Chapter 20: Love Is Like Tea

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.”

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

Madam Lu, not wishing to disturb them, rose quietly and stepped outside the hospital room, closing the door softly behind her.

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

She heard his playful words but couldn’t bring herself to smile; instead, a pang of sorrow filled her heart. He pinched her cheek lightly. “But I don’t like a boss lady with swollen eyes. If you want to stay by my side counting money, then rest well, laugh more, and no more crying, understood?”

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

“Mm.” Xue Zuining suddenly opened her arms and gently encircled 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, resting his head against her hair whorl, and smiled lightly.

“Very, very well...” Xue Zuining whispered a promise deep in her heart—she would love this man wholeheartedly, filling the void left by her mother.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss to her raven hair. “I’m sleepy. Go tell grandma to get a good rest; she’s been worrying over me despite her frail health. She can’t afford to be exhausted. You should rest early too. Sleep with me like last night—maybe I’ll get better faster.”

“Mm.” She kissed his brow and gave a faint smile.

He released her hand and watched as she stood, smoothed her clothes, and left the room for the outer lounge. The door was unlocked, and her soft voice drifted faintly back. He listened for a while but could not resist sleep’s pull and soon drifted into a deep slumber.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized; unlike the previous day, there was no recurrent bleeding. Madam Lu’s taut nerves relaxed somewhat, and the forced energy she had been summoning dissipated. Now, she was merely a weary elder. After Xue Zuining relayed Lu Huaining’s concern, she felt much more at ease and lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining had the nurse bring a blanket over, and only after Madam Lu fell asleep did she return to Lu Huaining’s side, carefully covering them both and wrapping her arms around his. Surrounded by his scent, she felt a warm comfort.

This man loved her; she knew it, and she was determined not to betray that love.

Unable to sleep, her fingers gently caressed his cheek, then traced down his neck, finally resting on his stomach. She dared not place her full handweight there, afraid of causing him discomfort. The strain made her arm ache, yet she did not want to withdraw her touch. She had suffered stomach pain before—not severe, but agonizing nonetheless. He had vomited so much blood; how much must it have hurt?

Back then, he must have been thinking of her, thousands of miles away. Yet she could not fathom her beloved’s pain.

She did not know when she fell asleep. Early the next morning, a doctor came in, but he was still unconscious. She hurriedly rose to let the doctor examine him, washed her face, and then bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. The two ate quietly and then went to check on Lu Huaining. Seeing his complexion improve, 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 confronted head-on.

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

Time passed silently, each aware of the other’s thoughts without speaking.

Madam Lu, a woman accustomed to high standards and strict discipline, had not changed her clothes since arriving, worn out with wrinkles and a pallid complexion from worry. She feared that once she calmed down, her displeasure might surface.

But at this point, change was beyond any single person’s power.

Madam Lu’s first impression of her—though they had never met before—was clear in her mind. People tend to unconsciously magnify the flaws of those they dislike. Smoothing her hair with a helpless sigh, Xue Zuining resolved to face things as they came.

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

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

“Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Many truths caught me off guard. First, I must apologize for his shameful behavior and, on behalf of the Lu family, apologize to you and your mother. Though I understand the suffering you endured cannot be erased by apologies.”

Xue Zuining was somewhat taken aback but replied, “This is not your fault. As a junior, I feel embarrassed to hear such apologies from an elder.”

“It seems Lanlan has indeed raised you well. She has always been a kind person; I was mistaken.” Madam Lu sighed deeply, expressing regret, “I failed in raising Huaining properly. Our marriage was merely a façade. Moreover, I concealed the truth about Huaining’s biological mother, which caused his father’s coldness toward him. The woman he called mother showed only superficial affection. We were strict, even harsh, with his studies and behavior. We failed to provide the care he needed. His cold and proud nature is our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how he once told her that during childhood illness, he had to take medicine himself, with servants only watching his expression and no one truly caring for him. Her heart ached.

“I do not wish to meddle in your affairs. After all, as a grandmother, I want my grandson to live well.” Madam Lu sighed deeply. Her gaze lingered on the door to the inner room, then swiftly returned to her. “Miss Xue, our families once had considerable ties. I have made mistakes before, but this time, I cannot afford to err again.”

With age comes a mellowing of heart; disputes lose significance. What she truly desires is the joy of a large, happy family.

Xue Zuining stared at Madam Lu, heart pounding wildly. Faced with such magnanimity, she did not know how to respond or explain her four years of disappearance.

After a long silence, Madam Lu said, “I do not wish to revisit past grievances, and I believe you understand the difficulties of being part of the Lu family. But to be fair, you are innocent. Huaining owes you a lifetime’s debt. He cannot live without you, and I will not make things harder for you. What I want to say is that your relationship with Huaining cannot yet be made public. After all, Huaining is still betrothed to Wan Yi. Public knowledge would hurt all three of you. We must carefully consider our next steps.”

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

Madam Lu sipped her tea, trying to calm the turmoil in her heart. After a moment, she added, “I heard you are married.”

Xue Zuining’s heart skipped, and she could only nod. Seeing the sharpness in Madam Lu’s eyes, her heart jumped.

The shadow on Madam Lu’s face lasted only a moment before she regained her composure and warmth. “I trust you have your reasons. Just please, do not hurt Huaining again.”

Xue Zuining considered this and replied, “I understand your meaning. I will handle my affairs quickly and not cause you unnecessary trouble.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need help, just ask. Neither Huaining nor I will stand idle. The Lu family may not command the winds and waves, but we have resources you can trust.”

“Thank you, Madam.” Xue Zuining smiled in return but did not waver in her inner resolve. This was good enough.

Madam Lu’s expression softened somewhat. “Miss Xue, if you want to stay with Huaining, there will be many challenges ahead. Family matters are one thing, but Huaining carries many responsibilities. His partner cannot be a woman who merely stays at home. I am not asking you to control everything as he does, but you must integrate into his world. Formal social occasions are not just about showing off jewels and gowns on TV; relationships are built amid clinking glasses. Leaders traveling abroad always bring their spouses. You’ve heard of ‘spousal diplomacy,’ haven’t you?”

Recalling her own youth, Madam Lu advised her, “Improve yourself and support your husband. Though it sounds hard, if you don’t, the distance between you will only grow. Passion may ignite love for a moment, but lasting love requires effort. Life with Huaining won’t be like the romantic fantasies young girls dream of. Be prepared.”

“I understand. Thank you for your advice.” Four years ago, Xue Zuining might have dreaded such a life, but now she faced it calmly.

Madam Lu said, “I’ll trouble you a little longer. Once Huaining recovers, I will find the right time to make your relationship public. I’ll be quite busy soon, so Huaining will depend on you. You can live as a married couple, learn to coexist, and see if you truly fit. I reserve judgment for now, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, I want my child to be happy—and for that happiness to endure without great upheaval.”

Xue Zuining knew this was a great concession from Madam Lu. Every word was reasonable and irrefutable. After careful thought, she smiled and said, “Rest assured, since I have chosen to be with Huaining, I am ready to face any difficulties ahead. I will work hard to better myself, stand by his side, and not hide behind him, relying solely on his protection.”

“That’s good to hear. Thank you for your efforts. If you need anything, call me directly. If I am unavailable, call the butler.” With that, Madam Lu handed her contact information, then returned to watch over her sleeping grandson.

If all this were to punish past mistakes, then perhaps letting go was the best form of atonement.