Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

Li Xiangqian often pretended to be casual while cleaning near that corner, hoping to run into Lou Xiao'e. Once, he was sweeping the floor with his head down when he heard a gentle voice behind him: "Good morning, Mr. Li." He looked up and saw Lou Xiao'e standing in front of him with a smile, holding a book in her hand. Li Xiangqian was a little flustered, but he also tried to stay calm and responded: "Good morning, Xiao'e."

From that day on, the two began to have more conversations. Li Xiangqian found that Lou Xiao'e was not only beautiful, but also very knowledgeable. Most of the books she read were literature and history, which made Li Xiangqian admire her even more. Their conversations gradually deepened from simple greetings to discussions on literature and history. Li Xiangqian found himself becoming more and more dependent on this kind of communication every morning.

As time went by, Li Xiangqian paid more attention to Lou Xiao'e. He noticed that she would sometimes be in a daze in the corner of the yard, as if she was thinking about something. Her eyes sometimes looked melancholy, which made Li Xiangqian feel pity. He wanted to ask her many times, but he was always worried about offending her.

One rainy morning, Li Xiangqian stood by the window, watching the rain dancing on the stone slabs in the yard. He suddenly saw Lou Xiao'e walking into the yard in the rain, holding a bunch of flowers. He quickly picked up his umbrella, walked out of the room, and greeted her. When she saw him, she smiled and said, "Mr. Li, do you like rainy days too?"

Li Xiangqian handed her an umbrella and said with concern: "It's easy to catch a cold on rainy days, you should go back to your room quickly." Lou Xiao'e took the umbrella, thanked her softly, and they walked back to her room door together. She invited Li Xiangqian to come in and sit down. Li Xiangqian was a little hesitant, but still followed her into the room.

Lou Xiao'e's room was decorated warmly, with several landscape paintings hanging on the wall and bookshelves full of books. She poured a cup of tea for Li Xiangqian, and the two sat by the window, listening to the sound of rain and talking. Li Xiangqian finally couldn't help asking, "Xiao'e, you don't seem to be in a good mood recently. Is there something bothering you?"

Lou Xiao'e was silent for a while, sighed softly, and said: "It's nothing, actually, I just think of some past events sometimes." Her voice was low and soft, with a hint of sadness that could not be concealed.

Li Xiangqian stopped asking questions and just accompanied her silently. He felt that sometimes, companionship can soothe people's hearts better than words. He hoped that he could be a harbor for her soul and let her find a little peace and warmth in this courtyard.

The courtyard after the rain was particularly fresh, with the air filled with the faint fragrance of soil and flowers. Li Xiangqian stood in the yard, looking at the window of the east wing, his heart full of longing for Lou Xiao'e. He knew that his feelings for her were no longer just attention, but a deep attachment. However, he never dared to express it directly, and could only silently convey his concern and love every morning when he was with her.

Li Xiangqian's backyard is full of corn. Every morning, he goes to check on the growth of the corn. The corn leaves sparkle in the sun, and the green fields make him feel peaceful. Today, he decided to pick some fresh corn to give to Lou Xiao'e, hoping to express his love.

He picked out a few of the fullest corns and carefully put them into the basket, silently praying that Lou Xiao'e would like them. He walked to the door of the east wing, took a deep breath, and knocked gently. A few seconds later, Lou Xiao'e opened the door and saw the corns in Li Xiangqian's hand, and a surprised smile appeared on her face.

"Mr. Li, you are so polite. Thank you so much for the fresh corn!" Lou Xiao'e took the basket, her eyes full of gratitude.

Li Xiangqian scratched his head a little embarrassedly and said, "It's nothing. These are all grown at home. I hope you like them. In fact, I was worried that you might dislike them."

Lou Xiao'e chuckled and said gently: "How could that be? I love eating fresh corn the most." She invited Li Xiangqian to sit in the house. The two sat by the window again and began a day of communication.

As time went by, Li Xiangqian found that he could no longer leave Lou Xiaoe's company. Her smile, her voice, her every move, were all deeply engraved in his heart. Sometimes, Li Xiangqian would dream of her at night, and when he woke up, he felt lost. He knew that he could no longer hide his love for her, but he was afraid to break this peaceful relationship.

One day, Li Xiangqian was tending to corn in the yard when Lou Xiao'e came over. She was wearing a simple white dress and holding a bouquet of flowers. She looked at Li Xiangqian with a complex light in her eyes. She whispered, "Mr. Li, the corn you grow is really good. It's not only fresh, but also very sweet. I really thank you."

Li Xiangqian put down his work, walked over to her, and asked softly, "Xiao'e, you look a little different today, is there something wrong?"

Lou Xiao'e lowered her head and was silent for a while, then raised her head, looked directly into Li Xiangqian's eyes, and said, "Mr. Li, I've always wanted to tell you something, but I don't know how to start. I know you treat me very well, and I can feel your concern. I...I don't want to hide it from you anymore."

Li Xiangqian's heartbeat quickened. He looked at Lou Xiao'e nervously, waiting for her next words. A trace of sadness flashed in her eyes. She continued, "Actually, I moved here to escape from something. I once had an unpleasant experience, and that memory made me very painful. I am very grateful for your company and care during this period, but I don't know if I can accept a new relationship."

Li Xiangqian's heart sank. He knew what Lou Xiao'e had been through, but he never thought it would be so serious. He took a deep breath and said as calmly as possible, "Xiao'e, I know you are hurt, and I won't force you. I just want you to know that no matter what you decide, I will be by your side to support you."

A touch of emotion flashed in Lou Xiao'e's eyes. She nodded gently and said, "Thank you, Mr. Li, you are really kind. I will think carefully about my future, and I hope we can still be friends like we are now."

From that day on, the relationship between Li Xiangqian and Lou Xiao'e became more subtle. They still talked together every morning, but Li Xiangqian felt more uneasy. He didn't know how long he could hold on, nor did he know what decision Lou Xiao'e would make in the end. He could only wait silently, waiting for the answer that might never come.

However, Li Xiangqian did not regret his choice. He felt that being able to accompany Lou Xiaoe and seeing her smile was his greatest happiness. No matter what the future held, he was willing to give everything for her, hoping that she could be happy, walk out of the shadow of the past, and embrace a new life.