Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Yi Zhonghai woke up. He hadn't slept soundly that night, but it wasn't the kind of sleepless night he usually suffered from, gripped by anxiety and despair. Instead, it was a light sleep mixed with excitement, trepidation, and a certain indescribable sense of relief. He looked at the middle-aged woman sleeping soundly beside him, whose brow seemed to have relaxed a little, and listened to the even breathing of the two children in the inner room. A long-lost warmth and strength welled up in his heart.

He got up quietly, without disturbing his family. He had many things to do today, each one crucial to the future of his family. His first task was to ask for leave from the factory. When Old Ma, the workshop foreman, heard Yi Zhonghai ask for three days off to handle the adoption procedures for the orphan of a martyr (his younger brother's child), he first widened his eyes in surprise, then patted Yi Zhonghai's shoulder forcefully, exclaiming, "Old Yi! This is wonderful news! Incredibly wonderful news! We've found our nephew and niece, descendants of heroes! This leave must be granted! Three days isn't enough, five days will do! Don't worry about the factory, I'll arrange your work! If you need any certificates from the factory, just ask!"

Old Ma's straightforwardness and sincerity warmed Yi Zhonghai's heart. Holding his sick leave slip, he didn't go directly to the neighborhood office, but instead went to the factory's supply and marketing cooperative. Using his accumulated coupons and his newly received wages, he bought two jin of the best pork belly, a large carp, and, gritting his teeth, two cans of fruit and a small bag of assorted candies. He thought that the children were malnourished and needed to be fed quickly; tonight's meal had to be presentable.

After leaving the factory, Yi Zhonghai rode his old bicycle to the neighborhood office first. Director Wang was already waiting in the office. When he saw him, a relieved smile appeared on his face: "Master Yi, you're here? I've prepared all the paperwork, just waiting for you to sign and stamp it. I've arranged for someone to expedite the child's household registration transfer and the application for martyr's family subsidies. We should have preliminary results as early as this afternoon."

Yi Zhonghai thanked him repeatedly with gratitude. After completing the formalities, he hesitated for a moment, but still made his request to Director Wang: "Director Wang, I have another favor to ask… There are all sorts of people in the hospital. I'm worried… that some people might gossip, or even question Aijia and Aiguo's identities, which would be detrimental to the children's development. Could you perhaps do me the trouble of coming to the hospital tonight to hold a general meeting for everyone, and explain the children's identities, especially the heroic deeds of their father… my brother Zhonghe? We need to let everyone know that our Yi family's children are truly patriotic martyrs' families, and no one should treat them with disrespect!"

Upon hearing this, Director Wang immediately understood Yi Zhonghai's concerns and his good intentions. She said sternly, "Master Yi, you're right! The dignity of the families of martyrs must not be violated! The children are still young; we can't let them suffer. Don't worry, I'll be there on time tonight! I'll make this matter crystal clear, and see who dares to gossip!"

Leaving the neighborhood office, Yi Zhonghai felt much more at ease. Pushing his cart, he didn't go straight back to the courtyard, but instead, almost unconsciously, walked to the west wing. He knew Wang Huanbo had connections to procure scarce supplies, and wanted to see if he could exchange them for some milk powder, malted milk powder, or something similar to nourish his child. Just as he reached the door, he smelled an enticing aroma of food; Sha Zhu was busy preparing it inside.

Yi Zhonghai hesitated for a moment, then knocked on the door. The person who opened it was Sha Zhu, wearing an apron and holding a spatula. Seeing Yi Zhonghai, Sha Zhu paused for a moment, then his face habitually revealed a somewhat arrogant expression: "Yo! Grandpa? A rare guest! What brings you here today?" His tone carried his usual prickly arrogance.

In the past, Yi Zhonghai would have been displeased to hear this, and might even have put on a condescending tone and given him a lecture. But today, looking at Sha Zhu's young and impetuous face, and remembering the secrets and schemes he had kept hidden in his heart for many years, a strong sense of guilt suddenly welled up in his heart. He took a deep breath and forced a somewhat stiff but sincere smile: "Zhu, busy? I... I have something I want to talk to you about."

Seeing Yi Zhonghai's unusual attitude, Sha Zhu was puzzled. He stepped aside to let Yi Zhonghai in and said, "Come in and talk. I still have some meat stewing in this pot."

Entering the house, Yi Zhonghai looked at Sha Zhu busy in the kitchen, then thought of his frail nephew and niece lying in bed, and then of his own shameful thoughts, finally making up his mind. He walked to the kitchen doorway, looked at Sha Zhu's back, and slowly said, "Zhu Zi, there's something that's been on my mind for years. Today, I want to talk to you about it."

Sha Zhu didn't even turn his head, stirring the vegetables in the pan: "What's going on? Why are you being so mysterious?"

"It's about your father, He Daqing," Yi Zhonghai said in a low voice.

Sha Zhu abruptly stopped stirring the food, the spatula clanging against the edge of the pan. He whirled around, his nonchalant expression vanishing, replaced by astonishment and a barely perceptible tension: "My dad? He...he ran off with the White Widow, didn't he? What else is there to say?"

Yi Zhonghai pulled a small package tightly wrapped in oiled paper from his pocket, carefully opened it, and inside were several yellowed letters and a bankbook. He handed it to Shazhu, his voice trembling slightly: "Zhuzi, your father... he hasn't forgotten you and your siblings. Before he left, he secretly came to me and gave this to me. He said he was sorry for you, but he had his own reasons. He begged me... to secretly look after you and Yushui, out of consideration for our years as neighbors. These letters were sent intermittently by him, inquiring about your situation. This bankbook... is the money he saved up every month over the years, sending it back to me to keep for you. He said... he would give it to you when you've settled down and started a family, or when you encounter difficulties."

Sha Zhu froze, staring incredulously at the bankbook and letter. His hands trembled as he took the bankbook, opened it, and gasped at the number: 800 yuan! In those days, that was an enormous sum! He then picked up a letter; familiar, slightly messy handwriting came into view—it was his father, He Daqing's! The letter was filled with questions about his and Yu Shui's lives, urging him to learn a trade and take care of his younger sister; the words were brimming with guilt and concern.

"Why...why?" Shazhu's voice trembled, and his eyes instantly reddened. "Why are you only giving it to me now? Why didn't you tell me before?!" Years of pent-up grievances, anger, and confusion erupted at this moment.

Yi Zhonghai closed his eyes in anguish, then opened them again, his eyes filled with remorse: "Zhuzi, I'm so sorry! At first, I wanted to tell you. But with your temper... would you believe me if I told you? Wouldn't you have yelled at me and kicked me out? I... I had my own selfish motives too! Back then... I was single-mindedly thinking about finding someone to take care of me in my old age. I thought that if I took this money and looked after you, maybe in the future... you would remember me kindly. I... I'm such a bastard!" He raised his hand and slapped himself lightly, tears streaming down his face. "But now I understand! Forced relationships don't work! Retirement isn't something you can scheme for! Look at me, scheming my whole life, and what have I ended up with? If I hadn't found my brother's child, I... I, Yi Zhonghai, would be a wandering ghost! This money, this letter, were originally given to you by your father! Now that I've returned them to their rightful owners, I feel at peace! From now on, you and Yushui should be well, and I... I've done right by your father's trust."

Looking at Yi Zhonghai, who was weeping bitterly and seemed to have aged considerably in an instant, and listening to his heartfelt confession, Sha Zhu felt a crack appear in the ice in his heart for the first time. He remembered that Yi Zhonghai had indeed occasionally helped his family when he was a child, although it always carried that uncomfortable feeling of "charity"; he remembered the most difficult days after his father's passing, which seemed to have been made possible by Yi Zhonghai's secret assistance. So... the truth was like this? His father hadn't completely abandoned them, and Yi Zhonghai... wasn't entirely hypocritical after all?

He remained silent for a long time before saying in a hoarse voice, "Uncle... Master Yi, I understand about this. I'll accept the money and letter. Thank you... for keeping them safe for so many years." He didn't say he forgave her, but his tone had softened considerably.

Yi Zhonghai breathed a sigh of relief and wiped away his tears: "Ah! Good! Good! Zhuzi, from now on... live well." He didn't say anything more, turned around and left the west courtyard. Although his steps were heavy, he felt as if a mountain had been lifted off his back.

Watching Yi Zhonghai's departing figure, Sha Zhu clutched the heavy bankbook, his emotions a complex mix. This night was destined to be anything but peaceful for many in Courtyard No. 95.