Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

She had a strong and somewhat picky personality and rarely participated in group activities in the courtyard. Li Xiangqian knew that she had a difficult life. Her husband died early, leaving behind two children, and they lived a tight life. But even so, Qin Huairu still maintained a certain stubborn pride and was unwilling to easily accept help from others.

Li Xiangqian never gave up caring about Qin Huairu. He knew that although Qin Huairu didn't participate in the activities of the courtyard on the surface, she was actually always paying attention to the changes in the courtyard. Every time he saw her standing at the door of her house, looking at everyone busy with a complicated look in her eyes, Li Xiangqian couldn't help but feel sympathy. He knew that she actually wanted to integrate into the group, but because of her face and personality, she never took that step.

One morning, Li Xiangqian accidentally heard that Qin Huairu's family was running out of food, which made him feel anxious. He thought that the vegetables in the yard were growing so well, so he could give some to her family to solve their urgent needs. So he selected some vegetable seeds that he had carefully cultivated, as well as several special cold-resistant and easy-to-grow crop seeds, and planned to give them to her.

With these seeds, Li Xiangqian came to Qin Huairu's door. He thought about how to say it so that she wouldn't feel like she was being given charity. He knocked on the door, and Qin Huairu quickly answered and opened the door. Seeing that it was Li Xiangqian, Qin Huairu's face flashed with surprise, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Xiang Qian, is there anything wrong?" Qin Huairu's voice was as calm as ever, but with a hint of alienation.

Li Xiangqian smiled and said, "Sister Qin, I see there is a piece of vacant land in your yard. I thought if you are willing, you can grow some vegetables, so that you can save some money on food. I have some seeds here, which are very easy to grow. If you don't mind, why not take them and try them?"

He tried to make his tone sound relaxed and easygoing, without any hint of charity. But as soon as he finished speaking, he saw Qin Huairu's face change slightly. Her eyes swept across the seeds in Li Xiangqian's hand, and the corners of her mouth were tightly pursed into a line.

"Thank you for your kindness, Xiang Qian, but I don't need it." Qin Huairu's tone was a little stiff. She didn't reach out to take the seeds, but said coldly, "Our family's land is enough. He didn't expect Qin Huairu to refuse so directly. He felt a little disappointed, but what made him feel more uncomfortable was the indifference and defensiveness in Qin Huairu's words. He knew that it was not that she didn't need these seeds, but she was unwilling to accept any "charity" from others. This made Li Xiangqian feel powerless. He obviously just wanted to help her, but made the other party feel unhappy.

"Sister Qin, I just think that we are all neighbors, and it's okay to help each other. These seeds are not worth much, but the vegetables grown from them can be of great use." Li Xiangqian explained unwillingly, trying to ease the atmosphere.

But Qin Huairu's expression remained unchanged. She said calmly, "Xiang Qian, I know you mean well, but every family has its own way of living. You don't need to worry about my family's affairs."

Her attitude was obvious, and she refused to continue the topic. Li Xiangqian's heart sank, and he knew that saying more would only make the other party more unhappy. Helplessly, he nodded and took the seeds back.

"Okay, if you need any help, feel free to come to me." He tried his best to make his tone sound friendly, but his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

After leaving Qin Huairu's house, Li Xiangqian walked aimlessly in the courtyard, holding the seeds that had not been given away in his hands, with mixed feelings in his heart. He didn't understand why he made things so awkward when he was obviously well-intentioned. Was it really his method that was wrong? Or was it Qin Huairu's personality that made her unwilling to accept help from others?

Li Xiangqian stood beside the vegetable field, looking at the green seedlings, and suddenly felt a little depressed. He always believed that as long as everyone united and helped each other, life would get better and better. But now facing Qin Huairu's indifference and rejection, he felt for the first time that his efforts seemed to be inadequate.

Just as he was lost in thought, Uncle Li came over from the pavilion. Seeing Li Xiangqian standing there blankly, he asked with concern, "Little Li, why are you standing here in a daze? Did you go to Qinhuai Rujia just now?"

Li Xiangqian smiled bitterly and said, "Yes, I just went to her house and wanted to give her some seeds, but she refused."

Uncle Li sighed, "This woman is so stubborn. Her life is not easy, but her self-esteem is very strong. She is always afraid that others will laugh at her."

"I understand how she feels, but... I don't know how to help her." Li Xiangqian said helplessly, with a hint of confusion and helplessness in his tone.

Grandpa Li patted him on the shoulder and said, "Some things cannot be rushed. She has a hot temper. The more direct you are, the more she will refuse. In my opinion, don't be anxious, take your time, there will always be a chance. He felt a little better. But he still couldn't help wondering whether Qin Huairu's attitude reflected that he still lacked some understanding of human nature when doing things? Perhaps, he should change his way, bypass her defenses, and make her feel that this is not charity, but normal mutual help between neighbors. Li Xiangqian deliberately did not disturb Qin Huairu again. He wanted to give her some time and space. However, he was always thinking about this matter in his heart. He always felt that if Qin Huairu could get involved, perhaps her life would change, even if it was just a tiny bit.

Finally, on a sunny morning, Li Xiangqian had an idea and thought of a new way. He decided to approach Qin Huairu through children. After all, children's minds are simple and it may be easier to break this awkward situation. He quietly found Qin Huairu's two children, gave them some easy-to-grow vegetable seeds, and taught them how to open up a small vegetable garden of their own in the yard. The children were full of curiosity and excitement about this novel activity. They were very interested in Li Xiangqian's proposal and agreed to his request.

A few days later, Qin Huairu accidentally discovered the children secretly planting vegetables in the corner of the yard. She frowned at first and wanted to blame them. But when she saw the focused and excited expressions on the children's faces, her anger suddenly dissipated. Perhaps it was because she was somewhat moved by the long-lost simple happiness.

She stood aside, silently watching the children busying themselves, but her heart became complicated. She knew that Li Xiangqian must be helping behind all this.