Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

The successive technological breakthroughs filled the entire Hongxing General Factory with a sense of joy and pride after hard work. The factory's loudspeakers frequently broadcast the good news from various research teams, and the workers walked with unusually light steps. But amidst this vibrant atmosphere of production and scientific research, Wang Huanbo's personal life was quietly undergoing subtle changes.

As his responsibilities in the "596 Project" and various technical breakthroughs within the factory increased, his working hours became longer and his schedule became extremely irregular. All of this was noticed by the meticulous and considerate Lou Xiao'e. As his technical secretary, Lou Xiao'e not only handled his daily work in an orderly manner, but also provided Wang Huanbo with meticulous care in his personal life.

She noticed that Wang Huanbo often spent his days and nights working in the workshop or laboratory, so she quietly kept some snacks and candies in her office drawer. When she found that his voice was hoarse after discussing technology late at night, she would quietly make a cup of hot tea to soothe his throat and place it next to him. When the weather turned cold, she would fill the thermos in the office in advance, and even carefully put a handkerchief in the pocket of Wang Huanbo's old Zhongshan suit, which he often wore while staying up late.

These subtle gestures initially went unnoticed by Wang Huanbo, who was preoccupied with important matters. But over time, the feeling of being quietly cared for and remembered, like a gentle stream, quietly seeped into his heart, hardened by his intense focus on technology. Especially after successfully overcoming two major challenges—transistor and machine tool precision—one tired late night, when he returned to his office and saw a steaming late-night snack and a note on his desk that read, "Engineer Wang, remember to eat no matter how busy you are," a long-lost warmth welled up in his heart. The handwriting was neat and clear; it was Lou Xiao'e's.

That evening, Wang Huanbo was working late in his office because he needed to urgently revise a report on the establishment plan for the "105th Institute of Biology." Lou Xiao'e also volunteered to stay and help organize the materials. By the time they finally finished, the moon was high in the sky. The factory area was quiet, with only the faint rumble of machinery coming from afar.

"You've worked hard, Comrade Xiao'e. It's so late and you're still working overtime." Wang Huanbo closed the file, rubbed his slightly throbbing temples, and spoke with a hint of apology and a barely perceptible gentleness in his tone.

"It's alright, Engineer Wang, you've worked even harder than me," Lou Xiao'e replied softly, as she deftly tidied her desk. Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating her and outlining her graceful figure; her expression was focused and serene.

The two walked side by side out of the office building, heading towards the family compound under the moonlight. The fresh, cool night air temporarily dispelled their fatigue. They remained silent, but not awkwardly. Lou Xiao'e mustered her courage and asked softly, "Engineer Wang, why...why are you working so hard? You seem to have inexhaustible energy, as if...you're racing against time."

Upon hearing this, Wang Huanbo paused slightly, looked up at the sparse stars in the night sky, and remained silent for a moment. This question touched upon the deepest secret within him. He couldn't speak of the system or dimensional travel, but he could share the urgency stemming from a soul from a later era—a yearning to change the fate of his nation.

"Xiao'e," his voice was particularly deep in the night, "look at this night sky, seemingly calm. But we all know that the outside world is not peaceful, surrounded by wolves and tigers. Our country has been poor and weak for too long. If we don't want to be bullied, if we want our future generations to be able to live with their heads held high, we must seize every second and master the technologies that others can use to hold us back." He pointed to the brightly lit workshops and laboratories in the distance, "The precision of machine tools, breakthroughs in transistors, and... those more important things are the bones that support the backbone of our nation. If I'm one step ahead, perhaps many people can suffer less and shed less blood. This era has given us opportunities, and it has also given us responsibilities."

These heartfelt words, devoid of grand pronouncements, were brimming with profound power. Lou Xiao'e listened quietly, deeply moved. She had initially thought Wang Huanbo was merely a gifted genius, obsessed with technology; now she understood that what fueled his relentless dedication was a deep-seated patriotism and sense of responsibility. This added an indescribable pity and...thrill to her admiration for Wang Huanbo.

"I...I understand some of it," Lou Xiao'e said softly, recalling her family's experiences and what she had seen and heard at the Hongxing Factory during this time. "But you must also take good care of yourself. Everyone at the factory...is counting on you." The last sentence was barely audible, yet it carried a hint of barely perceptible concern.

Wang Huanbo turned to look at her. In the moonlight, Lou Xiao'e's eyelids were slightly lowered, her cheeks flushed with a faint blush. Her unspoken tenderness gently touched a chord in his heart. He had witnessed her technical prowess and intelligence, felt her thoughtfulness and care in daily life, and never forgot the moment she shielded him from a bullet in the Resident Evil universe. This girl, born into a privileged background yet striving to adapt to her new environment, kind and resilient at heart, had unknowingly already occupied a special place in his heart.

"Thank you." Wang Huanbo's voice softened considerably. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. But you, you've lost weight from running around with me like this. From now on, you can leave work on time; you don't have to stay up with me all the time."

"I'm not tired." Lou Xiao'e raised her head, bravely meeting his gaze, her eyes shining with determination. "Being able to learn from Engineer Wang and participate in these important tasks, I feel... it's very meaningful."

Their eyes met, and a subtle current seemed to flow through the air. A delicate feeling, transcending superior-subordinate relationships and camaraderie, quietly blossomed under the tranquil moonlight, unspoken yet deeply understood.

As they reached the entrance of the west courtyard, Wang Huanbo stopped and said, "It's late, go back and rest."

"Yes, Engineer Wang, you should get some rest too." Lou Xiao'e nodded, turned and walked into the courtyard with light steps.

Wang Huanbo stood at the doorway until her figure disappeared behind the porch before turning and walking towards his small building. A night breeze brought a slight chill, but it couldn't dispel the warmth in his heart. Successful technical breakthroughs were pouring in, and his relationship with Lou Xiao'e seemed to have taken a step forward. All of this filled him with even greater anticipation and strength for the future he would strive for in this turbulent era. He knew the road ahead was still full of challenges, but at this moment, he was not alone.