Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

He also plans to introduce some new planting techniques to further increase production; he is even considering whether this model can be extended to more courtyards so that more communities can benefit from it.

Li Xiangqian stood in the center of the courtyard, his eyes slowly sweeping around. These familiar scenes were once part of his daily life, but now they brought him an immense sense of satisfaction. The vegetable fields were lush and green, the eggplant and cucumber vines swayed gently in the summer breeze, and the air was filled with the fragrance of fresh soil. All of this made him feel a deep sense of peace and satisfaction.

He couldn't help but think of the anxiety and uneasiness he felt when he first proposed farming to his neighbors. In those days, he was worried that his idea would be regarded as a fantasy and that people would be unwilling to participate. However, now, every piece of soil in the courtyard has been carefully cultivated, and every neighbor has actively participated. This is not only a success of farming, but also a testimony to his efforts with everyone. Thinking of this, he felt a warm current in his heart.

"Xiang Qian, the cucumbers here are growing really well today. You helped us grow them. Look, they are so juicy!" Uncle Wang's voice came from not far away, full of pride. He held a freshly picked cucumber in his hand, smiling like a child.

Li walked over and took the cucumber with praise in his eyes, "Well, the cucumbers in our yard are really good, full of moisture and crispy. It is really the result of everyone's joint efforts."

Uncle Wang laughed and said, "Xiang Qian, you have set a good example! Now everyone is looking forward to coming here every day to see what is growing in the fields and what to pick."

Li Xiangqian smiled and nodded, but a complex emotion surged in his heart. He knew that the atmosphere in the courtyard had become lively because of farming, but at the same time, he also realized that everyone's life was still dull. Although farming gave them some sustenance, many trivialities and pressures in life still existed.

Then, a new idea slowly emerged in his mind. He thought, since farming can make everyone happier, why not do something to make everyone's life easier and more interesting? The Siheyuan is not just a place to live, it is a community, a big family. Is it possible to make everyone's life more colorful through some activities?

With this idea in mind, Li Xiangqian decided to hold a small gathering in the courtyard to discuss his ideas with everyone. That evening, just as it got dark, the neighbors in the courtyard gathered together one after another. Li Xiangqian stood in the middle of the courtyard and looked around. Looking at these familiar faces, his heart was filled with gratitude.

"Dear neighbors," Li Xiangqian said, his voice full of excitement, "the vegetable garden in our courtyard has been doing a great job recently. I think we are not only growing vegetables, but also showing our spirit."

Everyone nodded, with smiles of approval on their faces.

"But," Li Xiangqian continued, "I was thinking, besides growing vegetables, can we do something else? Can we have some fun and relax when we are tired? For example, we can build a shed in the yard and get together in our spare time to drink tea and chat, or organize some small activities, such as chess games, cooking competitions, or even a small party to relieve everyone's fatigue."

Hearing this, Uncle Wang's eyes lit up, "Hey, that's a good idea! I liked playing chess when I was young. It would be fun to play chess with my old buddies."

"Yes, we should have done more of this kind of activities in the past. Xiang Qian said it well!" Aunt Liu, the neighbor, also agreed, "It's good to grow vegetables every day, but when you have free time, you still want to have some fun. I think your idea is a good one!"

Li Xiangqian felt relieved when he saw the enthusiastic response. He continued, "Then let's do it. Let's try it a few times to see what everyone likes. Then we can take turns hosting. Each family can prepare some food and drinks, and we can have fun together!"

Everyone nodded and talked about various activities. Li Xiangqian looked at this scene, silently planning how to implement these ideas. He knew that activities not only required venues and materials, but more importantly, organization and coordination, all of which required him to take the trouble to arrange. However, all the hard work was worth it in his opinion, because he knew that this would bring more joy and cohesion to the courtyard. Li Xiangqian invested more energy in preparing these activities. He personally went to the market to purchase several sets of chess and go, and also bought some simple musical instruments for everyone to use at the party. He even borrowed an old projector from an old friend, planning to show a few old movies in the yard to bring back memories for everyone.

On the first day of the event, the courtyard was filled with an unprecedented bustle. Li Xiangqian had arranged the venue early, set up a simple shed in the middle of the courtyard, and placed a few tables and chairs. Neighbors brought their own snacks, and the courtyard was filled with the aroma of food. Uncle Wang had already set up the chessboard in front of the table, and couldn't wait to start a fierce game of chess with Uncle Liu.

"Xiang Qian, this activity is really great! Everyone is so happy. Our yard today is even more lively than during the Chinese New Year!" Grandpa Wang said with emotion while playing chess.

Li Xiangqian smiled and nodded, "As long as everyone is happy, I'm satisfied. Our courtyard is a big family, and I want everyone to live comfortably. This is my wish."

As the sky gradually darkened, the projector began to play old movies. The black and white images on the screen brought back many people's memories. Aunt Liu looked at the screen with tears in her eyes, "I saw this movie when I was young. I never thought I could see it again."

The yard was quiet, with only the sound of the movie and the gentle breeze. Li Xiangqian stood aside, watching everyone immersed in their memories, and felt a warm feeling in his heart. He knew that this small activity not only brought the neighbors closer together, but also brought them back some long-lost happiness.

In the following days, the activities in the courtyard became more and more colorful, and Li Xiangqian's idea gradually became a reality. The neighbors had more interactions in the courtyard, and the relationship between them became closer. Li Xiangqian saw that everyone became happier because of these activities.

One day, Li Xiangqian suddenly thought, since everyone is so enthusiastic about these activities, why not give everyone in the courtyard some special benefits? He thought, farming is the fruit of everyone's common labor, so can the fruits of the harvest also be distributed to everyone as benefits?