Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

One evening, when the afterglow of the setting sun fell on the fields, Li Xiangqian, Liu Guangtian and Uncle Wang sat on the edge of the field, looking at the green crops, and they were all immersed in a quiet joy. Li Xiangqian suddenly felt that this piece of land was no longer just a place for farming, it had become a symbol, symbolizing the common struggle, common hope and common life of the people in the courtyard.

As summer arrives, the weather gradually gets hotter. Standing by the field, Li Xiangqian looks at the crops that have begun to thrive, feeling both happy and a little worried. Although the crops are growing well now, as the temperature rises, strong sunlight and occasional heavy rains may affect these fragile plants. Especially some newly planted vegetables, whose leaves are tender green, are very susceptible to being burned by the scorching sun or hit by heavy rains.

Li Xiangqian remembered that when he was a child, his grandfather often built a simple vegetable shed for the vegetable field in the summer to protect it from the scorching sun and heavy rain. He thought to himself that maybe he should build a vegetable shed for this piece of land now, which would not only protect the crops but also give everyone peace of mind. Thinking of this, he decided to go and discuss it with a few neighbors.

That afternoon, Li Xiangqian returned to the courtyard and found Uncle Wang, Liu Guangtian and several neighbors who often participated in farming. They sat in the middle of the courtyard, and Li Xiangqian told everyone his idea.

"The weather has been getting hotter recently. I think our vegetable fields are growing well, but I'm afraid they will be damaged by the scorching sun. Besides, summer rainstorms can come anytime. If there is a heavy rain, the crops we have worked so hard to grow may be destroyed." Li Xiangqian said while observing everyone's reactions. "I think we can consider building a vegetable shed, which can protect the crops and save everyone some trouble."

Uncle Wang listened, touched his chin and nodded, "Xiang Qian, you are right. When I was young and farming, I also had this experience. The vegetable shed is indeed useful. It can not only protect against the sun and rain, but also regulate the temperature of the field. But how to build this shed needs to be discussed carefully."

Liu Guangtian also agreed with Li Xiangqian's suggestion. He said, "Xiangqian, I think this is a good idea. We can go buy some bamboo and waterproof fabrics so that the shed will be strong and durable. It shouldn't be difficult for us to do it ourselves."

Seeing that everyone expressed support, Li Xiangqian also began to think carefully about how to implement it. He knew that building a shed was not a trivial matter, and he had to consider not only the choice of materials, but also the stability and functionality of the shed.

"Well, let's do this," Li Xiangqian said after thinking for a while, "I'll go to a few building material markets and pick out some suitable materials. We can divide into several groups, some responsible for building the scaffolding, and some responsible for fixing the waterproof cloth. Everyone works together and try to build the shed within a few days."

After hearing this, Liu Guangtian immediately expressed his willingness to go with Li Xiangqian to purchase materials. "Xiangqian, I'll go with you. With more help, we can pick the materials faster."

Uncle Wang suggested, "I and a few old friends should finish the work in the fields first, and then we can build the shed together. You young people are strong, so do more work, and we old bones can help as much as we can."

Everyone responded and soon reached a consensus. Li Xiangqian felt more at ease, thinking that with everyone's support, the plan for the vegetable shed would be successfully completed. He and Liu Guangtian agreed on a time and set out to the building materials market early the next morning to select materials. Li Xiangqian and Liu Guangtian arrived at the building materials market early in the morning. There were a wide variety of materials here, and the two walked in the market, discussing what kind of material would be most suitable. Li Xiangqian had a general idea in his mind, thinking that bamboo was light and strong, and it was perfect for making sheds. As for the waterproof cloth, he hoped to find a material that was both breathable and durable.

"Xiang Qian, what do you think of this bamboo?" Liu Guangtian pointed to a pile of tall bamboos and said, "This bamboo is quite strong. We can buy a few bundles, enough for building a scaffold."

Li Xiangqian looked at the bamboos carefully and found that the quality was indeed good and the length was suitable. He nodded and said, "Well, this bamboo is good. Let's choose it. Let's look at the waterproof cloth and find one with good air permeability."

The two continued walking forward and stopped in front of a stall, where the stall owner was enthusiastically introducing various waterproof fabrics to them. Li Xiangqian picked a thicker piece of fabric and felt it, finding that the fabric had a high fiber density and should be very waterproof, and the fabric was soft and suitable for fixing on the bamboo frame.

"Guangtian, what do you think of this cloth?" Li Xiangqian picked up the cloth and showed it to Liu Guangtian.

Liu Guangtian nodded and said, "Yes, this cloth is strong and not easy to tear. It is perfect for making a shed."

Li Xiangqian had already made up his mind, and he immediately decided to buy the cloth and bamboo. The two quickly negotiated the price with the stall owner, and then contacted a truck to transport the materials back to the courtyard. Li Xiangqian and Liu Guangtian immediately gathered everyone, distributed the materials, and started to build the vegetable shed. Uncle Wang and a few old friends picked up saws and hammers to cut bamboo and build sheds, while Li Xiangqian and Liu Guangtian led others to lay waterproof cloth.

As the shed was gradually built, the atmosphere in the courtyard became particularly lively. Everyone was involved, busy figures shuttled between the fields, sweat soaked their clothes, but no one complained. Everyone understood that this shed was not only to protect the crops, but also for the common interests of the big family of the courtyard. The prototype of the vegetable shed has emerged. Looking at the vibrant land in front of me, my heart is full of a sense of accomplishment and pride. Although there are still some details to be improved, the overall structure has been completed, and the vegetable shed looks particularly beautiful against the backdrop of the setting sun.

"Move forward, today's progress is good. If we work harder tomorrow, we will be able to finish the project." Liu Guangtian walked over, his face covered in sweat, but his eyes were shining with excitement.

Li Xiangqian smiled and nodded, "Yes, everyone did a great job today. I believe that by tomorrow morning, we will be able to completely erect the shed, and then this land will be much safer."

Uncle Wang also came over and patted Li Xiangqian on the shoulder. "Xiangqian, your idea is really good. With this shed, our land will not be afraid of wind and rain. You are really a lucky star for our yard."

Li Xiangqian felt warm at heart after hearing this. Although he had been busy all day, his fatigue seemed to be diluted by this warm feeling. He knew very well that this was not just a vegetable shed, but also the result of the joint efforts of the Siheyuan family and a symbol of unity.