Chapter 207: Small Firewood

Li Xiangqian walked to the gate of the courtyard, suddenly stopped, turned around and said to Zhang Cuihua: "Cuihua, I'm going to chop wood, you stay at home to take care of Xiaobao, call me if there is anything."

Zhang Cuihua nodded, "Don't worry, go forward and be careful on the road."

Li Xiangqian smiled and nodded, then set out on the road to the back mountain. The road in the mountain was rugged and uneven, and there was a hint of chill in the air. Li Xiangqian held the tools in his hands tightly, silently praying that he must chop more firewood and bring it back to prepare a warm winter for his family.

After walking for a while, Li Xiangqian came to a pine forest. He selected some dry trees and began to saw off the trunks with a saw. The saw made a squeaking sound on the trunks, and every effort was accompanied by his determination and hope. Sweat dripped down his forehead to the ground, but he didn't care. He just wanted to cut more firewood to take home.

As the trees fell, Li Xiangqian cut them into pieces and piled them together. Time passed unnoticed, and the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the forest, dyeing it with a layer of golden light. Li Xiangqian looked up at the sky and decided to cut down one more tree before going back.

He took a deep breath and continued to saw the last tree with all his strength. Suddenly, the sound of the saw became dull, and Li Xiangqian felt that the saw was stuck. He put down the saw, leaned over to check, and found a hard scar in the trunk. Li Xiangqian frowned, but did not give up, and continued to saw at a different angle.

Finally, the last tree fell. Li Xiangqian wiped the sweat off his face and felt a sense of satisfaction. He tied up the sawed wood, put it on his shoulders, and started walking back. On the way, he felt the burden on his shoulders getting heavier and heavier, but every step was full of determination and hope.

When Zhang Cuihua returned home, she saw him carrying a large bundle of firewood in sweat, and she felt distressed and touched. She hurried over to him and said, "Xiang Qian, put it down quickly, you must be exhausted, right?"

Li Xiangqian smiled as he placed the firewood in the yard and dusted off his hands. "Fortunately, this firewood will be enough for us to use for a while."

Zhang Cuihua nodded, a trace of relief flashed in her eyes, "You've worked hard, Xiang Qian, take a rest first, I'll go get you a cup of hot tea."

Li Xiangqian felt very warm in his heart as he watched her busy figure. He knew that they were all working hard for this family, and all these efforts were worth it.

As night fell, the cold grew stronger. Li Xiangqian sat by the fire, looking at the dancing flames, feeling a sense of peace and satisfaction in his heart. Zhang Cuihua brought him a cup of hot tea, and whispered, "Xiangqian, drink some hot tea to warm yourself up."

Li Xiangqian took the teacup and felt the warmth of the tea. He was touched and said, "Thank you, Cuihua."

Zhang Cuihua sat next to him with a smile, "We are a family, we should take care of each other."

Li Xiangqian nodded, feeling extremely happy. He knew that this family had become warmer and more fulfilled because of Zhang Cuihua. Although there were many difficulties and challenges in life, as long as they were together, there was nothing they could not overcome.

In the following days, Li Xiangqian and Zhang Cuihua continued to prepare for winter. They piled the firewood they had chopped in a corner of the yard and covered it with a tarp to prevent it from getting wet. Li Xiangqian also repaired the doors and windows of the house to ensure that there would be no air leaks.

One day, Li Xiangqian was chopping wood in the yard when he suddenly heard the voice of his neighbor, Old Wang, "Li Xiangqian, are you busy?"

Li Xiangqian looked up and saw Old Wang standing at the gate, smiling at him. He quickly put down his axe and walked over to greet him, "Old Wang, why are you here?"

Old Wang smiled and said, "I heard that you guys are preparing firewood for the winter recently. I came to see you. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Li Xiangqian felt a warm feeling in his heart and said quickly, "Thank you, Old Wang, we are almost ready, please come in and sit down."

Old Wang waved his hand and said, "No, I'm just here to take a look. If you need any help, just let me know."

Li Xiangqian nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Old Wang, we feel much more at ease with your kindness."

Old Wang smiled and patted his shoulder. "We are all neighbors, and we should help each other. It's really not easy for you two young couples. You live a colorful life."

Li Xiangqian said modestly: "This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. Old Wang, you are also our role model."

Old Wang laughed loudly, "You are really good at talking, kid. Okay, I won't bother you anymore. Remember to find me if you have anything."

Watching Old Wang leave, Li Xiangqian felt warm in his heart. The mutual help and care among neighbors made him more determined to continue working hard. He knew that although there are many challenges in life, as long as everyone works together, nothing can be overcome.

As winter approaches, Li Xiangqian and Zhang Cuihua become busier and busier. One night, Li Xiangqian was lying on the bed, looking at the ceiling, feeling a little anxious. He knew that the cold winter was not only a test for their bodies, but also a challenge for their minds.

"Xiang Qian, what are you thinking about?" Zhang Cuihua noticed his strangeness and asked softly.

Li Xiangqian turned around, looked into her concerned eyes, and sighed, "Cuihua, I'm thinking about winter. The weather is getting colder and colder, and I'm worried that we are not well prepared and that you and Xiaobao will be cold."

Zhang Cuihua held his hand and said gently, "Xiang Qian, don't worry, we are fully prepared. As long as we work together, we will definitely get through this winter."

Li Xiangqian nodded, feeling warm in his heart. He knew that with Zhang Cuihua by his side, any difficulties could be overcome. He hugged her gently, feeling her warmth and support, and the anxiety in his heart gradually subsided.

The next morning, Li Xiangqian and Zhang Cuihua continued to work. They piled up the last batch of firewood and checked the doors and windows of the house to make sure there were no leaks. Xiaobao was playing in the yard, and when he saw his parents busy, he was filled with admiration for them.

"Dad, Mom, you've worked hard." Xiaobao ran to them, his childish voice full of concern.

Li Xiangqian and Zhang Cuihua felt warm in their hearts when they heard this. Li Xiangqian touched his son's head and said with a smile: "Xiaobao, mom and dad do all this for our family, so that we can have a warm winter together."

Xiaobao nodded, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, "Mom and Dad, I want to help too."

Zhang Cuihua smiled and said, "Okay, Xiaobao, you can help mom move these firewood into the house, okay?"

Xiaobao nodded vigorously, picked up a small piece of firewood, and moved it into the house seriously. Li Xiangqian and Zhang Cuihua looked at their son's efforts and felt extremely relieved and satisfied.