Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

He sighed softly and secretly made up his mind that no matter how difficult it was, he must strive for more opportunities. Even if it was just for himself, Xiaozhi, and the He family, it would be worth it.

In the next few days, Li Xiangqian asked around for work on the construction site, and even found a few familiar workers and asked them to help keep an eye out. Because he has always been sincere and hardworking, his fellow workers trust and respect him and said they would call him whenever there is work. Sure enough, a few days later, a small foreman found Li Xiangqian and asked him if he was willing to work overtime to move a batch of bricks. Li Xiangqian agreed almost without hesitation. Even though the wages were meager, he could help more if he earned more, and he even felt an eager joy in his heart.

That night, Li Xiangqian returned to the courtyard exhausted. The night was as dark as ink. He pushed open the gate and unexpectedly saw He's mother still waiting in the yard. It seemed that she had just turned off the stove. Seeing Li Xiangqian, she smiled gently, "Xiangqian, are you still busy so late? You should rest more and don't tire yourself out." Her tone revealed concern, as if an elder was admonishing her child.

Li Xiangqian smiled and waved his hand in a nonchalant manner, "It's okay, sister-in-law, these are all trivial matters. I'm still strong, and doing a little work is not tiring."

He's mother sighed, "Xiang Qian, you've been so good to our family. Dahai and I will never forget your kindness in our lifetime." As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. The faint tear light flickered in the night, as if foreshadowing the difficulties and hardships this family was bearing.

Li Xiangqian waved his hands quickly, "Sister-in-law, don't say that. We are neighbors and we should support each other. Besides, Xiaozhi is so well-behaved and sensible, it is only natural for him to help." His tone was firm, and he tried to use light words to cover up his inner concern and fatigue.

After making up his mind that night, Li Xiangqian became more determined. He decided to provide the He family with some long-term help, not just relying on daily wages, but doing something that they could rely on in the future. In the past few days, the weather has gradually warmed up, and an idea suddenly emerged in Li Xiangqian's mind - why not try to plant something on the small abandoned plot of land in the backyard of the courtyard. Thinking of this, he immediately decided to buy some seeds and try to see if he could use this small plot of land to give the He family more opportunities to be self-reliant.

A few days later, Li Xiangqian paced back and forth in the market, glancing at various vegetable seeds. He was thinking about what to buy that was both cheap and suitable for a beginner's family to grow. Thinking of He Dahai, who was still seriously ill, he finally chose cucumber seeds - not only were they easy to grow, but they would grow luxuriantly with a little care, and the family could also eat some fresh vegetables.

He held the small bag of cucumber seeds, rubbing his fingers on the bag, and couldn't help but feel a little excited. Li Xiangqian imagined in his mind that in the near future, the He family's small yard would be full of greenery, and cucumber vines would climb up the racks, covered with bunches of plump fruits. That picture made him smile involuntarily.

Back at the courtyard, Li Xiangqian stood in front of the He family's door, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door after adjusting his expression. He's mother came out to open the door, and when she saw it was him, there was a hint of doubt on her face.

"Xiang Qian, is there anything else so late?" He's mother asked in confusion.

Li Xiangqian grinned and held up the small bag of cucumber seeds in his hand. "Sister-in-law, I saw this at the market today. I bought some cucumber seeds because I thought He Dahai needed some nutrition. Anyway, the land in our backyard has been empty, so why not plant some cucumbers so that Dahai can eat some fresh vegetables."

Mother He was stunned, looking at the small bag, her eyes flickered slightly, and a complicated expression seemed to appear on her face. She hesitated for a moment and said, "Xiang Qian, I know a little bit about this kind of work, but... you know Dahai's current condition, I'm afraid he doesn't have the strength to take care of him."

Li Xiangqian felt a little nervous when he heard this, and waved his hand and said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry, I'll do all the farming work. When I have nothing to do, I'll come and help turn the soil and water the plants. When the cucumbers are ripe, your family can have a taste of them. I have some experience in farming, so it won't be too much work."

He spoke in a relaxed tone, trying to make it sound like a simple matter. In fact, he knew very well that once the land was reclaimed, the initial work would be very heavy, but he did not want to burden He's mother, so he just smiled and stubbornly put the seeds into He's mother's hands.

Mother He's hands were trembling slightly. She looked down at the seeds in her hand, then looked up at Li Xiangqian, with indescribable complex emotions in her eyes. She wanted to refuse, but the words were swallowed back by her own bitterness. She was very familiar with this kind of help between neighbors, but this care also made her feel more and more indebted. She knew in her heart that Li Xiangqian's consideration had already exceeded the relationship between ordinary neighbors. He really treated their family as his own family.

"Well... Xiang Qian, you've really taken a lot of trouble. If it weren't for you, our family really wouldn't know what to do." He's mother said softly, with deep gratitude and a bit of guilt in her tone.

Li Xiangqian laughed and patted her shoulder. "Sister-in-law, don't say those polite words. We are neighbors and friends. Besides, I didn't do anything big. Don't worry, I will take good care of this land."

After saying that, he walked straight to the backyard, his eyes swept back and forth over the uncultivated land, and he began to think in his mind: Tomorrow, he would have to find a hoe to turn the land. Then he would tidy up the soil and find some wooden strips to make a simple rack so that the cucumber vines would have a place to climb. He already had a complete plan in his mind, and his steps suddenly became much lighter, as if the uncultivated land had already laid out a vibrant picture in his mind.

The next morning, Li Xiangqian got up early, took a hoe and a shovel to the backyard of the He family, and began his farming plan. While swinging the hoe to turn the soil, he stopped from time to time to check the condition of the soil to ensure that each hoe could be turned evenly. He's mother watched from the side and couldn't help feeling sad. She stood aside, feeling mixed emotions, and wanted to say something, but in the end she just watched Li Xiangqian's busy back silently.

"Sister-in-law, you don't have to worry too much. Cucumbers are easy to grow. As long as you water and fertilize them on time, they will soon bloom and bear fruit." Li Xiangqian saw her expression, raised his head and comforted her.