An extraordinary life journey through old Beijing courtyard houses

We've already used one can of food; let's leave two more outside.

This stuff is alright when eaten alone, but if you eat it all together, it might make you lose your appetite.

The flour was left in one bag outside, and the rest was moved down to the secret room and hidden away along with the canned goods.

The sealed chamber is now very dry after baking, so there's absolutely no problem storing flour in it for a short time.

Then came the money; he put all the activity funds Tom had given him into his bag.

He then took out 11 silver dollars from his own money to supplement the funds; this was the money he had borrowed to buy canned goods and flour.

So I now have 39 silver dollars and 8 US dollars.

Suddenly, I feel so accomplished!

This is a fortune accumulated in less than ten days.

Money is not everything, but no money is absolutely impossible.

One reason the predecessor died was the hot weather.

But the bigger reason should be malnutrition, which leads to physical weakness.

They only eat two meals a day, and they're mostly dry food; it's no wonder they don't get good nutrition.

It's probably difficult to even walk when it's close to mealtime.

He definitely needs to exchange the US dollars he has, because he wants to buy a lot of things and needs to spend a lot of money.

But there's no rush right now.

Lying in bed, she first considered how to better serve Tom, who wouldn't be staying in Beiping for more than a few days.

During this period, what important things should I do by taking advantage of his influence?

However, as she thought about it, Liu Ling'er's image kept popping into her mind.

With Liu Decai's support, does it mean that my chances of success have greatly increased?

Jiang Baobin barely slept that night.

Before the rooster crowed twice, he had already run all the way to Xitao Hutong.

He waited and waited, growing increasingly anxious, and couldn't help but ask himself for the hundredth time:

Did I wake up too late and miss seeing the fairy goddess?

Finally, a petite figure carrying a sword emerged from the main gate and headed west.

Without even getting close, he knew it must be Liu Ling'er, because her demeanor was already etched into Jiang Baobin's mind.

He didn't get too close, but relied on his excellent eyesight and hearing to stay far behind.

As the name suggests, "Xihai" is the westernmost body of water in the entire "Shichahai" and is also the smallest of the three outer seas.

Liu Ling'er was very familiar with this place and walked straight to an open space.

This place is clearly used by people who exercise regularly; the barren yellow earth has been trampled into a hard block.

After some light exercise, Liu Ling'er practiced two sets of boxing before starting to practice swordsmanship.

In the dim light, all that could be seen was the glint of swords!

Wow! That's real skill! Jiang Baobin, a complete novice, was utterly impressed and watched with rapt attention.

Then the dashing young lady gradually transformed into "Auntie".

His swordsmanship was superb, his white robes flowed gracefully, and he seemed untouched by worldly concerns...

There's a saying, isn't there? If you can't beat them, join them.

After being obsessed for a long time, he finally realized—this won't do, even if he stares at her for a hundred years, he'll never have a chance to kiss her.

So, it went in circles and ran to a place more than ten meters away.

They also started practicing.

It's the same old routine: standing in a stance, stepping on the "Fourteen Steps," and moving around with incredible effort.

Well, he doesn't know anything else either.

He thought that such a proactive performance would surely attract the girl's attention.

However, it was useless.

Liu Ling'er was completely focused, treating everything around her as if it were nothing.

About an hour later, as more and more people around started exercising early in the morning.

Liu Ling'er withdrew her attack and returned the way she came.

Jiang Baobin had to keep up, just as he was figuring out how to create an opportunity for a chance encounter.

The two crossed "Gulou West Street" one after the other.

Liu Ling'er has entered Xitao Hutong.

Fearing he would lose them, Jiang Baobin quickened his pace.

However, as soon as one foot stepped into the alley, he dared not move any further.

Nonsense, with a sharp sword at your neck, who would dare to move?

"Why are you following me?" A crisp but cold voice reached my ears.

"Don't misunderstand, it's me, Miss Liu."

Saying those words would have been better; now they've caused trouble. Jiang Baobin felt a sword thrust forward at his neck.

So much so that you could feel the sharpness of the blade on your skin.

Holy crap! This thing can actually kill! It's not some fancy stuff that older women use to exercise in later generations.

Liu Ling'er only needs to push the sword forward one inch more before she has to blow out the lamp and remove the candle!

Just as Jiang Baobin was racking his brains, trying to figure out how to beg for mercy and explain himself...

Liu Ling'er's voice came again, but this time it was as cold as ice:

"Who are you? Who sent you? If you don't tell me, I'll kill you!"

As she spoke, she increased the pressure on her hand, but instead of slashing Jiang Baobin's neck, she forced him to bend his knees and squat.

Under such terrifying circumstances, if Jiang Baobin hadn't possessed exceptional sphincter control, most people would have collapsed after assuming this position.

Jiang Baobin wanted to cry—I was just trying to pick up a girl, how did it end up putting my life in danger?

It was still dark, and there wasn't a soul around.

If she "cuts" me without my knowledge, where can I go to seek justice?

Jiang Baobin gritted his teeth; having come this far, he might as well go all out.

"Miss Liu, please don't misunderstand. I... I'll just tell you the truth."

"I'm someone who frequently buys your matchlock ropes, and I buy more than just that."

"Also, because I admire your stunning beauty, I often pass by your house."

"I originally planned to go to Beixiao City today, but I didn't expect to actually run into you, so I changed my mind and followed behind you."

"I mean no harm. I'm just worried that it's so early and you might have a mishap. I'd like to be behind you to protect you."

"I never expected you to be so skilled; I didn't have to worry about you at all."

"Miss Liu, what I said is true. I know Master Liu, and we have a good relationship. If you don't believe me, go home and ask him."

"Isn't there a young man surnamed Jiang who frequently exchanges US dollars with him lately?"

"He'll be able to tell you who I am right away. I really meant well, Miss Liu."

Jiang Baobin was the person who had bought matchlock rope from her, so Liu Ling'er naturally recognized him long ago.

The girl had a pretty good idea of ​​what this guy was up to.

Every time they see me, they act like a pig, either staring blankly or swallowing hard. What kind of good person is this?

Liu Ling'er showed herself to scare him into backing down.

But Jiang Baobin's audacity and shamelessness far exceeded her expectations—

It's not that no one has designs on her, but they all hesitate and avoid the issue.

Even the most daring person would only ask a matchmaker to come and arrange a marriage.

This guy is really something, daring to confess his feelings right in front of me. Does he have some kind of death wish?

She glanced left and right out of the corner of her eye—luckily it was early and there was no one around, otherwise she would have been so embarrassed!

Looking at the person in front of him again, he felt even more disgusted.