Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, the sky cleared. The north wind had dispersed the clouds of the past few days, revealing a rare azure sky in winter. Although the temperature was still low, the sunshine brought a touch of warmth. The festive atmosphere on the streets intensified with the good weather—the queues outside the supply and marketing cooperatives and grocery stores were longer than in previous days. People clutched various ration coupons, their faces filled with anticipation and a hint of anxiety, calculating how to use their limited coupons to buy the most presentable New Year's goods. Occasionally, an impatient child would light a few firecrackers ahead of time, the crisp "pop" eliciting laughter and a scolding from the adults to "be careful with the fireworks."

In the west courtyard, Lou Xiao'e got up early and thoroughly cleaned the house inside and out, even wiping the windows until they shone. She changed into a slightly worn maroon cotton-padded jacket, combed her hair neatly, and tied it into a sleek bun at the back of her head, revealing her smooth forehead and delicate neck. She looked at herself in the somewhat blurry mirror again and again, still feeling dissatisfied with something, so she let her hair down and combed it all over again.

When Wang Huanbo came out of the study and saw her nervous and serious expression, he couldn't help but smile: "It's just going to have a meal and chat, no need to be so nervous. Dad and Mom aren't strangers."

"That's different..." Lou Xiao'e said softly, her cheeks slightly flushed. "The past is the past, this time... this time we're going to talk about our relationship." The thought of officially setting the wedding date with her parents today made her heart pound. She felt a sweet anticipation, a sense of relief that "things are finally going to settle down," and a slight apprehension about the unknown new life ahead.

Wang Huanbo walked behind her, looked at her delicate features in the mirror, and gently patted her shoulder: "Don't worry, I've got everything covered."

His voice was steady and strong, carrying a reassuring power. Looking into his calm eyes in the mirror, Lou Xiao'e felt a strange sense of tension dissipate. She nodded, took a deep breath, turned around, and gave him a gentle yet firm smile: "Yes, I'm ready."

The two ate a simple breakfast. Wang Huanbo specially picked out a few things suitable for the elders from the batch of supplies his father had sent: two cans of American-made milk powder, a box of exquisitely packaged Swiss chocolates, a British wool scarf (maroon, for Lou's mother), and a small can of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans (knowing that Lou Zhenhua had studied abroad in his early years and had a habit of drinking coffee). The items weren't many, but in those days, each one was a rare item that was hard to buy even with money and coupons, showing his thoughtfulness.

"Wouldn't it be... too conspicuous?" Lou Xiao'e looked at the things that clearly bore traces of "overseas" and had some concerns. Although the atmosphere is more relaxed now than in previous years, "overseas connections" are still a sensitive topic.

"It's for my parents-in-law, nothing to be ostentatious." Wang Huanbo packed the items into an ordinary canvas bag, carefully wrapping them with old newspapers. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Let's go."

娄家住在东城区一座清静的四合院里。这院子比95号院要规整宽敞许多，以前是娄家的私产，公私合营后，一部分租了出去，娄家自己还留着一个完整的院落。青砖灰瓦，抄手游廊，院子里种着几株腊梅，正在寒冬中吐露着幽幽的冷香。

The door was opened by Wu Ma, the Lou family's old maid. Seeing Lou Xiao'e and Wang Huanbo, her face immediately lit up with a smile: "Miss is back! Mr. Wang is here too! Please come in, Master and Madam have been talking about you all morning!"

The courtyard was quiet, with only the faint sound of a radio playing opera coming from the main house. Stepping into the main house's living room, a familiar scent of old books, sandalwood, and warmth wafted over. The living room was decorated in a blend of Chinese and Western styles, with mahogany furniture, antique shelves, and calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, but in the corner there was also an old piano and a leather sofa.

Lou Zhenhua, wearing reading glasses, was sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper when he heard the noise and looked up. He was nearly sixty, his hair neatly combed, wearing a grey Zhongshan suit, his face lean and refined, his demeanor carrying a quiet wisdom born of experience. Lou's mother, a well-maintained and gentle woman, was hurrying out from the inner room, her face beaming with undisguised joy.

"Xiao'e! Huanbo! You've finally arrived! Were you cold on the way? Sit down and warm up!" Lou's mother warmly took her daughter's hand, then looked at Wang Huanbo with a smile, her eyes full of love and satisfaction.

"Uncle, Aunt," Wang Huanbo greeted respectfully, placing his bag aside.

"It's good that you're here. Please have a seat." Lou Zhenhua put down his newspaper, took off his glasses, and gestured to the sofa opposite him, his tone calm. He sized up Wang Huanbo. He had met this young man a few times and had always had a good impression of him. Calm, capable, unassuming, and most importantly, genuinely good to his daughter. Moreover, he had heard that Wang Huanbo had recently made a great contribution to the country... Lou Zhenhua had actually already accepted this son-in-law in his heart, but he still had to observe proper etiquette and say what needed to be said.

Aunt Wu served hot tea and several exquisite pastries. The tea was top-quality Longjing tea, and the pastries were jujube paste pastries and pea flour cakes from Daoxiangcun. Although the quantity was small, it was clear that they were carefully prepared.

After exchanging a few pleasantries and asking about the factory, Lou Zhenhua abruptly changed the subject: "Huanbo, you've come today for your wedding with Xiao'e, haven't you?"

「是的，伯父。」王焕勃坐直身体，态度诚恳，「我和小娥相处这段时间，彼此了解，心意相通。我想娶小娥为妻，照顾她，爱护她，和她共度一生。今天来，是正式向二老提亲，恳请二老同意。」

他说得直接，没有太多花哨的辞藻，但每一个字都透着认真和郑重。

Lou Xiao'e lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, and the tips of her ears turned red.

Lou's mother's eyes were slightly red, and she took her daughter's hand and patted it gently.

Lou Zhenhua was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Huanbo, your character and your abilities are evident to both Xiao'e's mother and me. We trust you with Xiao'e in our care." He paused, his tone becoming even more serious, "However, you know our family's situation. We used to be capitalists, and although it's now a joint public-private enterprise, our social class is still... while you are a talent valued by the country, with a bright future. Will this marriage... have any impact on you?"

This was Lou Zhenhua's biggest concern. Having experienced turmoil, he knew the weight of the word "class background." He didn't want to ruin Wang Huanbo's future because of his own family, and he was even more afraid that his daughter would suffer injustice in the future.

Wang Huanbo shook his head, his tone firm: "Uncle, please rest assured. My marriage to Xiao'e is a matter between the two of us; it's about building a revolutionary family. Xiao'e is kind, hardworking, and sensible; she's a good comrade who can stand shoulder to shoulder with me. Her background won't affect my work, much less our relationship. The organization is also understanding and won't have any opinion of me because of this. On the contrary," he glanced at Lou Xiao'e, a smile in his eyes, "marrying Xiao'e is my blessing."

These words not only expressed their stance but also addressed the elderly woman's concerns, and were spoken with great empathy and reason. Lou's mother nodded repeatedly, her gaze towards Wang Huanbo filled with even more affection.

Lou Zhenhua's tense expression relaxed, and a hint of relief appeared in his eyes. What he admired most about Wang Huanbo was his dignified and responsible spirit.

「既然你这幺说了，那我和小娥她妈，就没有意见了。」娄振华终于露出了笑容，「你们打算什幺时候办事？」

Wang Huanbo looked at Lou Xiao'e, who whispered, "Dad, Mom, we're thinking... after spring, when the weather is warmer. We'd like to ask you both to help us choose a specific date."

「好好好！」娄母高兴地说，「开春好，万物复甦，喜庆！日子我回头就去找人看，选个黄道吉日！婚事怎幺办，你们有什幺想法？现在提倡节俭，但该有的仪式……」

"Mom," Wang Huanbo continued, "Xiao'e and I have discussed it, and we don't plan on having a big celebration. We'll just set up a few tables in the yard and invite the neighbors, close colleagues and friends from the factory to have a meal and witness our celebration. Everything will be simple, but we won't skip the proper etiquette. As for dowries, that's not the custom these days, but I've prepared a small token of my appreciation..." He pointed to the canvas tote bag.

Lou Zhenhua waved his hand: "The bride price isn't important. As long as you live a good life, that's more important than anything else. Keeping it simple is fine; it aligns with the current spirit. We can hold the ceremony at home. Aunt Wu is a good cook, and we can hire a chef to help out. It'll be a lively and festive occasion."

The marriage was officially settled. The atmosphere in the living room became even more relaxed and harmonious. Wang Huanbo took out the gifts he had brought. Lou Zhenhua's eyes lit up slightly when he saw the can of coffee beans, but he still said, "Why did you bring such an expensive thing, child..."

"It's just a small token of my appreciation, please don't find it offensive, Uncle and Aunt," Wang Huanbo said with a smile. "This milk powder and chocolate are for Xiao'e to help her get better, and this scarf is for your aunt to keep warm in the cold weather."

Lou's mother stroked the soft, warm wool scarf, admiring it dearly, and felt extremely satisfied with her son-in-law. Wu Ma served lunch; although the dishes were simple (a plate of braised ribbonfish, a bowl of lion's head meatballs, two kinds of stir-fried vegetables, and a soup), they were exquisitely prepared and delicious, clearly made with care. At the table, Lou Zhenhua was unusually talkative, inquiring about Wang Huanbo's "Red Star Little Cannon" and discussing the current political situation. His words revealed his concern and insights into national affairs, which Wang Huanbo responded earnestly. The father-in-law and son-in-law enjoyed a pleasant conversation.

It was afternoon when we left the Lou family's house. The sun was shining brightly, reflecting a dazzling light onto the still-snow-covered streets. Lou Xiao'e, arm in arm with Wang Huanbo, walked briskly, a sweet smile on her face. The biggest weight had been lifted from her heart, and she was filled with hope for the future.

"Huanbo," she whispered, "I feel...so happy."

Wang Huanbo held her hand tightly, feeling the warmth of her palm, and a peaceful joy filled his heart. "Yes, we will always be happy from now on."

The two didn't take a car, but walked slowly, through alleys and across main streets. Occasionally, they would run into acquaintances who greeted them, and seeing their close relationship, they would smile knowingly. In Beijing, where the end of the year was approaching and resources were scarce, the hope for a stable life and a bright future that shone on the faces of ordinary people was very real.

Back at No. 95 courtyard, as soon as I entered the central courtyard, I smelled an enticing aroma of meat. It was coming from Sha Zhu's house. Sha Zhu, wearing an apron, was processing a plucked chicken in front of his own door, with a fish soaking in a basin next to him.

"Hey! Engineer Wang, Sister Xiao'e, you're back?" Sha Zhu looked up, saw them, and grinned. "Is it settled?"

"It's settled." Wang Huanbo nodded with a smile.

"Congratulations!" Sha Zhu shouted, attracting the attention of several families in the courtyard. Upon learning that Wang Huanbo and Lou Xiao'e had officially set their wedding date, they all offered their congratulations. Yan Bugui from the front courtyard also strolled over, offering a few auspicious words, but his small eyes darted towards the west wing. He was pondering how to give a wedding gift for Wang Gong's wedding—not too small to seem stingy, not too large to elicit gossip, and also wondering if he could use the opportunity to cultivate a relationship…

The doors and windows of the Jia family's house in the middle courtyard were tightly shut, and there was no sound. Ever since the court-wide meeting that night, Jia Zhangshi had become completely listless and dared not go out easily. Jia Dongxu seemed to have gone to the street and the factory a few times, but it was still unclear what had happened.

In the backyard, an elderly deaf woman, leaning on her cane and supported by an older woman, was sunbathing. Her newly fitted porcelain veneers gleamed in the sunlight, and she beamed from ear to ear: "Good, good! Huanbo and Xiao'e, a perfect match, a match made in heaven! When are you having your wedding banquet? I, the old lady, must sit at the head table!"

"I'll definitely treat you!" Wang Huanbo replied with a smile.

The days flew by as expected, heading towards the end of the year. On the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, an even bigger surprise, or rather, a shock, descended upon the west courtyard.

Two military jeeps, led by a green post office truck, drove directly to the gate of No. 95 compound. Several comrades dressed in military uniforms and Zhongshan suits, with serious expressions, got out of the vehicles, along with post office staff. They carefully unloaded several large boxes nailed with sturdy wooden strips and coated with tung oil from the truck, as well as a large, square item securely fastened with thick blankets and ropes.

The commotion alerted the entire courtyard. Even Madam Jia couldn't help but peek out through the crack in the window.

"Is Comrade Wang Huanbo home?" A middle-aged cadre wearing glasses politely asked Wang Huanbo, who came out after hearing the voice. "There's an international parcel for you, forwarded from Hong Kong. You need to sign for it in person. Also, this... was entrusted to us by your father to be delivered together." He pointed to the square-shaped figure wrapped in a blanket.

Wang Huanbo knew what was going on; these were definitely New Year's gifts his father had sent from the United States, along with the promised refrigerator. He signed the papers, and several comrades helped carry the items into the west courtyard. The large item was very heavy; it took four strong young men to barely move it.

The box was placed on the floor of the main room in the west courtyard with a dull thud. The post office staff and their entourage completed the handover and quickly left, but two of the soldiers in civilian clothes remained, seemingly casually standing at the courtyard gate, their presence clearly a sign of vigilance. Those inside the courtyard were astonished; this Engineer Wang's influence was immense! Sending something required military escort/guarding?

Wang Huanbo found some tools, and together with Xiao Zhao, they pried open the first box. Instantly, a peculiar aroma, a mixture of coffee, chocolate, spices, and some kind of high-grade paper ink, filled the air.

The box was stuffed with shock-absorbing shavings and parchment paper. Pushing aside the stuffing revealed what was inside:

The entire box contained English scientific journals and reference books, all with pristine covers and thick paper—clearly the latest issues of top academic journals such as *Science*, *Nature*, and *IEEE Transactions*. It also included a large number of professional books and handbooks in mechanical engineering, electronics, materials science, and chemical engineering. These are invaluable treasures for domestic researchers!

The second box contained a wide variety of canned foods: SPAM luncheon meat, Heinz tomatoes and soybeans, assorted tropical fruits, sardines in olive oil... a dazzling array of high-end products that are extremely rare to find in China.

The third box contained daily necessities and snacks: Colgate toothpaste, Lux soap, a whole box of Coca-Cola in glass bottles!, Hershey's chocolate, Nestlé instant coffee, Lindt chocolate, canned milk powder, butter, cheese...

The fourth box contained clothing and small appliances: high-quality khaki, corduroy, and wool fabrics; several men's and women's wool sweaters; a dozen nylon stockings; several brand-new Zippo lighters; and even a small portable radio.

When the large object wrapped in a blanket was unpacked, everyone in the hospital was stunned—it was a milky-white single-door refrigerator made by General Electric (GE) of the United States! Its streamlined appearance and shiny metal handles were nothing short of a "home appliance nuclear bomb" in an era when even electric fans were rare!

"My God... a refrigerator?"

"Made in America! How much does this cost?"

"And so much canned food, chocolate, cola..."

"Those books...are they all in foreign languages? Engineer Wang is really amazing!"

「王家在美国，这是得多有钱有势啊……」

The murmurs were like boiling water. Envious, astonished, and incredulous gazes were focused on the west courtyard. Yan Bugui's abacus beads clicked rapidly in his mind as he estimated the value of these items, until he himself became confused. Liu Haizhong, hands behind his back and pregnant, tried his best to maintain the composure of a "leading cadre," but the shock in his eyes was undeniable. Even the deaf old lady came over with her cane to take a look, clicking her tongue in amazement.

Sha Zhu rushed over and circled the refrigerator several times, peering at the canned goods and ingredients with shining eyes: "Engineer Wang! Engineer Wang! Just you wait and see for this New Year's Eve dinner! With all this good stuff, I, Zhu Zi, will definitely use all my hidden talents! This American canned food, this butter... I can make so many delicious dishes!"

Looking at the things filling the room, Wang Huanbo felt a surge of warmth in his heart. His father had gathered everything he could think of—things that were in short supply in China and that would be useful to him. This love and care from across the ocean was truly profound.

"Zhu Zi, don't rush. There's too much food for us to eat," Wang Huanbo said with a smile. "Here's what we'll do: take some of the canned goods, chocolates, and candies for our New Year's Eve dinner. I'll share the rest with the families in the courtyard who have elderly people or children, so everyone can have a taste. This refrigerator will stay here with me. If anyone in the courtyard needs something chilled, like meat or fish, they can use it. But you'll have to pay for the electricity yourself." He made a little joke.

"Oh! That's great!" Sha Zhu grinned from ear to ear. "Engineer Wang, you're so generous! Don't worry, I'll make sure the New Year's Eve dinner is top-notch!"

Wang Huanbo then said to the neighbors who had gathered around, "Dear neighbors, if you have elderly people or children at home, please have Zhuzi or Xiao'e remember to come and get some candy or canned goods as an early New Year's greeting. It's not much, just a small token of our appreciation."

Upon hearing this, the courtyard erupted in cheers and shouts of gratitude. Not only is Engineer Wang incredibly skilled, but he's also so kind and generous! Following Engineer Wang always brings good fortune!

Yi Zhonghai also brought Yi Aijia and Yi Aiguo. Wang Huanbo specially grabbed extra handfuls of chocolates and fruit candies for the two children, and also brought two cans of milk powder. "Aijia, Aiguo, you're growing, so make sure you get plenty of nutrition."

「谢谢王叔叔！」两个孩子乖巧地道谢，易爱佳还懂事地说，「王叔叔，我们吃不了这幺多，给弟弟妹妹们分吧。」 她指的是院里其他更小的孩子。

"Good girl." Wang Huanbo patted her head, inwardly marveling at how well Yi Zhonghai had raised the child.

The distribution of goods was lively yet orderly. Every family received a little bit of "foreign goods," though not much, but the novelty and joy were genuine. Yan Bugui's family received a small bag of chocolates and a jar of fruit, and Auntie San beamed from ear to ear. Liu Haizhong's family also received some, and Uncle Er nodded his thanks modestly, his opinion of Wang Huanbo rising even higher. Even the honest families in the backyard received some candy, and they were extremely grateful.

The Jia family's doors and windows remained tightly shut. Wang Huanbo didn't go out of his way to deliver anything. Some barriers can't be bridged by a mere gift.

With everything sorted, the west courtyard finally quieted down. Wang Huanbo and Lou Xiao'e began tidying up the remaining items. Books and periodicals were carefully moved into the study and categorized. Food was stored separately. The brand-new refrigerator was placed in the corner of the kitchen, plugged in, and emitting a low, rumbling sound, injecting a touch of modern life into this traditional courtyard.

Lou Xiao'e stroked the cool exterior of the refrigerator, still somewhat incredulous: "This...is it really in our house? Now we can make our own popsicles in the summer?"

"Okay, I'll make you plum juice in the summer from now on, chilled to drink," Wang Huanbo said with a smile, his heart softening at the childlike surprise in his wife's eyes.

The thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, Lunar New Year's Eve.

Early in the morning, courtyard number 95 was bustling with activity. Every household had pasted red paper couplets with black characters and upside-down "福" (good fortune) characters on their doors. Children, dressed in their rare new clothes (even if they were just old, patched clothes that had been washed clean), chased and played in the courtyard, their pockets stuffed with candies they couldn't bear to eat all at once, popping one into their mouths every now and then, their eyes squinting with sweetness. The sporadic sounds of firecrackers were more frequent than in the previous days; the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder, the aroma of stewed meat, and a festive atmosphere that had been building up all year, finally ready to be released on this day.

中院的水池边，挤满了洗菜、杀鸡、剁肉馅的妇女。说笑声，水流声，砧板声，汇成一曲忙碌而喜悦的除夕交响乐。

The kitchen in the west courtyard became the temporary "New Year's Eve dinner command center." Sha Zhu, wearing his gleaming apron, commanded with the composure of a general. He Yushui and Lou Xiao'e assisted him, one picking and washing vegetables, the other chopping and preparing the ingredients. Wang Huanbo took out many good things from the supplies his father had sent: whole blocks of butter, canned tomato sauce, luncheon meat, canned sardines, and that precious bottle of cola.

"Zhu Zi, it's up to you today," Wang Huanbo said with a smile. "Just tell me what you need."

"Engineer Wang, just you wait and see!" Sha Zhu rubbed his hands together, his eyes shining. "With all this good stuff, I'll prepare a New Year's Eve dinner for you... a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine! I guarantee the whole hospital will never forget it!"

He truly put in his best efforts. Using butter and flour, along with sugar and eggs provided by Wang Huanbo, he baked a batch of sweet and crispy butter cookies for the children in the courtyard. He also made a sweet and sour tomato sauce with ketchup, sugar, and vinegar, preparing to make tomato-sauce shrimp (the shrimp were frozen shrimp that Wang Huanbo had obtained through special channels). He pan-fried sliced ​​luncheon meat until fragrant, and served canned sardines with onions as a cold dish. Of course, traditional New Year's Eve dishes were indispensable: braised pork belly required caramelizing rock sugar until it was glossy and tender; the four-happiness meatballs had a meat filling of three parts fat and seven parts lean, kneaded until elastic; steamed fish required precise control of the heat, and was finally drizzled with hot oil and steamed fish soy sauce (made by Sha Zhu himself); stewed cabbage and pork with vermicelli was a must-have for the New Year in northern China, steaming hot and with a delicious broth; there was also stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, cold kelp salad, and braised beef (provided by Wang Huanbo)...

食物的香气，从西跨院瀰漫到整个四合院，勾得人食指大动，孩子们更是扒在门口不肯走。

The Yi Zhonghai family was also busy. An older woman used the flour she had been allocated, along with a little butter given by Wang Huanbo, to steam several batches of blooming buns. She also used her limited meat ration coupons to buy some meat and made dumplings with cabbage. Yi Aijia helped roll out the dough, while Yi Aiguo watched eagerly from the side. Although simple, the family working together made for the best New Year's atmosphere.

The deaf old lady was carefully helped over by an older woman and Yi Aijia and sat down in a grand chair in the main room of the west courtyard. On the small table in front of her were melon seeds and butter biscuits baked by Sha Zhu. The old lady had changed into a clean new cotton-padded jacket, her hair was neatly combed, and her newly inlaid porcelain veneers made her smile especially kind. She squinted, watching the bustling scene in the courtyard, smelling the enticing aromas in the air, and listening to the children's laughter. The wrinkles on her face smoothed out, and she murmured, "Good, really good… This year, it's gone too far…"

As night falls and the lights come on, although most households still use kerosene lamps or candles, the warm light shines through the windows decorated with paper-cut window patterns, illuminating the courtyard and every smiling face.

In the main room of the west courtyard, two large square tables were set up together. The tables were already filled with dishes that Sha Zhu had carefully prepared. The braised pork was glistening and tempting, the four-happiness meatballs were round and plump, the steamed fish was upright and its tail was curled up, the tomato shrimp was bright red and sweet and sour, the luncheon meat was fried until it was crispy and fragrant, the canned sardines were garnished with bright green scallions, the cabbage and pork stew with vermicelli was bubbling on the alcohol stove, the vinegared cabbage was tangy and appetizing, the braised beef had distinct marbling, and the cold kelp salad was refreshing and not greasy... In the middle, there was also a plate of snow-white steamed buns that Sha Zhu had cut out with a mold, and a small bowl of steaming dumplings.

More importantly, there were several precious bottles of Coca-Cola and Arctic Ocean soda on the corner of the table! Wang Huanbo had specially brought them out for the women and children who couldn't drink alcohol.

The invited guests arrived one after another. Yi Zhonghai's family of four, the deaf old lady, the Silly Zhu siblings, Yan Bugui's family (Yan Jiecheng, Yan Jiefang, Yan Jiekuang, and Yan Jiedi all came), Liu Haizhong's family (Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu were also invited), representatives from several honest families in the backyard, and the guards who lived in the backyard (Zheng Weiguo, Zhou Tiejun, etc.)—Wang Huanbo had specially invited them to thank them for their usual protection and for speaking up for justice that day.

The room was packed with people, creating a lively atmosphere. The children, unable to contain their excitement, stared at the meat and cola on the table, their mouths watering.

「各位街坊邻居，老少爷们！」王焕勃作为主人，端起一杯酒（他喝的是父亲寄来的威士忌，给其他人準备的是二锅头和桂花陈酿），朗声道，「今天除夕，咱们95号院能聚在一起，吃这顿团圆饭，是缘分！过去一年，大家都不容易。但再难，年总要过，日子总要向前看！这第一杯，祝咱们国家，风调雨顺，国泰民安！祝咱们红星厂，再创辉煌！也祝咱们在座的每一位，新年快乐，身体健康，阖家幸福！」

"Happy New Year!"

"Cheers!"

Adults and children alike raised their glasses, whether it was wine, soda, or plain water, all with the sincerest blessings, and drank it all in one gulp. Spicy, sweet, and bland flavors melted in their mouths, finally merging into a warm current that soothed their hearts.

"Dinner's ready!"

At Wang Huanbo's command, chopsticks rained down. The braised pork was tender and flavorful, the four-happiness meatballs were fresh and bouncy, and the tomato-sauce shrimp was sweet and sour and appetizing. The children, who loved cola and soda, drank until they burped, their little faces full of happiness. The adults clinked glasses, exchanging auspicious words, chatting about the year's harvest, and looking forward to the coming year. Sha Zhu's cooking received unprecedented unanimous praise. He happily accepted everyone's toasts and compliments, his face flushed, even happier than if he had eaten it himself.

Yi Aiguo, munching on a large meatball, mumbled to his sister, "Sister, the meat... is delicious." Yi Aijia wiped his mouth, then ate her fish in small bites, a quiet, contented smile on her face. Yi Zhonghai and the older woman looked at the two children, then at the table full of food and the lively atmosphere, feeling a sense of peace and warmth they had never experienced before. This New Year, because of Aijia and Aiguo, and because of their close relationship with the Wang family, was exceptionally fulfilling.

The deaf old lady's teeth had recovered, and she had tried quite a few dishes, nodding in approval at each one, especially the butter cookies, which she particularly liked. Wang Huanbo and Lou Xiao'e stayed by her side, taking meticulous care of her.

As Yan Bugui ate, he mentally estimated the cost of the meal, becoming increasingly alarmed and holding Wang Huanbo in even higher regard. Liu Haizhong, with his protruding belly, addressed himself as "Second Uncle," uttering a few polite words, but his appetite was anything but lacking. Xu Damao also arrived, sitting a little further away, eating while pondering how to "casually" bring up his article praising Engineer Wang after the meal.

The guards in the backyard were initially a little reserved, but under the warm welcome of Wang Huanbo and Sha Zhu, they relaxed, eating meat heartily, drinking wine from large bowls, and chatting about interesting things that happened in the army, quickly blending into the lively atmosphere. Zheng Weiguo even specially served food to Yi Aijia and Yi Aiguo, his eyes gentle.

Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air, the aroma of food and the warmth of the wine, along with the coziness of "home" and "community," dispelling the chill of the winter night and temporarily melting away the usual barriers and calculations. At this moment, No. 95 Courtyard truly felt like a harmonious extended family.

Outside the window, someone lit firecrackers first, the crisp crackling sound piercing the night sky. Then, the sounds echoed from all directions, merging into a boiling wave of noise. Brilliant fireworks (though few) occasionally burst across the night sky, illuminating hopeful faces looking up.

The old year departs amidst roaring sounds, and the new year arrives amidst laughter and joy.

For Wang Huanbo, this is his second New Year in this era. Compared to the unfamiliarity and alienation of last year, this year he has a lover with whom he will spend his life, neighbors (most of whom can help each other), a career to strive for and clear goals, and a sense of groundedness in integrating into this era and sharing the joys and sorrows of millions of ordinary people.

He raised his glass and gently clinked it against Lou Xiao'e's beside him. Lou Xiao'e's eyes reflected the lamplight and her smile, brimming with tears.

Happy New Year, Xiao'e.

Happy New Year, Huanbo. From now on... let's celebrate like this every year.

"Yeah, it's like this every year."

酒杯轻撞，发出清脆的响声，融入满院的欢腾与希望之中。新的一年，承载着无数普通人的期盼和这个古老国度倔强的生机，正踏着鞭炮的碎屑和未融的冰雪，铿锵而来。