Chapter 2: How Many Blossoms Fall in a Dream?

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 whole world had narrowed down to just the two of them.

Madam Lu did not wish to disturb them. She rose quietly, stepped outside the ward, and closed the door softly.

Seeing the others leave, Lu Huaining took the opportunity to pull her into his arms, pressing a gentle kiss onto her eyelids. With a possessive tone, he said, “No more crying. Your eyes are already swollen like walnuts. If you keep crying until you go blind, how will you count money then? You little money lover, I will get better—I just need a little 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 swollen eyes. If you want to stay by my side and count money, then rest well, smile more, and no crying, understood?”

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

“Yes.” Xue Zuining suddenly opened her arms, gently encircling his waist. She buried her cheek in his broad chest and whispered softly, “Huaining, from now on, I will treat you well.”

“How well?” Lu Huaining traced the swirl of her hair with a light chuckle.

“Very, very well…” Xue Zuining promised quietly in her heart. She would love this man wholeheartedly, making up for the absence her mother had left behind.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss onto her dark hair. “I’m sleepy. Go tell Grandma to get some rest. Her health isn’t good, and she’s been worrying about me—she must not overexert herself. You should rest early, too. Stay with me as you did last night; maybe I’ll recover faster.”

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

He loosened his hold, watching her straighten her clothes before stepping out of the ward into the adjoining room. The door was unlocked; her soft voice drifted faintly. He listened for a while but could no longer resist sleep and soon drifted into a deep slumber.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized; unlike the repeated bleeding the day before, he remained steady. Madam Lu’s taut nerves relaxed somewhat, and the energy she had forced herself to muster dissipated. Now, she was simply a weary elder. After hearing Xue Zuining convey Lu Huaining’s concern, her heart felt lighter. She lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining asked a nurse to bring a blanket, and after Madam Lu had fallen asleep, she returned to Lu Huaining’s side, carefully covering them both and wrapping her arms around him. Surrounded by his scent, she felt warmth radiate through her.

This man loved her—she knew it, and she would never betray that love.

Unable to sleep, her fingers traced his cheek, then moved down his neck to rest lightly on his stomach. She dared not press her whole hand there, fearing she might cause him discomfort. Holding that position made her arm ache, but she did not want to pull away. She had suffered stomach pain before—not severe, but unbearable—and he had vomited so much blood. How excruciating must it have been?

At that time, he must have been thinking of her, thousands of miles away, yet she could not truly perceive her beloved’s pain.

She did not know when she fell asleep. Early the next morning, the doctor came in, but he had not yet awakened. She hurried to have him examined, then washed her face and bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. The two ate quietly, then checked on Lu Huaining again. Seeing his complexion improve, their spirits lifted. 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.

At those words, Xue Zuining’s heart seemed to be lifted by a thread, dangling precariously in midair. She clenched her fists discreetly and followed Madam Lu to the outer room, sitting face to face.

Time passed in silence, yet both understood the unspoken.

Madam Lu, so high and mighty, was naturally accustomed to demanding strictness in all things. Since arriving, she had not changed her clothes, sleeping in wrinkled garments with a pale complexion. Once she calmed down, she might harbor various displeasures.

But at this point, no individual strength could alter the course.

Madam Lu’s first impression of her—even before they had met—was clear: people tend to magnify the flaws of those they dislike unconsciously. She smoothed her hair with a helpless sigh. “It is what it is. We’ll take it as it comes.”

Yet, Madam Lu’s gaze was calm, even showing a hint of gentleness, which surprised her.

Xue Zuining regulated her breath, maintaining a composed smile, waiting quietly for Madam Lu to speak.

“Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Many facts were beyond my expectations. First, I must apologize for his shameful behavior on his behalf, and also on behalf of the Lu family, I apologize to you and your mother. Though I understand the pain you suffered cannot be mended by mere apologies.”

Xue Zuining was somewhat taken aback but replied, “It is not your fault. As a junior, I feel embarrassed to hear such apologies from an elder.”

“It seems Lanlan truly raised you well. She has always been a tolerant person—I just misjudged her.” Madam Lu sighed and apologized, “I failed in raising Huaining properly. Our so-called marriage was nothing more than a façade. Moreover, I concealed the truth about Huaining’s biological mother, so his father was always distant toward him. His so-called mother showed only superficial affection. We were strict, even harsh, demanding high standards in his studies and behavior. Admittedly, we failed to provide the care he needed. His cold and aloof temperament is our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling that he once casually mentioned his childhood illnesses and having to take medicine alone, with servants only watching their master’s moods but never genuinely caring. A sour ache welled up in her heart.

“I do not wish to interfere in your matters. After all, as a grandmother, I only want my grandson to live well.” Madam Lu sighed deeply, her gaze lingering on the ward’s inner door before returning to Xue Zuining. “Miss Xue, our families once shared deep ties. I have made mistakes in the past, but this time, I cannot afford to err again.”

Old age brings wisdom and peace; endless quarrels lose meaning. What she hoped for was simply the joy of a full family.

Xue Zuining stared at Madam Lu, her heart pounding wildly. Faced with such magnanimity, she did not know how to respond or explain her four years of disappearance.

Madam Lu was silent for a long moment before saying, “I no longer wish to dwell on past grievances. I trust you understand the hardships of being part of the Lu family, which holds a high position. Frankly, you are innocent. Moreover, Huaining owes you a lifetime of repayment for his wrongs. He cannot live without you. I will not trouble you in the future. I tell you all this only to say: the matter between you and Huaining must remain private for now. His engagement to Wan Yi still stands. If revealed, it would harm 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 in her heart. After a while, she added, “I heard you are married.”

Xue Zuining’s heart skipped, and she could only nod. Seeing the cold sharpness in Madam Lu’s eyes, her heart thudded fiercely.

The shadow on Madam Lu’s face lasted only a moment before she regained composure, her gaze softening as she said, “I believe you have your reasons. Just please, do not hurt Huaining again.”

Xue Zuining considered and replied, “I understand your meaning. Regarding my situation, I will handle it promptly and not cause you unnecessary trouble.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need help, do not hesitate to ask. Huaining and I will not stand by idly. The Lu family may not command the wind and rain, but we have power you can trust.”

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

Madam Lu’s expression softened somewhat. “Miss Xue, if you are to walk this path with Huaining, many challenges lie ahead. Family matters are one aspect, but Huaining bears many responsibilities. As his partner, you cannot be a woman who merely stays at home. I don’t expect you to have his command over affairs, but you must integrate into his circle. Formal social occasions aren’t like the glittering scenes on television, just flaunting jewels and gowns. Connections are forged amidst clinking glasses and mingling guests. When leaders travel abroad, their wives accompany them. You have heard of ‘soft diplomacy,’ haven’t you?”

Recalling her own youth, Madam Lu advised, “Elevate yourself and support your husband. Though it sounds arduous, if you don’t, the distance between you will grow. Love can spark in a moment of passion, but to last, it requires nurturing. Life with Huaining won’t be the romantic fantasy a young girl imagines. Be prepared.”

“I understand. Thank you for your guidance.” If this had been four years ago, Xue Zuining might have feared such a life. Now, she faced it calmly.

Madam Lu continued, “Bear with it 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. Live as a married couple, get to know each other, and see if you truly fit together. I reserve my judgment for now, 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 great concession from Madam Lu, and everything she said was reasonable and irrefutable. After careful thought, she smiled and said, “Rest assured, since I have chosen to be with Huaining, I am prepared to face any difficulties ahead. I will strive to improve myself, stand by his side, and not merely hide behind him seeking 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.” With that, Madam Lu handed over her contact information and glanced once more at her sleeping grandson.

If all of this were a punishment for past mistakes, then letting go might be the best way to atone.