Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

He Yuzhu lowered his head and fell into deep thought. He knew that Yi Zhonghai was right, but the pressure of reality and the contradiction in his heart made it difficult for him to let go.

Yi Zhonghai continued, "Xiao'e, you should also understand Yuzhu's difficulties. He has worked hard outside and has contributed a lot to this family. You should communicate more and understand each other's feelings more, and don't keep problems in your heart."

Lou Xiao'e raised her head, looked at Yi Zhonghai, and nodded. She knew that she also had shortcomings and needed to improve and reflect.

This conversation made them all fall into deep thought. Yi Zhonghai's fairness and wisdom were like a bright light, illuminating their inner confusion.

In the following days, He Yuzhu and Lou Xiaoe began to try to understand each other and communicate. However, the hardships of life and the pressure of reality have not diminished. They work hard, but still quarrel over trivial matters. Every quarrel is like a cut in their hearts, making their relationship more fragile.

Once, He Yuzhu was upset at work and returned home in a low mood. Lou Xiao'e also encountered troubles at the company that day, and both of them returned home with a feeling of depression. They wanted to comfort each other, but because of an unintentional remark, they quarreled again.

"Why do you always bring your work emotions home?" Lou Xiao'e couldn't help but get angry, "Aren't I tired?"

"I didn't mean to do this, but what about you? You always blame me and never consider my feelings!" He Yuzhu hit back angrily.

Their hearts were stabbed by a sharp knife, bleeding. They began to doubt whether the love they once had could continue. They used to love each other so much and depend on each other so much, why did they become so unfamiliar now?

He Yuzhu's heart was filled with regret and self-blame. He often sat alone under the old locust tree in the courtyard in the dead of night, thinking about the past. Under that locust tree, there used to be their laughter and sweetness, but now there is only loneliness and sighs. How he wished he could go back to the past, back to the summer when they first met.

Lou Xiao'e's heart was also filled with confusion and pain. She stood alone in front of the window, looking at the starry sky outside, feeling extremely lonely. She didn't know what their future would be like, and whether those beautiful memories of the past could still save their broken relationship.

Yi Zhonghai saw it all and was anxious. He knew that this once loving couple was at a difficult juncture and needed more understanding and tolerance. He kept counseling them and helping them find solutions to their problems. However, some scars, once formed, are difficult to heal.

One evening, when He Yuzhu returned home, he saw a letter on the table. His heart sank suddenly, and he opened the envelope with trembling fingers. Inside was a letter written to him by Lou Xiao'e.

"Yuzhu, I'm tired. We both need to calm down and reflect on each other. Perhaps, we need some time to re-examine our feelings. I'm sorry, but I need to be away for a while."

He Yuzhu's heart seemed to be hit hard. He sat in the chair, unable to calm down for a long time. He knew what the letter meant and what he should do, but the pain in his heart made him unable to move. He looked out the window, the night deepened, the stars dimmed, and his heart seemed to sink into endless darkness.

During this time, He Yuzhu began to reflect on himself and recalled every little bit of their time together. He understood a lot and regretted a lot. He knew that he needed to make changes in order to save their relationship.

He Yuzhu stood in front of the courtyard, looking up at the blue sky, but his heart was filled with gloom. Lou Xiaoe's departure tortured him. He knew he needed to give each other some time, but the lonely days made him feel unbearable. He realized that he couldn't stay immersed in sadness and needed to find something to distract himself.

Thinking of this, He Yuzhu decided to go to the market. Although he was not interested in shopping, this might allow him to temporarily forget his worries. He opened the gate, took a step, and set out on the road to the market.

The market was bustling with people. He Yuzhu walked through the crowd, looking at the dazzling array of goods on the stalls, and gradually relaxed. He walked past a fabric store and suddenly thought of the floral dress that Lou Xiao'e liked. He used to accompany her here to choose clothes.

Thinking of this, He Yuzhu felt bitter. Lou Xiao'e's departure made him doubt whether he had not given enough to her. He secretly made up his mind to let her know his true feelings no matter what.

As he was thinking, He Yuzhu's eyes accidentally fell on a stall where the stall owner was displaying some exquisite silk fabrics. He noticed a piece of navy blue silk, which was soft and smooth, and embroidered with some delicate patterns.

"Boss, how much is this silk per meter?" He Yuzhu walked forward and asked.

The stall owner was a kind old man. He smiled and replied, "This piece of silk is of the best quality. One meter costs twenty yuan."

He Yuzhu nodded, and when he was about to pay, a familiar voice suddenly sounded behind him: "Brother Yuzhu? Are you here to visit the market too?"

He turned his head and saw a young and beautiful woman standing behind him. It was another familiar face in the courtyard, Qin Huairu.

He Yuzhu was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "Yeah, I came to hang out when I have nothing to do."

Qin Huairu walked up to him with a smile, looked at the silk in his hand, and asked curiously: "Brother Yuzhu, what are you going to do with this silk?"

He Yuzhu scratched his head awkwardly, then confessed, "I...I want to make a dress for Xiao'e."

Qin Huairu was surprised when she heard this, but she soon smiled again: "That's great, I'm sure she will like it."

He Yuzhu felt warm in his heart. He knew that Qin Huairu and Lou Xiaoe were very good friends, and her support and blessings meant a lot to him.

"Are you shopping too?" He Yuzhu asked, trying to change the subject.

Qin Huairu smiled and nodded: "Yes, I was just about to add some flowers and plants to the courtyard of the quadrangle, and I happened to see some flower seedlings here, so I came to take a look."

He Yuzhu was moved when he heard this. He also thought of the courtyard of the Siheyuan. He had not taken good care of it recently because of his bad mood. He suddenly felt that he was too selfish and should think more about everything at home.

"Then I'll accompany you to choose." He Yuzhu suggested.