Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

But some things can't be solved with just passion. I won't tell anyone about what happened to you today, and you don't need to ask any more questions. Go back and have a good rest."

Li Xiangqian knew that Yi Zhonghai was determined not to reveal more, and he was secretly anxious, but he also knew that further questioning would not produce any results. He nodded and decided to leave for the time being. When he walked out of Yi Zhonghai's house, he looked back and found that Yi Zhonghai was still standing at the door, staring at him deeply, as if hiding endless secrets.

Back in his room, Li Xiangqian sat on the bed, thinking over and over again what had just happened. Yi Zhonghai's expression and the words he said seemed to hint at something. He began to ponder the interpersonal relationships in the courtyard, trying to find out who might be behind the scenes. Thinking of this, he suddenly remembered Xu Damao's attitude, his hesitation and embarrassment when he agreed to give food that day. Now thinking back, it seemed that something was wrong.

"Could it be that Xu Damao also knows something?" Li Xiangqian had a thought. He decided to hold off for the time being and wait until he was more clear-headed before going to He Yuzhu to discuss it. He Yuzhu had many friends in the courtyard, so maybe he could get some information.

He stood up and poured a glass of water, thinking about his next plan while drinking. Although he felt frustrated by being knocked unconscious by Yi Zhonghai, his determination was not shaken. He knew that he must find out the truth, find a way to solve the problem, and restore the peaceful days in the courtyard. Even if the road ahead is difficult, he will not give up.

Li Xiangqian has been restless for several days. During the day, he was busy with various chores in the yard. On the surface, everything seemed normal, but he felt like a big rock was pressing on his heart, making it hard for him to breathe. Every time someone approached, he couldn't help but secretly look at them, trying to see something from their expressions. He knew that he could no longer trust everyone as naively as before, but he didn't know where to start to find out the truth. Yi Zhonghai's warning lingered in his ears, and it seemed that there were still many unsolved mysteries, and he could only explore them alone.

One evening, Li Xiangqian was squatting in the yard repairing a dilapidated wooden door. He Yuzhu came over and handed him a cup of hot tea with a smile: "Xiangqian, why do you always look depressed these days? Is there something on your mind? Why don't you tell me?"

Li Xiangqian took the teacup and smiled gratefully, but he was a little hesitant. He didn't want to make He Yuzhu worry, and he didn't want to tell him about what happened to Yi Zhonghai that day, for fear that he would be involved. He took a sip of tea and said casually, "It's nothing serious. I just kept thinking about how to get more food recently, and I feel a little annoyed."

He Yuzhu patted his shoulder and comforted him, "What's so annoying about this? There are many people in our yard. If we work together, we can always find a way out. Why do you have to worry about so much alone?"

Li Xiangqian nodded, but he didn't feel relieved. He knew that what he was facing now was not a simple food problem, but the safety and future of the entire courtyard. He wanted to tell He Yuzhu the truth, but he was afraid that doing so would implicate him. He Yuzhu was popular in the courtyard and was the backbone of everyone. If he was also involved, things might become more complicated.

"It's okay, Brother Zhuzi." Li Xiangqian forced a smile, "I just want to do more and share the burden for the people in the yard. You don't have to worry about me, I'm fine."

He Yuzhu looked at Li Xiangqian, feeling somewhat worried, but seeing that he was unwilling to say more, he did not ask any more questions. He sighed, "You are too sincere, always worrying about others. How about this, I will go find Xu Damao some other day to see if I can get anything from him."

Li Xiangqian quickly shook his head: "Let's not go to Xu Damao for now. He helped us last time. We shouldn't bother him all the time. I'll think of another way."

He Yuzhu nodded and turned away. Li Xiangqian looked at his back, feeling guilty. He didn't want to drag He Yuzhu into this unknown storm, and only hoped that he could find a solution to the problem as soon as possible so that everyone in the yard could live in peace.

As night fell, the courtyard gradually became quiet. Li Xiangqian sat in his room, flipping through the yellowed old book in the dim light. The pages of the book recorded the planting methods and breeding techniques of various crops, which he found at a used book stall. Although these methods may not be useful in the current situation, he still hopes to find some inspiration from them.

He flipped through the pages of the book, but his mind was still in a mess. Yi Zhonghai's attitude confused him, and Xu Damao's reaction that day also made him suspicious. Who was behind all this? Why did the food in the courtyard decrease inexplicably? These questions were like poisonous snakes entwined in his mind, keeping him awake at night.

While thinking, Li Xiangqian heard light footsteps outside the window. He raised his head alertly, quietly walked to the window, and looked out through the gap in the curtains. In the night, he vaguely saw a blurry figure moving in the yard, but he couldn't see who it was. The person walked lightly, as if he didn't want to be discovered.

Li Xiangqian's heart tightened, and he decided to follow him out to see what was going on. He gently pushed the door open and followed the man on tiptoe. The night wind in the yard was a little cold, so he shrank his neck and carefully avoided fallen leaves and gravel to avoid making any noise.

The man walked all the way to the end of the yard, where there was a shabby little house that few people usually went to. Li Xiangqian hid in the dark, holding his breath, and stared closely at the man's movements. He saw the man walk to the door of the house and seemed to use a key to open the door. After a moment, the door opened gently and the man quickly got in.

Li Xiangqian was in doubt. He had never paid attention to this small room before and wondered what was inside. He approached cautiously and looked inside through the crack in the door. In the dim room, he could vaguely see some sacks and boxes piled up. The man was rummaging through something, and his movements were very fast. He seemed to be very familiar with the layout of the room.

Li Xiangqian stared at the man's back, and his heart was suddenly alarmed. He realized that this hut might be the secret of the reduction of food in the yard, and the man in front of him might be the manipulator behind the scenes. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but take a step forward. Just as he was about to explore further, he suddenly stepped on a loose stone.

"Pah!" The sound of the tumbling stones was particularly clear at night. The man suddenly turned his head, his eyes filled with alertness and anger. Li Xiangqian was startled and had no time to dodge. He saw the man rushing towards him with a wooden stick in his hand.