Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

After a minor hiccup caused by Jia Zhangshi and others, Wang Huanbo's renovation of the west courtyard proceeded smoothly. Thinking of the deaf old woman who had raised him, he instructed the construction team leader, Li, "Master Li, could you please also tidy up the old woman's room in the backyard? The ground is uneven, making it difficult for her to walk. Most importantly, please connect running water to her room and install a flush toilet and shower."

Captain Li hesitated for a moment: "Section Chief Wang, this... the street's approval document and budget only include your west wing..."

Wang Huanbo waved his hand, his tone leaving no room for argument: "I'll cover the costs, including materials and labor. You just need to arrange for the construction, and I'll handle the arrangements with the local government and factory. The old lady is elderly and a martyr's family member, so things should be easier for her."

Upon hearing this, Captain Li's admiration for Wang Huanbo grew even stronger, and he quickly agreed, "Alright! Don't worry, Section Chief Wang, I guarantee I'll take good care of the old lady! This is a truly virtuous deed!"

When the news reached the backyard, the deaf old lady learned that Wang Huanbo was going to pay for her house renovations, to get running water and a flush toilet. She was so moved that tears streamed down her face. She grabbed Wang Huanbo's hand, choking back sobs, unable to speak: "Young master... this... this is too much... it's too much of a waste... I, this old woman... how could I possibly deserve this..."

Wang Huanbo grasped the old woman's withered hand and said gently, "Granny Sun, you're being too polite. If it weren't for your care when I was a child, I wouldn't be where I am today. Consider this my way of showing filial piety on behalf of my parents. Just relax and wait to move into the new house."

This scene was witnessed by Qin Huairu, who came out of the courtyard to get water. She glanced at it with a complicated expression, then lowered her head and quickly walked away. Meanwhile, Yi Zhonghai, hiding behind his window, felt a tightness in his chest. Wang Huanbo's move not only completely won over the deaf old woman but also established a noble image of "gratitude" and "respect for the elderly" in front of everyone in the courtyard, making Yi Zhonghai's usual "moral performance" look utterly insignificant. His last remaining possibility of using the deaf old woman to check Wang Huanbo had completely vanished.

Having solved the housing issue, Wang Huanbo began to consider daily life. He was terrible at cooking, and with his increasingly busy work in the technical department, meals were becoming a problem. His first thought was Sha Zhu.

After work that day, Wang Huanbo stopped Sha Zhu, who was on his way to the cafeteria: "Brother Zhu, are you free tonight? I have something I want to discuss with you."

Sha Zhu now felt both admiration and gratitude towards Wang Huanbo, and quickly nodded, "I'm free! Huanbo, just let me know if you need anything!"

The two returned to the west courtyard, and Wang Huanbo got straight to the point: "Brother Zhu, I'm not good at cooking. Eating at the factory canteen once or twice is fine, but I get tired of it every day. Granny Sun is getting old, and it's not convenient for her to cook. I was thinking, from now on, I'll entrust you with the meals for you, Yushui, and Granny Sun. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Sha Zhu thumped his chest loudly: "Hey! I thought it was something serious! No problem! Leave it to me! I can't guarantee anything else, but cooking is a family tradition! I guarantee you and the old lady will eat well!" He genuinely wanted to repay Wang Huanbo for helping him and his sister, and for the kindness he had shown him earlier.

Wang Huanbo smiled and took out the money he had prepared: "Brother Zhu, don't rush to agree. Even close brothers should keep clear accounts; I can't let you work for free. This is my and my mother's food allowance for this month, a total of 300,000 (old currency, equivalent to 30 new dollars). I will give you this amount every month from now on."

Three hundred thousand! Sha Zhu's eyes widened in disbelief! He worked like a dog in the cafeteria, toiling away for a month to earn less than two hundred and fifty thousand, barely enough to support himself and pay for his school fees! Wang Huanbo had just given him three hundred thousand, and that was just for food!

"No, no! That's too much! Huanbo! I can't accept this!" Shazhu waved his hands repeatedly, his face flushed red. "It's only right that I cook a meal for you and the old lady! How can you take so much money!"

Wang Huanbo had anticipated his refusal and patiently explained, "Brother Zhu, listen to me. This money isn't for nothing. First, my and the old lady's meals can't be cheap; we need meat, vegetables, eggs, and milk every day to ensure we get adequate nutrition. Second, this isn't a one- or two-day thing; it's a long-term commitment. You can't keep working for free, can you? You also need to live; rainwater and school fees are necessary. Third," he paused, looking into Sha Zhu's eyes, "I'm letting you accept it because I consider you one of my own, a brother. Between brothers, mutual support and clear accounting are essential for a lasting relationship. If you really feel bad about it, just make the meals a little better and take better care of the old lady, and that'll be enough."

These words were reasonable and considerate, taking into account practicality, saving face for Sha Zhu, and conveying a sense of closeness. Sha Zhu, that simpleton, is easily swayed by kindness but not by force, and values ​​loyalty above all else. Wang Huanbo treating him as a "brother" moves him more than any amount of money.

Sha Zhu's eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded vigorously: "Alright! Huanbo! You treat me like a brother, and I, Sha Zhu, am definitely not a coward! I'll take the money! Don't worry, from now on, I promise I'll cook even better meals for you and the old lady than Director Lou's private kitchen! I'll also take good care of the old lady!"

"That's right." Wang Huanbo smiled and stuffed the money into Sha Zhu's hand, then added, "Also, isn't Yu Shui in school? If she has any difficulties with her studies, have her come to me on her days off. Although I've been away from school for a long time, my foundation is still there, so tutoring her won't be a problem. Let's try to help her get into a good university and have a bright future."

Mentioning his sister, Sha Zhu was so grateful he didn't know what to say. His greatest wish was for his sister to be successful. Wang Huanbo even thought of that; this affection was too heavy! He nodded heavily, burying his gratitude in his heart.

From then on, every day after get off work, the first thing Sha Zhu did was head straight to the market. With the money Wang Huanbo gave him, he would carefully select the freshest meat, eggs, and vegetables. Then, he would return to the compound and busy himself preparing meals for Wang Huanbo and his wife in Wang Huanbo's newly renovated kitchen. The meals were delicious and visually appealing. Afterward, he would go back to his own simple room in the middle courtyard and hastily make something to eat to tide him over. He took cooking for Wang Huanbo and his wife extremely seriously, almost using all his culinary skills. The meals for Wang Huanbo and the deaf old lady instantly became the best in the entire No. 95 compound, and even in the whole Nanluoguxiang area. The aroma of meat wafting out every day made the neighbors, especially the children, drool with envy.

Wang Huanbo kept his word. On the day off, He Yushui indeed timidly came over with her textbook to ask for help. Wang Huanbo patiently explained things in a simple and easy-to-understand way, which made He Yushui understand everything and her grades improved rapidly. Seeing that his sister smiled more and was more motivated to study, Shazhu became even more devoted to Wang Huanbo.

Meanwhile, Wang Huanbo didn't forget Yan Bugui's family. He approached the third aunt and offered to pay her 150,000 old dollars (equivalent to 15 new dollars) per month for the elderly deaf woman's daily care, such as cleaning, washing, and keeping her company. Yan Bugui's family was struggling financially, and 150,000 was a considerable sum. The third aunt was overjoyed and readily agreed, promising to take excellent care of the old woman. Yan Bugui repeatedly instructed his wife to do her utmost and not make any mistakes, as this was a long-term, stable source of income!

Wang Huanbo's series of arrangements, like spring rain nourishing the earth, subtly altered the power structure within the nursing home. Using his wealth and wisdom, he gradually won over Sha Zhu (competence and culinary skills), the deaf old lady (prestige within the nursing home), and the Yan Bugui family (intelligence and daily services), forming a small, mutually beneficial group centered around him. Meanwhile, the foundation of the elderly care alliance that Yi Zhonghai attempted to build, based on moral blackmail and personal control, began to crumble.