Siheyuan: Tanjia Cuisine He Daqing, destroying Yi Zhonghai

He Daqing lowered his head and silently clenched the teacup in his hand. He knew that He Yuzhu was right. He had spent most of his life thinking about others. He took care of all the family affairs and hardly thought about himself. However, time was unforgiving, and he gradually realized that deep in his heart, he also longed for a warm companionship.

However, this desire was suppressed by the constraints of reality. He was not concerned about his own feelings, but the eyes of the neighbors in the yard. He was afraid that his actions would cause trouble for the White Widow, and he was even more afraid that this relationship would cause unnecessary discussion and trouble.

"Zhu Zi, you are still young, and you don't understand many things yet." He Daqing finally spoke, with a hint of helplessness in his tone, "Love is not as simple as you think. I know that Bai Guafu is a good woman, but we all have to think long-term."

He Daqing's long suppressed emotions were exposed by He Yuzhu, and they suddenly became extremely complicated. Although he tried his best to remain calm on the surface, waves had already been stirred in his heart. Since He Yuzhu mentioned the White Widow, he could no longer put this matter aside lightly. Whenever he was alone at night, his tenderness and concerns for the White Widow surged like a tide, making him feel uneasy.

That night, the courtyard was particularly quiet under the moonlight. He Yuzhu had gone to bed early, but He Daqing was still sitting on a stone bench in the yard, smoking an old pipe in his hand. In the smoke, his eyes fell on the window of the White Widow in the distance. The window was now shining with a faint light, vaguely reflecting her busy figure.

He Daqing suddenly felt an urge in his heart. He wanted to get up, walk over and knock on the door, and tell her what was in his heart. But when he was about to stand up, He Yuzhu's words during the day suddenly flashed through his mind. His legs were suddenly restrained by an invisible force and fixed in place.

"You have given so much to this family, can't you think about yourself?"

He Yuzhu's voice echoed in his ears, with a sincerity and impulse that only young people can have. This sentence deeply touched He Daqing's heart, as if it broke through the long-hesitating defense line in his heart.

He did give a lot to the family. He took on the responsibility of taking care of his nephew since he was young. Later, when his nephew grew up, he devoted all his attention to work and family. Day after day, year after year, he hardly made any plans for himself, and even the matter of love was put aside under the burden of life.

But now, when life gradually stabilized, he found that he also had unfulfilled wishes and gaps in his heart that needed to be filled. The appearance of the White Widow was like a spring that moistened his long-dried heart. Her tenacity and gentleness brought him a long-lost comfort and attachment.

However, another picture emerged in He Daqing's mind - the neighbors in the courtyard pointing and talking, and the voices of gossip. As a person who has lived in the courtyard for most of his life, he knows how powerful the public opinion in this small community is. The White Widow has lost her husband and supports a family alone. Her reputation has always been important in this courtyard. If she becomes the target of public criticism because of him, he will never accept it.

Just as he was hesitating, he heard footsteps behind him. He Yuzhu came out wearing a coat. He was ready to go to bed, but he felt uneasy. He seemed to feel that his uncle was not in a good mood tonight. Sure enough, he saw He Daqing sitting alone in the yard, smoking, and looking at the distance intently.

"Uncle, why haven't you slept yet?" He Yuzhu walked to He Daqing and asked in a low voice.

He Daqing came back to his senses after hearing the voice. Seeing that it was He Yuzhu, he forced a smile and said softly, "I couldn't sleep, so I came out to get some fresh air."

He Yuzhu looked at him and understood something. His uncle's eyes were always on the White Widow's house, and he was obviously still thinking about that matter. He Yuzhu sighed secretly, and his heart became heavy.

"Uncle, you don't have to be so hard on yourself." He Yuzhu said sincerely, "I know what you are worried about, but have you ever thought that maybe the White Widow has similar feelings in her heart? She is a woman who lives alone with her children. Although she usually doesn't show it, she must have felt lonely sometimes."

He Daqing was shocked when he heard this. He had guessed the White Widow's thoughts countless times, but he never really had the courage to explore them. He was a traditional man who never easily expressed his feelings, and was even more reluctant to disturb a widow's life. However, at this moment, He Yuzhu's words were like a mirror, forcing him to face his inner desires and fears.

"Zhu Zi, I understand your feelings," He Daqing was silent for a moment and said in a low voice, "but some things are not that simple. The White Widow is a good person, and I can't let her suffer because of me."

When He Yuzhu heard this, he immediately realized how deep his uncle's thoughts were. It's not that he didn't want to take this step, but he was afraid of causing unnecessary trouble to the White Widow. He Yuzhu was moved, but also a little anxious. He didn't want his uncle to continue to suppress his feelings like this. After all, this matter had dragged on for long enough for him.

"Uncle, don't worry so much," He Yuzhu said earnestly, "I believe that the neighbors are not the kind of people who like to gossip. Besides, there is nothing shameful between you and the White Widow. We are honest and aboveboard, so who can say anything? Besides, if she really has feelings for you, are you willing to miss out on it like this?"

He Daqing was flustered by the question. He wanted to take this step, but the various concerns in reality were like an invisible rope that bound his hands and feet tightly. He thought of the white widow's calm and gentle eyes, and his heart was in turmoil.

"Zhu Zi, it's easy for you to say it, but it's not easy to do it." He Daqing's voice was low and mixed with a hint of helplessness. "Some things need to be considered more carefully. It's not just me. Widow Bai also has a son. We can't just think about our own ideas."

He Yuzhu looked at his uncle's face and suddenly understood his difficulties. His uncle was not only concerned about the public opinion in the courtyard, but also about the son of the White Widow. He couldn't disrupt other people's lives because of his feelings. Although He Yuzhu understood, he still didn't want to see his uncle hesitate like this.