Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

In the evening, Lou's black car once again stopped in front of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, attracting the attention of the neighbors who were returning from get off work.

Wang Huanbo changed into a more dignified dark Zhongshan suit and calmly got into the car. The car drove through the gradually fading streets and into a quiet, heavily guarded cadre residential area in the west of the city, finally stopping in front of a two-story building with a distinct blend of Chinese and Western styles, surrounded by green trees.

Lou Zhenhua personally greeted Huanbo at the door, his face bearing a warm smile that couldn't hide a hint of anxiety: "Huanbo's here! Please come in! We've been waiting for you!"

Entering the elegantly decorated yet luxurious living room, Wang Huanbo saw a middle-aged woman with a dignified air and a worried expression sitting on the sofa. She was none other than Lou Zhenhua's wife, Tan Yali. Upon seeing Wang Huanbo, she quickly stood up and forced a smile: "Mr. Wang, you've arrived. Please have a seat."

"Aunt Lou, you're too kind. Just call me Huanbo," Wang Huanbo replied politely.

After exchanging pleasantries and taking their seats, a servant served fragrant tea and exquisite pastries. Lou Zhenhua didn't beat around the bush; he sighed and cut straight to the point: "Huanbo, you saw today's newspaper. You're famous throughout the capital now, and I'm genuinely happy for you. But... I'm feeling quite uneasy."

Wang Huanbo took a sip of tea, waiting for the next part to follow.

"To be honest," Lou Zhenhua lowered his voice, "the higher-ups... have talked to me several times recently about the Lou's Steel Rolling Mill... the public-private partnership. The policy is good; contributing to the country is my duty, Lou Zhenhua. But... the specific articles of association, the shares, and my future... I'm really unsure. Huanbo, you came back from America, you're knowledgeable, and you're highly regarded by the higher-ups. Could you analyze this for your uncle? How exactly should this public-private partnership be legal? Could it... could it end up 'merging' me into nothing?"

His concerns are understandable. As a once powerful figure known as "Lou Bancheng," his fear and struggle in the face of enormous changes in the times and the unknown reform of ownership are genuine. He sought out Wang Huanbo not only to hear the opinion of his nephew who "had connections at higher levels," but also as a test, hoping to establish a smoother communication channel with higher-ups through Wang Huanbo.

Wang Huanbo put down his teacup and said earnestly, "Uncle Lou, I understand your concerns. But please rest assured, the Party's policy is clear: 'Joint state-private ownership' is not 'confiscation,' but rather a gradual transition to socialism through state capitalism. The aim is to develop production and boost the economy. Patriotic capitalists like yourself who have made contributions and support the policy are not only the beneficiaries of the joint ownership, but also the beneficiaries of our unity and protection."

He paused, then continued his analysis: "Take Lou's Steel Rolling Mill as an example. After the joint venture, the state will inject capital, equipment, and management, expanding the scale, improving technology, and definitely increasing profits. As the investor representative, you can not only receive reasonable dividends but also hold an important position in the new company, continuing to leverage your management and technical expertise. Isn't this more secure and has a broader prospect than you going it alone and bearing all the risks?"

Wang Huanbo's words, combining policy insights with practical considerations and presented in a clear and logical manner, immediately resonated with Lou Zhenhua. Lou Zhenhua and his wife exchanged a glance, both seeing the change in each other's expressions and the softening of their relationship.

"Huanbo, are you telling the truth? Is that really what the higher-ups mean?" Lou Zhenhua asked anxiously.

"Uncle Lou, this is an inevitable trend and the only way for the country to achieve industrialization," Wang Huanbo said confidently. "Actively engaging in joint ventures and cooperating, demonstrating the vision and patriotism of a businessman, will only benefit you more. I can tell you responsibly that the Chairman and the Premier have high hopes for patriotic industrialists and businessmen like you. Hesitation, observation, or even resistance are the worst strategies."

Wang Huanbo's words were like a reassuring pill for Lou Zhenhua. He let out a long sigh of relief, and most of the worry on his face disappeared: "Hearing your words is better than reading ten years of books! Huanbo, you have truly resolved my worries! Come, let's have a good drink together today!"

Just then, the living room door was gently pushed open, and a girl wearing a blue and white school uniform, with two braids and a shy and curious look on her face peeked in. It was Lou Zhenhua's only daughter, Lou Xiao'e.

"Dad, Mom, dinner's ready... Oh, we have guests?" Lou Xiao'e's eyes lit up when they fell on Wang Huanbo. She had heard her parents mention this legendary "Dr. Wang" many times before, and today she saw his story and photo in the newspaper, filling her with curiosity and admiration. Now, seeing him in person, she found him even younger and more handsome than in the newspaper, with an extraordinary air about him. The girl's heartstrings were gently plucked, and two blushes rose on her cheeks.

"Xiao'e, come in quickly and greet your brother Wang Huanbo," Tan Yali said hurriedly.

"Hello, Huan... Brother Huanbo." Lou Xiao'e greeted him softly, her voice as clear as a nightingale's song.

"Hello, Xiao'e." Wang Huanbo smiled and nodded in response, his attitude gentle. The Lou Xiao'e before him was full of youthful vitality, with clear eyes, completely different from the image of her in later dramas, who had experienced many hardships and was filled with resentment. He couldn't help but feel a little pity for her.

The atmosphere at dinner was harmonious. Lou Zhenhua, his worries resolved, was in high spirits, constantly asking Wang Huanbo about the domestic and international economic situation and industrial development. Wang Huanbo spoke eloquently, offering unique insights that drew frequent nods of approval from Lou Zhenhua and his wife. Lou Xiao'e sat quietly beside her mother, occasionally stealing glances at Wang Huanbo. Listening to him speak, she felt that this "Brother Wang" was truly knowledgeable and spoke so pleasantly, far superior to the immature boys at school. A quiet stirring of affection began to stir within her.

After dinner, Wang Huanbo discussed in detail some specific details and precautions regarding the joint public-private ownership with Lou Zhenhua, and did not take his leave until late at night. Lou Zhenhua and his wife personally saw him off at the door, their attitude even more enthusiastic and respectful than when they arrived.

On the way back, Wang Huanbo gazed at the fleeting lights outside the window, lost in thought. Persuading Lou Zhenhua to embrace the public-private partnership would not only help his father's old friend but also remove an obstacle to the country's industrial development. At the same time, it might also change Lou Xiao'e's future to some extent. As for the girl's vague affection, he didn't have many thoughts on it at the moment; he would let things take their course.

Now, he was more concerned about what tricks those beasts in the courtyard, especially Yi Zhonghai who was cornered, would pull next. The renovation project in the west courtyard was starting tomorrow, which would be the beginning of another storm.