Chapter 22: Predicting the Beginning, Unable to Foresee the End

To the world, you may be just one person;
but to someone, you are their entire world...
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Lu Huaining smiled gently and said, "Come here, I have something to tell you."

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

Madam Lu, not wishing to disturb them, quietly rose 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 arms. His lips brushed gently over her eyelids, and with a hint of possessiveness, he said, "No more crying. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts. If you cry them blind, how will you count money? You little miser. I will get better, just give me some time."

She heard his playful words but could not smile; instead, a dull ache settled in her heart. He pinched her cheek lightly. "But I don’t like my boss lady with swollen eyes. If you want to count money by my side, then rest well, laugh often, and no crying, understood?"

Despite his body suffering, 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 be good to you from now on."

"How good?" Lu Huaining traced the strands of her hair, resting his head against the crown of her head, then chuckled lightly.

"Very, very good..." Xue Zuining promised quietly in her heart—she would love this man well, making up for the part her mother had missed.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss onto her dark hair. "I’m tired. Go tell grandmother to get a good rest. Her health isn’t great, and she’s worried about me. She can’t afford to be exhausted. You should rest early too. Sleep with me like last night; maybe I’ll recover faster."

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

He loosened his hold, watching her stand and straighten her clothes before leaving the room for the outer chamber. The door was unlocked. Her soft voice drifted faintly back to him. He listened for a while but soon surrendered to sleep’s heavy embrace.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized; unlike the previous day, the bleeding did not recur. Madam Lu’s taut nerves eased somewhat, and the energy she had forced from herself faded away. Now she was just a weary elder. After Xue Zuining relayed Lu Huaining’s concern, her heart felt lighter. She lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining asked a nurse for a blanket and waited until Madam Lu fell asleep before returning to Lu Huaining’s side.

Madam Lu watched her retreating figure in silence, thoughtful.

That silhouette was so familiar—it seemed just like Zhong Yilan from years ago.

After a simple wash, Xue Zuining lay beside Lu Huaining again, carefully covering them both with the blanket. She wrapped her arms around his and was enveloped by his scent, feeling warm and comforted.

This man loved her; she knew it, and she was unwilling to betray that love.

Unable to sleep, her fingers gently traced his cheek, then along his neck, finally resting on his stomach. She dared not place her full hand’s weight there, fearing it would cause him discomfort. Holding that position made her arm ache, yet she didn’t want to pull away. She had suffered stomach pain before—not severe but agonizing. He had vomited so much blood—how much pain must he have endured?

At that time, he must have been thinking of her, thousands of miles away, but she couldn’t truly sense the depth of his suffering.

She didn’t know when she fell asleep. Early the next morning, when the doctor came in, he was still unconscious. She quickly got up to let the doctor examine him, then washed her face and bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. They ate quietly. Seeing Lu Huaining’s complexion somewhat improved 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.

At those words, Xue Zuining’s heart felt as though it had been lifted by a string, dangling uncertainly in midair. She clenched her fists discreetly and followed Madam Lu to the outer room, sitting face to face.

Time passed quietly, each silently aware of the other’s thoughts.

Madam Lu, a woman used to commanding with an iron will, had not changed her clothes since arriving, worried sick over Lu Huaining. Her sleep-rumpled clothes and pale face revealed her exhaustion. She feared that once she calmed down, her displeasure would arise in other ways.

But at this point, no individual effort could change the course of events.

Madam Lu’s first impression of Xue Zuining—even before they met—was that people tend to unconsciously magnify the flaws of those they dislike. She smoothed her hair with a resigned sigh: it was what it was, and she would deal with it as it came.

Yet, to Xue Zuining’s surprise, Madam Lu’s gaze was calm, even showing a hint of warmth.

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

“Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Many facts surprised me. First, I must apologize for his shameful actions, and also on behalf of the Lu family, apologize to you and your mother. Though I know the suffering you endured cannot be mended by apologies.”

Xue Zuining was somewhat taken aback but replied, “It is not your fault. It feels awkward for me, as a junior, to accept an apology from a senior.”

“Apparently, Lanlan did raise you well. She has always been a forgiving person; I must have misjudged her.” Madam Lu sighed and expressed regret. “I failed as a parent. I did neglect Huaining in the past. His marriage was merely a facade, emotionally distant. Furthermore, I concealed the truth about Huaining’s biological mother. His father was cold to him, and the woman he called mother was only warm on the surface. We were strict, even harsh, demanding excellence in his studies and behavior. Indeed, the care a child needs was insufficient. His cold and proud nature is our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how he once casually mentioned that when he was sick as a child, he had to take medicine himself. The servants only obeyed the master’s mood; no one truly cared for him. A sour ache rose in her chest.

“I don’t want to meddle in your matters,” Madam Lu continued, “but as his grandmother, I want my grandson to live well.” She sighed deeply, her gaze lingering on the door to the inner ward before returning to Xue Zuining’s face. “Miss Xue, our families once had considerable ties. I have made mistakes before, but this time, I cannot afford to err again.”

As one ages, the heart grows weary. No matter the quarrels, they lose meaning. What she hoped for now was simply the joy of a full family.

Xue Zuining stared wide-eyed at Madam Lu, her heart pounding wildly. She didn’t even know how to respond to such magnanimity, or how to explain her four years of disappearing without a trace.

Madam Lu was silent for a long moment before speaking. “I don’t want to revisit the past quarrels. I trust you understand the difficulties of the Lu family’s high position. Honestly, none of this is your fault. Huaining owes you a lifetime of repayment for his wrongs. He is inseparable from you, and I will not make things harder for you in the future. I tell you all this only to say that your relationship with Huaining must remain private for now. After all, Huaining is still betrothed to Wan Yi. If it becomes public, it would hurt all three of you. We must consider carefully before deciding our next steps.”

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

Madam Lu sipped her tea, attempting to calm the turmoil in her heart. After a while, she said, “I heard you are married.”

Xue Zuining’s heart skipped a beat, 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 composure, looking at her calmly. “I believe you have your reasons. Just please, don’t hurt Huaining anymore.”

Xue Zuining considered for a moment and replied, “I understand your meaning. I will handle my matters soon and won’t bring unnecessary trouble to you.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Neither Huaining nor I will stand idly by. The Lu family may not command the winds and waves, but we possess strength you can trust.”

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

Madam Lu’s expression softened somewhat. “Miss Xue, if you are to continue with Huaining, there are many challenges ahead. Family is one aspect. Huaining bears many responsibilities. As his partner, you cannot be a woman who only manages the household. I don’t expect you to have his level of control over everything, but you must integrate into his circle. Formal social occasions are not like those on television, merely displays of jewelry and gowns. Networks are built amid wine and conversation. When leaders travel abroad, they bring their wives. You’ve heard of ‘diplomatic spouses,’ haven’t you?”

Recalling her younger self, Madam Lu advised her, “Improve yourself and support your husband. Though it sounds exhausting, if you don’t, you will drift further apart. Love can be sparked by passion in an instant, but to last, it requires cultivation. Life with Huaining won’t be the romantic, carefree existence young girls imagine. Be mentally prepared.”

“I understand. Thank you for the advice, Madam.” Four years ago, Xue Zuining might have been daunted by such a life, but now she faced it with calm resolve.

Madam Lu said, “You will have to endure some discomfort for a while longer. After Huaining recovers, I will find the right moment to make your relationship public. I will be busy lately, so Huaining will depend on you. You can live as husband and wife, getting to know each other and seeing 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 steadily so, without great upheavals.”

Xue Zuining knew this was a significant concession from Madam Lu. Every word she spoke was reasonable and irrefutable. After careful thought, she smiled and said, “Rest assured, since I have decided to be with Huaining, I am ready to face any difficulties ahead. I will strive to improve myself, stand beside him, 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’m unavailable, call the housekeeper.” With that, Madam Lu handed her contact information and then returned to watch her sleeping grandson for a while.

If all this is a punishment for past mistakes, then letting go may be the best way to atone.