Siheyuan: Tathagata's Palm suppresses the entire courtyard!

"That's great, I just happened to have some new works recently." Xu Mingjie smiled, and gradually a creative impulse surged in his heart. Although he has not exhibited his works for many years, his inner persistence and pursuit of art has never stopped.

"Come, let's go inside and sit down. I'll make you a cup of tea." Ran Qiuye invited enthusiastically. He had already moved a few chairs and placed them next to a small square table in the yard. Xu Mingjie led Yu Li into his studio, which was still his holy place for creation. The walls were covered with his works over the years and some unfinished drafts.

"Mingjie, these paintings look very spiritual and full of life." Yu Li carefully observed each painting, her eyes focused and full of appreciation. Xu Mingjie showed his unique understanding of Beijing life in his paintings, and every stroke carried his deep feelings for the city.

"Thank you for your compliment. Most of these works are my attempts and explorations in recent years." Xu Mingjie smiled modestly. He is not good at words, but he can express his deepest emotions and thoughts through his brush.

"Mingjie, I heard that you've been having a hard time recently. Are you having financial difficulties?" Yu Li suddenly asked, with a hint of concern and worry in her voice. She knew that Xu Mingjie's family was not well-off, and artists who make a living by creating art always face various pressures.

Xu Mingjie was silent for a moment and nodded: "Yes, the economy has been bad in recent years, but I have not given up my pursuit of art." He spoke firmly and sincerely, his eyes revealing his unwavering love and belief in art.

"Mingjie, I have a suggestion." Yu Li broke the silence, her voice carrying a hint of expectation and sincerity, "Tomorrow night, I'll treat you to a meal as a token of my appreciation for your persistence over the years."

Ran Qiuye was moved when he heard this. He knew that Yu Li and Xu Mingjie had a special friendship and tacit understanding. He immediately said, "Yes, Mingjie, just agree. This will give you a chance to rest and relax."

Xu Mingjie was somewhat touched. He had not expected Yu Li to be so concerned and considerate of his living conditions. He nodded and said with a smile, "Okay, then I agree to your request, but I have to treat you to a meal."

Yu Li smiled and shook her head, "No, I'll treat you this time as a small token of my appreciation to you as friends." Her eyes revealed firmness and tenderness, and her determination would not be changed.

Ran Qiuye also smiled when he saw this. He knew that Yu Li was a straightforward and careful person. Her presence undoubtedly brought an unusual vitality to this old Beijing courtyard.

Yu Li and Ran Qiuye sat down and continued chatting, while Xu Mingjie returned to the studio to continue his creation. The light and shadow in the yard slowly changed, and when the sun set, Xu Mingjie had already sketched a new city scene on the canvas. His mood gradually brightened, and he began to look forward to the date tomorrow night.

Xu Mingjie was working attentively in the studio, and he was in an unusually happy mood. Yu Li's sudden visit made him feel a long-lost warmth and care, and he couldn't help but look forward to the upcoming dinner in his heart. However, he suddenly realized that he hadn't used his mobile phone for a long time, let alone checked messages or answered calls.

He came out of the studio and walked to the yard, ready to find his cell phone. At this time, Ran Qiuye followed him out and smiled at him: "Mingjie, have you not used your cell phone for a long time? I can't get through to you no matter how hard I try."

Xu Mingjie suddenly felt a little embarrassed. His cell phone was placed on the desk beside him and had not been touched for many days. He smiled, walked over to pick up the phone, and found that there were already several unread messages and missed calls on the screen.

"I'm sorry, I've been so busy lately that I forgot to check my phone." Xu Mingjie explained awkwardly, and at the same time looked at the information on the screen and found several missed calls and messages from Li.

Ran Qiuye looked at the screen of his phone and laughed, "Haha, it seems that Yu Li is really looking forward to having a meal with you. Call her back quickly to confirm the time and place."

Xu Mingjie nodded, he found Yu Li's phone number and dialed it. The call was quickly connected, and Yu Li's voice came from the phone: "Hey, Mingjie, you finally called me! I thought you didn't want to talk to me."

Xu Mingjie felt warm at heart when he heard Yu Li's teasing. He smiled and replied, "Sorry, I've been busy lately. I heard you wanted to treat me to a meal?"

"Yes, I just happen to be a little free recently, and I was thinking of finding an opportunity to have a good chat." Yu Li's voice was a little relaxed and happy, "Is tomorrow night convenient for you? I'll pick a place for you."

Xu Mingjie thought for a moment, then nodded and replied, "Okay, I'm free tomorrow night. You can choose the location. I'm fine with it."

"That's it. I'll pick you up at seven tomorrow." Yu Li set the time concisely, and it was obvious that she had already made a plan.

"Okay, I'll wait for you on time." Xu Mingjie said with a smile, and he began to look forward to the date tomorrow night.

After hanging up the phone, Ran Qiuye came over and patted Xu Mingjie on the shoulder: "It seems that you have already made plans for the date tomorrow night. However, you have to clean yourself up first, and you can't let Yu Li see you like this."

Xu Mingjie smiled and nodded, "Yes, I have to go get ready. You two wait for me in the yard."

Ran Qiuye agreed with a smile, and Xu Mingjie hurried back to his studio. He began to sort out the painting tools and works on the table, put away some unfinished drafts, and put his studio in order. At this time, he suddenly saw an old work, a landscape painting he had painted in a market outside Deshengmen a few years ago.

At that time, he was still young and had endless curiosity and enthusiasm for the streets and alleys of Beijing. He walked through the hustle and bustle outside Deshengmen with his drawing board and paints, capturing every moment and every detail. The painting recorded the scene of an old lady setting up a stall in the market. Her kind face and meticulous craftsmanship deeply touched Xu Mingjie.

He gently stroked the corners of the painting, recalling the scene and the excitement in his heart. At that time, he was full of infinite longing and expectation for art and life. Although the road was difficult, the dream in his heart never changed.

After tidying up the studio, Xu Mingjie left the yard and went out with Yu Li and Ran Qiuye to find a quiet and unique restaurant.