Chapter 15: Lover or Relative?

For the world, you might just be a person;
but for someone, you are the whole world…
Lu Huaining smiled faintly and said, “Come here, I have something to tell you.”
The two gazed at each other tenderly, as if the world had only them left.
Old Madam Lu did not want to disturb them and stood up, walking out of the ward to close the door.
Lu Huaining saw the unnecessary people leave and pulled her into his arms, his lips pressing a gentle kiss on her eyelids as he said domineeringly, “No more crying. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts. When you cry and go blind, how will you count the money? Little money-grubber, I will get better. Give me some time.”
Hearing his playful words, she could not smile, only feeling heartache. He pinched her cheek and said, “But I do not like a boss lady with swollen eyes. If you want to count money beside me, you should rest well, laugh more, and do not cry, understand?”
His body was suffering, yet he hoped she could be happy.
“Yes.” Xue Zuining suddenly opened her arms and gently encircled his waist, burying her cheek in his broad chest as she softly said, “Huaining, I will be good to you from now on.”
“How good?” Lu Huaining stroked her hair, pressing against her hair spiral, and chuckled lightly.
“Very good, very very good…” Xue Zuining silently promised in her heart. She would love this man deeply, including the part her mother was missing.
Lu Huaining kissed her ink-like hair and said, “I am sleepy. You go tell Grandma to have a good rest. Her health is not good anyway, and she has been worried about me; do not let her overwork. You should rest too and sleep with me like last night. Maybe I will recover even faster.”
“Yes.” She kissed his brows and smiled.
He let go of her and watched as she stood, tidied her clothes, and walked out of the ward to the outer room. The door was not locked, and her soft voice came faintly. He listened for a while before finally unable to resist the sleepiness and fell into a deep slumber.
Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized and no longer bled repeatedly like the previous day. Old Madam Lu’s tense nerves relaxed somewhat, and the forced energy dissipated. Now she was merely a weary elder. Hearing Xue Zuining relay Lu Huaining’s concern, her heart felt much better. She lay on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining had the nurse bring a quilt, and only when she was asleep did she move to Lu Huaining’s side. Old Madam Lu stared at her back, deep in thought.
That back was so familiar, as if it were Zhong Yilan from years ago.
Xue Zuining washed up simply, returned to lie beside Lu Huaining, carefully covered them both, hugged his arm, and was enveloped in his scent, feeling warmly enveloped.
She knew this man loved her and would not let him down.
She could not sleep and her fingers gently stroked his cheek, then down his neck to his stomach. She did not dare place her full weight on his stomach, fearing she might add pressure. The tensed posture made her arm ache, yet she did not want to move her hand. She had suffered stomach pain before, not severe but agonizing. How much pain had he endured after vomiting so much blood.
At that time, he must have been thinking of her far away, but she could not sense her lover’s pain.
She did not know when she fell asleep. Early the next morning, the doctor entered. He had still not woken. She hurriedly rose to let the doctor examine him, washed her face herself, and bought breakfast for her and Old Madam Lu. The two ate quietly, then went to check on Lu Huaining. Seeing his complexion improved, both felt much better. Old Madam Lu turned and looked at Xue Zuining, saying, “Miss Xue, come outside with me. We should talk properly.”
Some matters cannot be evaded; they must be faced head-on.
Hearing this, Xue Zuining’s heart felt as if pulled by a string, dangling in mid-air. She clenched her fists and followed Old Madam Lu out of the ward to the outer room, sitting face to face with her.
Time passed quietly, yet both were aware.
Old Madam Lu, being so high and mighty, naturally had strict requirements for everything. Now, worried about Lu Huaining, she had not changed her clothes since arriving, slept in a disheveled state, and her complexion was not good, fearing Old Madam Lu would be displeased after calming down.
But now, it was no longer a matter of personal strength to change.
Old Madam Lu’s first impression of her, even without prior meeting, allowed her to feel that people unconsciously amplify the flaws of those they dislike. She tidied her hair helplessly, already like this, so take it as it comes.
However, Old Madam Lu’s gaze toward her was calm, even carrying a trace of gentleness, which surprised her.
Xue Zuining adjusted her breathing and maintained a polite smile, waiting quietly for her to speak.
“Yesterday Huaining told me everything. Many things were beyond my expectations. I will first apologize for his shameful behaviors and on behalf of the Lu family to you and your mother. Although I understand that the wrongs you suffered cannot be made up by mere apologies.”
Xue Zuining was a bit surprised and replied, “This is not your fault. As a junior, it makes me embarrassed for an elder to apologize in such a way.”
“It seems Lanlan did educate you well. Actually she was always a kind person; I merely misjudged her.” Old Madam Lu sighed apologetically and said, “It is my old age that failed in upbringing. Before, I indeed neglected caring for Huaining. What we called a couple was merely superficial. Moreover, at that time I hid the fact that his biological mother was alive, so his father remained cold to him. His so-called mother was also merely putting on a warm front. Thus, for the child, she was very strict, even harsh, demanding strictly on studies and behavior. Admittedly, we gave insufficient care that the child needed. He developed this cold and arrogant personality, and the fault lies with us.”
Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, remembering he had once mentioned unintentionally that when he was young and ill, he had to take medicine himself; servants only cared about his face, and no one truly cared for him, feeling a pang in her heart.
“Your two’s matter, I do not wish to interfere much. After all, as a grandmother, I still want my grandson to live well.” Old Madam Lu sighed deeply, her gaze staying on the door to the inner room before moving back and looking deeply at her, “Miss Xue, our two families once had some connections. I made mistakes before. This time, I think I cannot make more. People grow old, and so do their hearts. Fighting too much is meaningless. What she expects is merely grandchildren filling the house with joy.”
Xue Zuining widened her eyes looking at Old Madam Lu, her heart pounding. For her generosity, she did not know how to respond or how to explain her four-year disappearance without a trace.
Old Madam Lu was silent for a long time and said, “I do not wish to mention the past right and wrong. I also believe you can understand the difficulties of the Lu family in high position. Anyone, but honestly, you are innocent too. Moreover, Huaining owes you, and repaying for a lifetime is his responsibility. Since he cannot be without you, I will not make it hard for you in the future. I said so much today merely to tell you that your and Huaining’s matter still cannot be made public. After all, the engagement with Wan Yi is still on. Once public, it will harm all three of you, so consider and discuss countermeasures later.”
Xue Zuining pursed her lips and said, “I know.”
Old Madam Lu took a sip of tea, trying to calm her chaotic emotions, and after a while said, “I heard you got married.”
Xue Zuining’s heart jumped in shock, but she could only nod. Seeing coldness in Old Madam Lu’s eyes, her heart skipped.
The gloom on her face only lasted a moment; she quickly recovered to calm and gentle, looking at her and saying, “I believe you must have your own difficulties. Just please do not hurt Huaining anymore.”
Xue Zuining thought for a moment and replied, “I understand your meaning. Regarding my matters, I will handle them soon and will not add unnecessary trouble for you.”
Old Madam Lu nodded. “If anything you need help, just say. Huaining and I naturally will not sit by idly. Although the Lu family cannot call the wind and summon the rain, there are still capabilities worth trusting.”
“Thank you, Old Madam.” Xue Zuining echoed with a smile, yet did not waver in her heart’s thoughts. Many things could be managed this way.
Old Madam Lu’s expression softened somewhat and said, “Miss Xue, to walk with Huaining, there are many things you need to face. Family factors are one aspect. Huaining bears many responsibilities, so as his companion, you naturally cannot be a woman who only takes care of husband and raises children. I am not asking you to have the same ability to control the overall situation as him, but you must integrate into his circle. Formal social occasions are not like in TV dramas, merely scenes of showing off jewelry and dresses. Social connections are built amid banquets. Leaders’ overseas visits always bring their wives; you have heard of the term ‘wife diplomacy,’ right?”
Old Madam Lu recalled her own young self and admonished her, “Improve yourself and assist your husband. Although it sounds tiring, if you do not do it, your distance will only grow farther. Two people can love with momentary passion, but for the long term, it requires management. Living with Huaining will not be like the glamorous life of wind, flowers, snow, and moon that a young girl imagines. Prepare your mindset.”
“I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Old Madam.” If it had been four years ago, Xue Zuining might have feared such a life, but now she faced it calmly.
Old Madam Lu said, “Temporarily endure some grievance. After Huaining recovers, I will find a suitable opportunity to make your matter public. I will be busier recently, so Huaining will rely on you for care. You may get along normally as a couple, adapt, and see if you truly fit. I temporarily hold reservations, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, I hope the child lives happily and happily for a long time, without sudden ups and downs.”
Xue Zuining knew this was already a great concession from Old Madam Lu. Her words were reasonable and irrefutable. She thought carefully, smiled faintly, and said, “Please rest assured. Since I decided to be with Huaining, I have already prepared to face any difficulties ahead, and I will work hard to improve myself, standing by his side rather than hiding behind him relying on his shelter.”
“That is good you can think that way. It is hard on you. If anything, call me directly. If I am inconvenient, you may call the butler. With that, Old Madam Lu handed over the contact information and went to see her sleeping grandson for a while.
If everything now is punishment for past right and wrong, then letting go may be the best way to atone.