Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

The next morning, Li Xiangqian woke up earlier than usual. He was still thinking about what happened last night. Although he hadn't figured out a solution, he knew he couldn't stop. Doing something practical to make the family a little better off might make him feel better.

Thinking of this, he touched the little change and food coupons left in his pocket and decided to consult He Yuzhu, who had a good relationship with him in the courtyard. He Yuzhu set up a small stall outside, usually selling simple cooked food, and occasionally getting some fresh ingredients. Li Xiangqian wondered if he could ask him to help get some shrimps back to improve the family's food.

He opened the door and walked towards He Yuzhu's house. The yard was cold and deserted, and the morning breeze was mixed with a hint of moisture. He knocked on the door a few times, and after a while, He Yuzhu yawned and opened the door: "Xiang Qian, what do you want to see me so early?"

Li Xiangqian scratched his head and said with a smile: "Zhu Zi, I heard that your stall business is very good recently. Can you help me get some shrimps? I have two children at home and my wife has been very busy recently. I want to supplement them."

"Shrimp?" He Yuzhu frowned, obviously a little surprised. "It's not easy. There are fewer shrimps in the river recently, and the price at the vendors has gone up. Can you afford it?"

"Don't worry about the price, as long as you can get some. I know what I'm doing, and it depends on whether you can help me this time." Li Xiangqian's tone was pleading. He knew that his request was a bit excessive, but sometimes he couldn't care less.

He Yuzhu thought about it and nodded: "Okay, since you asked, how can I not help you? But let me be frank, the price of these shrimps is really not cheap. I will try my best to find you a good deal."

"Thank you, Zhuzi, you are a very righteous man!" Li Xiangqian patted his shoulder and said gratefully.

"Don't thank me so quickly. Wait until I get it back." He Yuzhu smiled, turned around and closed the door.

Li Xiangqian felt a little relieved, but he was not completely relieved. He knew that buying shrimp was just a small matter, and what really worried him was the troubles in the yard. While he was thinking about how to get more truth from Wang Fugen, he was also thinking about how to spend the rest of his life.

In the evening, He Yuzhu kept his promise. He walked into Li Xiangqian's room, sweating profusely, carrying a small basin of fresh live shrimps. When Li Xiangqian saw him, he hurried over to him and asked, "Zhuzi, you got it back so soon?"

"Nonsense, how can I delay what I promised you?" He Yuzhu put down the basin with a smile, "Look at these shrimps, they are quite big, right? I picked the freshest ones for you."

Li Xiangqian looked at the lively shrimps and said with emotion, "Zhu Zi, I really owe you a favor this time. How much is it? Calculate it for me quickly."

"No hurry, how can I calculate it so clearly with you?" He Yuzhu waved his hand and paused before saying, "But to be honest, this pot is really not cheap. If you have time tomorrow, just go to the stall and give me some extra money."

"That's for sure." Li Xiangqian nodded hurriedly. He took out a few food coupons and change from his pocket and stuffed them into He Yuzhu's hand, "Take it first, this is considered a deposit."

He Yuzhu took it with a smile: "Okay, then it's settled. However, next time you want to eat something, you have to tell me in advance so that I can prepare it early."

"Okay, Zhuzi, thanks." Li Xiangqian took the shrimps, feeling warm in his heart. He thought that this time not only would his children be happy with the meal, but his wife would also be able to relieve her tension.

Wang Cuihua saw him coming back with a basin of shrimps and her eyes widened in surprise: "Xiang Qian, where did you get the money to buy shrimps? These things are very expensive!"

"Don't worry, I asked Zhuzi for help, and he gave me a cheaper price." Li Xiangqian quickly explained, and then said with a smile, "Let's have a good meal today to replenish our energy. You've been busy all day, it's time to try something new."

Although Wang Cuihua still frowned, she couldn't help feeling happy when she saw the pot of live shrimp. She muttered in a low voice: "Only you have the ability to ask Zhuzi for such a big help."

The family was busy cleaning the shrimps and making a simple hot shrimp soup. The youngest son kept shouting while eating: "Dad, these shrimps are so delicious! I want to eat them next time!"

Li Xiangqian finished his work and returned home when it was already dark. The lights of the courtyard dimly shone through the window lattice, and he could occasionally hear the low voices of neighbors talking, but he was only thinking about the dinner tonight. He knew that Wang Cuihua must have started working, after all, it was rare for the family to have such a sumptuous meal.

When he opened the door, he could smell the aroma coming from the kitchen. Li Xiangqian sniffed and immediately recognized the smell of shrimp. He walked over quickly and saw Wang Cuihua bending over, stirring a pot of steaming soup. She looked tired, but she couldn't hide the anticipation in her heart.

"Cuihua, how is it? Is it going well?" Li Xiangqian deliberately moved closer to the pot and looked over.

"It's OK." Wang Cuihua didn't even turn her head, her hands moving non-stop, "Just your shrimps, a whole pot, I can hardly handle it. I added some ginger and garlic, it should be delicious."

"It looks delicious!" Li Xiangqian touched his stomach and couldn't help laughing, "I have to eat a few more bowls tonight, so don't be too busy, let's have a good meal together."

"I got it. Go and tell the children to wash their hands, otherwise the soup will be ready when they are not." Wang Cuihua said this with a look of satisfaction in her eyes.

Li Xiangqian smiled and agreed, then walked into the main room and saw two children drawing on the table. He patted his eldest son on the shoulder and said, "Hey, stop busying yourself. Go wash your hands and get ready for dinner."

The youngest son raised his head with a curious look on his face: "Dad, what are we having for dinner today? It smells so good!"

"What do you want to eat? Shrimp, of course!" Li Xiangqian deliberately lengthened his voice, making the two children clap their hands with joy.

During the meal, Wang Cuihua brought a large bowl of shrimp soup, in which several brightly colored large shrimps floated, and the soup bottom was a light golden color. There were also two plates of cold dishes and a bowl of steamed rice on the table. Although the dishes were simple, for this family, this meal was already quite sumptuous.

Li Xiangqian sat down, picked up the bowl and looked at the dishes on the table, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He picked up a shrimp with chopsticks, peeled it and put it in his mouth. The sweet taste instantly filled his taste buds. He couldn't help but sigh: "Cuihua, your cooking skills are really good! This soup, I don't want to stop drinking it."

Wang Cuihua rolled her eyes at him, but said with a hint of pride: "Really? It's because the shrimps are fresh, otherwise it would be useless even if I knew how to cook."

"Never mind. We're having a great meal today anyway." Li Xiangqian took a big sip of the soup, and warmth immediately spread in his stomach.