Chapter 16: She Went to Heaven

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 shrunk to only the two of them.

Madam Lu did not wish to disturb them; she quietly stood up, stepped outside the ward, and closed the door softly.

Seeing the onlookers leave, Lu Huaining took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace, gently pressing a kiss on her eyelids. With a possessive tone, he said, “No more crying, alright? Your eyes are swollen like walnuts. If you cry yourself blind, how will you count money later? You little money lover, I will get better—I just need some time.”

She heard his playful words but could not smile; instead, a pang of sorrow filled her heart. He pinched her cheek gently. “But I don’t like a boss lady with swollen eyes. If you want to stay by my side counting money, then rest well, smile a lot, and no more tears, do you understand?”

Though his body was suffering, he wished for her happiness.

“Mm.” Xue Zuining suddenly opened her arms, wrapping them gently around his waist. Her cheek rested against his broad chest as she whispered softly, “Huaining, I will treat you well from now on.”

“How well?” Lu Huaining traced her hair, resting against the swirl at the nape of her neck, then smiled lightly.

“Very, very well…” Xue Zuining made a quiet promise in her heart—she would love this man wholeheartedly, filling the void left by her mother.

Lu Huaining pressed a kiss onto her black hair. “I’m tired. Go tell Grandma to get a good rest. She’s not strong to begin with and worries about me too much—I can’t let her get worn out. You should rest early too. Sleep with me like you did last night; maybe I’ll recover faster.”

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

He released her hand and watched as she stood, straightened her clothes, and left the ward for the outer room. The door remained unlocked, and her gentle voice drifted faintly through. He listened for a while, then succumbed to sleep.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized, no longer plagued by the repeated bleeding of the previous day. Madam Lu’s tense nerves eased; the strength she had forced herself to summon evaporated. Now, she was merely a weary elder. After hearing Xue Zuining relay Lu Huaining’s concern, she felt much more at ease and lay down on the sofa in the outer room. Xue Zuining had the nurse bring a blanket over, and once Madam Lu was asleep, she returned to Lu Huaining’s side. Madam Lu gazed at her retreating figure, silent and contemplative.

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

Xue Zuining quickly washed up and returned to lie beside Lu Huaining, carefully covering them both with the blanket. She wrapped her arms around his, the scent enveloping her, filling her with warmth.

This man loved her—she knew it—and she was unwilling to betray that love.

Unable to sleep, her fingers gently traced his cheek, then moved down along his neck, stopping over his stomach. She dared not place her full hand weight there, fearful of adding any pressure. Her arm ached from holding this tense position, yet she did not want to withdraw her hand. She had experienced stomach pain herself—though mild, it was unbearable. He had vomited so much blood; how much pain must he have endured?

At that time, he must have been thinking of her far away, yet she could not truly feel her beloved’s suffering.

She did not know when she had fallen asleep. Early the next morning, the doctor came in; he was still unconscious. She quickly rose to let the doctor examine him, washed her face, then bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. They ate quietly before checking on Lu Huaining again. Seeing his improved complexion, their spirits lifted somewhat. 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 felt as if it were suspended by a thread, swaying in midair. She clenched her fists quietly and followed Madam Lu to the outer room, sitting face to face.

Time passed quietly, yet an unspoken understanding lingered between them.

Madam Lu, a woman of high standing, was naturally accustomed to strict demands on everything. She had not changed clothes since arriving, fearing Lu Huaining’s condition, and her sleep was restless; her complexion showed the strain. She worried that once calm, her displeasure might manifest.

But at this point, it was beyond any one person’s power to change.

Madam Lu’s first impression of Xue Zuining—even before they met in person—was that people tend to unconsciously magnify the faults of those they dislike. She casually smoothed her hair, resigned. It was what it was; she would deal with matters as they came.

Yet, Madam Lu’s gaze was calm, even showing a hint of gentleness, surprising Xue Zuining.

Xue Zuining adjusted her breathing, maintaining a composed smile as she waited quietly for Madam Lu to speak.

“Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Many truths caught me off guard. I must first apologize for his shameful behavior and, on behalf of the Lu family, apologize to you and your mother. Though I understand that your suffering cannot be mended by mere apologies.”

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 younger generation.”

“It seems Lanlan truly raised you well. She has always been a kind-hearted person; I was mistaken.” Madam Lu sighed and said apologetically, “It was my failure as an elder. I was indeed neglectful of Huaining’s care before. The so-called marriage was only a facade; emotionally, they were estranged. Moreover, at that time, I concealed the truth about Huaining’s biological mother, so his father was cold toward him. His so-called mother only showed superficial warmth. Thus, we were strict—harsh even—about his studies and behavior. We failed to provide the care a child truly needs. His cold and proud nature is partly our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how Huaining had once told her that during his childhood illnesses, he had to take medicine on his own; servants only obeyed the master’s moods, and none truly cared for him. Her heart ached.

“I do not wish to interfere further in your matters. After all, as the grandmother, I want my grandson to live well.” Madam Lu sighed deeply, her gaze lingering on the door to the inner ward before returning to Xue Zuining. “Miss Xue, our families once had certain connections. I have made mistakes before, but this time, I cannot keep making the same ones.”

As one grows old, the heart softens. No matter the conflicts, many become meaningless. What she hoped for was simply the joy of a full family and descendants.

Xue Zuining looked at Madam Lu wide-eyed, her heart pounding wildly. She did not even know how to respond to such magnanimity or how to explain her four years of disappearance without a trace.

Madam Lu was silent for a long moment before saying, “I do not wish to revisit past grievances. I trust you understand the difficulties the Lu family faces in its high station. Objectively speaking, you are innocent. And for Huaining’s wrongs against you, he owes you a lifetime of repayment. He cannot live without you, and I will not trouble you in the future. I tell you all this only to say that your relationship with Huaining cannot be made public yet. After all, Huaining is still betrothed to Wan Yi. Public disclosure would hurt all three of you. We must consider carefully and plan accordingly.”

Xue Zuining pressed her lips and said, “I understand.”

Madam Lu sipped her tea, trying to calm the turmoil within. After a while, she added, “I heard you are married.”

Xue Zuining’s heart skipped a beat but only nodded. Seeing the cold glint in Madam Lu’s eyes, her heart thudded sharply.

The shadow on Madam Lu’s face lasted only a moment before she regained her calm and warmth, looking at her and saying, “I believe you have your reasons, but please do not hurt Huaining again.”

Xue Zuining thought for a moment and replied, “I understand your meaning. Regarding my own matters, I will settle them quickly and not cause you unnecessary trouble.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need help, do not hesitate to ask. Neither Huaining nor I will stand idly by. Though the Lu family cannot command the world, we still have resources you can trust.”

“Thank you, Madam.” Xue Zuining smiled in agreement, yet her inner resolve remained firm. Some things were better left as they were.

Madam Lu’s expression softened somewhat. “Miss Xue, if you want to continue with Huaining, there will be many challenges ahead. Family matters are one thing, but Huaining bears many responsibilities. His partner cannot be a woman who only stays at home. I do not require you to control everything as he does, but you must integrate into his world. Formal social occasions are not just about flaunting jewels and gowns as on television. Networks are built amidst clinking glasses. Leaders’ spouses accompany them abroad; you must be familiar with the term ‘spousal diplomacy.’”

Madam Lu recalled her younger self and advised, “Elevate yourself and support your husband. Though it sounds arduous, if you do not, the distance between you two will grow. Passion can ignite love in a moment, but to endure, it requires cultivation. Life with Huaining will not be the romantic fantasy of a wealthy heiress. Be prepared.”

“I understand. Thank you for your advice.” Four years ago, Xue Zuining might have feared such a life. Now, she faced it with calm acceptance.

Madam Lu said, “Please endure a little longer. Once Huaining recovers, I will find the right moment to make your relationship public. I will be busy for a while, so Huaining will rely on your care. You two can live as a couple, adjust to each other, and see if you truly fit. I reserve my judgment for now, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, I wish for my child’s happiness—a happiness that lasts, without great upheavals.”

Xue Zuining knew this was already a great concession from Madam Lu. Her words were reasoned and irrefutable. After careful thought, she smiled and said, “Rest assured, since I have decided to be with Huaining, I am prepared to face any difficulties ahead. I will work hard to improve myself, stand by his side, and not hide behind him relying solely on his protection.”

“That’s good to hear. Thank you for your efforts. If you need anything, call me directly. If I am unavailable, you can call the steward.” With that, Madam Lu handed over her contact information, then went back to watch her sleeping grandson.

If all that is happening now is a punishment for past right and wrong, then perhaps letting go is the best way to make amends.