Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

Li Xiangqian raised his head, his eyes calm and firm, "What are you fighting for? Xu Damao, we are no longer the people who fought desperately like before."

"Oh? Really?" Xu Damao didn't seem to believe him, with a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. "But I see that you are more patient now than before, which is quite interesting to me."

Li Xiangqian was not provoked to anger, he just smiled, "As long as you like it. But you also know that I am not the kind of person who compromises blindly. The conflict between the two of us will not disappear because of what I said today."

Xu Damao stared at Li Xiangqian for a moment, as if thinking about something. Suddenly, he turned around, with his back to Li Xiangqian, and whispered, "I am never afraid of provocation, but I am not afraid of someone setting a trap for me. Li Xiangqian, you seem to have realized that the closer you get, the easier it is to fall into the trap."

Li Xiangqian was shocked. This sentence made him feel uneasy, but he quickly calmed down. He knew that what Xu Damao said was not groundless. The courtyard was indeed full of unknown risks. Every decision could bring unpredictable consequences.

"You're right," Li Xiangqian replied, his tone still calm, "What happens between the two of us will come to an end sooner or later. But right now, maybe neither you nor I are in a hurry to resolve it."

Hearing this, Xu Damao turned around, his eyes deep, as if he could see through Li Xiangqian's mind. He smiled slightly, "Okay, I'll trust you for now. But, Li Xiangqian, remember, things in the Siheyuan will never be easy. You'd better be prepared."

Li Xiangqian didn't say anything more, just nodded, indicating that he had understood what Xu Damao meant. Xu Damao snorted coldly, turned around and walked to the other side of the yard, his figure gradually blurred around the corner.

Li Xiangqian stood there for a long time without moving. He knew that Xu Damao's departure did not mean that everything would return to peace. On the contrary, it was just a new beginning. Xu Damao's reminder might be a true portrayal of the environment of the Siheyuan: danger is everywhere, and under the surface of peace, there are turbulent waves.

However, Li Xiangqian did not act immediately, but chose to stand there quietly, thinking about how to go next. His mind was no longer as chaotic as before, but became exceptionally clear. He knew that he had to maintain a sense of distance in this courtyard, maintaining appropriate friendships with others, and carefully protecting his position, and not getting too close to anyone easily.

Soon after, voices were heard again in the courtyard. It was other residents of the courtyard chatting. Li Xiangqian sighed softly, knowing that the conflict between him and Xu Damao was only temporary, and the situation in the courtyard was far more complicated than he had imagined. Everyone carried their own secrets, and every tiny action could trigger a chain reaction.

At this time, a crisp laughter suddenly came from the yard. Li Xiangqian looked up and saw Qin Huairu, who was standing at the gate of the yard chatting with several neighbors. Qin Huairu was wearing a lavender dress, and the sunlight shone on her body through the branches, making her look even warmer like spring. Her smile was sweet and sincere, as if she had no worries at all.

Seeing Li Xiangqian, she was slightly stunned for a moment, then smiled slightly and said softly: "Li Xiangqian, why are you standing here for so long? Don't you feel hot?"

Li Xiangqian smiled slightly, "It's okay, I was just thinking about something. Why, are you free to chat today?"

Qin Huairu nodded, "Yes, I just happened to be having a good time chatting with everyone, so I came to see you." She seemed to notice that something was wrong with Li Xiangqian's eyes, and tilted her head slightly, "You look like you have something on your mind, are you in any trouble?"

Li Xiangqian's heart moved. He did not rush to answer, but said lightly: "Nothing, just some trivial matters. You don't have to worry."

Qin Huairu didn't seem to ask any more questions. Her eyes flashed with intelligence, but soon became relaxed and smiled, "Okay, I know you won't say it easily. But if there is anything, remember to tell me, don't keep it to yourself."

Li Xiangqian felt warm in his heart and nodded gently, "Thank you, Qin Huairu. I will."

Qin Huairu smiled slightly, then turned and left, continuing to chat with other neighbors in the courtyard. Li Xiangqian stood there, watching her leave, with a complex emotion in his heart. Qin Huairu's appearance made him think of his situation in the courtyard. Although her smile always made people feel warm, Li Xiangqian knew that he could not easily rely on anyone, even her.

He took a deep breath and turned to the corner of the courtyard. Although today's events had come to an end, he knew that the turmoil in the courtyard was not over. He needed to be more careful and act cautiously. Everyone had a story behind them, and everyone had a different stance. And he had to find his own place in this complicated situation.

After making up his mind, Li Xiangqian's steps became more determined. He knew that he had to keep a certain distance from everyone. Especially Xu Damao, the distance between him and him would probably never be shortened. But he also understood that he was not alone, and there were still many trustworthy people in the courtyard.

Li Xiangqian walked steadily, but his heart was already turbulent. That day in the yard, Xu Damao's warning was like a hidden sword, reminding him that every step in the courtyard was full of unknown dangers. At that moment, he deeply realized that no one, whether Xu Damao or others, had good intentions. Everyone had their own calculations in mind, and Li Xiangqian's calculations gradually became more complicated.

He decided to look for Lou Xiao'e. Lou Xiao'e was an old neighbor in the courtyard. She was young but smart and capable, and had always had a lot of prestige in the courtyard. She would sometimes appear mysteriously at some critical moments, as if she knew the ins and outs of everything, and every time Li Xiangqian was confused, he seemed to be able to find a hint of answer from her.

Walking into Lou Xiao'e's yard, Li Xiangqian looked up at the big locust tree with lush branches and leaves. Under the shade of the tree, there was a bamboo chair quietly placed, and Lou Xiao'e was sitting on the chair. She was lowering her head, holding a bunch of silver keys in her hand, playing with them carefully, as if she was thinking about something. Seeing Li Xiangqian coming, she raised her head, her eyes were bright, and there was a faint smile on the corner of her mouth.

"You're here." Lou Xiao'e's voice was gentle, but with a hint of indifference, as if she had already anticipated Li Xiangqian's arrival.