Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Wang Huanbo never liked to drag things out. Having decided to give Jia Dongxu a chance, he immediately began planning. Early the next morning, he used his home's secure phone to call Li Huaide's office directly.

Li Huaide's warm yet respectful voice came quickly from the other end of the phone: "Hello? Who is this?... Oh! It's Engineer Wang! Why are you calling personally? What instructions do you have?" Ever since he secured his position as deputy director of the Red Star General Factory and director of the Automobile Branch Factory thanks to Wang Huanbo's "suggestion," Li Huaide's attitude towards Wang Huanbo was even more attentive than towards his own father—of course, he could only think this in his heart.

"Director Li, there's something I'd like to discuss with you, something that might be a bit unconventional," Wang Huanbo said, getting straight to the point.

"Engineer Wang, you're too kind! Just tell me what it is, and if it's within my power, I, Li Huaide, will do it without hesitation!" Li Huaide thumped his chest loudly. He knew perfectly well that he was able to sit in this position that countless people envied, all thanks to Engineer Wang's crucial word at a critical moment. This favor was heavier than a mountain! Engineer Wang's matter was of paramount importance!

"Here's the thing, we have a worker in our factory named Jia Dongxu, a level-two fitter in the assembly workshop. He was injured on the job before the Lunar New Year and his left hand is now disabled. He's recovering at home and doing some light assistive work," Wang Huanbo introduced in a calm tone.

Jia Dongxu? Li Huaide's mind raced. He vaguely remembered him; wasn't he Yi Zhonghai's apprentice? The one with the work injury? He cautiously asked, "Yes, I remember him. Is he... facing some kind of difficulty that requires factory assistance?" He wondered to himself, why would an ordinary injured worker warrant such personal attention from Engineer Wang?

"There are difficulties, but that's not what I want to talk about." Wang Huanbo paused. "I recently discovered that Jia Dongxu, during his recovery from a work injury, didn't give up on himself. Instead, he persisted in self-studying, covering junior and senior high school math, physics, chemistry, and Russian. I gave him a quick test and found that his foundation is quite solid, and his logical thinking ability is very strong. He's a good candidate for technical work. It's a pity that he had to drop out of school early to take over his job due to family circumstances."

Li Huaide, being a shrewd man, immediately sensed something amiss. Was Engineer Wang…appreciating talent? Planning to promote Jia Dongxu? He quickly chimed in, “Oh! This is wonderful! Our factory is desperately needing educated, hardworking technical talents! Engineer Wang, you have a keen eye! Jia Dongxu is disabled but determined; he deserves praise! Don’t you think… the factory should give him some reward, or perhaps transfer him to a more suitable position?”

"Rewards and job transfers are a matter for later," Wang Huanbo continued. "My thought is that it's a waste for such a promising young man to be stuck in the workshop as an assistant after recovering from his injury. Since he has the foundation and drive for self-study, why not give him a more systematic learning opportunity? I remember that the ministry has a training program with several industrial vocational schools. Does our factory have any slots? Could we arrange for him to study systematically for a few years? After he returns, he can contribute to the factory's technological innovation. This would be a responsible way for the factory to train and resettle its injured employees."

Li Huaide instantly understood. Engineer Wang was paving a path for Jia Dongxu to "excel in his studies and then enter officialdom"! A vocational school diploma meant a legitimate technician position, or even a cadre position! This wasn't just ordinary help; it was about to completely change a person's destiny! Moreover, if handled well, it would be a testament to Li Huaide's "love of talent" and "emphasis on employee training"!

As for the quota... with Li Huaide's current position as the deputy director of the main factory and the head of the automobile branch, securing a spot for a vocational secondary school training program, although it would require some bribing, would be by no means difficult! Besides, it was Engineer Wang who asked for it!

"Engineer Wang! Your idea is brilliant! So visionary!" Li Huaide's voice was full of passion. "The factory must strongly support outstanding employees like Jia Dongxu, who are disabled but determined, eager to learn and improve! The quota for his vocational school training… I'll think of a way! It shouldn't be a problem! It's just the political review, the recommendation procedures, and his family's actual difficulties…"

"You should follow the procedures for the political review and recommendation, and be truthful. His father was a veteran fitter who died in the line of duty, and he himself was injured on the job. His family background is clean, so there are no problems with that," Wang Huanbo said. "As for his family's actual difficulties... his salary was halved after his work injury, his wife is unemployed, and he has three children and a mother to support, so they are indeed struggling financially. Do you think it's possible to help him apply for the special policy of 'paid advanced training for on-the-job employees' while making the recommendation? Or, under the name of 'technical training subsidy for employees in difficulty,' the factory and the school could coordinate to solve his basic living allowance during his studies? After all, cultivating talent for the country is also the responsibility of the enterprise."

Li Huaide understood immediately. "Paid further education" and "training subsidies"—these are just names people come up with, aren't they? Engineer Wang is trying to solve Jia Dongxu's worries at the same time! Let him study with peace of mind! That's truly thoughtful!

"Engineer Wang has considered everything so thoroughly!" Li Huaide exclaimed with genuine admiration. "Don't worry, leave this to me! I'll make sure every step is handled smoothly, ensuring it complies with policy while also effectively addressing Comrade Jia Dongxu's practical difficulties! I guarantee he can study without any worries!"

"Alright, then I'll leave it to Director Li." Wang Huanbo's tone softened a bit. "Handle this discreetly, no need to make a fuss. The key is to give a hardworking young person a chance."

"Understood! Understood! Don't worry!" Li Huaide assured him repeatedly.

After hanging up the phone, Li Huaide paced excitedly around his office, rubbing his hands together. This was the first personal matter Wang Gong had entrusted to him! He had to handle it flawlessly! This wasn't just about repaying a debt of gratitude, but also a golden opportunity to further solidify his relationship with Wang Gong! He immediately picked up the phone and began utilizing his network of connections. First, he contacted the deputy district head in charge of education, then he called his old classmate at the Industrial Bureau, and finally, he personally drafted a report outline on "Caring for Injured Workers and Cultivating Technical Reserves," intending to "casually" mention it at the factory's Party Committee meeting.

"Jia Dongxu... Jia Dongxu..." Li Huaide muttered the name, thinking to himself, "This kid really got lucky, he actually caught the eye of Engineer Wang. But it's good, Engineer Wang is loyal and sentimental, if I handle this matter well, there will only be benefits and no drawbacks."

A few days later, Li Huaide personally led the factory office and union leaders on a "sudden" "visit to the families of injured workers" activity, with the destination being the Jia family in courtyard number 95. Bringing rice, flour, oil, and twenty yuan in condolence money, Jia Zhangshi was overjoyed. Li Huaide then pulled Jia Dongxu aside and, in the presence of Yi Zhonghai and Qin Huairu, "kindly inquired" about his recovery progress and family difficulties. He then "accidentally" learned that Jia Dongxu was diligently studying on his own, and was immediately "greatly moved" and "shocked."

"Comrade Jia Dongxu! Your spirit of perseverance despite your disability and your unwavering commitment to learning is something all of us in the factory should learn from!" Li Huaide patted Jia Dongxu on the shoulder (avoiding his injured hand), speaking earnestly, "The factory can't let talent like yours go to waste! Here's what I'm going to do for you: the factory is planning to recommend outstanding young employees for further studies at an industrial vocational school. You should prepare yourself by taking an internal assessment. If you pass, the factory will fully support your studies! During your studies, the factory will coordinate your salary, benefits, and family allowances; we absolutely won't let you have any worries!"

These words, like a thunderclap, silenced the Jia family's small house. Jia Zhangshi's mouth gaped open, and she nearly dropped the condolence money in her hand. Qin Huairu covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face. Yi Zhonghai was initially stunned, then looked at Li Huaide, then at the trembling Jia Dongxu, seemingly understanding something; his gaze was complex. Jia Dongxu himself was still in a daze, only able to repeat blankly, "Thank...thank you, Director Li! Thank you, organization!"

The internal assessment was a foregone conclusion. The questions were even simpler than Wang Huanbo's "practice questions." Jia Dongxu passed with a near-perfect score. Li Huaide acted swiftly, expediting all procedures. Soon, a notice came down stating that "Jia Dongxu, an outstanding injured worker at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, has been recommended to the Beijing Industrial School (a secondary vocational school) under the First Ministry of Machine Building for paid advanced studies." During his studies, he would receive a living allowance of 70% of his original salary, plus a special hardship allowance from the factory's labor union. The school also agreed to reduce some tuition fees and provide scholarships.

The news caused another sensation in Courtyard No. 95.

Yan Bugui, from the front yard, counted on his fingers: "Paid schooling? 70% of his salary still paid? Plus subsidies? What incredible luck did Jia Dongxu strike? He'll be a cadre when he graduates! Amazing! Amazing!" He wondered if he should let Jie Cheng interact with Jia Dongxu more.

Liu Hai, from the Intermediate People's Court, was seething with jealousy. He vented his anger on Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu at home: "Look at Jia Dongxu! A cripple can go to a vocational school! You two, able-bodied people, are not even as good as a cripple! I've raised you for nothing!" Liu Guangqi hid in the house, becoming even more determined to get married and escape as soon as possible.

In the backyard, Xu Damao clicked his tongue: "Has Jia Dongxu climbed the social ladder? Who helped him? Yi Zhonghai? No way, Yi Zhonghai is in dire straits right now... Could it be... that guy in the west?" He looked towards the west wing, his eyes flickering.

Yi Zhonghai's feelings were the most complex. He certainly guessed that Wang Huanbo was behind this. He was pleased that his apprentice had found a way out (although the apprentice had long been estranged from him because of Jia Zhangshi), but he also felt a little lost—he, the "eighth-grade master craftsman," now seemed to have no say in his apprentice's future. But more than anything, he felt a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex feeling of mixed emotions, often including regret or reflection): Wang's methods were truly subtle and effective, yet they could also be incredibly powerful.

The Jia family was celebrating like it was New Year's. Qin Huairu cried several times, tears of joy. Although Jia Zhangshi grumbled, "What's the use of going to school? Going to work and earning money is the real deal," her face lit up with a smile as she touched the subsidies and gifts sent by the factory. Banggeng, still a little dazed, only knew that his father was going to school and that he was very clever. Huaihua and Xiaodang babbled around their father.

Jia Dongxu held the notification letter stamped with the red seal, his hands trembling violently. He looked towards the west courtyard and bowed deeply. He knew that the opportunity to change his fate was given to him by Engineer Wang. He would walk this path, even if he had to crawl.

On the eve of his departure, Jia Dongxu knocked on the door of the west courtyard again, not to ask questions, but to say goodbye and express his gratitude. He brought two bottles of inexpensive Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor) and a bag of pastries; the items were not expensive, but they represented the greatest sincerity he could offer.

"Engineer Wang, I...I don't know what to say..." Jia Dongxu's eyes were red-rimmed. "Without you, there would be no Jia Dongxu today! I...I will definitely study hard and never let you or the factory down!"

Wang Huanbo looked at the young man who had regained his vitality and nodded: "I've given you the path, walk it well. Remember, knowledge you acquire is yours to keep, and no one can take it away. Don't worry about your family, the factory and Director Li will take care of you. If you encounter difficulties, you can write home."

"Yes! I'll remember! Thank you, Engineer Wang!" Jia Dongxu kowtowed deeply (but Wang Huanbo stopped him), his words filled with gratitude and determination.

After seeing Jia Dongxu off, Wang Huanbo stood in the courtyard, the moonlight as clear as water. Changing the trajectory of a single piece might truly stir up a still pond. At least, perhaps the future "Widow Qin" and the "Silly Zhu tragedy," who might leech off the entire courtyard, could be altered? He let out a soft breath. The story of the courtyard seemed to be quietly slipping away in an unexpected direction.