Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

Moreover, he met her when he was relaxing, which instantly disturbed his calm mood. It's really you! "Qin Huairu walked up to Li Xiangqian as soon as she saw him, with a hint of surprise and kindness in her tone. She was wearing a simple dress and had a smile on her face. Obviously, she didn't expect to meet Li Xiangqian in this place.

Li Xiangqian nodded slightly, but he felt a little unhappy. He thought he could find a quiet place here and temporarily get rid of the complicated affairs of the courtyard, but Qin Huairu's appearance made him feel as if he was pulled back to the worrying reality.

"Huai Ru, why are you here?" Li Xiangqian tried to keep his tone calm, but the slight wrinkles between his brows still revealed his dissatisfaction. He was surprised by Qin Huairu's sudden appearance and felt a little uncomfortable, but he couldn't show it directly.

Qin Huairu didn't seem to notice Li Xiangqian's change of mood, and still smiled and said, "My home is nearby. I came back to visit my relatives. I didn't expect to meet you here. Brother Li, what a coincidence!"

Li Xiangqian sighed inwardly. He had originally planned to avoid all acquaintances and enjoy a few days of quiet life here, but he did not expect to meet Qin Huairu. He was not without a good impression of Qin Huairu, but her complicated personality and the tangled relationships in the courtyard always made him feel difficult. Now that he met her here, the rare peace in his heart seemed particularly fragile.

"Yeah, what a coincidence." Li Xiangqian tried to make his tone sound more natural, but he felt a little irritated. He didn't want Qin Huairu to know that he was going to relax here for a few days, and he didn't want her to disturb his time. So he decided to end the conversation as briefly as possible and then find an excuse to leave.

"How many days will you stay this time?" Li Xiangqian asked. Although he didn't really care about this issue, he still hoped to understand the situation through chatting and see if he had a chance to avoid her.

Qin Huairu seemed a little hesitant, but still answered: "Maybe I'll stay for a few days. I have some things to deal with at home." She looked at Li Xiangqian with a hint of temptation in her eyes, "Brother Li, why are you here?" Thinking about how to answer. He didn't want to tell Qin Huairu that he was here to relax, but he didn't want to make up a lie. In the end, he chose an ambiguous answer: "I have some things that need to be quiet, so I come here to stay for a few days."

Qin Huairu listened and showed an understanding expression. She nodded and said, "So that's how it is. Brother Li, you really should take a good rest. You are usually very busy in the courtyard, and everyone can see it."

Li Xiangqian secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Qin Huairu didn't seem to want to ask further questions, which made him feel relieved. But then, he felt a little uneasy: Qin Huairu was always thoughtful, and he didn't know if she noticed his inner resistance. Li Xiangqian couldn't help but start to think whether he should be more cautious.

"Thank you for your concern. I also think it's time for me to take a vacation." Li Xiangqian said with a smile, trying to use a relaxed tone to dispel the embarrassment and discomfort in his heart.

Qin Huairu obviously felt that Li Xiangqian was intentionally keeping his distance. Her smile faded a little, and she said in a more concerned tone: "Brother Li, you live here alone. If you need any help, just tell me. My home is nearby, not far away."

Li Xiangqian felt helpless. This was exactly what he didn't want. He knew Qin Huairu meant well, but at the moment he just wanted to be alone for a few days and not think about anything. He didn't want to be involved in any interpersonal relationships during this period, especially not to have too much contact with a complicated person like Qin Huairu.

"I'm fine, Huairu, just go do your thing." Li Xiangqian tried to speak gently, but his words were full of clear rejection. He hoped that Qin Huairu would understand what he meant and give up when faced with difficulties.

Qin Huairu looked at Li Xiangqian and seemed to realize his intention. Although she was a little disappointed, she still smiled and nodded: "Okay, Brother Li, take care of yourself. Contact me anytime if you have anything."

Li Xiangqian felt relieved and smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Huairu, I will."

After saying this, Li Xiangqian nodded slightly, indicating that he was leaving. He turned and continued walking along the path towards the stream, hoping to get rid of the unpleasant mood as soon as possible and regain the peace.

When Li Xiangqian walked to the creek and looked at the gurgling water, his mood finally calmed down. The creek was crystal clear, and the sunlight shone through the treetops, reflecting on the water, flickering. At this moment, he felt a long-lost relaxation, as if all his troubles were taken away with the flowing water.

Li Xiangqian sat on a big rock by the stream, quietly looking at the flowing water, thinking about his plans for the next few days. He decided to avoid Qin Huairu as much as possible and focus on his own relaxation plan. He knew that he could not always avoid his responsibilities, but occasionally fighting for some time alone for himself was also to better cope with future challenges.

The wind blew gently, bringing the fragrance of the bamboo forest and the coolness of the flowing water. Li Xiangqian closed his eyes and felt the natural tranquility. He knew in his heart that although there were many complicated relationships and responsibilities in reality, as long as he could maintain his inner peace, he would find the strength to move forward.

Li Xiangqian sat by the stream for a long time, feeling the tranquility around him, and his mood gradually eased. However, his stomach began to growl in protest. Li Xiangqian smiled and said to himself, "It seems like it's time to buy some food. It's rare to come out and relax for a few days, so why not buy some good meat today and treat myself."

Since he came to this old house, he has hardly been too extravagant. He usually eats simply and is frugal, but today he thinks he should relax a little, after all, this is his rare rest time. Li Xiangqian decided to go to the butcher shop in town to buy some fresh meat and return to the old house to cook a hearty meal.

He stood up, brushed off the dust on his clothes, and prepared to walk to the town. The town was not far away, and it would take about 20 minutes to walk there. Walking on the path, Li Xiangqian couldn't help but recall the time when his mother brought him to the town to buy vegetables when he was a child. At that time, he always liked to gather in front of the meat stall, watching the stall owner chop meat skillfully, and couldn't help drooling at the thought of eating delicious braised pork. Thinking about it now, that simple happiness has long faded with the passage of time.