Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

In the study in the west courtyard, under the lamplight, Wang Huanbo had just finished processing a batch of progress reports and drawing reviews for the electronic computer project. He rubbed his slightly throbbing temples. The development of China's first-generation transistor computer had entered a crucial stage. Chen Siyuan's team was making good progress, but many basic material and technological bottlenecks still needed to be overcome, requiring Wang Huanbo to provide crucial guidance from time to time. Just as he was about to get up and stretch, there was a gentle knock on the study door.

"Go in," Wang Huanbo replied.

Driver and bodyguard Xiao Zhao pushed open the door, holding a brown paper envelope in his hand, his expression slightly solemn: "Engineer Wang, there's a letter for you. It was just forwarded from the post office; it's a forwarded letter from Hong Kong. Judging from the postmark and handwriting, it seems to be from... the old man's side." Xiao Zhao knew that Wang Huanbo had overseas connections and a special status, so he paid special attention to this kind of letter.

Wang Huanbo's heart skipped a beat, and he took the envelope. It was quite heavy, the paper thick, and the edges were worn, clearly having traveled a long distance. The sender's address was a trading company in Hong Kong, but the familiar handwriting jumped off the page—it was his father Wang Jinshan's own handwriting. He carefully tore it open with a paper cutter, pulled out a thick stack of letters, and began to read.

His father's letter was as clear and organized as ever. It began with inquiries about his life and work in Beijing, reminding him to take care of his health and not overwork himself. Then, the letter got to the point, providing a detailed report on the current state of the family business. When he read the section about the biopharmaceutical laboratory, a glint of light flashed in Wang Huanbo's eyes.

"...My dear Huanbo: I have received all the preliminary technical outlines for biopharmaceuticals and some bacterial samples that you previously entrusted to reliable channels to send back. This matter concerns the future foundation of our family, and I dare not neglect it. After secret discussions with your brother Huanfa, your sister Huanshuang (Wang Huanbo's second sister), several elders of the clan, and trusted professionals, we have decided to devote all our efforts to it. Currently, 'Wang's Biopharmaceutical R&D Company' has been registered in Delaware. The laboratory is located near Harvard Medical School, and equipment is being secretly procured through channels in Switzerland and West Germany, with some already in place. Related..." Top Chinese scholars, senior pharmacists, and microbiologists in the field are being secretly contacted, screened, and recruited under the guise of "high-salary recruitment to participate in the research and development of new health products." The primary criteria are clean backgrounds, reliable connections, and minimal entanglements with various factions. Progress is slow, but a cautious approach is being taken. The directions you mentioned regarding the improvement of high-yield penicillin strains, the proposed new method for streptomycin purification, and the possible pathways for the industrial synthesis of several vitamins have been handed over to the core team for preliminary validation studies. This matter is confidential; you should also be careful what you say while you are there…”

Wang Huanbo nodded slightly. His father was indeed shrewd and experienced. Entrusting the family with some low-level biotechnology from the *Resident Evil* universe—optimized and with its fatal flaws removed (mainly optimizations of antibiotic and vitamin production technologies from the 1940s and 50s, and early synthetic ideas for a few common "future" drugs)—was a well-considered decision. This would open up a new, promising, and profitable industry for the family, while also allowing for the gradual release of some cutting-edge technologies in a reasonable manner, potentially benefiting the domestic market in the future. His father clearly understood his intentions and operated with extreme caution, using "health product research and development" as a cover to avoid sensitive areas, starting from the basics and accumulating talent and technology. This move was the right one.

The latter half of the letter takes a lighter tone, brimming with undisguised joy: "...I have another piece of great news to share with my son: your brother Huanfa's wife, Mason, has recently been diagnosed by the doctor as being over two months pregnant! Your brother is overjoyed, and I, as his father, am also deeply gratified! My son will soon be an uncle! Your brother's restaurant business (referring to McDonald's) is now on track, and expansion has been temporarily halted, allowing him to spend more time with your sister-in-law. After the passing of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Durant, your sister-in-law had been depressed for several years, but now she can finally smile again—a blessing from God upon the Wang family! Your brother instructed me to make sure to tell you, to share in this joy..."

Upon reading this, Wang Huanbo couldn't help but smile. His elder brother, Wang Huanfa, and his sister-in-law, Mason Durant, had always had a good relationship, but a few years ago, their parents-in-law passed away one after another (his father-in-law, William Durant, died in 47 from complications after a stroke, and his mother-in-law followed him the following year due to excessive grief). Mason was overwhelmed with sorrow, and coupled with McDonald's being in a period of rapid expansion, Wang Huanfa was extremely busy, so they had to postpone having children. Now, with their careers stable and their hearts gradually at peace, a new life has arrived as expected—truly a cause for celebration! His father wrote in his letter that he was "greatly gratified," probably waking up in his dreams every night, eager to hold his grandson!

However, after the initial joy, the handwriting on the letter seemed to pause for a moment, the ink slightly smudged, and the father's emotions were conveyed through the paper: "...However, amidst the joy, lately, in the quiet of the night, I often sit alone under the moon, my thoughts swirling. My Wang Jinshan lineage, due to the war, has seen you and your family cross the ocean to America to make a living, and this has continued for three generations. The journey has been arduous, the struggle difficult, the hardships untold to outsiders. Fortunately, thanks to the protection of our ancestors and the unity of the entire clan, we have..." We have built a modest fortune today. However, even a tree that grows a thousand feet tall eventually returns to its roots. As I, your father, grow older, my longing for my hometown and my desire to pay respects to my ancestors have grown stronger in recent years. I especially remember when I was young, I accompanied your grandfather back to our hometown to sweep the tombs. Outside Wangjiazhuang in Changping, the ancestral graves stood in rows, the pines and cypresses were green, incense smoke filled the air, and the clansmen gathered... But now, separated by mountains and oceans, your father, your siblings, and I are all unable to go to the graves in person to add a handful of soil and offer incense. This is truly the greatest regret of my life!

Wang Huanbo remained silent. He could imagine his father's feelings as he wrote those words. For overseas Chinese of that era, no matter how successful they were abroad, the desire to "return home in glory, bring honor to their ancestors, and pay homage to them" was always deeply ingrained in their blood. His father, Wang Jinshan, had built a vast empire from scratch, and now that his eldest son had an heir and the family was thriving, how could he not share this achievement and joy with his ancestors? How could he not let the elders of his hometown know? This was not only a tribute to his ancestors, but also an affirmation of his own hard work, and a simple desire to shine in public and return home in glory.

Sure enough, the father changed the subject: "...Fortunately, fate has not forsaken us. My son Huanbo, you are now in Beijing, shouldering heavy responsibilities and serving the country. This is an honor for our entire Wang family! Wangjiazhuang in Changping is only a few dozen miles from Beijing. I have been thinking, could you go to our hometown to pay respects at our ancestors' graves and visit our elder relatives on behalf of your father and brothers, to fulfill your filial duties and comfort my heart? I have prepared all the necessary offerings, travel expenses, and gifts for our relatives. A list is attached, and a special person will deliver it to us soon. If it is convenient for you in Beijing, please feel free to add more. This trip is not to show off our wealth, but to honor our roots and honor our ancestors. Let our relatives in our hometown know that although our Jinshan lineage is far overseas, we have never forgotten our roots. Although we have some wealth now, it is all thanks to the blessings of our ancestors and our relatives. These small gifts are just to express our feelings, please do not refuse..."

At the end of the letter, the father listed in detail the "travel expenses" list that had been sent with the letter, along with the detailed address of Wangjiazhuang in Changping, and the names and generational relationships of several elders and cousins. He concluded with these instructions: "...My son, you are always discreet in your actions. Returning to your hometown to pay respects to your ancestors is a natural and proper custom. However, your status in the capital is special, so you must behave discreetly and prudently, avoiding any ostentation or trouble, prioritizing filial piety and maintaining harmony within the family. After the ancestral rites are completed, you may linger briefly before returning to the capital. Your father."

Setting down the letter, Wang Huanbo let out a long sigh, a complex yet somewhat amused expression on his face. His father was clearly homesick, and with his elder brother having an heir, it was a double celebration; he was itching to "return home in glory!" Although the letter was worded subtly, "not to flaunt wealth" or "to express our roots," behind the words "to fulfill our filial duties" and "to express our feelings" lay a clear desire to "return home in triumph and bring honor to our family." It was understandable; his father had spent half his life working hard in a foreign land, building a vast fortune. Now that his descendants were successful, if this achievement couldn't be shared with their ancestors and their families back home, it would be like wearing fine clothes in the dark.

"The old man's just trying to use me as an excuse to show off back home!" Wang Huanbo chuckled and shook his head, feeling no resentment, but rather a surge of warmth and understanding. He had transmigrated (reincarnated) and grown up in the Wang family, including this blood ties. Returning to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors on his father's behalf was both a son's duty and fulfilling his father's wish—why not? Besides… deep down, he too harbored a curiosity to "go back and see," and a subtle anticipation of experiencing the feeling of "returning home in glory."

"Wangjiazhuang, Changping..." he murmured the place name, searching through the original owner's hazy memories. It seemed... not too far from Qin Huairu's hometown, Qinjiacun? What a coincidence. He still had a few days of vacation left, so a trip wouldn't hurt. Safety was handled by Pangu and Xiao Zhao; with his current identity, a low-key return to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors was both justifiable and procedurally sound.

"Pangu, retrieve a detailed map, population structure, main surnames, and current village cadre information for Wangjiazhuang in Changping District. Search for the names of several relatives mentioned by my father and attempt to establish a preliminary genealogical relationship model. Assess the route, time required, and potential risks to that location." Wang Huanbo's mind stirred slightly as he issued the instructions.

"Command confirmed. Information retrieval in progress... Map loading complete. Wangjiazhuang, located in the east-central part of Changping District, about 45 kilometers from the city center, is predominantly inhabited by people with the surname Wang, accounting for about 70% of the village's population. The current village head is Wang Yuanshan (of the Yuan generation), and the village party secretary is Li Youtian (not of the same surname). Clan information matching in progress... Matching targets found: Wang Jinhe (of the Jin generation, suspected to be a cousin), Wang Huanrong (of the Huan generation, suspected to be a cousin)... Risk assessment: Low. Route planning complete, it is recommended to dispatch a lead vehicle."

Just as he was pondering this, Xiao Zhao knocked on the door again and came in, followed by guards Xiao Li and Xiao Xiao. The two of them carried two large camphor wood chests, nailed with sturdy wooden strips and coated with tung oil, which looked quite heavy.

"Mr. Wang, it just arrived. It's a shipment from Hong Kong, and it came with the letter. The deliveryman said the old man instructed him to personally hand it over to you," Xiao Zhao reported.

Wang Huanbo gestured for them to place the boxes in the open space of the study. The boxes were sealed with kraft paper, and the lids were inscribed with "To be opened by Huanbo" in calligraphy. Prying open the wooden boxes revealed them packed full of shock-absorbing material. Unpacking the material, the contents of the first box caused even the well-informed Wang Huanbo to raise an eyebrow slightly:

The whole box contained all kinds of canned goods: SPAM luncheon meat, Heinz tomatoes and soybeans, Danish Blue Tin cookies (tin), tropical fruit assortment canned goods... a dazzling array of high-end products that are extremely rare to find in China these days.

Large bags of milk powder, cocoa powder, and coffee powder were tightly wrapped in tin foil and parchment paper.

Various beautifully packaged chocolates, milk candies, fruit hard candies, and even several large boxes of Lindt soft-centered chocolates.

Cartons of cigarettes: Camel, Lucky Strike, and Marlboro are all popular American brands.

There were also several tin boxes of biscuits, compressed dry food, and items wrapped in oil paper that appeared to be dried ham and salami.

"Good heavens, has the old man brought an American supermarket with him?" Wang Huanbo chuckled. He casually picked up a can of SPAM; it was heavy and still had a very recent expiration date. In mid-1950s China, these things were absolutely "the most exclusive of the exclusive supplies," and even if you had the money, you couldn't buy them anywhere. His father's "small token of affection" was quite generous.

"Open the other one," Wang Huanbo said, pointing to the second box.

Xiao Li and Xiao Xiao worked together to pry open the second box. The contents of this box were even more "real":

Ten brand-new Philips portable transistor radios, complete with leather cases, small and exquisite.

Twenty Eveready flashlights from the USA, with plenty of spare batteries.

A box of Swiss Titoni watches and American Bulova watches, both men's and women's models, for about twenty or thirty yuan.

Fifty Zippo lighters in various colors and patterns.

There were also bolts of khaki fabric, corduroy, woolen fabric, and a large bag of various needles, threads, buttons, zippers, and other daily necessities.

This isn't just "a few meager items"; it's practically a mini "exhibition of imported goods"! Food, household items, clothing, audio equipment, visual aids, even fire starters… everything is available, and all of it is high-value, rare items! Imagine the sensation this would cause if these things were taken to the countryside of Changping. This isn't a "low-key ancestral worship" by the old man; he's clearly worried his son won't have a "grand enough" return, so he's equipped him with everything!

Wang Huanbo sighed, both amused and touched. His father's "pretentious" desire was practically overflowing; he was terrified his son wouldn't be "properly polite" or "presentable" upon returning home. But thinking about it, it was understandable. His father's generation had left their hometowns to work hard in foreign lands, enduring countless scornful looks. Now that they were successful, their greatest desire was for recognition from their homeland, to prove to their clansmen that they had "made it." This sentiment was simple yet fervent.

"Alright, carry it to the side room, handle it gently," Wang Huanbo instructed, already having a plan in mind. His father had prepared all the "ammunition," so how could he, as the "vanguard officer," fail in his duties? This grand "triumphant return home" performance had to be put on well, satisfying his father's vanity (filial piety) while also being executed flawlessly to avoid giving anyone cause for criticism.

He walked to his desk, spread out the letter paper, and prepared to reply to his father. He dipped his pen in ink, hesitated briefly, and wrote:

"Respectfully submitted to my father:"

The letter and the two boxes containing the travel documents have been received. My brother and sister-in-law are expecting a child, a joyous occasion for the whole family, and I am overjoyed to hear of it. I deeply understand my father's longing for his hometown and his deep filial piety, and I will certainly obey his wishes to return to our hometown on his behalf, to pay respects at our ancestral graves, and to visit our relatives, fulfilling my duty as a son and comforting my father's longing for home.

The items sent were all very generous and complete, which shows Father's deep intentions. I should also make some arrangements in the capital to purchase some rice, flour, cooking oil, and local specialties to take with me, so as to show my respect.

The itinerary will be arranged properly, striving for a safe and low-key approach to avoid causing trouble. After the tomb sweeping is completed, I will return to Beijing immediately. Father, please don't worry.

Autumn is deep in the north. I hope Father and Brother and Sister-in-law will take good care of yourselves and not worry about me. Sister-in-law is six months pregnant and needs to take extra care of herself. Brother and Sister are managing all the affairs at home, so Father can rest assured.

This is my reply, and I respectfully request...

Peace be with you!

Respectfully submitted by Er Huanbo

Autumn Moon, 1955

After finishing the letter, he sealed it with sealing wax and handed it to Xiao Zhao to mail tomorrow. Wang Huanbo strolled to the window, gazing at the moonlight in the courtyard of the siheyuan (traditional courtyard house), his thoughts already drifting to Wangjiazhuang, dozens of miles away. The old man wanted to "show off"? Fine, then we'll cooperate and make this "returning home in glory" performance perfect, spectacular, and something that not only makes my father proud but also allows the clan members to truly feel the affection and warmth from their overseas compatriots.

"Pangu, under the pretext of 'preparing supplies for returning home to worship ancestors,' exchange a batch of high-quality supplies suitable for the current era from the space: 500 catties of premium flour, 500 catties of Northeast rice, 100 catties of peanut oil, 50 catties of granulated sugar, 50 catties of refined salt, 10 Jinhua hams, 50 catties of dried Bohai shrimp, 50 catties each of high-quality red dates, walnuts, and persimmon cakes, and 20 catties of jasmine tea. In addition, two Shanghai-made Bee brand sewing machines, five Forever brand bicycles, ten Shanghai brand watches, five Peony brand radios, ten Huasheng brand electric fans (Note: must be compatible with common rural voltage and socket types), and 20 bolts of various colored cotton, polyester, and polyester fabrics. All supplies must be packaged in a style commonly found in China, or without obvious markings. The exchange point will be drawn from the 'Civilian Supplies Reserve' section."

"Instruction confirmed. Supply list generated. Exchange points being calculated... 1250 points required. Confirm exchange?"

"Confirmed. The temporary storage space for supplies will be retrieved tomorrow morning. At the same time, contact Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide and request the use of one of the factory's Jiefang brand trucks and a reliable driver for tomorrow's use, citing the reason of 'visiting relatives in rural areas and supporting rural construction.' The planned route is Wangjiazhuang in Changping, with a round trip on the same day."

"Instructions executed. Supplies exchange completed. Contact with Li Huaide... connection established."

A moment later, the intercom in the study rang, and Li Huaide's enthusiastic voice came through: "Engineer Wang! Still up so late? Let me know if you need anything!"

Wang Huanbo briefly explained his request that "his father misses his homeland and asked him to return to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors, and that some gifts need to be delivered," and emphasized that he wanted to keep a low profile and not disturb the public.

Upon hearing this, Li Huaide immediately patted his chest and assured him, "Don't worry, Engineer Wang! This is only natural, a matter of filial piety! I'll arrange the truck right away, using the factory's newest Jiefang CA10, the best condition one! Old Chen will be the driver, an experienced driver, reliable and discreet! He'll be there first thing tomorrow morning! Do you need a few movers?"

"No need, Xiao Zhao and his team can handle it. Thanks, Director Li."

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind! It's my pleasure! Have a safe journey, and please give my regards to the old man!"

After hanging up the phone, Wang Huanbo's lips curled into a slight smile. Li Huaide was always so meticulous in his work. With the factory's truck, plus the supplies sent by his father and those he had "prepared," this "gift" was quite substantial. It was practical, presentable, and not too flashy (compared to those rare items from overseas).

He walked to the two camphor wood chests, casually picked up a Lindt chocolate, unwrapped it, and put it in his mouth. The silky, sweet taste melted on his tongue. Hmm, not bad. Tomorrow, let this "sweetness" and "satisfaction" nourish the land his father longed for.

Wang Huanbo was happily planning tomorrow's itinerary, while outside the west wing, courtyard number 95 was already fast asleep. Only the Jia family in the middle courtyard still had a faint kerosene lamp lit—Jia Dongxu was still studying hard late into the night, making a final sprint for his upcoming vocational school years. In the Yan family in the front courtyard, Yan Bugui was still fiddling with his abacus in his sleep, calculating how much favor he could get in return for those two big fish. In the Liu family in the back courtyard, Liu Haizhong mumbled a few incoherent words in his sleep between snores, seemingly complaining about some injustice.

The moonlight, like water, flowed quietly over the ancient roof tiles and illuminated the distant village of Wangjiazhuang. Tomorrow, a journey home, interwoven with the longing and pride of overseas wanderers, will quietly begin. The tranquility of Wangjiazhuang may well be stirred by this sudden and profound "family affection" and "wealth."