Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

The storm surrounding the assassination attempt at the Hongshankou branch factory gradually subsided, but the follow-up handling and rewards were put on the agenda. The special task force made a major breakthrough in the interrogation of the assassin "Night Owl," uncovering a long-standing enemy spy network, arresting several spies, and eliminating a major security threat. The higher authorities issued a commendation and material rewards to the Hongxing Factory Security Department, the security officers involved in the arrest, and the brave members of the public.

A small-scale commendation meeting was also held inside the Hongxing Factory.

The meeting was personally chaired by Yao Jianghe, the Party Secretary of the factory, and attended by factory director Yang Weimin, deputy factory director Li Huaide, and other leaders. Wang Huanbo sat in the center of the dais.

Secretary Yao first read out the commendation decision from higher authorities and the collective award for the factory's security department. Then, he changed the subject and turned his gaze to Lou Xiao'e and Cui Dake, who were sitting below.

"Two comrades stood out in this emergency, demonstrating a high degree of responsibility and courage!" Secretary Yao's voice boomed. "The first is Comrade Lou Xiao'e, the technical secretary of the Chief Engineer's office! In a critical moment, she keenly sensed the anomaly, disregarded her own safety, and stepped forward, effectively disrupting the assassin's actions, buying precious time for the security personnel, and protecting the safety of Chief Engineer Wang Huanbo! This spirit of loyalty to duty and fearlessness in the face of danger is worthy of emulation by all employees of our factory! After deliberation by the factory's Party Committee, it has been decided to issue a factory-wide commendation to Comrade Lou Xiao'e, award her a third-class merit, and a bonus of one hundred yuan!"

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience! Lou Xiao'e blushed with excitement and stood up to bow to everyone. She hadn't expected such a high honor and reward. Wang Huanbo also smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

"The second is Comrade Cui Dake, Deputy Director of the Administrative Section of the Logistics Department!" Secretary Yao continued, "At a critical moment, Comrade Cui Dake showed no fear, displaying resourcefulness and courage, actively cooperating with the security personnel, and bravely fighting against the spies. He was wounded during the arrest, making a significant contribution to the successful capture of the spies! After deliberation by the factory's Party Committee, it has been decided to issue a factory-wide commendation to Comrade Cui Dake, award him a third-class merit, and a bonus of one hundred yuan! He is also being promoted to the position of Director of the Administrative Section (at the section chief level)!"

The applause grew even louder! Cui Dake was overjoyed, almost jumping for joy! Suppressing his pride, he stood up and gave a somewhat awkward salute, repeatedly saying, "Thank you, organization! Thank you, leaders! This is what I should do! I will definitely work even harder in the future!" He secretly glanced at Wang Huanbo and Li Huaide, and seeing the approving looks on their faces, he was even happier. This step had been the right one!

After the commendation meeting, Lou Xiao'e held the certificate and the envelope containing a large sum of one hundred yuan, her heart pounding. That one hundred yuan was equivalent to several months' salary! More importantly, it represented the honor and recognition. She walked to Wang Huanbo's office door, wanting to thank him in person.

"Mr. Wang, thank you..." Lou Xiao'e said somewhat embarrassedly.

Wang Huanbo looked at her gently, "Comrade Xiao'e, no need to thank me. You deserve it. Your courage saved me. I should thank you." He paused, his tone softening further, "If you encounter any difficulties at work or in life in the future, you can tell me directly."

"Yes! I will work even harder!" Lou Xiao'e nodded vigorously, feeling as sweet as if she had drunk honey.

From that day on, Lou Xiao'e devoted herself even more diligently to her work. She not only excelled in her secretarial duties but also proactively studied automotive technology and management knowledge, hoping to better assist Wang Huanbo. Wang Huanbo, in turn, trusted her more and more, entrusting her with important technical documents and foreign affairs arrangements. Spending so much time together, their cooperation became increasingly seamless.

Sometimes, when Wang Huanbo worked late into the night, Lou Xiao'e would quietly make him a cup of hot tea and prepare a late-night snack. In his spare time, Wang Huanbo would also tell her about his experiences abroad and technological advancements, broadening her horizons. Lou Xiao'e discovered that Wang Huanbo wasn't just an detached workaholic; he had a sense of humor, appreciated good food, felt helpless about certain rigid systems, and possessed a rich inner world. This discovery gradually transformed her feelings for Wang Huanbo from initial admiration and gratitude into a subtle, indescribable affection and heartache.

Wang Huanbo had grown accustomed to having this quiet, thoughtful, and brave girl by his side. Lou Xiao'e's presence added a warm touch to his busy and stressful work. The scene of her shielding him from the bullet often flashed through his mind, moving him and stirring within him an impulse to protect her. However, with countless tasks at hand and the heavy burden of national responsibility weighing on his shoulders, he could not, and should not, be distracted by personal feelings. He buried this budding affection deep within his heart.

This subtle feeling quietly grew amidst the busy work, like a tender bud in early spring—weak yet full of vitality. Those around, such as Secretary Yao and Li Huaide, vaguely sensed it, but tacitly agreed and were happy to see it unfold. Only the person involved remained cautiously at a distance, waiting for the right opportunity.