Chapter 34: Let's Go to Hell Together!

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

Madam Lu, not wishing to intrude, rose quietly and stepped outside the ward, closing the door gently behind her.

Seeing the others leave, Lu Huaining took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace, pressing a gentle kiss onto her eyelids. With a hint of possessiveness, he said, "No more crying. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts. If you keep crying and go 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 smile, only feeling a pang of sorrow. He pinched her cheek softly, "But I don’t like a boss lady with puffy eyes. If you want to stay by my side and count money, you have to rest well and smile more. No crying, understand?"

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

"Mm." Xue Zuining suddenly opened her arms and gently wrapped them around his waist, resting her cheek against 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..." Xue Zuining silently promised herself. She would love this man wholeheartedly, making up for the love her mother had never given.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss onto her dark hair. "I'm sleepy. Go tell grandma to have a good rest. Her health isn't good, and she’s been worrying about me. She mustn’t overexert herself. You should rest early too. Sleep beside me like last night; maybe I’ll recover faster."

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

He released her hand, watching her stand and straighten her clothes before leaving the ward and heading to the outer room. The door was unlocked, and her gentle voice drifted faintly through. He listened for a while but eventually succumbed to sleep.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized, no longer bleeding repeatedly as he had the day before. Madam Lu’s tense nerves relaxed somewhat, and the energy she had forced herself to muster dissipated. Now she was merely a weary elder. After Xue Zuining relayed Lu Huaining’s concern, she felt much comforted and lay down on the sofa in the outer room. 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, lost in thought.

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

After a quick wash, Xue Zuining lay beside Lu Huaining, carefully covering them both with the blanket. She wrapped her arms around his, enveloped by the warmth of his scent, feeling a deep comfort.

This man loved her, she knew it, and she was determined never to betray that love.

Unable to sleep, her fingers gently traced his cheek, then traveled down his neck, stopping at his stomach. She dared not press her full hand weight there, fearing she might cause him discomfort. Holding this position made her arm ache, yet she did not want to move away. She had experienced stomach pain herself—mild but unbearable. 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, yet she was powerless to feel the depth of his suffering.

She did not know when she fell asleep. Early the next morning, the doctor came in; he was still unconscious. She hurriedly got up and asked the doctor to examine him, then washed her face and bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. The two ate quietly before checking on Lu Huaining, seeing that his complexion had improved, lifting their spirits considerably. 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 was lifted as if suspended by a single thread, wavering in midair. She clenched her fists silently and followed Madam Lu to the outer room to sit face to face.

Time passed quietly, yet both understood each other without words.

As a woman of high status, Madam Lu was naturally accustomed to strictness and high expectations. She had not changed her clothes since arriving, worried about Lu Huaining, and her face was drawn and tired. She feared that once she calmed down, she might feel resentment. But at this point, it was beyond the power of any one person to change the situation.

Madam Lu’s first impression of Xue Zuining, even before they met, was that people tend to magnify the flaws of those they dislike. She ran her fingers through her hair helplessly. It was what it was; she would face it as it came.

Yet, Madam Lu’s gaze was calm, even touched with a trace of kindness, which surprised Xue Zuining.

She steadied her breath, maintaining a polite smile, quietly waiting for her to speak.

"Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Many truths shocked me. First, I must apologize for his shameful actions and, on behalf of the Lu family, apologize to you and your mother. Though I understand that the suffering you endured cannot be wiped away with apologies."

Xue Zuining was taken aback but replied, "It’s not your fault. For an elder to apologize like this makes me feel embarrassed."

"It seems Lanlan truly raised you well," Madam Lu sighed. "She has always been a kind woman; I simply misjudged her. I admit, I failed in raising Huaining properly. Our marriage was a mere formality, distant in spirit. Moreover, I concealed the truth about Huaining’s biological mother, which caused his father’s coldness towards him. His so-called mother was only affectionate on the surface. We were strict, even harsh, demanding excellence in his studies and behavior. We failed to give him the care he needed. His cold and aloof nature is our fault."

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how he once mentioned that as a sick child, he had to take medicine alone. The servants only obeyed the master’s moods, and no one truly cared for him. A tender ache blossomed in her heart.

"I don’t want to meddle much in your affairs. After all, as his grandmother, I want my grandson to live well," Madam Lu sighed deeply, her gaze lingering on the ward door before returning to Xue Zuining. "Miss Xue, our families share a history. I have made mistakes in the past, but this time, I cannot afford to be wrong again."

With age comes a softened heart. Endless disputes are meaningless. What she longed for was simply the joy of a full family.

Xue Zuining stared wide-eyed at Madam Lu, her heart pounding wildly. She did not know how to respond to such generosity or how to explain her four years of disappearance.

Madam Lu was silent for a long time before speaking again. "I don’t want to dwell on past disputes. I trust you understand the difficulties of being part of the Lu family. But, to be fair, you are innocent. Huaining owes you a lifetime of repayment. He cannot let go of you, and I will not make things difficult for you. I tell you this because your relationship must remain secret for now. The engagement between Huaining and Wanyi still stands. If it were made public, it would only hurt the three of you. We must consider carefully before making any decisions."

Xue Zuining pressed her lips together, nodding. "I understand."

Madam Lu sipped her tea, trying to calm the turmoil within. After a pause, she said, "I heard that you are married."

Xue Zuining’s heart skipped, but she could only nod. Seeing the coldness in Madam Lu’s eyes, her heart suddenly tightened.

The shadow on Madam Lu’s face lasted only a moment before she regained her composure and warmth. She looked at Xue Zuining and said, "I believe you must have your reasons. Just please, don’t hurt Huaining again."

Xue Zuining thought for a moment and replied, "I understand your concern. I will handle my affairs quickly and will not cause you unnecessary trouble."

Madam Lu nodded. "If you need help, just ask. Huaining and I will not stand idly by. Though the Lu family cannot command the world, we still have the strength you can rely on."

"Thank you, Madam Lu." Xue Zuining smiled in acknowledgment but did not waver in her resolve. Some things were better left as they were.

Madam Lu’s expression softened. "Miss Xue, if you want to be with Huaining, there are many challenges ahead. Family matters are one thing, but Huaining carries many responsibilities. His partner cannot be someone who simply stays at home. I don’t expect you to control everything like him, but you must integrate into his world. Formal social occasions are not just about flaunting jewelry and gowns as on TV. Networks are built amidst clinking glasses. Leaders 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 gap between you will widen. Love can bloom in a moment, but lasting love requires effort. Life with Huaining will not be the kind of fanciful luxury young girls dream of. Be prepared."

"I understand. Thank you for your advice," Xue Zuining replied calmly. Four years ago, she might have feared such a life, but now she faced it with tranquility.

Madam Lu said, "Please endure a little longer. Once Huaining recovers, I will find the right time to make your relationship public. I’ll be busy for a while, so Huaining will rely on you for care. You can live as husband and wife, adjust to each other, and see if you truly fit. I remain cautious but hope you understand my concerns. As an elder, I want my child’s happiness — lasting happiness, without extremes."

Xue Zuining knew this was a great concession from Madam Lu, and every word was reasonable and irrefutable. After some thought, she smiled, "Rest assured, since I have chosen to be with Huaining, I am ready to face any difficulties. I will strive to improve myself, to stand by his side, not hide behind him relying on his protection."

"I’m glad you think that way. It won’t be easy. If you need anything, call me directly. If I’m unavailable, call the housekeeper." Madam Lu handed her the contact information, then went to look once more at her sleeping grandson.

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