Siheyuan: Buyers get rich from hunting

Chapter 786 Young People's Ambition 11

Liu Ping'an leaned down slightly, his movements as gentle as the spring breeze blowing through the flower petals. He slowly raised his right hand and gently patted Qin Huairu's shoulder, which was trembling slightly with worry.

The warmth from that palm seemed to carry an invisible force, trying to dispel the haze in Qin Huairu's heart. His eyes were deep and bright, like the brightest stars in the night sky, revealing a light of determination and composure, as if no matter how many difficulties and obstacles there were ahead, he could handle them calmly.

He opened his lips slightly and said in a low and powerful voice: "Huai Ru, don't be anxious. We are now like walking in the fog, and we know nothing about this new family. If we act rashly, we might fall into a more passive situation. So, let's observe this family secretly first, just like a hunter lurking in the grass, quietly watching the prey's every move. Let's see what their plan is, whether they really want to integrate into our courtyard, or if they have other ulterior motives.

As the ancients said, knowing yourself and the enemy is the only way to win a hundred battles. Only by knowing their details clearly can we have a clear understanding of them, and then it will not be too late to come up with countermeasures."

Qin Huairu raised her head slightly, and her eyes, which were originally full of anxiety, were now full of trust. She bit her lip lightly, nodded slightly, and said with a trembling but incomparable firmness in her voice: "Ping'an, I will listen to you. You have always been thoughtful and considerate. With you by my side, I feel much more at ease. But you see this yard is a mess now, like a pot of porridge that has been boiled. Everyone is holding a grudge in their hearts. Some people argue over trivial matters, and some people watch coldly and compete secretly. I am really afraid that this conflict will snowball, and things will get worse and worse. By then, our originally warm and harmonious yard will become a mess."

Liu Pingan looked at Qin Huairu's worried expression, and his heart ached. He gently stretched out his hands and gently held Qin Huairu's slightly cold hands. Those hands seemed to be the source of his strength for Qin Huairu.

He exerted a little force, wrapped Qin Huairu's hand tightly in his palm, and whispered comfortingly: "Don't worry, I'm here. Our courtyard is like a big family. Although there are some minor frictions now, as long as we work together, we will definitely be able to solve these problems. I think we can start by easing the conflicts between Liu Haizhong, Third Uncle, Uncle Yi and Xu Damao.

These few people are like the pillars of the courtyard. Harmonious relationships between them improve the overall atmosphere. I plan to find a suitable opportunity to organize a courtyard gathering. We'll invite everyone over, set out some delicious food, and prepare some entertaining activities, so everyone can sit down and chat in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Everyone can sit together, enjoy the food, share interesting stories from life, and unravel any conflicts. Who knows, those conflicts will even dissipate amidst laughter and joy.

A few days later, Liu Ping'an's already busy schedule became even busier as he immediately began preparing for the party. He knew that this party would play a crucial role in easing the tense atmosphere in the courtyard and enhancing the relationship between neighbors, so he didn't dare to be careless in any detail.

He first found Qin Huairu, his eyes full of trust and expectation, and he said gently: "Huairu, I have to trouble you for this party. You are usually close to the people in the yard, and everyone trusts you. Just take the trouble to inform everyone that we are going to hold a party. Remember to tell everyone the time and place clearly." Qin Huairu nodded with a smile and agreed readily: "Okay, Ping'an, don't worry, I will definitely handle this matter properly." After that, she took a brisk step and went from house to house to inform the people in the yard.

Liu Ping'an, on the other hand, turned and headed for the nearby market. The market was bustling with activity, bustling with people and offering a dazzling array of stalls. Liu Ping'an weaved through the crowd, carefully scanning each stall, meticulously selecting the ingredients and drinks for the party. He arrived at a meat stall, gazing at the fresh, plump pork. After some bargaining with the owner, he finally bought a large piece of prime pork belly, thinking he'd make a delicious braised pork dish for everyone to enjoy.

Next, he visited the vegetable stalls and selected a variety of vegetables, including vibrant greens, bright red tomatoes, and plump eggplants. Each one was so fresh it seemed as if it still carried the fragrance of the earth. He also didn't skimp on the drinks, buying several bottles of rich, rich wine and preparing some refreshing beverages to suit all tastes. By the time he returned to the courtyard, carrying his bags, beads of sweat covered his forehead, but a satisfied smile graced his face.

The gathering took place in the spacious courtyard of the Siheyuan. The sun was exceptionally bright that day, and the warm sunlight, like golden threads, gently sprinkled on everyone, making everyone feel warm and comfortable.

There were several large round tables in the yard, covered with white tablecloths, looking clean and tidy. Liu Ping'an and Qin Huairu neatly placed the purchased ingredients and drinks on the tables and also specially prepared some fruits and snacks to make the whole party look more sumptuous.

As the party began, a cheerful and warm atmosphere filled the yard.

Liu Ping'an stood up, holding the wine glass steadily with both hands, with a kind and sincere smile on his face. He slowly swept his eyes over every neighbor present, and then slowly said: "Dear neighbors, it is really fate that we can gather together today. We have lived in this courtyard for so many years and have experienced countless ups and downs together. In spring, we planted flowers and plants in the yard together and watched them thrive; in summer, we sat under the trees to enjoy the coolness and chatted; in autumn, we harvested fruits together and shared the joy of the harvest; in winter, we gathered around the stove to keep each other warm. This friendship is more precious than anything else. So, we gathered together today to have a good chat, enhance our feelings, and make our big family warmer and more harmonious."

After hearing Liu Ping'an's words, everyone nodded in agreement, with knowing smiles on their faces. Those smiles were like flowers blooming in spring, brilliant and beautiful, making the atmosphere in the whole courtyard more harmonious.

Liu Ping'an continued, "There have been some minor conflicts in the yard recently. Actually, this is all very normal. Each of us is an independent individual with our own ideas and needs. Just like no two leaves in the world are exactly the same, some disagreements are inevitable. But we can't let such trivial matters damage the relationship. After all, a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. In critical moments, it is often these neighbors who can lend a hand to us. Therefore, we must learn to understand and tolerate each other and resolve conflicts in the bud."

At this time, Liu Haizhong, who had been sitting nearby, stood up with an embarrassed look on his face. He scratched his head and said, "Ping'an is right. I didn't think it through. I was too stubborn about the small room. I think we can let Third Uncle use it to store books and materials. After all, Third Uncle likes to read books and newspapers, and those books and materials also need a suitable place to be stored. Once Third Uncle finds another place, it won't be too late for us to move in. We are all neighbors. There is no need to make a fuss over such a small matter."

After hearing what Liu Haizhong said, the third uncle's body, which was originally leaning forward, suddenly trembled, as if touched by something, and he quickly stood up. The wrinkles on his face trembled slightly because of the sudden movement, but his smile was as warm as the spring sun. He waved his hands unconsciously in front of him, and said with a bit of naivety: "Old Liu, I feel embarrassed by what you said. I didn't expect that because of this little thing of mine, everyone would be so angry and unhappy. In fact, I can also think of other ways. I can't just think about my own convenience and ignore everyone's feelings. How about this, let's all come up with ideas and help me find a suitable place in the yard to store books and materials? Maybe with more people, we can find a place more suitable than that hut soon."

As soon as Third Uncle finished speaking, the courtyard erupted in excitement, with everyone responding. Aunt Wang, who was sitting in the east corner, was the first to stand up. She slapped her thigh and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Third Uncle, I'll take care of this! I'm always around the yard and know every nook and cranny. I can definitely help you find a good spot." Not to be outdone, Brother Li, who was sitting in the west, waved his arms vigorously and shouted, "Third Uncle, I'll help too. I have some unused planks and tools at home. If you need them, you can always use them." Others chimed in, some offering to help clean up the place, others offering to help carry books and materials. The entire courtyard was filled with an enthusiastic atmosphere.

Then, the topic naturally turned to the matter of building flower beds and erecting sheds, just like a free-flying bird. Uncle Yi cleared his throat and slowly stood up. He was wearing a Mao suit that was washed out a little bit. Although the style was a bit old, it was clean and tidy, and exuded an elegant temperament. He adjusted his reading glasses on the bridge of his nose and said slowly: "Although we have lived in this yard for so many years, some places can still be beautified. I think it would be nice to build a beautiful flower bed on one side of the yard. When the time comes, plant all kinds of flowers and plants. In spring, the flowers will bloom, in summer, the trees will be green and shady, in autumn, the fruits will be abundant, and in winter, we can see the plum blossoms blooming proudly in the snow. How beautiful it would be. Moreover, with the flower bed, we will feel more comfortable when we take a walk in the yard."

Xu Damao's eyes lit up when he heard what Grandpa Yi said. He rubbed his hands excitedly and said, "Grandpa Yi, this is a great idea! I've been worried about where to put my transportation tools. I think we can all work together to build a sturdy shed in another corner of the yard. That way, I'll have a place to put my bicycles, tricycles, and other things, and they won't have to be piled up in the yard in a mess, affecting the appearance. What's more, building a shed together can also improve the relationship between people. How wonderful!"

After a lively discussion, everyone offered their opinions and suggestions, like a group of clever craftsmen meticulously crafting a work of art. Finally, they reached a consensus: to build a beautiful flower bed on one side of the yard, they would divide the work among themselves: some would dig the soil, some would transport the seedlings, and some would water and fertilize. In another corner, they would help Xu Damao build a sturdy shed. The strong would construct the frame, the nimble would weave the roof, and the skillful girls would decorate it.

The conflict seemed to be easily resolved, and everyone's face was filled with happy smiles, those smiles were like blooming flowers, brilliant and sincere. The yard was filled with laughter and joy, as if the previous unpleasant conflicts had never existed. Children ran around in the yard, laughing and playing, while the adults sat together, continuing to talk about the beautiful future life.

However, Liu Ping'an was like a sharp detective, always paying attention to everything around him. His eyes slowly swept through the crowd, not missing any subtle expressions and movements. At this moment, he noticed that a person from the newly moved family had a flash of displeasure in his eyes. That look was like a cold light in the cold night. Although it was fleeting, it was still captured by Liu Ping'an keenly. Then, the corners of the man's mouth turned down slightly, and a barely perceptible haze appeared on his face. Although he quickly regained his smile and pretended to be nothing and talked to the person next to him, it still did not escape Liu Ping'an's eyes. Liu Ping'an's heart couldn't help but tighten. He vaguely felt that this newly moved family might not be simple, and might bring some new troubles to the yard in the future.

After the party, Liu Ping'an quietly pulled Qin Huairu aside and said, "Huairu, look at the newcomer. He didn't seem happy when we reached a consensus just now. It seems we need to speed up the investigation."

Qin Huairu frowned, "Ping'an, what are you going to do?"

Liu Ping'an thought for a moment and said, "I plan to find a chance to talk to some of the elderly people in the courtyard to see if they know anything about the past of this new family. In addition, I will also pay attention to their usual behavior to see if I can find some clues."

Over the next few days, Liu Ping'an inquired about the new family. He learned from an old lady in the yard that this family had often clashed with neighbors in other places over trivial matters, and seemed to have had dealings with some unscrupulous people.

Liu Ping'an had an idea in mind, and he decided to find an opportunity to have a face-to-face contact with this family to see if he could get some information out of them.

One evening, Liu Pingan saw the man of the newly moved family walking in the yard, so he walked over and greeted him with a smile: "Brother, it's been a while since you moved into our yard, right? Are you used to it?"

When the man saw Liu Ping'an, a hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his smile. "Get used to it. This yard is quite nice, and the neighbors are all very welcoming."

Liu Ping'an continued, "That's good. We've had some minor conflicts in our courtyard before, but everyone was able to understand and tolerate each other, and they were all resolved in the end. I think neighbors should be harmonious with each other, so that we can live comfortably."

The man nodded. "You're right. Neighbors should really live in harmony."

Liu Pingan changed the subject and said, "However, I heard that you guys have lived somewhere else before. I wonder what the situation is like there?"

The man's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "Over there, it's just like that, nothing special. We just thought the environment here was nice, so we moved here."

Liu Pingan became even more suspicious and decided to test the waters again. "Brother, I heard there have been some conflicts in the courtyard recently, and it seems someone is behind the scenes fanning the flames. I wonder if you've heard anything about it?"

A flash of panic flashed across the man's eyes, but he quickly forced himself to remain calm. "Really? I haven't heard of that. I think if anyone has any conflicts, they should just discuss them properly. There's no need to resort to those petty tricks."

Seeing that he couldn't get much useful information out of him, Liu Pingan smiled and said, "Big brother is right. Let's all look forward to our courtyard becoming more and more harmonious."

After returning home, Liu Ping'an told Qin Huairu about his conversation with the man. "Huairu, I think there's definitely something wrong with this family. Although they appear to be kind on the surface, they're evasive when it comes to key issues. It's obvious they're hiding something."