Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

"I plan to buy some ribbons and decorate the yard. Everyone has been in a bad mood recently, and I want everyone to relax." Wang Qiang replied.

Xu Damao nodded, "Good idea, we really need some positive vibes. Do you need my help?"

"Thank you, but no thanks. I can go by myself. Come back early, we still need to discuss the next steps." Wang Qiang said.

Walking into the market, Wang Qiang was attracted by the dazzling array of goods. He stopped in front of a stall and selected ribbons of various colors. The stall owner was a kind old lady. She watched Wang Qiang choose and smiled and said, "Young man, these ribbons are the latest and brightly colored, very suitable for decoration."

"Thank you, I need these." Wang Qiang picked up a few rolls of ribbons and paid for them. He turned around and prepared to leave, but heard the stall owner whispered, "Be careful of the people behind you."

Wang Qiang's heart was startled. He turned back quickly, but saw nothing. The stall owner had already turned around to take care of other customers, as if nothing had happened. He held the ribbon, feeling heavy-hearted. The stall owner's words made him feel that there might be a greater danger hidden behind it.

Back at the courtyard, Wang Qiang started to get busy. He hung ribbons on the branches in the yard, trying to use these bright colors to dispel the haze in his heart. While he was busy, his thoughts kept surging. He recalled the words of the stall owner, and couldn't help but wonder if there were other people in the courtyard who were involved in this conspiracy?

At this time, Xu Damao came back. He saw Wang Qiang decorating the yard and walked over to help. "Wang Qiang, there is good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"

"Let me tell you the bad news first." Wang Qiang stopped what he was doing and turned to Xu Damao.

"The bad news is that I heard that the people behind Qin Huairu are more sophisticated, and they are probably still planning their next move." Xu Damao said with a frown.

Wang Qiang's heart sank, "What about the good news?"

"The good news is that we have found a key person who has had contact with Qin Huairu and may know some inside information." Xu Damao smiled.

"Who is it?" Wang Qiang asked anxiously.

"It's a man named Li Dong. He used to do business in another place and just came back recently. He is willing to cooperate with us, but he needs us to ensure his safety." Xu Damao replied.

Wang Qiang nodded, feeling both hopeful and worried. "We must protect him and obtain valuable information as quickly as possible. This may be the key to uncovering the entire conspiracy."

Xu Damao nodded in agreement, "Let's go find him tonight and hear what he knows first."

As the sky gradually darkened, Wang Qiang and Xu Damao continued to work in the yard until all the ribbons were hung. The ribbons swayed gently in the wind, adding a festive atmosphere to the yard. Looking at these ribbons, Wang Qiang felt a little more relaxed, but he knew that the real challenge was still ahead.

In the evening, they went to a pub as agreed and found Li Dong, a middle-aged man who looked a little haggard, but with a hint of alertness in his eyes.

"Li Dong, we heard that you have some important information about Qin Huairu." Xu Damao said straight to the point.

Li Dong nodded and whispered, "Yes, I know something about the forces behind her. They are not only active in the courtyard, but also manipulating a larger scope. Their purpose is not just to poison a few people, but there is a bigger conspiracy."

Wang Qiang and Xu Damao looked at each other and felt that things were much more complicated than they had imagined.

"Can you tell us more?" Wang Qiang asked.

"I can, but you have to ensure my safety. Their methods are very cruel. Once they find out that I have leaked the information, I might die." There was fear in Li Dong's voice.

"We will do our best to protect you, but we need to know the truth," Wang Qiang said firmly.

Li Dong took a deep breath and began to tell everything he knew. As he narrated, Wang Qiang and Xu Damao gradually learned about a huge and complex conspiracy network that was far deeper than they had initially imagined. The Siheyuan was just the tip of the iceberg, and the challenges they faced were even more daunting.

Wang Qiang silently vowed in his heart that he must uncover this conspiracy and protect the residents of the courtyard. He knew that this would be a dangerous road, but he had made up his mind to stick to it no matter how difficult it was.

In the morning of the courtyard, the sun shines warmly on everyone's face, but Wang Qiang is not in a relaxed mood. The conversation with Li Dong last night made him realize the complexity and danger of the matter. He knows that they must be more cautious and vigilant in the coming days.

Wang Qiang stood in the yard, took a deep breath, and adjusted his mentality. Today he planned to go to the market to buy some food for his friends in the courtyard, especially Lou Xiao'e. Lou Xiao'e was a kind and gentle woman who had been silently taking care of the elderly and children in the courtyard. Wang Qiang hoped to express his gratitude in this way.

Walking on the way to the market, Wang Qiang's heart was filled with mixed emotions. He thought of Lou Xiao'e's smile, and that warm feeling comforted him a little. He suddenly realized that in this struggle, it was these ordinary and warm moments that gave him the strength to move forward.

"Wang Qiang, where are you going?" Lou Xiao'e's voice suddenly came from behind him, interrupting his thoughts.

Wang Qiang turned around and saw Lou Xiao'e standing behind him with a smile. "I plan to go to the market to buy some food to replenish everyone's food. Everyone's life has been difficult recently."

Lou Xiao'e smiled and said, "You are always so considerate. In fact, you should think more about yourself and stop worrying about others."

"You're right, but I always feel that we can live a better life if we are together and help each other," Wang Qiang replied.

Lou Xiao'e nodded, "Then I'll go with you. There will be more people to look after you."

The two walked to the market together and chatted. Wang Qiang found that when he was with Lou Xiao'e, his mood always became more relaxed. Her kindness and warmth, like a ray of sunshine, dispelled the haze in his heart.

At the market, Wang Qiang and Lou Xiao'e picked a lot of food, including rice, flour, oil, and some dry goods. Lou Xiao'e helped Wang Qiang choose, and she carefully checked everything to ensure the quality.

"These are enough for everyone to eat for a while." Wang Qiang said with satisfaction as he looked at the full cart of food.

"Yes, with these, everyone's life will be better." Lou Xiao'e also smiled.

They pushed the cart full of food back to the courtyard and distributed the food to everyone. Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces, Wang Qiang felt warm and satisfied.