Chapter 23 A Performance of Tenderness and Lingering Affection

To the world, you may be just one person; but to one person, you may be the entire 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 wanting to intrude, Old Madam Lu stood up, walked out of the hospital room, and closed the door behind her.

Seeing the distractions gone, Lu Huaining pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips gently against her eyelids. He spoke with a touch of bossiness, "No more crying. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts; if you cry yourself blind, who will be left to count your money? You little money-grubber, I will get better—just give me some time."

Hearing his playful words, she couldn't bring herself to smile, feeling only a pang of sorrow. He pinched her cheek and added, "But 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 tears, understand?"

Though his body was suffering, he only wished for her happiness.

"Mm." Xue Zuining suddenly reached out 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 with a soft chuckle.

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

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss to her dark hair. "I’m sleepy. Go tell Grandma to get some rest. Her health isn't great, and she’s been worrying over me; I don't want her to wear herself out. You should rest early too. If you stay with me like you did last night, I might just recover faster."

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

He loosened his grip, watching her stand up to smooth her clothes before heading to the outer room. The door remained unlocked. He listened to her soft, muffled voice for a while, but eventually, overcome by drowsiness, he drifted into a deep sleep.

With Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized and the internal bleeding having ceased, the tension in Old Madam Lu’s nerves eased, and the energy she had forced herself to summon dissipated. She was, after all, a weary elder. Upon hearing Xue Zuining relay Lu Huaining’s concerns, she felt a sense of relief and lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining asked a nurse for a blanket and only returned to Lu Huaining’s side once the old lady had fallen asleep. Old Madam Lu watched her receding figure, lost in thought.

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

After a quick wash, Xue Zuining returned to lie beside Lu Huaining. She carefully tucked them both in and held his arm, feeling warmed by the scent that surrounded him.

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 they rested over his stomach. She didn't dare press down, fearing she might cause him pain. Her arm grew sore from holding the position, but she refused to pull away. She had suffered from stomach pain before—it wasn't serious, yet it had been unbearable. He had vomited so much blood; how much pain must he have been in?

At that moment, he must have been thinking of her, thousands of miles away, while she remained oblivious to her lover’s agony.

She didn't know when she finally fell asleep. The next morning, the doctor arrived before he was awake. She quickly got up to let the doctor examine him, then went to wash her face and buy breakfast for herself and Old Madam Lu. After they ate in silence, they checked on Lu Huaining; seeing his complexion had improved, their spirits lifted. Old Madam Lu turned to Xue Zuining and said, "Miss Xue, come outside with me. We need to talk."

Some things cannot be avoided; when they must be solved, one must face them head-on.

At these words, Xue Zuining’s heart felt as if it were being pulled by a string, dangling in mid-air. She clenched her fists secretly and followed Old Madam Lu to the outer room, sitting down across from her.

Time slipped by in silence, each harboring their own unspoken thoughts.

As someone of high status, Old Madam Lu was naturally accustomed to strict standards. Worried about her grandson, she hadn't changed her clothes since arriving, and her appearance was disheveled. Xue Zuining feared that now that the old lady had calmed down, she might be filled with displeasure. But at this point, it was beyond her control.

She could sense the old lady’s first impression of her—even before they had met—that 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 take things as they came.

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

Xue Zuining steadied her breathing, maintaining a polite smile as she waited for the other to speak.

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

Xue Zuining was taken aback, then replied, "This is not your fault. As a junior, I feel embarrassed to have an elder apologize like this."

"It seems Lanlan raised you very well. In fact, she was always a kind-hearted person; it was I who misjudged her." Old Madam Lu sighed apologetically. "It is my fault for failing to discipline the family. I was indeed neglectful of Huaining in the past. His parents’ marriage was a sham, and because I hid the truth about his biological mother, his father remained distant, while the woman he called 'mother' only offered superficial kindness. They were incredibly strict, even harsh, regarding his studies and conduct. Truthfully, we did not provide him with the care a child needs. That he developed such a cold, arrogant nature is our fault."

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, remembering how he had once mentioned that when he was sick as a child, he had to take his own medicine, and the servants only cared about his parents' moods, with no one truly looking after him. Her heart ached.

"I do not wish to interfere with your relationship. As a grandmother, I only want my grandson to be happy." Old Madam Lu sighed deeply, her gaze lingering on the door to the inner room before returning to look at her intently. "Miss Xue, our two families once shared a deep connection. I made mistakes in the past, and this time, I do not wish to repeat them."

As one grows old, the heart softens. Fighting holds no meaning; all she wished for now was the joy of a full family.

Xue Zuining stared at Old Madam Lu, her heart pounding. She didn't know how to respond to such magnanimity, nor how to explain her four-year disappearance.

After a long silence, Old Madam Lu said, "I don’t want to dwell on past grievances, and I believe you understand the difficulties of those in high positions within the Lu family. But in all fairness, you were innocent. Furthermore, Huaining has wronged you; it is his responsibility to repay that debt for the rest of his life. Since he cannot live without you, I will not make things difficult for you in the future. I tell you this today only because your relationship with Huaining cannot be made public yet. After all, his engagement to Wanyi still stands. Making it public would only hurt all three of you. We must consider our strategy carefully."

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

Old Madam Lu sipped her tea, trying to calm her tumultuous emotions. After a while, she added, "I heard you are married."

Xue Zuining’s heart skipped a beat, but she could only nod. Seeing the cold glint in Old Madam Lu’s eyes, she felt a jolt of anxiety.

The shadow on the old lady’s face lasted only a moment before she regained her composure. She looked at her and said, "I believe you had your reasons, but please, do not hurt Huaining again."

Xue Zuining replied, "I understand what you mean. I will handle my personal affairs as soon as possible so as not to cause you any unnecessary trouble."

Old Madam Lu nodded. "If you need any help, just ask. Huaining and I will not stand by idly. While the Lu family may not be all-powerful, we have enough influence for you to rely on."

"Thank you, Old Madam," Xue Zuining replied with a polite smile, though her resolve remained unshaken. Some things were best handled this way.

Old Madam Lu’s expression softened further. "Miss Xue, to stay with Huaining, you will have to face many challenges. Family factors are one thing, but Huaining carries heavy responsibilities. His partner cannot simply be a woman who stays at home to raise children. I am not asking you to have his ability to control the big picture, but you must integrate into his circle. Formal social occasions are not just about showing off jewelry and gowns like they are on television; connections are built over clinking glasses. Leaders bring their wives on state visits—you’ve heard of 'spouse diplomacy,' haven't you?"

Recalling her own youth, Old Madam Lu offered advice: "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 moment of passion, but a lasting relationship requires management. Life with Huaining won't be the romanticized 'wealthy lifestyle' young girls dream of. You must be mentally prepared."

"I understand. Thank you for the advice, Old Madam." Had this been four years ago, Xue Zuining might have been intimidated, but now, she faced it with calm.

"I must ask you to endure a little longer," Old Madam Lu said. "After Huaining recovers, I will find an appropriate opportunity to make your relationship public. I will be busy in the near future, so I leave his care to you. You may live together as a couple to see if you are truly compatible. I am reserving my judgment for now, but please understand my caution. As an elder, I only hope for my child to be happy—and for that happiness to last, without major ups and downs."

Xue Zuining knew this was a significant concession. The old lady’s words were reasonable and irrefutable. After a moment of thought, she smiled. "Please rest assured. Since I have decided to be with Huaining, I am prepared to face any difficulties. Furthermore, I will strive to improve myself so that I can stand beside him, rather than hiding behind him and relying on his protection."

"I am glad you think so. Thank you for your hard work. If you need anything, call me directly. If I am unavailable, call the butler." With that, Old Madam Lu provided her contact information and went to check on her sleeping grandson once more.

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