Chapter 36: It Turns Out She Was the Most Innocent After All

To the world, you may be just one person;
But to someone, you are the 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 narrowed down to just the two of them.

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

Seeing the onlookers leave, Lu Huaining took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace, pressing a gentle kiss to her eyelids. In a commanding yet affectionate tone, he said, “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 could not smile, only feeling a pang of sorrow. He pinched her cheek lightly. “But I don’t like a boss lady with puffy eyes. If you want to stay by my side counting money, then rest well and smile a lot. No crying, alright?”

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 her hair whorl, and gave a soft laugh.

“Very, very well...” Xue Zuining promised quietly in her heart. She vowed to love this man wholeheartedly, making up for what her mother had lacked.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss to her dark hair. “I’m sleepy. Go tell Grandma to get a good rest. Her health isn’t great, and she’s been worrying about me. She can’t get worn out. You should rest early too. If you sleep with me like last night, maybe I’ll recover even faster.”

“Mm.” She kissed his brow and smiled softly.

He released her hand and watched her stand to straighten her clothes before leaving the room. The door was unlocked, and her gentle voice drifted faintly. After listening for a while, he finally succumbed to sleep.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized; unlike yesterday, he no longer suffered repeated bleeding. Madam Lu’s tightly wound nerves relaxed somewhat, and the energy she had forced herself to summon dissipated. Now, she was just a weary elder. After Xue Zuining conveyed Lu Huaining’s concern, her heart felt much lighter. She lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining had the nurse bring a blanket over, waiting until Madam Lu was asleep before returning to Lu Huaining’s side. Madam Lu watched her back silently, lost in thought.

That silhouette was so familiar, as if it were the very image of Zhong Yilan from years ago.

Xue Zuining quickly freshened up and returned to lie beside Lu Huaining, carefully tucking the blanket over them both. She wrapped her arms around his, enveloped in the warmth of his scent, feeling comforted.

This man loved her—she knew it—and she was determined not to let him down.

Unable to sleep, her fingers gently traced his cheek, then slid down his neck, stopping at his stomach. She dared not press her entire hand there, fearful of adding any pressure. Holding still like that made her arm ache, but she did not want to move her hand away. She had experienced stomach pain before—not severe, but unbearable—and he had vomited so much blood. How excruciating it must have been.

At that time, he must have been thinking of her, thousands of miles away, yet she could not truly feel the depth of his suffering.

She did not know when she fell asleep. The next morning, the doctor came in, and he was still unconscious. She quickly got up to let the doctor examine him, washed her face, then bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. After quietly eating, they checked on Lu Huaining and saw his complexion had improved, which lifted their spirits. 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 wildly, as if suspended by a thread mid-air. She clenched her fists silently and followed Madam Lu to the adjoining room, sitting down face to face.

Time passed quietly, each understanding the unspoken.

Madam Lu, a woman of high stature, was naturally accustomed to strict standards in all things. Because she had been worried about Lu Huaining, she had not changed clothes since arriving. Her sleep had been restless, her face drawn and pale. She feared that once she calmed down, her displeasure might surface in various ways.

But at this point, no one’s effort alone could change the situation.

Madam Lu’s first impression of her—something she had sensed even before they met—was that people tend to unconsciously magnify the faults of those they dislike. She casually smoothed her hair, resigned to the circumstances and ready to face things as they came.

However, Madam Lu’s gaze was surprisingly calm and even showed a hint of warmth, which caught Xue Zuining off guard.

She adjusted her breathing, maintaining a poised smile, quietly waiting for Madam Lu to speak.

“Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Many truths surprised me. First, I apologize for his shameful behavior and, on behalf of the Lu family, I apologize to you and your mother. Although I understand the suffering you endured is not something apologies can mend.”

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

“It seems Lanlan truly raised you well. She has always been a kind person; I simply misjudged. It was my failure as an elder. I was indeed neglectful of Huaining in the past. His marriage was only a formality, and I concealed the truth about his biological mother. His father was distant, and the woman he called mother was only superficially affectionate. So, we were strict—harsh even—in disciplining him, demanding much of his studies and behavior. Admittedly, the care a child needs was insufficient. His cold and proud temperament is our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how he once mentioned having to take medicine by himself as a sick child, with servants only watching his master’s face, no one truly caring for him. Her heart ached.

“I don’t wish to interfere in your affairs. After all, as his grandmother, I want my grandson to have a good life.” Madam Lu sighed deeply, her gaze lingering on the door to the inner room before returning to Xue Zuining. “Miss Xue, our families once had a meaningful connection. I have made mistakes before, but this time, I cannot keep erring.”

With age, the heart also softens. Arguments lose meaning. What she longs for is simply the joy of a full family.

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

Madam Lu was silent for a long while, then said, “I don’t want to revisit past disputes. I trust you understand the difficulties of being at the helm of the Lu family. Honestly, neither party is completely innocent. Huaining wronged you, and repaying that debt might take a lifetime. He cannot live without you, and I won’t make things harder for you. I’m telling you all this because your relationship with Huaining must remain secret for now. After all, his engagement to Wan Yi still stands. If it becomes public, all three of you will be hurt. It’s better to consider carefully and discuss how to proceed.”

Xue Zuining pressed her lips and nodded. “I understand.”

Madam Lu sipped her tea, trying to calm her restless heart. After a long pause, she added, “I heard you’re married.”

Xue Zuining’s heart jolted but she only nodded. Seeing the coldness flicker in Madam Lu’s eyes, her pulse quickened.

The shadow on Madam Lu’s face lasted only a moment before she regained her calm and warmth. She said, “I believe you have your reasons. Just please don’t hurt Huaining anymore.”

Xue Zuining considered and replied, “I understand your meaning. Regarding my situation, I will handle it promptly and won’t bring unnecessary trouble to you.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need help, just ask. Neither Huaining nor I will stand by idly. The Lu family may not command the world, but we still have abilities worth your trust.”

“Thank you, Madam.” Xue Zuining smiled but did not waver in her resolve. Many things were better left as they were.

Madam Lu’s expression softened. “Miss Xue, to walk alongside Huaining, you will face many challenges. Family matters are one thing, but Huaining carries heavy responsibilities. To be his partner, you cannot be a woman who only manages home affairs. I don’t expect you to have his level of control, but you must integrate into his circle. Formal social occasions are not merely about flaunting jewelry and gowns, as portrayed on television. Connections are built amid clinking glasses and mingling. Leaders always bring their spouses on trips—‘diplomatic spouse’ is a term you’ve surely heard.”

Recalling her younger self, Madam Lu advised, “Elevate yourself and support your husband. Though it sounds arduous, if you don’t, you will grow distant from him. Love can burn bright in a moment, but to endure long-term requires effort. Life with Huaining won’t be the romantic fantasy young girls imagine. Prepare yourself mentally.”

“I understand. Thank you for your advice.” Had this been four years ago, Xue Zuining might have feared such a life. But now, she met it with calm resolve.

Madam Lu continued, “For now, bear with the hardships a little longer. Once Huaining recovers, I will find the right moment to make your relationship public. I will be busy soon, so you’ll need to care for him. You can interact as a married couple, adjust to each other, and see if you truly fit. I remain reserved for now, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, I wish for my child’s happiness—steady, lasting happiness, without great upheavals.”

Xue Zuining knew this was Madam Lu’s great concession. Her words were reasonable and irrefutable. After careful thought, she smiled, “Rest assured, since I have chosen to be with Huaining, I am ready to face any difficulties ahead. I will strive to improve myself, stand beside him, not hide behind him relying on his protection.”

“That’s good to hear. Thank you for your effort. If you need anything, call me directly. If I’m unavailable, contact the butler.” With that, Madam Lu handed her contact information and glanced again at her sleeping grandson.

If all this is punishment for past right and wrong, then letting go may be the best way to atone.