Chapter 24: The High-Stakes Gamble of the Heart

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 and stepped outside the hospital room, gently closing the door behind her.

Seeing the onlookers depart, Lu Huaining took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace, pressing a gentle kiss on her eyelids. He said firmly, "No more crying. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts. If you end up blind from crying, how will you count money? You little money-grubber, I promise I’ll get better—just give me some time."

She heard his playful words but couldn’t bring herself to smile, only feeling a pang of sadness. He pinched her cheek, saying, "But I don’t like a boss lady with swollen eyes. If you want to stay by my side counting money, then rest well and smile a lot. No crying, understand?"

Though his body was wracked with pain, 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 treat you well from now on."

"How well?" Lu Huaining traced her hair, resting his head against the crown of her head, and chuckled lightly.

"Very, very well..." In her heart, Xue Zuining silently vowed to love this man deeply—filling the void left by her mother’s absence.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss onto her black hair. "I’m sleepy. Go tell Grandma to get a good rest. Her health isn’t good, and she’s worried about me. She can’t afford to overexert herself. You should rest early too. Sleep beside me like last night; maybe I’ll recover even faster."

"Mm." She kissed his brow, then smiled gently.

He loosened his grip and watched her straighten her clothes before stepping out of the room to the adjoining area. The door was unlocked. Her soft voice drifted faintly to him; he listened for a while but ultimately could not resist the pull of sleep and drifted into a deep slumber.

Lu Huaining’s condition was now under control, no longer bleeding repeatedly like the day before. Madam Lu’s taut nerves eased somewhat, and the energy she had been forcing herself to summon faded like smoke. Now she was just a weary elder. After Xue Zuining relayed Lu Huaining’s concerns, Madam Lu felt much more at ease and lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining asked the nurse for a blanket and waited until Madam Lu was asleep before returning to Lu Huaining’s side. Madam Lu gazed at her retreating figure in silence.

That silhouette was so familiar—it seemed almost like Zhong Yilan from years past.

Xue Zuining washed up simply and returned to Lu Huaining’s side, carefully covering them both with the blanket. She held his arm, enveloped by his scent, feeling a warm comfort.

This man loved her, she knew, and she never wanted to betray that.

Unable to sleep, her fingers gently stroked his cheek, then slid down his neck, stopping at his stomach. She dared not place the full weight of her hand there, fearing it might cause him discomfort. Holding that position made her arm ache, but she didn’t want to withdraw her hand. She had suffered stomach pain herself—not severe, but unbearable at times. He had vomited so much blood; how excruciating must his pain have been?

Back then, he must have been thinking of her from thousands of miles away, yet she could not truly fathom the depth of his suffering.

She did not know when she fell asleep. Early the next morning, a doctor came in, but Lu Huaining was still unconscious. She quickly rose to let the doctor examine him, then washed her face and brought breakfast to Madam Lu and herself. They ate quietly and then checked on Lu Huaining again, seeing his complexion had improved somewhat. Their spirits lifted as well.

Madam Lu turned to 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.

At her words, Xue Zuining’s heart seemed to be suspended by a thread, trembling midair. She clenched her fists secretly and followed Madam Lu into the outer room, sitting face to face.

Time passed quietly, yet an unspoken understanding hung between them.

Madam Lu, accustomed to high standards and rigorous demands, looked disheveled and tired from worry over Lu Huaining. Her clothes were rumpled, her complexion poor. She feared that once she calmed down, her displeasure might show.

But at this point, individual efforts could no longer change the situation.

Madam Lu’s first impression of her—felt even before they had met—was that people tend to unconsciously magnify the flaws of those they dislike. She adjusted her hair with a resigned sigh. It was what it was; she would respond as best she could.

However, Madam Lu’s gaze was calm, even carrying a hint of warmth. This surprised her somewhat.

Xue Zuining steadied her breath and maintained a composed smile, waiting quietly for her to speak.

“Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Many truths were beyond my expectation. 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 that the suffering you endured cannot be mended by mere apologies.”

Xue Zuining was somewhat taken aback but replied, “It is not your fault. For an elder to apologize like this makes me feel embarrassed as a junior.”

“It seems Lanlan truly raised you well. She has always been a kind person; I was the one who misjudged,” Madam Lu sighed, expressing regret, “I failed in raising Huaining properly. I was indeed neglectful. His marriage was more of a facade, and at that time, I concealed the truth of Huaining’s biological mother. His father remained distant, and the woman he called mother showed only superficial affection. So we were strict, even harsh, demanding in his studies and behavior. We lacked the care he needed. His cold and aloof nature is our failing.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how he had once told her that when he was ill as a child, he had to take medicine by himself. The servants only cared about the master’s mood, no one truly cared for him. A bitter ache welled in her heart.

“I don’t want to meddle too much in your affairs. After all, as a grandmother, I only want my grandson to live well,” Madam Lu sighed deeply. Her gaze lingered on the door to the inner room before returning to Xue Zuining, looking at her intently. “Miss Xue, our families once had considerable ties. I have made mistakes before, but this time, I cannot keep making them.”

With age comes a softened heart. No matter how much strife, it ultimately loses meaning. What she hopes for is simply the joy of a house filled with children and grandchildren.

Xue Zuining stared at Madam Lu, her heart pounding wildly. Faced with such generosity, she didn’t know how to respond or explain her four years of disappearance without a trace.

Madam Lu remained silent for a long moment before speaking again. “I won’t bring up past grievances. I believe you understand the difficulties of holding a high position in the Lu family. Honestly, none of you are to blame. Huaining owes you a lifetime of repayment for his wrongs. He cannot live without you. I will not trouble you from now on. I say this so you know your relationship with Huaining cannot be made public yet. After all, Huaining is still betrothed to Wan Yi. If this becomes public, it would hurt all three of you. We must carefully consider our next steps.”

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

Madam Lu sipped her tea, trying to calm the turmoil inside her. After some time, she continued, “I heard you are married.”

Xue Zuining’s heart jolted but she could only nod. Seeing the coldness flash in Madam Lu’s eyes, she felt her heart skip a beat.

The shadow on Madam Lu’s face lasted but a moment before returning to calm warmth. She said, “I believe you have your reasons. I only ask that you do not hurt Huaining again.”

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

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need any help, just ask. Neither Huaining nor I will stand by idly. The Lu family may not command the winds and waves, but we have enough strength for you to trust.”

“Thank you, Madam.” Xue Zuining smiled in agreement, though her heart remained resolute—some things were best left as they were.

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 bears many responsibilities. As his partner, you cannot be someone who only supports him at home. I don’t expect you to have full control like he does, but you must integrate into his circle. Social occasions are not just about flaunting jewels and gowns as on television. Connections are built amidst toasts and negotiations. Leaders always bring their wives on official visits. You’ve heard of ‘wife diplomacy,’ haven’t you?”

Recalling her own youth, Madam Lu advised, “Improve yourself and support your husband. Though it sounds hard, if you don’t, the distance between you will grow. Love can be sparked by passion, but for it to last, it must be cultivated. Life with Huaining will not be the romantic luxury a young woman imagines. Prepare yourself mentally.”

“I understand. Thank you for your advice, Madam.” Had this been four years ago, Xue Zuining might have shied away from such a life. Now, she faced it calmly.

Madam Lu continued, “For now, bear with it a little longer. When Huaining recovers, I will find the right opportunity to make your relationship public. I’ll be busy for a while, so Huaining will rely on you. You can live as a married couple, adjust, and see if you truly suit each other. 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 significant concession from Madam Lu. Every word was reasonable and unassailable. She thought carefully before smiling, “Rest assured, since I’ve decided to be with Huaining, I am prepared to face any difficulties ahead. I will work hard to improve myself, to stand by his side—not hide behind him relying 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 butler.” Saying this, Madam Lu handed her the contact information before returning to watch over her sleeping grandson.

If all that was happening now was a punishment for past mistakes, then perhaps letting go was the best way to atone.