Chapter 19: Hi, My Juliet

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 of them gazed at each other tenderly, as if the world had shrunk to just the two of them.

Madam Lu did not wish to disturb them; she quietly rose, stepped outside the hospital room, and closed the door behind her.

Seeing the others leave, Lu Huaining took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace, softly pressing a kiss to her eyelids. He spoke with a commanding tenderness, “No more crying. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts. If you cry yourself blind, how will you count your money? You little money-grubber, I will get better. Just give me some time.”

She heard his teasing words but could not laugh; instead, a pang of sadness filled her heart. He pinched her cheek gently. “But I don’t like a boss lady with swollen eyes. If you want to stand by me counting money, then rest well, smile a lot, and no crying, understood?”

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

"Yes," Xue Zuining suddenly opened her arms and tenderly encircled his waist, burying her cheek in his broad chest. She whispered softly, "Huaining, I will treat you well from now on."

"How well?" Lu Huaining smiled lightly, tracing her hair and resting his head against her hair crown.

"Very, very well..." Xue Zuining promised quietly in her heart. She would love this man deeply, making up for the absence left by her mother.

Lu Huaining placed a kiss on her black hair. "I’m sleepy. Go tell grandmother to get a good rest. She’s not well herself and worries about me too much; she mustn’t exhaust herself. You should rest early too. Sleep beside me like last night; maybe I’ll recover even faster."

"Okay." She kissed his brow and smiled softly.

He released her hand and watched as she stood, straightened her clothes, and left the room for the outer chamber. The door was unlocked. Her gentle voice drifted faintly through the air. He listened for a moment but eventually surrendered to sleep, sinking into a deep slumber.

Lu Huaining’s condition stabilized; unlike the repeated bleeding episodes of the previous day, the tension in Madam Lu’s nerves eased somewhat. The energy she had mustered dissipated, leaving her merely a weary elder. After Xue Zuining conveyed Lu Huaining’s concern, Madam Lu felt more at ease and lay down on the sofa in the outer chamber. Xue Zuining asked a nurse for a blanket, and after Madam Lu fell asleep, she returned to Lu Huaining’s side, carefully covering them both and wrapping her arms around him, enveloped by his familiar scent, feeling warm and secure.

This man truly loved her—she knew it, and she was determined not to betray that love.

Unable to sleep, her fingers gently traced his cheek, moving down along his neck until they rested lightly on his stomach. She dared not place her full weight there, fearing she might cause him discomfort. The strain made her arm ache, but she did not want to withdraw her hand. She had experienced stomach pain before—not severe, but agonizing—and he had vomited so much blood; how much it must have hurt.

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

She did not know when she drifted off to sleep. Early the next morning, the doctor entered, but Lu Huaining remained unconscious. She quickly got up for the examination, then washed her face and bought breakfast for herself and Madam Lu. After quietly eating, they checked on Lu Huaining again, seeing that 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 as if suspended by a thread in midair. Clenching her fists quietly, she followed Madam Lu to the outer chamber, sitting face-to-face with her.

Time passed silently, yet they both understood the unspoken.

Madam Lu, accustomed to strictness in all things, had been tense with worry for Lu Huaining. Since arriving, she hadn’t changed her clothes, her sleep was restless and wrinkled, and her complexion poor. She feared that when she finally calmed, her inner displeasure might surface.

Yet, at this point, nothing could be changed by will alone.

Madam Lu’s first impression of Xue Zuining—felt even before meeting—was that people tend to unconsciously magnify the flaws of those they dislike. She casually tidied her hair and sighed helplessly. It was what it was; she would take things as they came.

However, Madam Lu’s gaze was calm, even showing a hint of gentleness, which surprised Xue Zuining.

Taking a steadying breath and maintaining a polite smile, Xue Zuining waited quietly for her to speak.

“Yesterday, Huaining told me everything. Many facts were beyond my expectations. First, I apologize for his shameful actions and also, on behalf of the Lu family, offer my apologies to you and your mother. Though I understand no apology can make up for the suffering you endured.”

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

“It seems Lanlan truly raised you well. She has always been a kind soul—I was mistaken about her.” Madam Lu sighed and said apologetically, “It was my failing as an elder. I neglected Huaining’s care in the past. His marriage was only in name, a mere facade. Moreover, I concealed the truth about Huaining’s biological mother, which caused his father to be distant and cold toward him. His so-called mother’s affection was only superficial. We were strict, even harsh, with his studies and behavior. Admittedly, we failed to provide the care a child needs. The cold and proud nature he has now is our fault.”

Xue Zuining lowered her eyes, recalling how he had once casually mentioned that even when ill as a child, he had to take medicine alone; servants merely watched the master’s mood without genuine care. A sour ache welled in her heart.

“I don’t wish to meddle in your matters. After all, as grandmother, I only want my grandson to live well.” 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 some connection. I have made mistakes before, but this time, I cannot afford to err again.”

As one grows old, so does the heart. No matter how much one argues, it becomes meaningless. All one hopes for is the joy of a house filled with children and grandchildren.

Xue Zuining opened her eyes wide, heart pounding wildly. Faced with Madam Lu’s generosity, she did not know how to respond or explain her disappearance over the past four years.

After a long silence, Madam Lu said, “I don’t want to revisit past right or wrong. I trust you understand the difficulties of the Lu family’s high standing. Honestly, no one is fully innocent. Huaining wronged you, and repaying that debt is his lifelong responsibility. He cannot live without you, and I will not trouble you in the future. I’ve told you all this only to say that your relationship with Huaining must remain secret for now. After all, Huaining is still betrothed to Wan Yi. If made public, it will hurt all three of you. We must consider our next steps carefully.”

Xue Zuining pressed her lips together and replied softly, “I understand.”

Madam Lu sipped her tea, attempting to calm her turbulent emotions. After a while, she added, “I heard you are married.”

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

The shadow on Madam Lu’s face lasted only a moment before she regained her calm, gentle demeanor. “I trust you have your reasons, but I ask you not to hurt Huaining again.”

After some thought, Xue Zuining replied, “I understand your meaning. Regarding my affairs, I will resolve them quickly and won’t cause unnecessary trouble for you.”

Madam Lu nodded. “If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask. Neither Huaining nor I will stand idly by. Though the Lu family cannot command the world, we still possess abilities you can rely on.”

“Thank you, Madam Lu,” Xue Zuining responded with a smile, though her inner thoughts remained unchanged. Some things were simply best left as they were.

Madam Lu’s expression softened somewhat. “Miss Xue, if you want to walk this path with Huaining, there will be many challenges ahead. Family matters are one thing, but Huaining carries many responsibilities. His partner cannot be a woman who only stays at home. I don’t expect you to control everything as he does, but you must integrate into his world. Formal social occasions aren’t like television shows filled with dazzling jewels and gowns. Connections are forged over clinking glasses. Leaders always bring their wives on official visits. You’ve heard of ‘wife 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 gap between you will only grow. Love may spark in a moment, but lasting love requires effort. Life with Huaining will not be the romantic fantasy of a young girl’s dream. Prepare yourself.”

“I understand. Thank you for your advice, Madam Lu.” Four years ago, Xue Zuining might have been daunted by such a life, but now she faced it calmly.

Madam Lu continued, “Bear with it a while longer. Once Huaining recovers, I will find the right moment to make your relationship public. I will be busy soon, so you must take care of Huaining. You can live together as a married couple, get to know each other, and see if you truly fit. For now, I reserve my judgment, but please understand my concerns. As an elder, I want my child to be happy—and for that happiness to last without extreme highs and lows.”

Xue Zuining knew this was a great concession from Madam Lu. Every word was reasonable, unassailable. She considered carefully and smiled. “Rest assured, since I’ve decided to be with Huaining, I am prepared to face any difficulties ahead. I will also work hard to improve myself, to stand by his side, not hide behind him relying solely on his protection.”

“That’s good to hear. I appreciate your effort. If you need anything, call me directly. If I’m unavailable, call the housekeeper.” With that, Madam Lu handed over her contact information, then went to check on her sleeping grandson once more.

If all that is happening now is a punishment for past mistakes, then perhaps letting go is the best way to atone.