Siheyuan: Being a fisherman in 1962

The entrance to the cellar was dark and damp, exuding a musty smell.

Chen Fei walked in front, holding a wooden stick tightly in his hand to prevent any accidents.

Qin Huairu followed closely behind, holding a small basket in her hand, her heart filled with joy at the prospect of getting food.

However, the moment they stepped into the cellar, the surrounding light suddenly disappeared, leaving only darkness and the triumphant laughter of Yan Bugui and his son.

……

If one count fails, another counts.

Chen Fei was riding his old but shiny bicycle, traveling through the dimly lit streets, with the sweetness of his heart - Yu Li - on the back seat.

The wind gently blew on the hair of the two people, bringing the coolness and comfort of early summer.

Chen Fei had a gentle smile on his face, and from time to time he turned his head to look at Yu Li behind him. Her laughter was as clear as a silver bell, adding a bit of extraordinary color to this ordinary night.

"Yu Li, have you really never ridden a bicycle? I'll teach you someday so that we can enjoy this freedom together." There was a hint of anticipation in Chen Fei's words.

Yu Li gently hugged Fade Chen's waist with both hands, her face flushed with happiness, and shook her head, saying softly: "Well, this is my first time riding a bicycle, it feels so good, as if the whole world is at our feet."

The two were immersed in each other's company, unaware that a storm was quietly approaching.

Yan Jiecheng, the venomous snake hiding in the dark, was plotting revenge against Chen Fei with his parents.

With the wisdom and tactics of these three people, Chen Fei will definitely be defeated.

However, Chen Fei was still unaware of all this.

His life became more colorful and exciting with the addition of Yu Li.

Every morning, he would appear in front of Yu Li's window with breakfast he prepared himself. Looking at her surprised smile, he felt that the whole world was brightened.

At night, they strolled along the river together, sharing each other's dreams and past.

Yu Li's kindness and innocence made Chen Fei see the best side of human nature.

She is not like those women who are polluted by the world and have an excessive pursuit of material things. Instead, she pays more attention to the resonance of the spiritual world.

Her cleverness and dexterity always brought Chen Fei surprises inadvertently. Whether it was a scarf knitted by hand or snacks prepared for him, they all made him feel unprecedented warmth and happiness.

However, happiness is always short-lived, especially in this world full of calculations and conspiracies.

What Chen Fei didn't know was that Yan Jiecheng's family had already secretly arranged everything, waiting for the right time to give him a fatal blow.

The source of all this was actually a misunderstanding many years ago, a dispute caused by jealousy and hatred.

"Chen Fei, are you ready to face the upcoming challenge?" Yan Jiecheng sneered in his heart, with a sinister light flashing in his eyes.

This time, he would not fail again and would make Chen Fei taste the bitter fruit of failure.

At this time, Chen Fei was immersed in the sweet time with Yu Li and had no idea about the coming storm.

"Yu Li, look at this bike. Although it looks inconspicuous, it's really fun to ride." Chen Fei turned his head and looked outside the courtyard gate. There stood a girl wearing a floral dress and long hair - Yu Li.

There was a gleam of curiosity and a hint of hesitation in her eyes, as if she was both looking forward to and a little overwhelmed by this sudden proposal.

"Riding a bicycle? I don't think there is any need for me to learn this." Yu Li chuckled, with a gentle arc at the corner of her mouth, but there seemed to be some unspeakable concerns hidden behind that smile.

Seeing this, Fade Chen raised his lips, with a sly look in his eyes: "What if I tell you that if you learn it, I will give you a brand new bicycle? Not a casual one, but the kind that will make the whole street make way for you when you ride it."

When Yu Li heard this, a hint of surprise flashed across her eyes, but was quickly replaced by confusion.

She knew that bicycles were expensive, not to mention that in this day and age, buying a bicycle ticket was also a considerable expense.

"Fade Chen, are you...are you sure?" There was a hint of uncertainty in her voice, but more of it was excitement that was difficult to conceal.

"Of course, I, Chen Fei, keep my word." Chen Fei was full of confidence, as if he had already seen Yu Li riding her new bike at lightning speed on the street.

His eyes were determined, as if there was no problem in the world that he could not solve.

In this way, Yu Li was infected by Chen Fei's enthusiasm and decided to try this new challenge.

On the first day, she shakily rode the bicycle with the help of Chen Fei. Every fall was accompanied by their laughter, which was clear and pleasant, like the most beautiful melody in summer.

The next day, a miracle happened.

Yu Li seemed to have suddenly come to her senses. Not only did she no longer need Chen Fei's support, she was even able to move freely in the alleys, leaving behind a string of silver bell-like laughter and the sound of rolling wheels.

Chen Fei stood aside, looking at Yu Li's confident and elegant figure, with indescribable pride and satisfaction in his heart.

"It seems that I really underestimated you, Yu Li." Chen Fei walked forward with a smile, his eyes full of praise.

Yu Li stopped her bike and looked back at Chen Fei, her face filled with satisfaction and joy: "This is all thanks to you, Chen Fei. However, I really think that having a bike is enough, there is no need to..."

"No, this is our agreement." Fade Chen interrupted her, his tone was firm and unquestionable, "Besides, I want to see you riding your new bike and smiling even brighter than you do now."

Yu Li looked at Chen Fei's eyes full of sincerity and finally nodded, thinking that this gift was not just a bicycle, but also a testimony of the deep friendship between the two.

As the sun sets, the two walk side by side on the way home, the air filled with the aroma of food.

Yu Li suddenly suggested: "Fade Chen, I want to eat your cooking, especially your tomato and egg soup, which is the best soup I have ever tasted."

When Fade Chen heard this, a hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes: "Okay, I'll let you taste my cooking skills tonight. I guarantee that you will be satisfied with the meal."

So, when night fell and the courtyard was brightly lit, Chen Fei was busy in the kitchen, preparing two delicious home-cooked dishes and a bowl of steaming tomato and egg soup.

Yu Li was helping to arrange the dishes. Under the light, the two of them looked particularly warm and harmonious.

That night, there were no flowery words, only simple meals and sincere smiles, but it became the most precious memory in their hearts.

All of this stems from the promise made about bicycles, and the courage and persistence to keep moving forward in the face of adversity and to challenge oneself.

Qin Huairu stood on the threshold of her house, her eyes drifting towards Chen Fei's house next door from time to time.

The original plan seemed to no longer be so firm after seeing the abnormality in Chen Fei's home today.

At dinner time, the cheerful laughter of Chen Fei and the girl next door, Yu Li, penetrated the thin wall, fell into her ears, and stirred the waves in her heart.

After dinner, Fade Chen suddenly felt an inexplicable heat, as if a force was stirring in his body.

He frowned, glanced sharply at the bacon on the table, and an ominous premonition arose in his heart.

Yu Li, who was standing by, seemed to feel the same discomfort. The two looked at each other and understood each other's feelings without saying much.

"Yu Li, please stay tonight. I feel like there's something wrong with this bacon." Fade Chen said in a low voice, with an unquestionable firmness in his tone.