Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

"Yuzhui, my child's tuition is already enough of a headache for me, and now this kind of thing has happened. I really don't know what to do." Qin Huairu said helplessly.

He Yuzhu patted her shoulder and said firmly: "Huai Ru, don't be discouraged, everything will be fine. I will always be by your side to help you through the difficulties."

Qin Huairu looked at He Yuzhu gratefully, her heart filled with emotion and hope. She knew that in this courtyard, no matter what difficulties she encountered, He Yuzhu would always be her most solid support.

Qin Huairu felt a little comforted watching the children grow up, but she could not get rid of the hidden anxiety. Especially when He Yuzhu helped her solve the problems in life, she always had a complex emotion in her heart. She was grateful to He Yuzhu, but she was also worried that this dependence would make her weak and incompetent.

On a sunny morning, Qin Huairu was busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. Her thoughts drifted back to the conversation with He Yuzhu the day before. She knew very well that although He Yuzhu had always been willing to help her, he also had his own life and troubles. She didn't want to bring more burden to him because of her problems.

"Huai Ru, good morning." He Yuzhu's voice came from the yard, interrupting her thoughts.

"Good morning, Yuzhu." Qin Huairu responded with a smile, trying to hide the uneasiness in her heart. She walked out of the kitchen and saw He Yuzhu walking in with a bag of vegetables.

"I bought some fresh vegetables at the market today and brought back some meat as well." He Yuzhu said, putting the bag on the table.

Qin Huairu looked at the bag of meat and felt conflicted. She knew that He Yuzhu had good intentions, but she didn't want him to worry about her anymore. "Yuzhu, these vegetables are enough. You don't need the meat. It's too expensive."

He Yuzhu was slightly stunned, looking into Qin Huairu's eyes, as if trying to find the true intention in her words. "Huairu, don't worry, this little money is nothing to me. You and the children also need to supplement their nutrition."

Qin Huairu lowered her head and said softly: "But... I don't want to bother you all the time. You also have your own life."

He Yuzhu sighed. He knew how Qin Huairu felt, but he still insisted. "Huairu, we are old neighbors. It is only natural for us to help each other. You don't have to feel any psychological burden."

Qin Huairu felt a little guilty. She knew He Yuzhu meant well, but she really didn't want to add to his burden. "Yuzhu, I know you're doing this for our own good, but I really don't think we can always rely on you. We have to learn to solve problems on our own."

He Yuzhu looked at her with mixed feelings. He understood Qin Huairu's concerns, but he didn't want her and the children to have a hard time. "Huairu, I understand what you mean. But some things can't be solved with just a few words. I'm willing to help you, not just because I sympathize with you, but because you're my friend."

Qin Huairu nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you, Yuzhu. I really appreciate it."

He Yuzhu looked at her and felt a little reluctant, but he knew that he had to make some changes in this situation. "Huai Ru, you have to believe in yourself. In fact, you are fully capable of solving these problems independently, but now you need a little time and support."

Qin Huairu was slightly shocked. She knew that what He Yuzhu said made sense. She had to learn to be independent and not always rely on him. She took a deep breath and decided to try to change the status quo.

In the following days, Qin Huairu began to try to solve some problems on her own. She learned to be thrifty and try to reduce unnecessary expenses. With the help of neighbors, she also found some odd jobs to supplement the family income. Although life was still not easy, she gradually developed a sense of self-confidence.

One evening, Qin Huairu was washing clothes in the yard, and He Yuzhu came over with a small basket in his hand. "Huairu, these are the eggs I brought back from the countryside. Take them to feed the children."

Qin Huairu took the basket, feeling grateful but also a little uneasy. "Yuzhu, thank you. But I really don't want to bother you all the time. You've already helped us a lot."

He Yuzhu smiled and patted her shoulder. "Huai Ru, this is not a problem. You have to believe that it is right for everyone to help each other. However, you are right, solving the problem by yourself is the long-term solution. I will also try to cause you less trouble."

Qin Huairu nodded, feeling a little warm and touched in her heart. "Thank you, Yuzhu. I will try my best."

He Yuzhu felt relieved when he saw her strong appearance. He knew that Qin Huairu was moving towards independence step by step, and he was willing to give her the necessary support on this road.

As time went by, Qin Huairu gradually became more independent and strong in her life in the courtyard. She learned how to better manage housework, how to balance family and work, and how to stay optimistic and resilient in difficult situations. He Yuzhu also silently paid attention to her changes, and his heart was filled with comfort and pride.

However, life is always full of unknown challenges. One day, Qin Huairu received a notice from the school that the children needed to pay an additional tuition fee, which made her feel helpless. She knew that this money was a considerable burden for her at the moment.

"Yuzhui, I have something to discuss with you." Qin Huairu found He Yuzhui one evening, with a hint of hesitation and nervousness in her voice.

He Yuzhu looked at her with concern in his eyes. "Huai Ru, what's wrong? If you need any help, just let me know."

Qin Huairu took a deep breath and handed the school notice to He Yuzhu. "The children's school requires additional tuition fees. I'm really short of money now and don't know what to do."

He Yuzhu took the notice and frowned slightly. He knew Qin Huairu's predicament and knew that this was a great pressure for her. "Huairu, I understand your difficulties. However, I can help you with the money first, so you don't have to worry too much."

Qin Huairu shook her head, a hint of stubbornness flashed in her eyes. "Yuzhu, thank you. But this time I want to solve it myself, I can't always rely on you. I will find a way."

He Yuzhu looked at her, and a feeling of admiration welled up in his heart. He knew that Qin Huairu's attitude was the strength she had grown up in hardship. "Huairu, you are such a strong woman. However, sometimes you should not force yourself too much. If you really need it, I will still help you."

Qin Huairu looked at him gratefully, her heart full of emotion. "Thank you, Yuzhu. I will remember your words. But this time, I want to try it myself."