Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Wang Huanbo's successful technological reforms at Lou's Steel Rolling Mill were like a depth charge dropped into a calm lake. The ripples spread rapidly, far beyond the steel rolling mill and Nanluoguxiang, reaching deep into the lake with its red walls and yellow tiles, a place that determined the fate of the nation.

A report from the industrial sector, complete with detailed technical specifications and comparative benefit data, was placed on Mr. Zou's and the other man's desks. The report highlighted how Lou's Steel Rolling Mill had achieved significant improvements in production efficiency and substantial reductions in energy consumption through a seemingly minor but highly innovative technological upgrade. It also specifically pointed out that the core contributor to this technology was Comrade Wang Huanbo, a young expert who had recently returned from the United States and had voluntarily donated a large sum of money to support the construction.

In his simple office, Mr. Zou, wearing his reading glasses, carefully read every piece of data in the report, a barely suppressed smile of satisfaction on his face. He put down the report and said to the man sitting opposite him on the sofa, who was flipping through another document, "Sir, take a look at this. That young man, Wang Huanbo, is remarkable! He just returned, and not only did he donate a huge sum of money, but he's also made a significant contribution to the technical field! If this improvement can be promoted in qualified steel mills across the country, it will be of great significance in accelerating our industrial development!"

The man took the report, quickly scanned it, and a hint of admiration flashed in his bright eyes: "Oh? That Dr. Wang who donated fifty million US dollars? Well done! He contributed money, effort, and technology! This is exactly the kind of talent we need! It shows that our policy of attracting intellectuals back to the country to participate in construction is correct and popular!"

He lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and slowly said, "Such talent must be protected and utilized. We must create the best working conditions for him so that he can focus on his research and produce results. The Lou's Steel Rolling Mill is a prime example that should be carefully studied. As for patriotic capitalists like Lou Zhenhua, we must also implement policies and promote public-private partnerships as soon as possible to put his mind at ease."

"You're right, sir," Mr. Zou nodded. "I've already made arrangements to vigorously publicize Comrade Wang Huanbo's patriotism and scientific contributions, and to establish him as a role model. At the same time, we must expedite negotiations with Lou Zhenhua regarding the joint public-private partnership, to demonstrate our respect and sincerity towards patriotic industrialists and businessmen."

Soon after, authoritative media outlets such as the People's Daily and the Workers' Daily published a lengthy report in prominent positions entitled "Patriotic Young Expert Wang Huanbo Returns to China to Contribute His Skills, Lou's Steel Rolling Mill Achieves Major Breakthrough in Technological Transformation." The article detailed Wang Huanbo's decision to forgo lucrative opportunities abroad to return to China and dedicate himself to the country, as well as the enormous benefits brought about by the technological reforms he spearheaded. It praised him as "an outstanding representative of intellectuals in New China" and "a rising star on the industrial front."

Now, Wang Huanbo's name truly reached the ears of the emperor, becoming famous throughout Beijing. It caused a huge sensation not only within the industrial system but also among ordinary citizens, becoming a hot topic of discussion. People were talking about this mysterious, patriotic, and capable "American PhD."

The residents of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang Courtyard only truly felt the extent of their new neighbor's influence through the newspaper personally delivered by Director Wang of the neighborhood committee and the reading of the report at a general meeting of the entire courtyard.

At the general meeting of the entire institute, Director Wang spoke in a loud voice, his face beaming with pride: "...Comrades! Neighbors! This is the glory of our No. 95 compound! The glory of our neighborhood! Comrade Wang Huanbo has proven with his actions that the cause of New China is great and attracts talent! We must learn from Comrade Wang Huanbo..."

The expressions of the beasts in the audience were priceless.

Yan Bugui adjusted his glasses, staring intently at Wang Huanbo's photo in the newspaper, muttering to himself, "It's in the newspaper...it's in the People's Daily...my God..." He had schemed his whole life, never imagining that his name could be associated with the People's Daily.

Liu Haizhong, his belly protruding, tried to project an air of pride, but inside he was incredibly envious: This kid's luck is just too good! If only I had discovered this technique…

Jia Zhangshi pursed her lips and muttered curses to Qin Huairu beside her: "Pah! It's just a lucky break! What's he showing off for! It must have been his father who spent money in America to buy him this credit!" Qin Huairu lowered her head, but her mind was in turmoil. The image of the radiant young man in the newspaper was becoming increasingly incompatible with the image of the "sucker" she remembered who was about to be taken advantage of by her family.

Yi Zhonghai's face was the most unpleasant. He sat in the reserved seats for the three elderly men, yet felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles. The higher Wang Huanbo's prestige and the more secure his position, the more difficult it would be for Yi Zhonghai to make any moves! The greater the threat to his retirement plan! Listening to Director Wang's praise of Wang Huanbo and seeing the envious looks in the eyes of his neighbors (especially Xu Damao's smug face), Yi Zhonghai felt a fire burning inside him.

What made him most uneasy was what Director Wang said next: "...At the same time, I have some good news to share! In order to create a better working and living environment for Comrade Wang Huanbo, the higher authorities have specially approved the construction of the Lou's Steel Rolling Mill Engineering Team to carry out necessary facility renovations on the west wing where Comrade Wang Huanbo resides, including connecting it to running water and building a separate toilet! This demonstrates the nation's emphasis on and care for its talented individuals!"

"Whoosh—" The crowd erupted again.

Running water! A private bathroom! These days, this is unimaginable treatment! So many families are still using public taps and outhouses! Wang Huanbo actually wants to have running water pipes installed in his own yard, so he won't have to leave the yard to poop or pee!

Envy, jealousy, and disbelief all turned to Wang Huanbo, who sat calmly in the corner.

Yi Zhonghai's hands clenched into fists under the table, his nails almost digging into his flesh. No! This absolutely cannot continue! We must act immediately!

At this moment, Wang Huanbo, at the center of the storm, was not basking in the glory and the impending improvement in his life. He received a call from Lou Zhenhua, inviting him to a casual dinner at the Lou family home that evening to discuss important matters. Wang Huanbo knew that the real test might have only just begun.