Chapter 10: A Harbor of Rest

To the world, you may be just one person; but to someone, you are the entire world...

--------------------------------------

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 shrunk until only the two of them remained. Madam Lu, not wishing to intrude, stood up, walked out of the hospital room, and closed the door softly behind her.

As the last outsiders departed, Lu Huaining pulled her gently into his arms, his lips brushing her eyelids with tender possessiveness. “No more tears. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts. If you cry yourself blind, how will you count the money? My little miser, I will get better—just give me some time.”

She heard his playful words but couldn’t bring herself to smile, only feeling a dull ache inside. He pinched her cheek, adding, “But I don’t like a boss lady with puffy eyes. If you want to stay by my side and count money, then rest well and smile more. No more crying, understand?”

Though his body suffered, all he wished was for her happiness.

“Alright.” Xue Zuining suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist, nestling her cheek against his broad chest, her voice soft. “Huaining, I’ll treat you well from now on.”

“How well?” Lu Huaining chuckled quietly, his lips brushing the crown of her head as he stroked her hair.

“Very, very well…” In her heart, Xue Zuining made a silent promise—to love this man with all her heart, making up for the love her mother could not give.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss on her dark hair. “I’m tired. Go tell Grandma to get some proper rest. Her health isn’t good to begin with, and she’s been worrying over me. She can’t overexert herself. And you, rest early too. Stay with me tonight like you did last night—maybe I’ll recover even faster.”

She kissed his brow and smiled softly.

He released her, watching as she stood, straightened her clothes, and left the room. The door wasn’t locked, and her gentle voice drifted in from the hallway. He listened for a while, but sleep soon overtook him.

With Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized and no more bleeding like the day before, Madam Lu’s tightly wound nerves finally eased. Her forced energy dissipated, and now she was simply a weary elder. After Xue Zuining relayed Huaining’s concern, her heart felt much lighter, and she lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining fetched a quilt from the nurse and waited until she was settled before returning to Huaining’s side. Madam Lu watched her departing figure in silence.

That silhouette was so familiar, reminiscent of Zhong Yilan from years past.

After a simple wash, Xue Zuining lay down next to Lu Huaining, carefully tucking them both in. She wrapped her arms around his and was enveloped in his scent, feeling an overwhelming sense of warmth.

She knew this man loved her, and she was determined not to disappoint him.

Sleep eluded her. Her fingers traced his cheek, then slid down his neck to rest over his stomach. She dared not let her entire hand press down, afraid to cause him any discomfort. The awkward position made her arm ache, but she couldn’t bear to move. She’d experienced stomach pain herself—not severe, but unbearable—and he had vomited so much blood. How much pain had he endured?

At that time, he must have been thinking of her, thousands of miles away, while she remained oblivious to his suffering.

She didn’t know when she finally drifted off. The next morning, when the doctor arrived, Lu Huaining was still asleep. She immediately got up to let the doctor examine him, washed her face, and went out to buy breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. The two ate quietly, then checked in on Lu Huaining. Seeing his improved complexion, their spirits lifted.

Madam Lu turned to Xue Zuining and said, “Miss Xue, come outside with me. We need to have a proper talk.”

Some matters can’t be avoided; they must be faced head-on.

Upon hearing this, Xue Zuining felt as if a string had hooked her heart, suspending it midair. She clenched her fists and followed Madam Lu into the outer room, sitting across from her.

Time passed quietly, both women aware of each other’s thoughts.

Madam Lu, always one to demand the highest standards, had not changed clothes since arriving out of worry for Lu Huaining. Her dress was wrinkled, her complexion wan. Now that her nerves had calmed, she would no doubt be dissatisfied with herself. But at this point, it was beyond anyone’s individual power to change anything.

Xue Zuining knew that Madam Lu’s first impression of her—formed even before they had met—would inevitably magnify her faults. She tidied her hair resignedly; things had come to this, she would simply deal with what came.

Yet Madam Lu’s gaze was unexpectedly calm, even gentle.

Xue Zuining steadied her breath, keeping a poised smile, and quietly waited.

“Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Much of it took me by surprise. First, I must apologize for his shameful actions, and on behalf of the Lu family, I apologize to you and your mother. Though I know, no apology can truly make up for what you’ve suffered.”

Xue Zuining was surprised, but replied, “It wasn’t your fault, Madam. As your junior, I’m embarrassed for you to apologize.”

“I see Lanlan really did raise you well. She was always generous, though I misjudged her,” Madam Lu sighed, regret in her voice. “It was my failing as an elder. I truly neglected Huaining. His parents were husband and wife in name only, and I hid the truth about his birth mother, so his father remained cold to him. The woman he called mother was caring only on the surface. We were harsh with him—especially me. We demanded too much from him. We failed to give him the affection every child needs. The way he is now—so aloof, so proud—it's our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her gaze, recalling how he once mentioned having to take his own medicine as a sickly child, with servants only watching their masters’ moods and no one genuinely caring for him. Her heart ached for him.

“As for you two, I don’t want to interfere too much. As a grandmother, what I want is for my grandson to be happy,” Madam Lu sighed again, her gaze lingering on the closed door before returning to Xue Zuining. “Miss Xue, our two families were once closely connected. I made mistakes in the past. This time, I don’t want to make them again.”

When people grow old, so do their hearts—the struggles of the past lose their meaning. All she wished for now was the joy of a thriving family.

Xue Zuining stared at Madam Lu, her heart pounding. She didn’t know how to respond to such generosity, nor how to explain her four-year absence.

After a long silence, Madam Lu spoke. “I have no wish to revisit past rights and wrongs, and I trust you understand the burdens of being in the Lu family. But you were innocent, and Huaining owes you—a debt that will last a lifetime. He cannot be without you, and I will not stand in your way. I say all this only to tell you: your relationship with Huaining cannot yet be made public. His engagement to Wanyi still stands. If it’s revealed now, all three of you will be hurt. It’s best to plan carefully.”

Xue Zuining pressed her lips together. “I understand.”

Madam Lu sipped her tea, trying to steady her emotions, and after a while, continued, “I heard you’re married.”

Xue Zuining’s heart clenched, but she could only nod. She saw a flash of coldness in Madam Lu’s eyes and felt a jolt of panic.

But the shadow passed quickly, and Madam Lu regained her gentle composure. “I’m sure you have your reasons. Just promise me you won’t hurt Huaining again.”

After a moment, Xue Zuining replied, “I understand. I will resolve my personal matters as soon as possible and won’t cause you any unnecessary trouble.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need help, just ask. Neither Huaining nor I would stand by idly. The Lu family may not move mountains, but we have resources you can rely on.”

“Thank you, Madam,” Xue Zuining replied with a polite smile, though her resolve remained unchanged. Some things were best handled this way.

Madam Lu’s expression softened. “Miss Xue, if you want a future with Huaining, there are many challenges ahead. Family is only one aspect—he bears many responsibilities. His partner cannot simply be a woman who manages the household. I don’t expect you to control everything as he does, but you must be part of his world. Social events are not just about showing off jewels and gowns—networks are built over banquets and toasts. Even world leaders are accompanied by their wives; you’ve heard of diplomatic wives, haven’t you?”

Recalling her younger self, Madam Lu offered earnest advice. “Improve yourself and support your husband. It may sound tough, but if you don’t, you’ll drift further apart. Love can begin in a moment’s passion, but lasting happiness takes work. Life with Huaining will not be the romantic fantasy young girls imagine of wealthy families. Be prepared.”

“I understand. Thank you for your advice.” Four years ago, Xue Zuining might have felt overwhelmed by such a life, but now she faced it with calm acceptance.

“For now, you’ll have to bear with things as they are. Once Huaining recovers, I’ll find the right moment to make your relationship public. I’ll be busy in the coming days; Huaining will rely on your care. Live together as husband and wife, see how you fit. I’ll reserve judgment for now, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, all I want is for my child to have lasting happiness, free from upheaval.”

Xue Zuining knew this was already a great concession. Madam Lu’s words were reasonable and irrefutable. After careful thought, she smiled and said, “Please rest assured. Since I’ve chosen to be with Huaining, I am ready to face whatever difficulties lie ahead. I will strive to stand by his side, not hide behind him, relying on his protection.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Thank you for your effort. If you need anything, call me. If I’m unavailable, call the housekeeper,” Madam Lu said, handing her a contact number before going to watch her sleeping grandson.

If everything now is retribution for past mistakes, then perhaps letting go is the best atonement.