Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

At this moment, Li Xiangqian slowly walked to the yard outside the house, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his mind. He looked down at his palms, his knuckles were a little stiff, but he still suppressed the unspeakable uneasiness in his heart. It felt as if there was always an invisible force behind him, pushing him towards a situation where he could not turn back.

Xiaoqing's laughter came from the room, and Li Xiangqian suddenly thought of Xu Damao. He and Xu Damao had known each other for many years. Although Xu Damao had a straightforward and impulsive temper, Li Xiangqian knew that this man was not a bad person. It could even be said that he was "kinder" than Li Xiangqian in some things. However, the anxiety and uneasiness in his heart often made him make some incomprehensible decisions.

"Xiang Qian, why are you standing outside in a daze?" Lin Xue's voice suddenly came from inside the house, breaking Li Xiang Qian's thoughts. He turned around and watched his wife walk out of the house, still with that gentle smile on her face. At this moment, Lin Xue seemed to be the only stabilizing force in his heart. No matter how much anxiety and loss he experienced, only her presence could make him feel a little peaceful.

"It's okay, I'm just a little sleepy." Li Xiangqian smiled slightly, trying his best to hide the heaviness in his heart, "When will the dinner you made be ready?"

Lin Xue looked at the sky and frowned slightly, "It's almost time. I'll call you in later." She paused, walked forward, and said softly, "Xiang Qian, I think you seem to be a little bit abnormal recently. Are you worried about something?"

Li Xiangqian's heart was slightly shaken. He lowered his head and smiled unnaturally: "Nothing, just a little pressure at work." He knew that his wife was thoughtful and had probably noticed his recent emotional instability, but he was unwilling to reveal all his anxiety. Especially about Jia Dongxu, he didn't want Lin Xue to worry.

"Don't keep it to yourself all the time, talk to me." Lin Xue looked at Li Xiangqian with concern, a hint of pity in her eyes.

Li Xiangqian suddenly felt some indescribable emotions in his heart. He had accumulated too many things in his heart, especially Jia Dongxu, who disturbed his life from time to time. He knew clearly that the connection between Xu Damao and Jia Dongxu was a knot that could never be untied, and this knot, like a thin string, constantly affected every detail of his life.

"It's about Xu Damao." Li Xiangqian finally spoke, his voice low and suppressed.

Lin Xue nodded gently, and did not rush to ask any further questions, but just waited quietly.

"He has been contacting Jia Dongxu recently. You know, I don't like that Jia Dongxu." Li Xiangqian said slowly, his tone full of helplessness and anxiety, "He always makes things a mess. Every time I deal with him, I feel uneasy. You know, Jia Dongxu has never done anything to reassure people. He always makes things more complicated."

Lin Xue listened quietly, frowning slightly, "But Xu Damao is not the kind of person who would do something wrong, right? Maybe he just thinks that Jia Dongxu is... trustworthy."

"Trust? I don't think so." Li Xiangqian sneered, with a flash of anger in his eyes. "Xu Damao is a good person, but he is too trusting sometimes, especially people like Jia Dongxu, who are not trustworthy at all. I hope he can understand that Jia Dongxu's actions will sooner or later get him into trouble, and even drag us down."

Lin Xue was silent for a moment, lowering her head to look at the ground. She knew that Li Xiangqian's aversion to Jia Dongxu was not without reason. In fact, the relationship between Xu Damao and Jia Dongxu had always bothered Li Xiangqian. Xu Damao was too simple and direct, and although he was straightforward, he was easily taken advantage of. And Jia Dongxu, who seemed to be smooth and sophisticated, could always create some trouble without his knowledge, bringing unpredictable effects to the people around him.

"Xiang Qian, I understand what you are worried about." Lin Xue raised her head and said softly, "Xu Damao has always felt that Jia Dongxu has some use, but if you are so worried, shouldn't he listen to your advice and have less contact with Jia Dongxu?"

Li Xiangqian's eyes became firm. "I've already told him that I hope he won't contact Jia Dongxu again. No matter how capable Jia Dongxu is, or how much he can be used, it's not worth contacting him for these benefits." He paused, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes. "I know it's not good to say this, but I can't bear it any longer. Each of us must have principles and not be carried away by temporary temptations."

Lin Xue looked at Li Xiangqian's eyes, and the resolute and painful look on his face made her suddenly stunned. She knew that Li Xiangqian had always been a steady person, but now, he seemed to have no way out. He was well aware of the risks that Jia Dongxu brought to him, and he also knew that if he continued to deal with Jia Dongxu, sooner or later he would be trapped in a situation from which he could not extricate himself.

"Are you really sure you won't let Xu Damao contact him anymore?" Lin Xue's tone was tentative.

Li Xiangqian nodded, his eyes firm, "Yes, I don't want to see him make more regretful decisions because of Jia Dongxu."

Lin Xue didn't say anything more. After a moment of silence, she reached out and gently held Li Xiangqian's hand, her eyes full of deep understanding and tenderness. "Xiangqian, I know you are doing this for us and for Xu Damao's sake. I support you."

Li Xiangqian felt warm and relieved. He held his wife's hand tightly and whispered, "Thank you, Xue. In fact, sometimes I really feel confused, as if there is an invisible pressure that makes me feel overwhelmed. But with you by my side, I know that at least we can face it together."

Lin Xue nodded and smiled, "I know you are not someone who gives in easily, but there are some things that cannot be handled by one person alone. You are not alone, I will always be by your side."

As time went by, Li Xiangqian's anxiety eased a little, but the tension did not completely dissipate. Everyday life was like a tightly pulled string, as if it would break at the slightest disturbance. And these trivial matters in front of him - whether it was Jia Dongxu or Xu Damao, made Li Xiangqian feel depressed. He began to become more anxious and had unnecessary overreactions to every little thing in life.

However, just as Li Xiangqian was busy struggling with his inner self, the appearance of an old man unexpectedly became an outlet for him to release his pressure.