Courtyard House: Time Traveler Not Yet a Ghost

Little Yushui's emotions came and went quickly. She snuggled in He Damin's arms for a while, and her uncle carefully wiped her face with clean water and fed her half a bowl of warm honey water (made with the finest acacia honey that He Damin took out from the Taiji Space). The little girl finally stopped sobbing, but her eyes were still red and swollen, like a frightened little rabbit, tightly clutching He Damin's clothes, not leaving his side for a moment.

He Daqing and He Yuzhu both breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that she had calmed down.

He Yuzhu glanced at the sky. Although he missed his uncle, he couldn't break the rules of Hongbinlou Restaurant, especially since Master Li Baoguo was so strict. He scratched his head and said to He Damin, "Uncle, then... I'll go to work now." "Go ahead. Study hard," He Damin nodded. He Yuzhu patted his sister's head again: "Yushui, be good, listen to your uncle. I'll bring you something delicious when I come back tonight." With that, he quickly left.

He Daqing stammered, "Damin, I... I have to go to the factory too. There's a special task for the canteen today, Director Lou specifically assigned it to me..." He had regained his position as head chef in the steel rolling mill canteen, and was now full of enthusiasm, carefully guarding this hard-won opportunity. "Okay, go ahead." He Damin glanced at him, "Do a good job at the canteen." He Daqing nodded repeatedly, then glanced at the rainwater clinging to He Damin, wanting to say something comforting, but ultimately swallowed it back, turned around and left.

The room fell silent, leaving only He Damin and Xiaoyushui. The little girl looked up at him with her big eyes unblinking, as if afraid that her uncle would disappear again in the blink of an eye.

He Damin knew that Yushui probably wouldn't be able to go to school today. Oh well, let her have some time. He thought for a moment and said, "Yushui, how about Uncle takes you out to play today?" Yushui's eyes lit up, and she immediately nodded, "Okay! Where will Uncle take me?" "To... find Aunt Xueru," He Damin said, already having a plan in mind. Now that he had decided to take on a responsibility in this world, some things should be put on the agenda. He wasn't unaware of Chen Xueru's feelings. That girl was warm and straightforward, genuinely devoted to Yushui, and deeply in love with him. Before, his heart was still closed, and he always treated her with distance. Now that his heart had softened, and considering all her good qualities and Yushui's dependence on her, perhaps... it was time to give her, and himself, a clear explanation.

Moreover, he recalled that Chen Xueru had mentioned that her mother seemed to plan to return south to Hangzhou after Chen Xueru got married, so that she could live with her brother and sister-in-law there. He needed to clarify this matter in person.

"Let's go find Aunt Xue Ru! Okay, okay!" Yu Shui cheered, a smile finally appearing on her little face. "Aunt Xue Ru promised to make me a new dress last time, and she also said she'd take me to eat cream cakes!" "Then let's go." He Damin bent down and picked her up. The little girl immediately wrapped her arms around his neck skillfully, pressing her little face against his shoulder, completely dependent on him.

After locking the door, He Damin carried Yushui out of the courtyard and headed towards Zhengyang Gate. He didn't use any supernatural powers; he simply walked steadily through the still chilly alleyways and streets of early spring, like an ordinary older brother or elder. Yushui nestled on his shoulder, curiously observing the street scene, occasionally asking softly what this was or what that was, to which He Damin would give brief answers. Sunlight shone on the two of them, creating a simple yet heartwarming scene.

The storefront of Xue Ru Silk Shop quickly came into view. Pushing open the door, the crisp sound of wind chimes rang out. Behind the counter, Chen Xue Ru was bending over, arranging a newly arrived bolt of Hangzhou silk. Hearing the chimes, she looked up and immediately saw He Damin carrying rainwater as he entered. She was taken aback at first, then her face lit up with undisguised joy. She put down the fabric in her hands and went to greet him.

"Brother He! Yushui! What brings you here?" Her voice was light and cheerful as she naturally took Yushui from He Damin's arms. "What's wrong with Yushui? Her eyes are red?" She was observant and immediately noticed Yushui's unusual condition.

Upon seeing Chen Xueru, Yushui seemed to have found another person she could rely on. Her little mouth pouted, and she said with a hint of grievance, "Aunt Xueru, Uncle didn't come back yesterday, and Yushui thought Uncle didn't want Yushui anymore..." Hearing this, Chen Xueru hugged her tightly with heartache and gave He Damin a reproachful look: "Brother He, you too, why didn't you explain to the child clearly when you went out to run errands? Look how scared Yushui is." Her tone was filled with affectionate reproach, clearly indicating that she had already placed herself in the position of "family."

He Damin did not explain where he had gone, but only said, "It was my oversight. I brought her out for a walk today to clear her mind."

"Perfect timing, I just got some sweets and pastries from the south, let Yushui have a treat." Chen Xueru carried Yushui to the counter, took out a small box of exquisitely packaged assorted candies, and brought out a plate of still-warm pea flour cakes. Yushui's attention was immediately drawn to the delicious food, and she obediently sat on a high stool to the side and began to eat, her eyes curving into crescents.

Only then did Chen Xueru have time to carefully observe He Damin. After not seeing him for a few days, she felt that something about He Damin seemed different. He still had that calm and profound demeanor, but the subtle, aloofness between his brows seemed to have faded a bit? His eyes also seemed... a little softer? She wasn't sure, but this discovery made her heart pound a little faster.

"Brother He, what brings you here today? Is there something you need?" she asked tentatively, a hint of anticipation in her heart. This was the first time He Damin had come to see her in the rain.

He Damin glanced at Yu Shui, who was engrossed in eating her snacks, then turned to Chen Xueru and got straight to the point: "Xueru, there's something I want to ask you." "Hmm? Brother He, please go ahead." Chen Xueru's heart pounded even faster. "I heard you mention that your aunt seems to be planning to return south to Hangzhou to live with your brother and sister-in-law after you get married?" He Damin asked, his tone calm.

Chen Xueru was taken aback by his question and nodded. "Yes, I did mention it. After my father passed away, my mother was alone in Beijing. Although I took care of her, she always said she missed the southern climate and her brother's grandchildren. She said that once I'm settled here and have a place to live, she'll feel at ease going back to Hangzhou to retire." As she spoke, her face flushed slightly, and the meaning behind her words couldn't be clearer.

He Damin nodded, pondered for a moment, and seemed to have made up his mind. He looked at Chen Xueru, whose reflection was now clearly visible in his usually calm and unwavering eyes. "Xueru," he said, his voice low but each word clear, "you are good to Yushui, good to Zhuzi, and to me... you are sincere in your heart as well. I have been distant in the past, not because I was unaware of your feelings, but simply because... some knots in my heart remain untied."

Chen Xueru held her breath, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her eyes fixed on him. "Now that I've decided to settle down in Beijing and take care of my nephew and niece, I'm willing to shoulder the responsibilities that come with it," He Damin continued. "If you're willing, I'd like to... have a matchmaker come to your mother's house to formally propose marriage."

With a sudden rush of heat, Chen Xueru felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her, her cheeks instantly burning red. Her heart pounded like a raging rabbit, making her almost lose her balance. How long had she waited for these words? From the initial flutter of her heart when she first saw him at the silk shop, to her subsequent proactive approach and meticulous care, though outwardly straightforward and generous, how could she not feel anxious and insecure? Now, these sudden, direct, and solemn words of "marriage proposal" ignited all her anticipation and unease, transforming them into immense joy and shyness that nearly overwhelmed her. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but her throat felt blocked, only emitting a faint whisper. Tears welled up without warning—not from sadness, but from excitement, from the relief of a settled matter, from the ecstasy of overcoming hardship. She hurriedly lowered her head, wiping them with the back of her hand, but the more she wiped, the more tears streamed down her face.

Yu Shui, who was eating pea flour cake nearby, looked up and saw Aunt Xue Ru crying. Startled, she mumbled with her cake in her mouth, "Aunt Xue Ru, why are you crying? Is the pea flour cake not tasty?"

Chen Xueru was amused by her innocent and carefree words and burst into laughter again. Her laughter, tinged with tears, made her even more radiant. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart, and looked up at He Damin with her eyes glistening with tears, yet incredibly bright and determined. She nodded vigorously: "I do! Brother He, I... I do!" A thousand words were contained in those three words.

Looking at her tear-streaked yet radiant smile, He Damin's last shred of hesitation vanished. This woman, with her passion, her persistence, and her kindness, was gradually warming the walls of his cold heart. He stepped forward, took out a clean, plain-colored handkerchief from his sleeve (actually his Tai Chi space), and handed it to her. "Wipe your hands." His voice remained calm, yet carried an unmistakable gentleness.

Chen Xueru took the handkerchief, her fingertips touching it, and another wave of heart palpitations washed over her. She gently wiped her eyes to calm herself, then remembered the crucial point: "Brother He, about the marriage proposal... which matchmaker are you planning to hire? What do we need to prepare? As for my mother, I... I'll tell her tonight when I get back!" She couldn't wait any longer.

"I will find a reliable matchmaker. All the traditional betrothal and engagement procedures will be followed," He Damin said. "Don't worry. I brought Yushui out today to let you know first."

"Yes!" Chen Xueru nodded vigorously, her face still flushed and her eyes shining.

"Also," He Damin glanced at the sky outside, "the renovation of the east courtyard is progressing well recently, according to Master Lei. I'd like to take you and Yushui there to take a look. If you have any ideas, you can discuss them with Master Lei beforehand." That will be his real home in Beijing, and also the place where he and Chen Xueru might live together. It's only right that he let her see it in advance and give her her opinion.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xueru felt even sweeter inside. He not only proposed, but also wanted her involved in planning their new home! This showed he truly saw her as his future wife!

"Okay! I'll close the shop for a bit and go with you!" Chen Xueru said without hesitation. She turned around and gave a few instructions to the only shop assistant in the shop, then locked the shop door, took Yushui's little hand, and said, "Yushui, come on, Auntie will take you to see Uncle's new house. In the future, it may also be our new home!" Although Yushui did not quite understand the deeper meaning of "new home", she was naturally happy to hear that she was going to see a new house and that Aunt Xueru would be going with her. She held He Damin's hand in one hand and Chen Xueru's hand in the other, and skipped and jumped out of the door.

The three returned to Nanluoguxiang and went straight to the east courtyard. The small door opened, revealing a completely transformed interior. The former desolation and ruin were gone. The courtyard ground had been leveled and paved with blue bricks. The main structure of the three main rooms had been reinforced and renovated; although the scaffolding hadn't been completely removed, the general outline of two stories was already visible. The roof tiles were being replaced with the same gray barrel tiles as the old courtyard. In the back garden, the dried-up pond had been dredged and enlarged, filled with fresh water, and some Taihu stones, not yet properly placed, were piled up along its edge. The air was filled with the smells of fresh wood, soil, and lime, and workers were busy at work.

Master Lei was holding blueprints and gesturing to his two apprentices in front of the main house when he saw He Damin enter with a pretty girl and a child. He quickly came to greet him. "Mr. He, you've arrived!" Master Lei greeted him with a smile, then looked at Chen Xueru and Yushui.

"Master Lei, thank you for your hard work." He Damin nodded. "How's the progress?" "The main structure and framework are basically finished, even better than expected." Master Lei pointed to the main building. "You see, the two-story structure is up, and the interior partitions and stairs are under construction. The roof will be finished today. Next comes the finer work inside—leveling the floor, plastering the walls, installing doors and windows, laying the pipes you specifically requested, tiling the bathrooms... The foundation for the boiler room is also finished. Once you bring the boiler and piping materials, it can be installed. At this pace, the main structure will be completed in about ten days. What's left is some interior decoration and finishing touches."

He Damin listened carefully, his divine sense already scanning the entire courtyard. The construction was indeed solid and met his requirements. He looked at Chen Xueru: "Xueru, take a look, do you have any thoughts?"

Chen Xueru, holding Yushui's hand, curiously surveyed this place that might one day be her home. The yard was much more spacious and well-laid out than her current place. She walked to the main house, which was under construction, and peered through the scaffolding, imagining what the future living room and bedrooms would look like. Then she went to the back garden, looking at the nascent pond and rockery. "This place... is really nice," she exclaimed sincerely, turning to He Damin, her eyes full of anticipation. "Brother He, I think we could build a grape trellis or a flower trellis by the garden. It would be nice to have some shade in the summer. Also, the kitchen... where would the kitchen be?"

Upon hearing this, Master Lei quickly pointed to a reserved open space on the west side of the main house: "The kitchen is planned here, with a separate stove and hot water pipes connected to the boiler, so there's hot water for cooking and washing vegetables. What this young lady said is true; building a trellis over there in the garden and planting some wisteria or grapes would indeed be elegant. I'll write this idea down later, and once the main structure is completed, I can easily do these landscaping arrangements."

Chen Xueru was pleased to see her ideas taken seriously, and then raised a few more details about the indoor lighting and storage space. Master Lei noted them down one by one, saying that they could all be adjusted. Meanwhile, the rainwater darted around in the leveled yard, full of curiosity about its new environment.

Watching Chen Xueru earnestly discussing with Master Lei, observing the joyful figure of Yu Shui, and looking at the courtyard that was gradually transforming into his ideal home, He Damin stood in the spring breeze and suddenly felt that this kind of expectation and planning, full of everyday life, wasn't so bad after all. Proposing marriage, starting a family, settling down, raising children… these “mundane affairs” that he had once found distant and even somewhat resistant to now, connected together, outlined a grounded and hopeful vision of the future. Perhaps the path of cultivation doesn't have to be solitary and desolate. In this bustling world, finding peace of mind, shouldering responsibility, and guarding a warm home—perhaps, this is another form of “the Way.”

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a warm golden hue over the busy construction site, the cheerful crowd, and He Damin's serene face.