Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

Li Xiangqian couldn't help but frowned, feeling puzzled. Old Master Liu was always a gentle man, never participating in any disputes, and even reluctant to talk much, but today his attitude seemed particularly cordial. He did not directly ask about the dispute between Li Xiangqian and Xu Damao, but instead cleverly raised a question, seemingly trying to ease the delicate situation in his own way.

"Mr. Liu," Li Xiangqian finally spoke, his tone a little tired, "We just had a little misunderstanding just now. Xu Damao and I just have different opinions. You don't have to come over and worry about it."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Liu smiled slightly, but his eyes fell directly on Li Xiangqian's face: "A small misunderstanding? I don't think so." He paused for a moment, then turned his eyes to Xu Damao and said slowly, "Xu Damao, the dispute between you and Li Xiangqian has never been a simple misunderstanding. I have always understood what you two are thinking. But sooner or later, the limelight in this courtyard will be disturbed because of you two."

Xu Damao's face changed slightly. Although Mr. Liu did not point out the source of the conflict directly, his implication was very clear. Although his words were gentle, every word was just right and hit the core directly.

"Mr. Liu, what you said," Xu Damao said with a slight smile, "is just a reminder to us. Don't worry too much, we are just having a normal discussion."

"Discussion?" Old Master Liu raised his eyebrows slightly, his tone slightly helpless, "I think your 'discussion' is just that you are not honest enough with each other. The potential conflicts between you have been revealed for a long time."

Li Xiangqian sighed inwardly. Although Mr. Liu was old, he always had a thorough understanding of people. He had always known that the relationship between Xu Damao and him was not as simple as "friends" on the surface. There were many undercurrents and they knew each other tacitly. And he might not be able to completely avoid those entanglements.

"Mr. Liu," Li Xiangqian couldn't help asking, "Do you also feel that the dispute between us is getting worse?"

Mr. Liu glanced at Li Xiangqian with a trace of concern in his eyes: "Disputes are inevitable, especially for young people like you who are always eager to achieve success and want to change something. However, I want to tell you that the situation is not as simple as you think. In the courtyard, everyone has calculations in their hearts. If you put too much thought into it, you may end up getting yourself involved. You must learn to think carefully, instead of just making decisions based on immediate interests."

Li Xiangqian's heart moved. He knew that Mr. Liu was not just talking casually, but was using his experience and wisdom to remind him. People like Xu Damao were not only his opponents, but also important chess pieces in the chessboard of Siheyuan, holding unknown resources and influence. If he did not have clear goals and ideas, he would be nothing more than a chess piece walking blindly.

"I understand, Mr. Liu." Li Xiangqian bowed his head slightly, and his impatience slowly settled down. "However, the situation in the courtyard is complicated, and I don't intend to simply become an enemy of Xu Damao."

Old Master Liu glanced at him and sighed: "Li Xiangqian, you are smart and can see some things, but you must understand that if you want to truly change the situation, it is not enough to rely on one person's strength. You must learn to unite, not to act alone. Make others believe in you and stand with you, this is the key to changing the situation."

Li Xiangqian was silent for a while, and suddenly felt inexplicably sober. He knew that Mr. Liu was not just giving him simple advice, but was pointing him on a new path. To gain a foothold in this courtyard, it was not only based on personal intelligence and strength, but also on making more allies and winning their trust. Xu Damao might know this better than anyone else.

"Thank you, Mr. Liu." Li Xiangqian finally raised his head, his eyes flashing with determination. "I will consider your words and find the most appropriate way."

Old Master Liu nodded, turned around and walked out slowly, still at his leisurely pace. "Okay, young man, fighting is fighting, but remember to think deeply. You are still young, you can't just think about the immediate interests, you have to learn to consider the long-term situation." After saying that, he seemed to have thought of something and added, "Also, Xu Damao, that kid, can talk easily, but he doesn't represent everyone in the courtyard, don't be fooled by him."

Xu Damao's eyes flashed with displeasure, but he did not refute immediately. Mr. Liu's words seemed to make him silent, and also made Li Xiangqian feel a little unexpectedly calm.

Watching Mr. Liu's back gradually disappear at the gate, Li Xiangqian turned to look at Xu Damao: "Xu Damao, let's stop here for today, we'll talk about it later."

Xu Damao just sneered: "Whatever you say, Li Xiangqian. You are always so patient, which really makes me a little impatient."

Li Xiangqian did not respond, but took a deep breath, and his heart became more determined in his decision - he must go more steadily and further, and in this game of the courtyard, he cannot just rely on the current cleverness and impulse. Instead, he must learn to restrain himself and learn to plan, as Mr. Liu said.

Xu Damao's sneer was like a gust of wind, blowing through Li Xiangqian's heart, bringing a sense of inexplicable chill. Li Xiangqian did not respond, but lowered his eyes slightly, hiding a complicated look in his eyes. Although Xu Damao's words did not seem to be very threatening on the surface, Li Xiangqian knew that this person's mind was far more complicated than he seemed. The atmosphere in the courtyard became more and more subtle, and Li Xiangqian also realized that if he continued to get too close to Xu Damao, he would probably be deeply trapped in it and unable to extricate himself.

He stood there, his heart gradually calmed down, looking at the back of Mr. Liu who had already gone away, and he had some sudden realization in his heart. This courtyard was like a closed space, everyone had their own thoughts, and he had to act carefully and not be as reckless as before.

Xu Damao noticed Li Xiangqian's silence, and a hint of impatience flashed in his eyes. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, as if he wanted to provoke a new dispute, but he seemed a little hesitant, and finally stopped talking. At this time, Xu Damao already understood that Li Xiangqian's silence did not mean weakness, but a deeper level of vigilance.

"Li Xiangqian, what's wrong? Don't you want to fight with me anymore?" There was a hint of provocation in Xu Damao's voice.