Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

Qin Huairu is a hardworking and kind woman who raises several children at home alone and lives under great pressure. Her husband died of illness at an early age, leaving her alone to support the entire family. Her neighbors are full of sympathy for her, but this does not reduce the hardship of her life. He Yuzhu has always had a deep affection for Qin Huairu, and he hopes to help her reduce the burden. However, as time goes by, he finds that things are not as simple as he imagined.

He Yuzhu gets up early every day and goes to work in the factory. Although the work in the factory is hard, he always has an optimistic and enthusiastic attitude. Every time he goes home from get off work, he passes by Qin Huairu's house, and seeing her busy figure, he always can't help but come forward to talk. At first, He Yuzhu was just a neighbor, occasionally helping to repair things or helping Qin Huairu's children with homework. However, as his feelings for Qin Huairu grew deeper, he began to try to intervene more in her life.

He Yuzhu decided to help Qin Huairu more, but this invisibly brought her great pressure. Qin Huairu was a strong woman who never wanted others to see her fragility. In her eyes, He Yuzhu's help was both a good intention and a burden. She didn't want to owe anyone, and she didn't want to be seen as a woman who depended on others for life. Every time He Yuzhu took the initiative to help, she would be grateful, but also felt heavy in her heart.

The neighbors in the courtyard began to discuss He Yuzhu's behavior. Some said that he really wanted to help Qin Huairu, while others thought he had ulterior motives. Qin Huairu felt even more overwhelmed in the middle of these discussions. She knew He Yuzhu's intentions, but she also knew that she couldn't accept too much help, which would make her lose the dignity of living independently.

He Yuzhu did not notice these changes. He still cared about Qin Huairu as always. Once, he saw Qin Huairu frowning over the children's tuition, so he offered to lend her money. Qin Huairu looked at him gratefully, but still refused, saying that she could find a way to solve it. However, this conversation left a deep mark in her heart. She began to work harder, almost day and night, and she wanted to use her efforts to prove that she could support the family independently.

As time went by, Qin Huairu became more and more exhausted, but she never told anyone about her pain. She knew that she was the only support for her children and she couldn't fall down. He Yuzhu saw it and was anxious, but he didn't know how to help her relieve this invisible pressure.

Late one night, He Yuzhu met a crying child in the courtyard of the quadrangle. It was Qin Huairu's little daughter. The little girl was very depressed because she missed her father and was worried about her mother. He Yuzhu picked up the little girl and comforted her softly. Qin Huairu saw this scene and felt mixed emotions. She knew that He Yuzhu was really good to her and her children, but she couldn't accept such emotions. She didn't want to add more burdens to herself and her children.

So, Qin Huairu began to avoid He Yuzhu intentionally. She reduced her contact with him, and even when she met him in the yard, she just said hello and left. He Yuzhu felt her alienation and felt very lost, but he didn't know what the problem was.

The neighbors in the courtyard also noticed this change. They talked about it. Some said Qin Huairu was too cold, and some said He Yuzhu shouldn't be so persistent. He Yuzhu began to reflect on his behavior. He realized that he might have brought unnecessary pressure to Qin Huairu. He decided to let go for the time being and let her decide whether she needed help.

However, the burden of life did not ease because of He Yuzhu's withdrawal. Qin Huairu still worked hard every day to take care of the children. Her body became weaker and weaker, but she never stopped. The neighbors in the courtyard saw it and were worried about her, but they didn't know how to help her.

At this time, He Yuzhu heard about Qin Huairu's situation and decided to lend a helping hand again. This time, he did not go directly to Qin Huairu, but quietly solved some practical problems for her with the help of neighbors. For example, the children's tuition was paid anonymously, and the broken appliances at home were quietly repaired. Qin Huairu noticed these changes and knew that He Yuzhu was silently helping her behind the scenes.

One night, Qin Huairu finally couldn't help it and knocked on He Yuzhu's door. She looked at He Yuzhu with gratitude and helplessness in her eyes. She said, "Brother He, I know you are doing this for my own good, but I really don't want to be a burden to others." He Yuzhu was overwhelmed with emotions after hearing this. He held Qin Huairu's hand and said firmly, "Huairu, you have never been a burden. You are my friend. I just want you to live a better life."

Qin Huairu couldn't help crying as she listened. She finally understood that He Yuzhu's help to her was out of his heartfelt care, not charity. She nodded, determined to accept this sincere friendship and help, and face life bravely no matter how difficult it was.

Qin Huairu's life gradually improved with He Yuzhu's silent support, but she could never completely relax. She knew that this help came from He Yuzhu's sincere feelings, but she also knew that she couldn't always rely on him. Every time she saw He Yuzhu's tired figure, Qin Huairu always felt a little guilty.

One morning, Qin Huairu had just sent the children to school when she ran into He Yuzhu in the yard. The two stood face to face for a while, and He Yuzhu smiled and said, "Huairu, are you free after get off work today? I want to take the children to the park for a walk, and you can come with me."

Qin Huairu hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded: "Okay, the children haven't gone out to play for a long time." After saying this, a warm feeling surged in her heart. He Yuzhu's thoughtfulness always made her feel a little warm.

In the evening, He Yuzhu brought Qin Huairu and the children to the park. The children were running and playing on the grass, and their laughter echoed in the air. He Yuzhu and Qin Huairu sat on a bench nearby, watching the children having fun, and felt a little comforted in their hearts.

"Huai Ru, how have you been recently?" He Yuzhu asked softly.

"It's okay, just a little tiring from work." Qin Huairu smiled, trying to hide her tiredness.

He Yuzhu looked into her eyes and said gently, "Don't push yourself too hard. If you need any help, just let me know."

Qin Huairu nodded, a trace of gratitude flashing in her eyes: "Thank you, Yuzhu, I feel much more relaxed with you here."