Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

How could he suddenly have enough food to stockpile? However, more and more clues made Li Xiangqian suspicious. Rumors from the neighbors, Lao Li's frequent trips, and those seemingly casual references to "big and small packages" - these clues seemed like invisible clues, entangled his thoughts.

This feeling made Li Xiangqian feel particularly uneasy. He knew that food had begun to become scarce, and everyone was thinking about how to live in the coming days. No one wanted to starve to death, and no one wanted to fall behind in this silent food struggle. If Lao Li really hoarded food, it meant that he acted earlier than everyone else and realized the deterioration of the situation earlier. This foresight gave Li Xiangqian a vague sense of crisis.

This sense of crisis was like a heavy stone pressing on his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe. Li Xiangqian vaguely realized that he might not be able to sit and wait for death any longer. Instead of waiting for others to take action, it would be better to take the initiative to inquire about some information, at least to know what exactly happened.

He turned his head and looked at the dim light in the corner, his eyes firmed up. He thought of Jia Dongxu, the guy who was always well-informed. Although Jia Dongxu liked to brag, he was really good at getting information, especially in the factory, he could always get some information that others didn't know through some channels. He Yuzhu was another way. Although this person was tough, he had a good heart, and he was decisive and impatient. If things really got to the point where they couldn't be handled, people like He Yuzhu might be able to help.

Li Xiangqian turned over and sat up, feeling that delaying it would only cause more trouble. He decided to immediately go to Jia Dongxu and He Yuzhu to ask for clarification, after all, this was a matter of great importance to the family's livelihood. He got out of bed quietly to avoid waking up Xiaoying and the child, put on his coat, picked up a jacket, and quietly walked out of the room.

The wind outside was a bit biting, the lights in the streets were dim, and occasionally a few dogs could be heard barking in the distance. The courtyard was still shrouded in silence, but Li Xiangqian felt that this silence was not peaceful, but rather revealed a hint of uneasy tension. Behind every closed door, there was an uneasy family, and everyone had unspeakable anxiety in their hearts.

Li Xiangqian walked around several alleys and arrived at Jia Dongxu's house. Jia Dongxu's house was close to the south wall of the courtyard. The house was not big, but it always had a lively atmosphere. At this moment, the lights were still on in the house, and whispers could be heard faintly from inside.

"Dongxu, come out for a moment." Li Xiangqian lowered his voice and shouted outside the door, with urgency in his voice.

Soon there was a rustling sound in the room, and then the door creaked open. Jia Dongxu stuck his head out, with a look of confusion and surprise on his face. He saw Li Xiangqian standing outside the door and immediately realized the seriousness of the matter, because Li Xiangqian was not the kind of person who would come to chat with people late at night.

"Xiang Qian, what's wrong? What's going on in the middle of the night?" Jia Dongxu yawned, but a hint of alertness flashed in his eyes. After all, the atmosphere in the courtyard has been extremely tense recently.

"If you have something to say, let's talk outside." Li Xiangqian said nothing and pointed to the alley entrance.

Jia Dongxu's face immediately became serious. Without saying a word, he put on his coat and followed Li Xiangqian out of the house. When the two of them walked to a secluded corner, Li Xiangqian whispered, "Dongxu, have you heard any news about food recently? Especially in the factory, are there any new developments?"

Jia Dongxu frowned slightly. It was obvious that Li Xiangqian's question touched some sensitive points. He was silent for a moment, and his eyes scanned the surrounding environment to make sure that no one else heard it. Then he lowered his voice and said, "Xiangqian, your question is not simple. There is indeed something wrong in the factory recently. The rations have been reduced, but I heard that some senior executives still eat well at home."

Li Xiangqian's heart tightened. This really confirmed his guess. The food problem in the factory might have involved the private interests of some people. This made him feel more threatened.

"Then what about us ordinary workers? Are we just going to wait and watch as food becomes less and less?" Li Xiangqian's voice was low, but clearly filled with urgency.

Jia Dongxu sighed, with a helpless look in his eyes. "All I can tell you is to be more careful. This food struggle may not be as simple as it seems. I advise you to prepare early so as not to be caught off guard."

Li Xiangqian nodded, but his heart was heavier. He knew that although Jia Dongxu said it lightly, the deep meaning was self-evident - whoever can strike first will take the initiative in this silent struggle.

At this point, Li Xiangqian did not get much substantive news, but he understood that he had to take action as soon as possible. After saying goodbye to Jia Dongxu, he immediately went to He Yuzhu's home. Although He Yuzhu's personality was completely different from Jia Dongxu's, his action and courage might be exactly what Li Xiangqian needed at this time.

The door of He Yuzhu's house looked even more deserted. The lights were off and the whole courtyard was shrouded in darkness. Li Xiangqian stood at the door and hesitated for a moment, but finally knocked on the door. Footsteps were heard in the house soon, and the door opened soon. He Yuzhu stood at the door with a frown on his face, obviously annoyed by the sudden knock.

"Xiang Qian? What do you want from me in the middle of the night?" He Yuzhu's voice was low and a little sleepy.

Li Xiangqian took a step forward, looked He Yuzhu in the eye, and lowered his voice even more: "Yuzhu, we have to think of a way. We can't delay the food problem any longer. You have seen the situation in the yard. If this continues, not only us, but the people in the entire yard will not be able to hold on."

He Yuzhu's expression changed from impatience to solemnity. He could see that Li Xiangqian was serious at this moment, and he had long realized the seriousness of the matter. Although He Yuzhu was usually impatient, he knew that this food problem was not like the previous minor disputes. It involved not only a few households, but the livelihood of the entire courtyard.

"I understand what you mean, but what do you want to do? The food supply in the factory is getting less and less, and everyone's life is hard. Do you have any way to make us produce more food?" He Yuzhu's voice was low, but with a sense of helplessness.

Li Xiangqian took a deep breath, weighed the options in his mind, and then slowly said, "It's not that there is no solution. We have to unite and not fight alone. You, me, Dongxu, and a few other strong workers may be able to find a way to get more food, at least to ensure the basic needs of the family."