Siheyuan: Tathagata's Palm suppresses the entire courtyard!

Xu Mingjie felt that some kind of pressure in his heart was temporarily relieved. He sat down at the wooden table and silently watched the second uncle's actions. The tension and opposition seemed to become insignificant in the sweetness of the watermelon. The second uncle said while cutting the watermelon: "This watermelon is really good."

"Thank you, Uncle Er," Xu Mingjie said, with a trace of sincere gratitude in his eyes, "I know you don't like me, but I still hope that we can live in peace."

The second uncle did not respond immediately, and he put the cut watermelon pieces aside. Xu Mingjie saw that although the second uncle was still serious on the surface, his gradually relaxed demeanor gave Xu Mingjie a glimmer of hope.

"Eat, stop talking." The second uncle finally spoke, and there was a hint of gentleness in his tone, which seemed to imply some kind of compromise. Xu Mingjie smiled, picked up a piece of watermelon gratefully, and chewed it slowly. The flesh was sweet, juicy, and the coolness went straight to the heart.

After eating the watermelon in the courtyard of the quadrangle, Xu Mingjie felt a little relieved. Although he knew that his relationship with his second uncle was far from harmonious, the tranquility of this moment seemed to comfort him. The cool feeling of the juice still lingered in his mouth, and his mood gradually calmed down. Just then, several neighbors came over and saw the pieces of watermelon on the table, and their eyes immediately became excited.

"Oh, isn't this Xu Mingjie? He actually brought a watermelon with him?" Grandma Li came out of the house and couldn't help but say in an envious tone after seeing the watermelon.

Grandma Li is an elderly person in the courtyard, gentle and kind, but she is also curious about Xu Mingjie's behavior. Xu Mingjie knows that Grandma Li always pays more attention to him, and he is looking forward to her reaction.

"Yes, I just happened to see this watermelon and thought it was good, so I bought it." Xu Mingjie answered politely, but at the same time he felt a little nervous. He knew that this behavior might attract some discussion, but he also hoped to get more recognition.

Grandma Li's eyes flashed with approval, "Xu Mingjie, you are such a thoughtful young man. This watermelon is so sweet!"

As Grandma Li praised, other people in the courtyard gradually gathered around. Uncle Chen walked out of the small courtyard and was a little surprised to see the watermelon. "Oh, such a big watermelon, it's really good. You are quite good at picking things."

Xu Mingjie was somewhat flattered when he heard these compliments. He was not used to being noticed by so many people, especially when the words of attention were positive, he felt a little overwhelmed. Although his relationship with the second uncle was still tense, the affirmation at this moment made him feel a little comforted.

"Thank you, everyone." Xu Mingjie tried to appear more natural, with a hint of ease in his tone, "Everyone likes to eat watermelon, so let's eat more."

Everyone started to cut watermelons happily, and the conversation between them became lively. Xu Mingjie looked at the smiling faces of these people, and felt a subtle and complicated feeling in his heart. He knew that he did this not to win praise, but to repair his relationship with the second uncle. However, these praises and affirmative looks still made him feel a little flattered, and also made him feel a little confident in this delicate relationship.

While eating watermelon, everyone was talking and laughing. Xu Mingjie noticed that the second uncle's expression seemed to have changed. His original cold attitude towards watermelon seemed to have relaxed. Although he still did not actively participate in the conversation, there was a hint of smile on his face. He no longer looked around coldly, but occasionally participated in some brief conversations.

"This watermelon is really good." The second uncle finally spoke, with a barely perceptible gentleness in his voice.

Xu Mingjie felt relieved. He knew that although this was not a complete reconciliation, at least in this small incident, the second uncle's attitude had changed. He felt a long-lost sense of relief, as if the watermelon this time was not just a fruit, but more like a small bridge that bridged the gap between them.

"You can try it too." Xu Mingjie handed a piece of watermelon to the second uncle with a sincere smile on his face.

The second uncle took the watermelon and took a bite reluctantly. His eyes softened a little, and although he didn't say anything, Xu Mingjie noticed that he no longer refused the food and seemed to be gradually accepting this small kindness.

After eating the watermelon, everyone gradually dispersed and the yard returned to peace. Xu Mingjie stood in the yard, watching the neighbors leave, and couldn't help feeling a sense of satisfaction. Although the problem was not completely solved, he felt the possibility of some change. He knew that this small effort might bring about greater changes, and this hope kept him moving forward.

After a few days, Xu Mingjie had gradually adapted to the peaceful life in the courtyard. Although the tension between him and his second uncle had not been completely eliminated, it had at least eased a little. He often did some simple work in the yard or went to the market to pick some fresh fruits, as if these small daily activities could help him balance his inner tension and anxiety.

However, on this morning, when Xu Mingjie was trimming flowers and plants in the yard, he heard the voice of the second uncle. This voice was a bit impatient and dissatisfied, and Xu Mingjie's heart couldn't help but skip a beat. He looked up and saw the second uncle walking into the yard with a quick step, and his expression looked particularly serious.

"Xu Mingjie, come out here!" The second uncle's voice was direct and firm.

Xu Mingjie's heart beat faster. He knew that this time the matter might not be solved as easily as last time. He put down the scissors in his hand, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and walked towards the second uncle with some nervousness in his heart.

"Second uncle, what's wrong?" Xu Mingjie asked calmly. His voice remained calm, but a trace of uneasiness surged in his heart.

"What's wrong?" The second uncle looked at him coldly, "Have you been a little too much these days? When I was away, you messed up the flowers and plants in the yard?"

Xu Mingjie was a little surprised. He didn't realize that he had done anything special. He felt a little confused and puzzled, but he knew he had to face it calmly.

"Uncle, I'm just taking care of these flowers and plants in my own way. I think this may help them grow better. If there's anything I'm doing wrong, please correct me." Xu Mingjie tried his best to keep his tone steady, but at the same time he was looking for a possible explanation in his heart.

"You think you're doing the right thing?" The second uncle's tone was full of disdain. "Do you think you can make these flowers and plants better just by doing something casually? Do you know the habits of these flowers and plants?"