Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

He knew that as a widow, Qin Huairu's life in the courtyard was not easy. With several children and huge daily expenses, the burden of life fell on her alone. Although she appeared strong on the surface, the hardship she endured behind the scenes was imaginable. Thinking of this, Li Xiangqian's heart softened for a moment and he wanted to say something to comfort her, but he soon realized that the more he intervened, the more likely it would make things complicated.

"Aunt Qin, I understand that you work hard. How about this, if you need any help, just let me know. I'm good at growing vegetables and working, but if you want to talk about other things..." Li Xiangqian paused and deliberately emphasized his tone, "I really can't help much, you know."

When Qin Huairu heard this, a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she did not continue to ask. Instead, she nodded and smiled softly: "Okay, Master Li, then I won't bother you any more. You have planted these onions very well. When they grow out, don't forget to call me to taste them." There was some helplessness and restraint in her voice, as if she didn't want to make Li Xiangqian feel embarrassed again.

Li Xiangqian looked up at her and found that her smile had returned to its usual calmness, but the light in her eyes had dimmed a lot. He knew that his rejection just now might have made her feel indifferent, but he really didn't want to get entangled with her too much. Life was complicated enough, and he didn't want to get himself into unnecessary trouble because of Qin Huairu's approach.

Qin Huairu looked at him, waved her hand gently, and turned to walk to the other side of the yard. She looked a little lonely. She walked slowly, as if waiting for Li Xiangqian to say something, but Li Xiangqian didn't say anything after all. He just looked at her back as she walked away, feeling relieved but also a little bit of complicated apology.

Li Xiangqian turned around and continued to work, but he still couldn't calm down completely. He knew he had made the right choice, and keeping a distance was the best way. After all, Qin Huairu's life was complicated, and he didn't have the courage to bear these complexities. He just wanted to live his life peacefully, grow onions, occasionally make pork belly fried onions, get along with other people in the yard in harmony, and never want to get involved in any emotional entanglements.

However, despite his warnings, he still couldn't completely calm down his doubts and anxieties. Qin Huairu's approach made him feel like he was caught in an inexplicable vortex. Although he had gotten rid of it temporarily, he still had a feeling that this matter might not end so easily.

Back home at night, Li Xiangqian poured a glass of water and sat at the table, staring out the window. The lights in the yard were dim, and the surroundings were quiet and silent, with only the rustling of the leaves in the breeze, as if the whole world had fallen asleep. But his heart was in a mess, and Qin Huairu's shadow could not be shaken off.

He tried to recall Qin Huairu's recent words and deeds, trying to find out the real reason why she approached him. Maybe she was just too lonely and wanted to find someone to talk to and confide her frustrations in life? Or did she really have other intentions? Li Xiangqian didn't dare to think too deeply. He felt that the more he pondered, the more uneasy he would feel.

Li Xiangqian tossed and turned in bed, thinking about how he should face Qin Huairu next. He knew that he couldn't avoid her, after all, the courtyard was so small that everyone would see each other every day. But he had to think of a way to keep a distance without making her feel that he was too cold, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble.

The next morning, Li Xiangqian got up as usual and went to the yard to water the onions. The weather had gradually warmed up in the past few days, and the onion seedlings in the field had also started to move. The tender green buds poked their heads out, bathing in the sun, and looked full of vitality. Li Xiangqian looked at the onion seedlings and felt a little better. At least, the onion planting went smoothly, which added a glimmer of hope to his dull life.

Just as he was busy watering the plants, there was a gentle knock at the gate. Li Xiangqian looked up and saw that it was Qin Huairu. She was wearing a light grey cotton coat and her hair was tied in a ponytail. She looked a little tired, but still smiling.

"Master Li," Qin Huairu walked towards him with a smile, speaking gently, "Good morning, did I disturb you?"

Li Xiangqian felt nervous and sighed secretly, thinking that this matter seemed to be unfinished. He forced a smile, wiped his hands, stood up and said, "It's okay, Aunt Qin, what's wrong?"

Qin Huairu smiled reluctantly: "It's nothing serious, I just came to see how your onion planting is going. I've been hearing you talk about growing vegetables recently, and I'm a little curious."

Li Xiangqian frowned, thinking that this was just another excuse. What on earth was she trying to do? He couldn't help but feel a little annoyed, but on the surface he pretended not to care: "The onion is OK, it has just sprouted a little, and the effect will be seen in a few days."

Li Xiangqian's uneasiness was still lingering, and with Qin Huairu's frequent contact, he became more and more confused. He had tried his best to keep his distance and didn't want to get involved in any trouble, but things always seemed to entangle him intentionally or unintentionally. He sighed inwardly, thinking about how to continue this dull life. The onions sprouted, and the work in the field was temporarily much easier, but he began to think about other dishes, especially when cooking without peppers, he always felt that the taste was not satisfying enough.

Li Xiangqian woke up early that morning. It was just daybreak and the yard was quiet. Occasionally, he could hear the crowing of a rooster next door. He put on his coat and stood in front of the window to take a breath. He thought to himself that he had to go to the market to buy some peppers today. He hadn't tasted that spicy taste for a long time. When his mother was alive, peppers were always indispensable in the dishes at home. Fried meat and mixed vegetables were all a little spicy. That was the taste he was used to since he was a child. But since he moved into the courtyard, he was busy with work and various chores. Although the dishes he usually ate were healthy, they were always less spicy.

He made up his mind that he would buy some fresh peppers today. Thinking about this, he felt a little more relaxed. Li Xiangqian quickly got dressed, washed up, opened the gate, and prepared to go to the market before the morning market was over.

As soon as he walked out of the courtyard, he saw a familiar figure standing not far away. It was Qin Huairu. She had been standing there since early morning, holding a small basket in her hand, and was about to enter the courtyard. The moment their eyes met, Li Xiangqian's heart tightened. He didn't expect to meet her so early. He didn't know what to say for a moment, so he just nodded slightly and said hello.