Chapter 21: The Vanished Wedding

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

Madam Lu, not wishing to disturb them, stood up, walked outside the hospital room, and gently closed the door.

Seeing the others leave, Lu Huaining took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace, pressing a gentle kiss on her eyelids. With a commanding tone, he said, "No more crying. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts. If you cry yourself blind, how will you count money? You little money lover, I promise I'll get better—just give me some time."

She heard his playful words but could not summon a smile, only a pang of sorrow. He pinched her cheek and said, "But I don’t like a boss lady with swollen eyes. If you want to count money by my side, then rest well, smile a lot, and don't cry, understand?"

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

"Mm." Xue Zuining suddenly opened her arms, gently encircling his waist, burying her cheek in his broad chest, and whispered softly, "Huaining, I will treat you well from now on."

"How well?" Lu Huaining traced her hair, resting against the crown of her head, then let out a light laugh.

"Very, very well..." Xue Zuining quietly promised in her heart. She vowed to love this man earnestly, making up for what her mother had missed.

Lu Huaining planted a kiss on her black hair. "I’m sleepy. Go tell grandma to get a good rest. She’s not well herself and has been worrying about me—she can’t be worn out. You should rest early too. Stay with me like last night; maybe I’ll recover faster."

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

He released her hand, watching as she stood, tidied her clothes, and left the room for the outer chamber. The door was unlocked; her gentle voice drifted faintly through it. He listened for a while but eventually succumbed to drowsiness and fell into a deep sleep.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized; unlike the repeated bleeding yesterday, his illness was under control. Madam Lu’s tense nerves relaxed somewhat, and the energy she had forced out dissipated. Now, she was just a weary elder. After hearing Xue Zuining relay Lu Huaining’s concern, she felt much more at ease and lay down on the sofa in the outer chamber. Xue Zuining asked a nurse for a blanket and waited until Madam Lu was asleep before returning to Lu Huaining’s side. Madam Lu’s gaze lingered on Xue Zuining’s retreating figure, silent in thought.

That silhouette was so familiar—almost like Zhong Yilan from years ago.

Xue Zuining quickly washed up and returned to Lu Huaining’s side to lie down. Carefully, she pulled the covers over both of them and wrapped her arms around his. Bathed in the warmth of his scent, she felt a comforting glow.

This man loved her. She knew it—and she never wanted to betray that love.

Unable to sleep, her fingers gently brushed his cheek, trailing down his neck, stopping at his stomach. She dared not press her whole hand there, fearing she might add pressure. Though the strain made her arm ache, she didn’t want to move it. She herself had suffered from stomach pain—not severe, but excruciating to endure. How much more pain must he have felt, vomiting so much blood?

He must have been thinking of her, thousands of miles away, but she could not sense her beloved’s suffering.

She didn’t know when she fell asleep.

Early the next morning, the doctor came in while he was still unconscious. She quickly got up to let the doctor examine him, washed her face, and then bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. After quietly eating, they checked on Lu Huaining and saw his complexion had improved. Their spirits lifted accordingly. 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 suspended by a thread, swaying in midair. Clenching her fists, she followed Madam Lu to the outer chamber to sit face to face.

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

Madam Lu, accustomed to demanding perfection from all, now appeared weary. Worry for Lu Huaining had kept her from changing clothes since arrival. Her sleep was wrinkled and her complexion poor. She feared that once calm, her own displeasure might surface.

But at this point, no single person could change the course of events.

Madam Lu’s first impression of Xue Zuining—felt even before they met—was that people tend to unconsciously magnify the flaws of what or whom they dislike. She smoothed her hair with a resigned sigh. It had come to this; she would have to deal with it as it came.

Yet, her gaze toward Xue Zuining was calm, even warm—a surprise to her.

Xue Zuining steadied her breath, maintaining a poised smile, waiting quietly for her to speak.

“Huaining told me everything yesterday. Many facts truly surprised me. 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 the suffering you endured cannot be mended with mere apologies.”

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

“Apparently, Lanlan did a good job educating you. She has always been a kind soul—I just misjudged her.” Madam Lu sighed deeply and spoke apologetically, “I failed in raising Huaining properly. Our so-called marriage was nothing but a facade. Moreover, I concealed the truth about Huaining’s birth mother, which led his father to treat him coldly. His so-called mother’s warmth was only superficial. We were very strict—perhaps too strict—on his studies and behavior. Undeniably, we failed to give the care a child needed. His current cold and proud nature is partly our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how he once casually mentioned having to take medicine alone during childhood illness, with servants only acting according to their master’s moods, no one truly caring for him. Her heart ached.

“I don’t wish to meddle too much in your affairs. After all, as his grandmother, I want my grandson to have a good life.” Madam Lu sighed deeply, her gaze resting on the door to the inner ward before returning to Xue Zuining. “Miss Xue, our families have a history. I have made mistakes before, but this time, I cannot afford to be wrong again.”

As one grows old, so does the heart. Arguments become meaningless. All she desires is the joy of children and grandchildren gathered together.

Xue Zuining stared wide-eyed at Madam Lu, her heart pounding wildly. She hardly knew how to respond to such generosity or explain her four years of disappearance without a trace.

After a long silence, Madam Lu said, “I don’t want to revisit past grievances. I trust you understand the difficulties of the Lu family’s high position. Honestly, you are also innocent. Huaining owes you his life—it’s his lifelong responsibility to repay you. He can’t live without you, and I will no longer make things hard for you. I share all this only to tell you that your relationship with Huaining must remain secret for now. His engagement to Wan Yi still stands. If made public, it would hurt all three of you. We need to 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 her restless mind. After a pause, 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 jolted.

The shadow on Madam Lu’s face lasted only a moment before she regained her composure, looking at her calmly. “I believe you have your reasons, but please do not hurt Huaining again.”

Xue Zuining considered this and replied, “I understand your meaning. I will handle my matters quickly to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Neither Huaining nor I will stand idly by. While the Lu family cannot command the winds and waves, we still have resources you can trust.”

“Thank you, Madam Lu.” Xue Zuining smiled in agreement but remained firm in her own resolve. Many things were best left as they were.

Madam Lu’s expression softened somewhat. “Miss Xue, to walk alongside Huaining, you must face many challenges. Family matters are one aspect. Huaining bears many responsibilities. As his partner, you cannot be a woman who only manages the 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 flaunting jewelry and gowns, as seen on television. Connections are forged over clinking glasses. Leaders always take their spouses on official visits—you’ve heard the term ‘spouse diplomacy,’ haven’t you?”

Recalling her own youth, Madam Lu advised, “Elevate yourself and support your husband. Though it sounds hard, if you don’t, the distance between you will grow. Relationships can be sparked by fleeting passion, but to last, they require effort. Life with Huaining will never be the glamorous, carefree existence young girls imagine. Be prepared.”

“I understand. Thank you for your advice, Madam Lu.” Had this been four years ago, Xue Zuining might have dreaded such a life, but now she faced it with calm resolve.

Madam Lu continued, “Bear with this for a while longer. Once Huaining recovers, I will find the right moment to make your relationship public. I’ll be busy in the near future, so Huaining will rely on you for care. You can live as a married couple, get to know each other, and see if you truly fit. I remain cautious, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, I want my child to be happy—and to stay happy, without great upheavals.”

Xue Zuining knew this was a considerable concession from Madam Lu. Every word was reasonable and unquestionable. 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 also strive to improve myself, to stand by his side—not hide behind him relying on his protection.”

“Good to hear. Thank you for your efforts. If you need anything, call me directly. If I’m unavailable, call the housekeeper.” With that, Madam Lu handed her the contact information and then went to check on her sleeping grandson.

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