Chapter 228 The Youngest Son is Missing

Many families live in the courtyard, and the neighborhood relationship is complicated. Qin Huairu and her family live in the west courtyard. Qin Huairu is a strong but ill-fated woman. When she was young, she married an honest husband, but soon after the marriage, her husband died of illness, leaving her to raise two children alone. The burden of life made Qin Huairu look much older than her peers. She often went to the small market outside the courtyard to set up a stall to sell some handmade textiles and snacks to make a living.

Li Xiangqian has always been full of respect and sympathy for Qin Huairu. Although the living conditions of their two families are very different, Li Xiangqian's parents have taught him to help those in need since he was a child. Whenever he sees Qin Huairu busy, Li Xiangqian will take the initiative to help her, sometimes helping her carry goods, sometimes taking care of her children.

As time went by, Li Xiangqian gradually became familiar with Qin Huairu's family. Li Xiangqian's grades were still among the best in school, but his mind was often concerned about Qin Huairu's family. He knew that it was not easy for Qin Huairu to raise two children alone.

One day, Qin Huairu's youngest son fell seriously ill with a high fever. When Li Xiangqian heard about it, he immediately ran to tell his parents. Li Dazhi and Wang Shufen also rushed to Qin Huairu's home and took the child to the hospital. In the hospital, Li Xiangqian's family tried their best to help Qin Huairu, and finally the child's condition was under control. Qin Huairu was very grateful to Li Xiangqian's family.

However, the hardships of life did not stop there. Qin Huairu's stall was destroyed in a sudden rainstorm, and the little savings she had worked so hard to accumulate were almost gone. She fell into despair, but for the sake of her children, she had to grit her teeth and persevere. Li Xiangqian saw all this and felt very upset. He decided to help Qin Huairu through the difficulties.

Li Xiangqian used the knowledge he learned in school to help Qin Huairu design a more stable stall, and also used the money he earned from working during the winter and summer vacations to buy some new goods for her. Although Qin Huairu was reluctant to accept too much help, she could only accept Li Xiangqian's sincerity and persistence with gratitude.

As the days passed in the courtyard, Li Xiangqian became closer to Qin Huairu's family. As Qin Huairu's children grew up, they began to understand their mother's hard work and studied hard to reduce her burden.

However, fate always seems to like to play tricks on people. Qin Huairu was diagnosed with a serious disease during an accidental examination and needed a large amount of medical expenses. This news was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue for her, but she did not give up on life. After Li Xiangqian learned about it, he once again mobilized his family and friends to raise funds for Qin Huairu's treatment. He also often visited her in the hospital to bring her warmth and encouragement.

During this difficult time, Qin Huairu deeply felt the love between the neighbors in the courtyard, and also felt the selfless help of Li Xiangqian's family. She was full of gratitude, but she was even more reluctant to drag them down. Li Xiangqian still insisted on helping her and worked harder in his studies. He hoped that through his own efforts, he would be able to better help more people like Qin Huairu in the future.

Li Xiangqian often took time out from his busy studies to help out at Qin Huairu's stall. He looked at this strong woman and felt mixed emotions. He felt that although Qin Huairu looked strong on the surface, she was deeply confused and helpless.

One evening, Li Xiangqian came to Qin Huairu's stall again and saw her quietly sorting out handmade textiles. Qin Huairu looked up and saw him, smiling slightly: "Xiangqian, you are here again. Have you been busy with your studies recently?"

"It's okay. I don't have any classes today, so I came to see you." Li Xiangqian answered gently.

Qin Huairu lowered his head and continued to work, with a hint of bitterness in his tone: "Business has not been good recently. Maybe it's because the weather is too hot and no one wants to come out."

Li Xiangqian was silent for a while, and suddenly asked: "Aunt Qin, have you ever thought about doing some other business or changing places?"

Qin Huairu was stunned for a moment, stopped what she was doing, and looked a little detached: "Xiang Qian, you're right, I am indeed a little confused. I don't know how long I can hold on like this. Sometimes I really feel like I can't hold on any longer."

Li Xiangqian looked at her tired face, feeling sad: "Auntie, no matter what difficulties you encounter, I will be with you. You are not alone, everyone in our courtyard will support you."

Qin Huairu smiled slightly, but the smile seemed a little forced: "Thank you, Xiang Qian. You are such a good child. I am already very satisfied to have a friend like you."

Li Xiangqian felt Qin Huairu's inner pain and confusion, and he was determined to help her find a better way out. When he got home at night, he discussed with his parents and decided to help Qin Huairu find a better stall and contact some old classmates to help promote it.

A few days later, Li Xiangqian found Qin Huairu and said excitedly: "Auntie, I have already contacted a new stall for you. It is in the center of the busy market. There is a large flow of people there. It will definitely be much better than here."

After hearing this, Qin Huairu's eyes flashed with hope, but then she became a little worried: "Thank you, Xiang Qian, but will this be too much trouble for you? I'm afraid you've done too much for me."

Li Xiangqian said firmly: "Auntie, don't worry, this is what I should do. And I believe that as long as we work together, life will definitely get better."

Qin Huairu finally nodded, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "Okay, move forward, I'll listen to you. Let's work hard together!"

The new stall really brought more customers, and Qin Huairu's business gradually improved. She also smiled more. Although life was still hard, the confusion in her heart seemed to be less.

However, life is always full of unexpected challenges. One night, Li Xiangqian was doing homework at home when he suddenly received a call from Qin Huairu, her voice full of panic: "Xiangqian, something happened! My youngest son is missing!"

Li Xiangqian's heart tightened, and he immediately put down the book in his hand and ran to Qin Huairu's house. Qin Huairu's face was full of tears, and it was obvious that she had been looking for a long time but found nothing. Li Xiangqian comforted her: "Auntie, don't worry, we will look for it again, and we will definitely find it."

Together with their neighbors in the courtyard, they launched an intense search. As the night deepened, Li Xiangqian and Qin Huairu ran around the streets, their anxiety growing. Li Xiangqian prayed silently in his heart, hoping to find the child as soon as possible.

Finally, they found Qin Huairu's youngest son in a remote alley. It turned out that he had a conflict with his classmates and ran out in anger, and ended up getting lost. When he saw his mother and Li Xiangqian, he immediately threw himself into his mother's arms and cried like a tearful man.