Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

July 20, 1941, New York, Stark Industries Building rooftop laboratory.

Outside the window, the typical New York summer sky was clear, the blazing sun baking the city's concrete jungle until it seemed to steam. But inside the laboratory, the temperature control system kept it comfortably cool. The air was filled with a mixture of smells of solder, ozone, machine oil, and coffee, with the background noise of the instruments' low hum and the occasional crackling of electric arcs.

Howard Stark was facing a huge blackboard covered with complex formulas and circuit diagrams, passionately explaining his latest concept, the "Mark I Arc Reactor Plasma Confinement Field Optimization Scheme." He held chalk in one hand and a cup of long-cold coffee in the other, his suit jacket casually draped over the back of his chair, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and his hair somewhat disheveled from frequent scratching.

"...So you see, Wang, if we introduce a variable toroidal magnetic field here, combined with my newly designed multi-level electrostatic lens array, theoretically we can suppress plasma turbulence to less than 30% of its original level! Energy loss will be reduced by at least 40%! God, this is simply a work of art!" Howard drew a circle heavily on the blackboard, turned to look at Wang Huanbo standing by the workbench, his eyes full of excitement and anticipation, like a student waiting for the teacher's praise.

Wang Huanbo didn't answer immediately. He held several sheets of draft paper he had just finished calculating, densely covered with his manually derived field strength distribution and particle trajectory simulations using the simplified algorithm of "Longteng-1". He frowned slightly, his gaze shifting between the blackboard and his draft paper, as if comparing something.

"Howard, your design for the toroidal magnetic field is very bold, and the multi-stage lens array does indeed provide better focusing." Wang Huanbo put down his draft, walked to the blackboard, picked up a red chalk, and marked a few points next to the toroidal magnetic field drawn by Howard. "However, here, and here, the magnetic field gradient changes too drastically. In the high-energy state of the plasma, this may trigger local magnetic reconnection, resulting in unstable high-energy particle escape, which will increase energy loss and may even damage the confinement wall."

He drew several small vortices near those points to represent unstable turbulence, and then drew a circle at the connection point of the multi-stage lens array: "In addition, the phase synchronization control of the lens array is a big problem. The response speed and accuracy of existing vacuum tube logic circuits probably cannot keep up with such fine requirements. Any slight asynchrony will cause field distortion, turning focusing into scattering."

Howard's initial excitement faded slightly. He leaned closer to the blackboard, staring at the areas Wang Huanbo had marked, his brow furrowing. He bit his lower lip, his fingers unconsciously tapping his coffee cup. After a long pause, he muttered, "Magnetic reconnection... phase synchronization... Damn, you're right. I was so focused on theoretical optimization that I neglected the bottlenecks in engineering implementation..." But he quickly looked up again, his eyes blazing with renewed fervor. "But the approach is right, isn't it? The direction is right! We just need to find ways to overcome these bottlenecks! For example... hmm, perhaps magnetic reconnection can be alleviated by adjusting the coil winding method and the current waveform? Phase synchronization... maybe we need a completely new, faster switching element, or... a smarter control algorithm?"

"The direction is absolutely correct." Wang Huanbo nodded firmly, put down the red chalk, and wrote several keywords next to the problem points with white chalk: "gradient optimization," "waveform modulation," "fast switching," and "adaptive control." "Bottlenecks mean challenges, but also opportunities for breakthroughs. Your multi-level lens array concept itself is a remarkable leap. We can proceed step by step, first verifying the stability of the basic toroidal field, then gradually adding lens levels, while simultaneously searching for or developing more suitable control elements."

These words pointed out the problem, affirmed Howard's creativity, and offered a practical solution. Howard nodded repeatedly, his frustration vanishing and replaced by the excitement of finding a kindred spirit and facing a challenge.

"That's right! Let's take it one step at a time! I knew it was the right thing to discuss this with you!" Howard patted Wang Huanbo's shoulder forcefully (the latter remained as steady as a rock), "You always manage to spot the key points and offer constructive ideas! Wang, sometimes I really wonder if you came from the future and have a computer in your head!"

Wang Huanbo's heart stirred slightly, but he only showed a humble smile on his face: "I'm just used to thinking about problems from a systems perspective, and... at the Technical University of Berlin, my mentor repeatedly emphasized that the feasibility of engineering implementation is often more important than theoretical perfection."

"Your mentor must be a wise man!" Howard exclaimed, then his expression darkened slightly as he remembered something. "Unlike another mess I've been dealing with lately...it's a complete disaster!"

He walked to the coffee machine, poured himself and Wang Huanbo two more cups of hot coffee, and his tone became somewhat irritated: "It was that 'demonstration' in Brooklyn last week, you know, the SSR super-soldier project. Everything was going smoothly, that little guy named Rogers really did turn into... well, a big guy, the effect was amazing. But at the last minute, things went wrong! A Nazi spy mixed in with the spectators suddenly attacked, killed Dr. Erskine, and stole the last vial of serum and all the research notes!"

He took a large gulp of coffee and continued, "What's even stranger is that the spy had just grabbed the goods and run away when he was intercepted by a mysterious figure who appeared out of nowhere! That guy was incredibly fast; he used a strange weapon that could spew out extremely cold white mist to take down the spy and the driver who was there to pick him up, and then, with the serum and the notebook, he disappeared right under the noses of the pursuers...! That old Phillips guy was furious; now he's searching all over New York, it's chaos!"

Wang Huanbo listened quietly, occasionally revealing an expression of surprise and regret: "Dr. Erskine...it's so unfortunate. A true genius. The loss of the serum is an even greater blow. Does that mysterious person...have any leads?"

"Clues?" Howard scoffed, shrugging. "None! Zero! Siegfried! All that was left at the scene were a few ordinary work clothes and a modified liquid nitrogen tank—the thing that sprays white mist. It's not high-tech, but the idea is ingenious. The person just vanished into thin air. Phillips suspects it was another faction of Hydra, or some unknown force, who hired top mercenaries using stealth or escape techniques we don't understand. He even approached me privately, asking if I'd invented anything that could make someone 'invisible' or 'teleport'! Good heavens, if I had that technology, would I still be struggling with the reactor's magnetic confinement?"

He paused, looked at Wang Huanbo, and said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Seriously, Wang, if I didn't know that you spent most of last week with me in the lab, and only occasionally went out to attend those boring business parties, I would have suspected that you were behind it. After all, you're also interested in energy and bio-enhancement, and..." He looked Wang Huanbo up and down, "You seem quite skilled too."

Wang Huanbo felt a chill run down his spine, but his face remained impassive. Instead, he shook his head with a wry smile: "Howard, this is no joke. While I am curious about enhancement technology, stealing top military secrets? I want to live a few more years to properly study your reactor. Besides, what use would I have for that serum notebook? My interest lies more in the physics realm; I don't have the guts or the expertise to modify the human body."

His answer was reasonable, and his expression was calm. Howard stared at him for two seconds, then burst into laughter, giving him a tight hug on the shoulder: "Just kidding! Don't be nervous! Of course I know it wasn't you. If you really had that ability, you would have used it on figuring out how to fix this damn magnetic field instability much faster!"

After a few lighthearted words, the conversation returned to the reactor. But Wang Huanbo could sense that Howard, seemingly carefree, was actually quite astute. He might have truly ruled him out, but SSR, especially the shrewd Colonel Phillips and Peggy Carter, wouldn't easily let any suspicious clues slip by. He, an "overseas Chinese" who appeared at a sensitive time, had a close relationship with Howard, and possessed a "scientific background," was likely to come under their investigation.

We must be more cautious. At the same time, we must accelerate preliminary studies on the serum and notes to prepare for possible subsequent "technology exchanges" or "accidental discoveries."

A few days later, Wang Huanbo's premonition was confirmed.

Attorney Chen relayed information through clandestine channels: individuals with suspected government ties were secretly investigating Wang Huanbo's immigration records, bank account transactions, social connections in New York, and especially the detailed process of his acquaintance with Howard Stark. The investigation was conducted professionally and discreetly; had Attorney Chen not had special connections within the immigration bureau and the Chinese business community, it would have been virtually undetected.

"They investigated very thoroughly, but didn't seem to find any flaws. Our identity documents, funding channels, and 'records' at the Technical University of Berlin all withstood the initial checks," Attorney Chen reported in a low voice during another "chance encounter" in Central Park. "However, they seemed particularly interested in your purchase of that metal disc and your subsequent close collaboration with Mr. Stark. Perhaps they felt it was too 'coincidental.'"

"That makes sense." Wang Huanbo calmly fed the pigeons. "Let them investigate. Our 'story' is complete. Pay close attention to whether they contact me directly or try to probe me through Howard."

"Understood. Also, there seems to be some unusual activity at Stark Industries. Security at Mr. Howard's lab appears to have been tightened, and you haven't been notified of some peripheral project meetings that you were originally allowed to attend as a consultant," Attorney Chen added.

Wang Huanbo nodded. This was the result of SSR's influence. With the serum stolen and suspicions of spies still lurking within their ranks, they would naturally tighten their contact with key collaborators like Howard, especially with outsiders like himself who were "of unknown origin" yet deeply involved.

"Let's wait and see. Our daily routines will continue as usual: going to the lab, attending unimportant social events, and occasionally going to concerts." Wang Huanbo scattered the last crumbs of bread, watching the pigeons scramble for them. "If they come to me, I'll face them calmly. If they distance themselves, I won't care. Remember, we are investors, scientists, and overseas Chinese who love peace and support the anti-fascist cause. This stance must never change."

"Yes, Mr. Wang."

A week later, when Wang Huanbo returned to Stark Tower, he noticed two unfamiliar faces on the floor where the laboratories were located. They were wearing Stark Industries uniforms, but their posture was ramrod straight, their eyes sharp, and their patrols carried distinct military characteristics. They were guards arranged by SSR.

Howard greeted him with the same enthusiasm, but a hint of barely perceptible annoyance and helplessness flickered in his eyes. While discussing a circuit design, he suddenly lowered his voice and said, "Wang, there are some annoying flies buzzing around lately. That old fogey Phillips insists my lab might have security vulnerabilities and has forced a few people in. He even hinted that I should be careful when dealing with 'certain friends with complicated backgrounds.'" He pursed his lips, clearly disapproving of SSR's excessive caution, yet utterly helpless.

"It's good to be cautious, Howard." Wang Huanbo nodded understandingly. "After all, such a serious incident has occurred. I understand. If my presence makes you or SSR feel inconvenienced, I can temporarily reduce the frequency of my visits to the lab, or communicate only in writing."

"No! Absolutely not!" Howard objected immediately, his voice rising involuntarily, attracting the attention of a guard nearby. He waved his hand impatiently, lowering his voice, "You're my most important partner! The reactor research can't do without you! What do those bureaucrats know about science! I'll handle them! You come when you need to, and we'll get back to what we're doing!" He paused, looking earnestly at Wang Huanbo, "Wang, I believe in you. You're not the kind of person they think you are. What we're doing together is changing the world; don't let those noises distract us."

These words carried Howard's characteristic stubbornness and sincerity. Wang Huanbo felt a warmth in his heart and nodded solemnly, "Thank you for your trust, Howard. I will not betray that trust, nor will I let anything interfere with our research."

After this conversation, Wang Huanbo continued his visits to Stark Tower as frequently as ever, but became more mindful of his words and actions. He avoided mentioning anything related to SSR, super soldiers, or spies, focusing instead on the technical details of the reactor. His suggestions remained accurate and forward-thinking, but he cited more "publicly available academic papers" or "common problems in engineering practice," reducing overly "futuristic" insights. His collaboration with Howard remained efficient, and the reactor's preliminary research progressed steadily, but Wang Huanbo could sense an invisible barrier that had quietly emerged due to the involvement of SSR.

He wasn't in a hurry. What he had was time, and most importantly, the serum and the notes, which were currently safely stored in his system space. SSR's investigation and vigilance actually made his subsequent actions safer—who would suspect someone who had been under SSR's close "scrutiny" and proven "innocent"?

One day in early August, Howard approached Wang Huanbo, his expression much more serious than usual.

"Wang, I need your help with something, as a personal friend." Howard cut to the chase, pulling him into a smaller, better soundproofed conference room. "Do you know that super soldier, Steve Rogers, the guy now known as 'Captain America'?"

"I saw the propaganda posters in the newspapers. They were supposedly touring to promote war bonds?" Wang Huanbo replied. He knew that this was the period when Steve was used as a propaganda tool and mascot by the military before he became a real soldier.

"Yes, it's him. That kid... he's a real soldier, he shouldn't be treated like that." Howard sighed, a rare occurrence for him. "Phillips was initially against it too, but the political pressure from above... well, let's not talk about that. The key thing is, Rogers privately approached Carter, hoping to go to the front lines and do something practical, instead of just dancing on stage. Carter and Phillips were actually interested too, but they needed an opportunity, and they also needed... more suitable equipment."

Howard's eyes gleamed with the brilliance of a tech fanatic: "I've been tasked with designing a combat suit and equipment more suitable for real combat, to replace his current ridiculous theatrical costume. But I need your input on some ideas, particularly regarding lightweight armor materials and individual energy modules. Especially the energy module; I'd like to try applying our reactor miniaturization approach to some kind of... well, high-energy-consuming equipment he might use. Of course, it will be an extremely simplified and safety-crippled version."

Wang Huanbo's heart skipped a beat. Captain America's combat equipment? This might be an opportunity to gain deeper access to the core SSR project, and even directly influence the future technological path of the "Avengers." Moreover, by helping Steve, he could further win Howard's trust and accumulate "contributions" to SSR.

"I'd be happy to offer any help I can, Howard," Wang Huanbo said sincerely. "However, when it comes to military equipment, my identity..."

"Private consultant, unofficial, purely technical exchange." Howard waved his hand. "All designs will ultimately be submitted by me and reviewed by SSR. You only provide ideas and computational support. As for compensation..." He winked, "More firsthand experimental data and priority for future collaborations, how about that?"

"Deal." Wang Huanbo smiled. This was exactly what he wanted.

In the days that followed, while helping Howard optimize the reactor, Wang Huanbo also began participating in the early conceptual design of Captain America's new equipment. His ideas regarding ergonomic armor lining materials, modular equipment mounting points, and high-efficiency energy buffer batteries greatly impressed Howard. Especially regarding the design of the energy buffer batteries, Wang Huanbo cleverly incorporated some power management concepts from the "Dragon Soaring One," significantly reducing its size and weight while substantially improving discharge stability and safety. Although still far from the "Ark Reactor" system, it was already a top-tier individual soldier energy solution for this era.

Howard incorporated these ideas into his design and excitedly communicated with Carter and Steve (through Carter). Although Wang Huanbo did not meet Steve directly, his indirect contribution, through Howard's design drawings, had already begun to influence the equipment of this future legend.

September arrived. The war in Europe intensified, and war clouds loomed over the Pacific. New York remained bustling, but the shadow of war grew ever stronger. Wang Huanbo's "life" in New York was regular and low-key: research, socializing, and occasionally keeping up with current events. SSR's covert investigation seemed to have made no new progress; their level of "attention" to him might have lowered somewhat, but the alert level remained.

One evening in mid-September, Wang Huanbo locked the door and drew the curtains in his suite at the Plaza Hotel. On a whim, he retrieved the sealed metal box from his system space.

Upon opening the box, two pale blue serum tubes and Dr. Erskine's leather notebook lay quietly inside. He didn't touch the serum at first, but carefully picked up the notebook.

The notebook was thick, printed on high-quality paper, with neat handwriting. Most of it was in German, interspersed with English and complex chemical formulas and biological structural diagrams. Wang Huanbo's German was sufficient to read scientific literature. He flipped through the pages, becoming increasingly alarmed with each reading.

Dr. Erskine truly deserves his reputation as a genius. His notes not only meticulously document the formulation derivation process of the Super Soldier Serum, the mechanisms of action of its various components, and its synthesis and purification processes, but also contain a wealth of fundamental theoretical research on human metabolism, endocrine system, neural signals, cell regeneration, and enhancement—its depth and foresight far surpassing that of his time. In particular, his discussion of the synergistic effect between the "Life Formula" (Vita-Rays) and the serum, though vague (the key catalyst and radiation parameter estimates only exist in the doctor's mind), provides Wang Huanbo with an extremely valuable perspective for understanding the relationship between the light gene and life energy.

"So that's how it is... The serum itself is more like a 'catalyst' and a 'blueprint,' stimulating the body's own latent energy and repair mechanisms, while the 'life ray' provides a specific, orderly energy flow, guiding and stabilizing this stimulation process to prevent it from getting out of control or distorting..." Wang Huanbo murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with enlightenment. This subtly connects to Ultraman's evolution of light and the awakening of the light gene within him. Both utilize external, orderly energy to guide the sublimation of the inner essence of life.

He examined the serum formula more closely. Its composition was extremely complex, involving various rare amino acids, peptide chains, hormone precursors, and several special active ingredients that appeared to have been extracted by Dr. Erskine from some plant and fungus. The synthesis process was cumbersome and demanding; any error in any step could lead to failure or the production of deadly toxins. With the industrial capabilities of 1941, large-scale, high-purity, and stable production was virtually impossible. This also explains why, in the original storyline, after Erskine's death, the Super Soldier Serum almost became a thing of the past.

"A perfect sample, a valuable theory, but a process difficult to replicate..." Wang Huanbo closed the notebook and carefully placed it back in the metal box. He didn't intend to replicate the serum at this stage. The risk was too high, and it wasn't his primary objective for this trip. But the notebook and the sample themselves were priceless treasures. They provided him with the key to understanding life enhancement and also provided sufficient leverage for potential future biotechnology exchanges.

He retrieved the box into his system space. He walked to the window, gazing at the dazzling New York nightscape, shrouded in the shadow of war. With the serum in hand and his cooperation with Howard deepening, the wheels of Captain America's history rolled ever forward, while Hydra's shadow lurked, gathering strength in the shadows.

He knew that, according to the original storyline, Steve Rogers would soon truly step onto the battlefield, assemble the Howling Commandos, and engage in a direct confrontation with Red Skull. The Tesseract (Space Stone) would also gradually reveal its power.

And he, Wang Huanbo, this infiltrator from another world, has already quietly planted his pawns on the edge of this grand narrative, acquiring crucial resources. On the stage to come, he will continue his "harvesting" and "investing" in a more covert and ingenious manner.

Beneath the calm surface of the lake, the undercurrents grew increasingly turbulent. And he stood on the edge of the whirlpool, observing the changes and waiting for the right moment.

The neon lights outside the window flickered, reflected in his deep eyes, as if foreshadowing more extraordinary nights to come.