Chapter 329 No Longer Young

Although he knew that these responsibilities were unshirkable, the long-term pressure still made him a little tired.

"It's time to relax tonight." Li Xiangqian said to himself. He decided to go to a nearby store to buy some drinks to relax. Although life is not easy, it is necessary to relax yourself from time to time. He knew that if he kept tense, sooner or later he would not be able to bear it.

Li Xiangqian put on his coat and walked out of the house. The night in the courtyard was quiet, and occasionally he could hear the neighbors talking in low voices at home. There was a hint of damp coolness in the air, which made him feel particularly sober.

The shop was not far away. When the owner saw Li Xiangqian coming in, he immediately greeted him warmly: "Brother Li, you come so late, what do you want to buy?"

Li Xiangqian responded with a smile: "Boss, give me a few bottles of beer, and some peanuts and braised food."

As the boss started working, he said with a smile, "Brother Li, you don't usually drink. What's wrong with you today?"

Li Xiangqian sighed, "I've been busy lately, so I want to relax and unwind today."

The boss handed over a few bottles of beer and some side dishes, and nodded, saying, "That's as I should do. You work so hard, and you have to take care of yourself. You have to drink these bottles slowly, and don't drink too much."

Li Xiangqian took the food with a smile, and his heart was warmer. He knew that the people in the courtyard cared about each other, and this simple greeting and care was one of the motivations for him to persist until now. Li Xiangqian placed the beer and snacks he bought on the table, took out a small plate, and carefully poured the peanuts into it. He opened a bottle of beer, poured it into the cup, and watched the bubbles rise quickly and then slowly dissipate. He sat down, picked up the cup, and took a sip, feeling the slight stimulation and coolness of the moment the wine slid across his throat.

"It's been a long time since I last felt this way," Li Xiangqian thought. On weekdays, he rarely had the opportunity to relax like this. He was always busy with the affairs of the courtyard, taking care of the needs of the neighbors and helping young people like He Yuzhu. Over the years, he has devoted more time and energy to others, and his own life has been put aside.

Li Xiangqian ate peanuts and sipped beer slowly, replaying everything that had happened over the years in his mind. Despite the trivialities of life, he still felt that his efforts were not in vain. He Yuzhu's growth and the harmonious coexistence of the people in the hospital were the driving force for his persistence. Only occasionally, he would feel a little lonely. After all, for so many years, he seemed to hide himself behind these responsibilities, and few people could really get into his heart.

"Perhaps, I should give myself more time to enjoy life." Li Xiangqian smiled self-deprecatingly and took a sip of beer. He had never really thought too much about himself, but always about others. This simple midnight snack today actually made him feel a long-lost sense of relaxation.

At this moment, Li Xiangqian's cell phone suddenly rang. He put down the cup, picked up the phone and saw that it was He Yuzhu calling. Li Xiangqian frowned slightly, and couldn't help but feel a little worried: This guy called so late, is he in trouble?

"Hello, Yuzhu, what's up?" Li Xiangqian answered the phone, his tone showing a hint of concern. "Sorry to bother you so late." He Yuzhu's voice came from the other end of the phone, with a hint of apology and uneasiness, "I just met with Director Yang and wanted to tell you something."

Li Xiangqian felt a little relieved. It turned out to be this matter. His tone softened. "What's Director Yang's impression of you? Did the talk go well?"

He Yuzhu's voice was filled with excitement and nervousness. "Director Yang is a very nice person and gave me a lot of advice. He said that I can always ask him for advice if I don't understand something in the future. Brother Li, thank you very much! Without your help, I would never have this opportunity."

Li Xiangqian smiled, and the warmth in his heart surged up again, "This is all the result of your own efforts. I just built a bridge for you, and the rest depends on you. Then he said solemnly: "Brother Li, I know. No matter what difficulties I encounter in the future, I will persist and will not let you down."

Li Xiangqian was moved when he heard this. He knew that He Yuzhu really regarded him as a mentor in life, and he also hoped to do his best to help this kid go further.

"Okay, remember today's promise. If you need any help in the future, feel free to come to me. Don't carry it all by yourself." Li Xiangqian's tone was encouraging. He believed that He Yuzhu would be able to walk more steadily on this road. Li Xiangqian leaned back in his chair, looking at the beer and peanuts on the table, and felt a little relieved. At this moment, he felt an unprecedented sense of relief, as if all his efforts over the years were rewarded at this moment. He picked up the glass and raised it gently, as if he was toasting an invisible target in the air.

"This cup is for all of us to keep going," Li Xiangqian whispered to himself, with a little self-mockery in his tone, but more of a firmness. He knew that the road ahead would still be full of challenges, but he was ready, both for himself and for those he cared about.

As the night deepened, Li Xiangqian sat alone under the lamp, slowly drinking the beer in his hand, with a lot of thoughts in his mind. He felt that this night was not only a time for him to relax, but also a time to rethink the future. Perhaps, in the days to come, he will think more about how to balance responsibility and self. He will continue to move forward, because he knows that there are too many people on this road who need his support and guidance.

Li Xiangqian sat at the dining table, the coolness of the beer and the feeling of being slightly tipsy helped him feel a little relieved from his tired body and mind. It was late at night, and the courtyard was so quiet that only the occasional sound of the wind and a few vague barkings of dogs in the distance could be heard. Li Xiangqian leaned back in his chair, feeling this rare peace, but his mind was still in a mess of thoughts and it was difficult for him to completely relax.

"Maybe I should take a break and have a good rest for a few days." Li Xiangqian thought to himself. He had never really thought about himself in these years, and always put all his energy into the affairs of the courtyard and helping others. He knew that he was no longer young, and the physical and mental pressures could not be ignored. Giving himself some time to relax might help him regain the long-lost vitality.

Thinking of this, Li Xiangqian gradually made a decision. Tomorrow he planned to stay in the old house on the outskirts of the city for a few days. It was the old house left by his parents, quiet and far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.