Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Late autumn of 1956, western suburbs of Beijing, Red Star Second Research Institute, top-secret archives.

Outside the window, the poplar trees had shed all their leaves, their bare branches pointing towards the leaden sky, and a cold wind howled through the empty courtyard. Inside, however, it was warm and brightly lit. Wang Huanbo sat alone in front of a heavy steel filing cabinet with a combination lock. He had just finished another marathon meeting with the "Enlightenment" project leadership team, finalizing the manufacturing and transportation plan for the next phase of key equipment for the Yumen main base. Now, he needed some time alone to take stock of and process all the rewards from the system that he had received from this trip to the Marvel dimension.

With a slight thought, his consciousness sank into the azure system space. Compared to before, the space seemed more solid and stable, with faint starlight flowing around its edges. In the center of the space, the few fragments of the Cosmic Cube energy crystals still emitted a warm blue halo, suspended in a specially made energy shield. Beside them, several orbs of light of various shapes, enveloped in soft white light, were neatly suspended—the final reward for this mission.

Wang Huanbo's gaze first fell on the core ball of light. As the light dissipated, a three-dimensional holographic projection of an extremely complex, precise, and futuristic ring-shaped device was revealed—the complete technological system of the "Arc Reactor." This included not only the initial Mark I reactor (that colossal machine) that Howard had conquered, but also the entire roadmap from fundamental principles and basic materials science (such as exploring alternative synthesis pathways for the new element vibranium), magnetic confinement topology optimization, plasma physics models, energy conversion circuits, control system architecture, and safety protection systems, all the way to the potential miniaturization and high-efficiency evolution over the next few decades. This was a complete knowledge tree about clean fusion energy, from theory to engineering, from the laboratory to large-scale applications! Its value far exceeded that of a single reactor design.

"With it, the 'Enlightenment' project finally has a solid theoretical foundation and a clear direction for technological evolution," Wang Huanbo thought excitedly. This award not only validated and greatly supplemented the knowledge he learned from Howard, but also provided a technological vision that transcended that era and even surpassed the early versions of Iron Man. For example, the preliminary synthesis idea of ​​"vibranium-alloyed substitutes," although almost impossible to achieve with the current level of technology, was enough to save Professor Chen Nengkuan's materials group countless detours with its theoretical direction and materials science approach; and the better algorithms for magnetic field stability and plasma turbulence suppression were exactly what Yang Jiachi's control group had been dreaming of.

Next, his attention turned to three smaller, but equally intricately structured, orbs of light beside him. The orbs unfolded one by one, transforming into three-dimensional images of motorcycles with distinct lines and styles, surrounded by a waterfall of design drawings, process documents, material lists, test data, and even market positioning analysis and preliminary cost estimates.

The first vehicle was a BMW R60. It featured a classic boxer-style horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine, shaft drive, a robust and durable frame, and a composed yet dynamic design. The technology package emphasized its excellent low-speed torque, long-distance cruising comfort, and reliability, making it ideal for military, police, and civilian long-distance transportation, especially in challenging road conditions.

The second vehicle was the Harley-Davidson FLH Electra-Glide. A benchmark of American cruisers, it featured a V-twin air-cooled engine, a deep and powerful roar, classic chrome accents, and a spacious, comfortable seat. The technical package specifically highlighted its dominant position in the US police, postal, and even civilian heavy-duty cruiser market, as well as its modification potential. Wang Huanbo immediately envisioned it with a sidecar added, transforming into a majestic police tricycle, or a ceremonial escort vehicle leading state processions. This vehicle was an excellent tool for penetrating the European and American markets, especially for establishing a high-end, professional, and authoritative image.

The third motorcycle is the Honda CB77 Super Hawk (305cc). It boasts sleek lines, a modern design, a high-revving twin-cylinder engine, and agile handling. Its technology package emphasizes sportiness, fuel economy, and a relatively affordable price, representing the pinnacle of small-displacement high-performance motorcycle technology at the time. This motorcycle was poised to dominate the civilian market and compete with European and Japanese brands, particularly suited to the road conditions and consumer spending levels in Asia and Europe.

"Great! Excellent!" Even with Wang Huanbo's usually calm and collected demeanor, he couldn't help but feel his heart pounding with excitement. These three motorcycle technologies were a godsend—no, they were the icing on the cake! They were not only classic best-selling models in the global motorcycle market of the 60s, but their technological level was also exactly within the range that China's current industrial system could digest, absorb, and even improve upon through effort. More importantly, they represented three different market segments and technological approaches, forming a complete product matrix.

"With this, the motorcycle division of Hongxing Factory will be world-class from the very beginning!" Wang Huanbo pondered. "The R60's reliability and durability, the FLH's authoritative style, and the CB77's agility and fashion. Not only is the domestic dual-use market potential huge, but through Carrefour's channels, we can also export to Europe and America, earning valuable foreign exchange while also shattering the prejudice that 'Made in China equals cheap and inferior,' showcasing our industrial strength! This foreign exchange can then be used to support a money-devouring behemoth like 'Qiming,' as well as many subsequent research projects."

Moreover, the machining of many precision parts for these three cars—such as engine blocks, crankshafts, gearbox gears, and carburetor precision components—can perfectly unleash the power of those "secret weapons" from the Hongxing Factory! Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Wang Huanbo's lips.

Finally, his gaze fell upon the most peculiar orb of light. Unlike technical documents that presented blueprints or models, it was a projection of a physical object—a strangely shaped, futuristic belt and a stack of cards. The belt was primarily magenta and silver, with a barcode-like scanning slot in the center and card slots on either side. Floating beside it were cards printed with silhouettes and symbols of various knights.

"Kamen Rider Decade Driver (Decade Belt) and a complete set of Rider Cards..." Wang Huanbo murmured the reward description, his expression becoming somewhat subtle. This reward completely transcended the realm of technology, falling into the category of "extraordinary power." The system's description was concise: The driver can temporarily grant the user the power (data) of the corresponding card, but the strength, duration, and side effects are closely related to the user's physique, spirit, and compatibility with the rules of the current plane, requiring careful use. The complete set of cards covers the basic forms and even some final forms of many main riders from the Heisei era, but all are "projected data," not the original versions, and their use has a cooldown and consumes resources.

"This..." Wang Huanbo rubbed his temples. This reward was powerful and strange, seemingly of little use on the current path focused on technological development and industrial construction, and might even bring unnecessary risks. But the system wouldn't give useless rewards; perhaps in some special moments in the future, this "unconventional" power could play a miraculous role. With a thought, he carefully gathered the light orbs of the driver and card into the deepest part of the system space, applying multiple seals and shielding. "Sealed for now, I will never activate it unless it is a matter of life and death or an extremely special situation," he decided to himself.

After tallying the rewards, Wang Huanbo regained consciousness. He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the bleak winter scenery outside, yet his heart was filled with fervor. The Ark Reactor was a "heavyweight," a "sun" that laid the foundation for the nation and illuminated the future; the three motorcycle technologies were "powerful tools," "iron horses" that expanded territory, earned capital, and flexed muscles; and the "three-axis CNC machine tool" and "Galaxy-I" transistor computer already existing at the Red Star Factory were the "skillful hands" and "intelligent brains" that turned blueprints into reality.

It's time to transform these rewards and accumulated achievements into real power.

He returned to his desk, spread out a sheet of paper, and began writing two reports. One was for the "Qiming" Project leadership team and Marshal Nie, detailing the successful experience of the "principle verification device" and, in conjunction with "newly acquired theoretical deductions" (his explanation of the advanced knowledge awarded by the system), proposing optimization suggestions for several key subsystems of the "Qiming-I" prototype at the Yumen main base, particularly upgrades to the magnetic field coil winding precision, vacuum chamber welding process, and plasma control algorithm. In the report, he specifically emphasized that the "preliminary exploration results" of the Hongxing Factory in precision machining and automatic control (referring to the three-axis CNC machine tool and the Galaxy-I computer) could be applied to the machining of some core precision components and the rapid processing of experimental data.

The other document was a detailed proposal for establishing the "Red Star Brand Heavy/Light Motorcycle Project." He meticulously analyzed the market positioning, technical characteristics, localization challenges, and solutions for the three models. He particularly emphasized the unique advantages of utilizing the three-axis CNC machine tool, already successfully trial-produced at the Red Star factory, for machining precision engine components and complex molds. He also outlined how to leverage the family's distribution channels in the US (Carrefour supermarkets) and Europe to conduct market testing and initial sales through agency or partnership branding. He attached partial overall layout diagrams and core engine parameter sketches for the three motorcycles; their professionalism and detail would impress any knowledgeable expert.

The report was submitted through top-secret channels and soon received high attention and swift approval from the top leadership.

A few days later, in another conference room in Zhongnanhai.

The atmosphere was filled with smoke, but unlike the somber scientific tackling atmosphere during the discussions of the "Enlightenment" project, it was more of a cautious excitement and pragmatic calculation. In addition to leaders such as Marshal Nie, there were relevant officials from the Ministry of Machine Building, the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and the Ministry of Heavy Industry, as well as several automotive and internal combustion engine experts who had been urgently summoned from Shanghai, Tianjin, Changchun and other places.

Wang Huanbo stood in front of the blackboard again, but this time, instead of a complex reactor cross-section diagram, the blackboard displayed color side view renderings of three motorcycles (he used the data from the system rewards and combined it with current aesthetics to redraw a version that was more in line with the characteristics of the times) and simple structural breakdown diagrams.

"...In summary, the BMW R60's advantages lie in its extremely high reliability and robust structure, making it particularly suitable for the transportation needs of our military's border defense, communications, and field operations departments such as geology and petroleum. It can also be used as a civilian long-distance freight and passenger vehicle. Its horizontally opposed engine's advantages of low vibration and low center of gravity are especially prominent in harsh road conditions."

"The Harley-Davidson FLH boasts a large displacement engine, powerful performance, and a commanding, visually striking design. In the United States, it's practically synonymous with police motorcycles and the top choice for long-distance cruising among the wealthy. If we can successfully replicate and moderately improve upon it, such as designing a dedicated sidecar, we can create a complete series of police three-wheeled motorcycles. This would not only equip the domestic public security system and enhance its image but also be a flagship product for export earnings, especially for penetrating the procurement markets of European and American governments. We could even develop a special version for escorting state guest motorcades, the political significance and propaganda effect of which would be immeasurable."

"The Honda CB77 Super Hawk boasts advanced technology, lightweight construction, agile handling, and low fuel consumption, representing a new trend in global motorcycle development. It is better suited for urban commuting and personal leisure riding, and will be very attractive in the civilian market, especially among young people and middle-income groups. This motorcycle will be our flagship product in direct competition with Japanese and European motorcycles in the civilian market."

Wang Huanbo's explanation was insightful and easy to understand, combining technical analysis with market insights, which drew frequent nods and excited expressions from the audience. However, doubts also arose.

An experienced automotive expert from Changchun adjusted his glasses and cautiously began, "Consultant Wang, your analysis makes a lot of sense, and these three cars are indeed excellent. However, good blueprints are one thing, but whether we can actually build them is another. Take the engine, for example—the cylinder block, crankshaft, pistons, and valves require extremely high precision and special materials. And then there are the carburetor and transmission—these precision components... I'm afraid our current manufacturing capabilities..." He shook his head, not finishing his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

Another colleague from the foreign trade department added, "The idea of ​​exporting is good, but the European and American markets have deep-seated prejudices against our industrial products. Quality standards, safety regulations, and patent barriers are all problems. Although we can try Carrefour's channels, motorcycle sales are different from automobile sales; they require a professional after-sales network, which supermarkets cannot solve."

Wang Huanbo seemed to have anticipated these questions. Unperturbed, he pulled out several blueprints and enlarged black-and-white photographs from the brown paper bag he had brought with him.

"The concerns raised by the leaders are very practical. Regarding the manufacturing process, this is the second point I want to report, and it is also a unique advantage we may possess." He unfolded several drawings, which were structural diagrams of the "three-axis linkage CNC machine tools" at the Hongxing Factory and photos of some machined samples. The photos showed several machined metal parts with extremely high surface finish and complex shapes, including an aluminum alloy cylinder head for a motorcycle engine and a rough, precision-machined crankshaft blank!

"This is a 'three-axis linkage digital program control machine tool,' which we call a 'CNC machine tool,' which we independently developed and trial-produced by our experienced masters and technicians through the joint efforts of completing the precision component processing tasks assigned by our superiors and by combining some publicly available information from abroad," Wang Huanbo explained. "It can input the processing program through pre-punched paper tape and automatically control the cutting tools to perform precision linkage processing in three directions. It is particularly suitable for processing complex curved parts with high precision requirements, such as engine cylinder blocks, propeller blades, and mold cavities."

Pointing to the smooth surface of the parts in the photo, he said, "Look, these are some samples we've tested with this machine tool. The precision can reach 0.01 millimeters, and the surface finish far surpasses the level of current manual or ordinary machine tool processing. Moreover, once the program is written, it can continuously and stably process identical high-precision parts 24 hours a day, making it dozens or even hundreds of times more efficient than a master craftsman!"

A murmur of amazement and discussion filled the conference room. 0.01 millimeters of precision! Automated machining! For many of the seasoned craftsmen present, accustomed to the "file and manual labor" approach, this was simply a fantasy. But the parts in the photos didn't lie; their metallic luster and precise shapes exuded an industrial beauty and undeniable conviction.

"Not only that," Wang Huanbo pressed on, pulling out several more reports, "our factory, with the help of the Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has also prototyped a small transistor electronic computer, codenamed 'Galaxy-I,' primarily for engineering calculations and data processing. It can be used to simulate the intake and exhaust of motorcycle engines, perform stress analysis, kinematic calculations, optimize design parameters, and reduce the cycle and cost of actual vehicle testing. In terms of quality control, it can also be used to process large amounts of test data, achieving more precise quality control."

He placed photos of CNC machine tools and computer reports side-by-side with motorcycle design drawings: "Advanced designs require advanced manufacturing and R&D tools to realize them. We now have world-class design drawings, and we also have the 'skilled hands' (CNC machine tools) and the 'intelligent brains' (computers) to implement these designs. Although the scale is still small, it proves that this path is viable! We can use the Hongxing factory as a base, concentrate our superior resources, and first overcome the most critical manufacturing difficulties of the engine and frame. Other general-purpose components can be produced collaboratively nationwide. By using CNC machine tools to process core precision parts, using computers to optimize designs, using manual labor and ordinary machine tools to ensure the quality of other components, and using strict inspection standards to control quality, it is entirely possible for us to produce a motorcycle with performance and quality that is no less than, and in some aspects even better than, the original 'Hongxing' brand motorcycle in a relatively short period of time!"

His words combined lofty goals with practical paths, demonstrating both ambitious aspirations and down-to-earth steps. In particular, the highlighting of "CNC machine tools" and "computers" greatly boosted the confidence of everyone present. It turned out that the nation had quietly made such groundbreaking progress in precision manufacturing and automatic control!

"Excellent! This is a great idea!" A leader in charge of industry slammed his hand on the table excitedly. "Using the most advanced tools to create the most competitive products! This is called 'using the best steel where it counts'! Comrade Wang Huanbo, your Hongxing Factory's CNC machine tools and computers have made a great contribution! We must summarize our experience and promote it as soon as possible!"

Marshal Nie had been listening quietly, then slowly spoke, delivering the final verdict: "The motorcycle project is of great significance. It can meet the urgent needs of both the military and civilians domestically, generate foreign exchange through exports, break the blockade, and showcase our image. I approve the project in principle, designating it as a key national industrial project, codenamed 'Iron Horse Project.' The First Ministry of Machine Building will take the lead, with the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill specifically responsible for the overall design and trial production of core components, and related supporting factories nationwide cooperating. We must master the technology as quickly as possible, build a prototype, and pass the evaluation!"

He looked at Wang Huanbo, his gaze filled with expectation and a hint of barely perceptible emotion. This young man always brought surprises. "Comrade Wang Huanbo, you have a heavy workload in the 'Enlightenment' project, but you'll also need to put in extra effort to oversee the technical aspects of the 'Iron Horse Project.' You'll be responsible for reviewing and approving the overall plan, technical approach, and quality control standards. You'll also be in charge of guiding the further improvement and application of CNC machine tools and computers. Remember, quality is the lifeline, especially for products intended for export; you must be meticulous and represent the face of the nation!"

"Yes, sir! Rest assured, sir, I guarantee the mission will be completed!" Wang Huanbo stood at attention and answered solemnly. He knew that this responsibility was even heavier, but his heart was filled with enthusiasm. Combining the advanced technologies rewarded by the system with industries that the country urgently needed and the people longed for, using wisdom and hard work to turn them from blueprints into reality, thereby changing an industry and even influencing an era—this was precisely the meaning of his time travel.

"Regarding export channels," Marshal Nie turned to his colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Trade, "we can make initial contact with Carrefour through Comrade Wang Huanbo's family connections to explore the possibility of cooperation. But the principles must be upheld: equality and mutual benefit, and maintaining initiative. You and Comrade Wang Huanbo should study the specific methods in detail and come up with a sound plan."

"yes!"

Following the meeting, "Project Iron Horse" was swiftly launched. A single transfer order drew hundreds of top engineers, technicians, and experienced workers from motorcycle factories, automobile factories, engine factories, gear factories, instrument factories, and more across the country, converging them at Hongxing Factory. Hongxing Factory specially designated a newly built, heavily guarded workshop, displaying a sign that read "Special Vehicle Prototype Production Workshop of First Automobile Parts Factory" (a cover), which was in reality the research and core prototyping base for "Project Iron Horse."

Before heading to Yumen, Wang Huanbo laid a solid foundation for the "Iron Horse Project." He chaired the first plenary technical meeting, breaking down the technical data of the three models into hundreds of sub-projects and assigning them to various professional groups. He personally explained the operating principles and programming basics of CNC machine tools, and selected a group of young, educated, and dedicated technical backbones to form a "CNC Machining Assault Team." Under his direct guidance, they began to experiment with using those precious machine tools to process the most delicate components of motorcycle engines: the cylinder block, crankshaft, camshaft, and gearbox gears.

"We must 'embroider' the most precise parts with machines, just like embroidering!" Wang Huanbo told the assault team. "Don't be afraid of failure. If the program is wrong, fix it; if the parameters are inaccurate, adjust them. Every failure is a step closer to success. Your mission is to conquer these iron machines, make them obey you, and create the best hearts for us!"

At the same time, he also made the "Galaxy-I" computer available to the design team of the "Iron Horse Project." Although he considered the computer's computing power to be very rudimentary, it was more than sufficient for preliminary simulation calculations of motorcycle engines, optimization of intake and exhaust manifold design, and analysis of frame stress, saving a significant amount of computation time and testing costs. Several young engineers from Tsinghua University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University were quickly attracted by this amazing "electronic brain," studying programming day and night, using it to verify designs and optimize drawings.

"Engineer Wang, the valve opening and closing curves calculated by this computer are much more accurate than what we can calculate by hand, and it can instantly simulate the situation at different speeds! It's amazing!" A young engineer excitedly ran over to report.

Wang Huanbo smiled and nodded: "That's the power of tools. If we use them well, our designs will be more reasonable and reliable."

Just as the "Iron Horse Project" was in full swing, Wang Huanbo also sent a long, encrypted letter through family channels to his elder brother, Wang Huanfa, who was in charge of Carrefour's business in the United States. The letter detailed the "Iron Horse Project," particularly the huge market potential of the Harley-Davidson FLH police and civilian versions, and the breakthroughs made by the Hongxing factory in precision manufacturing (subtly mentioning "special processing equipment"). It suggested that the family could begin making tentative contacts in the United States, under the guise of "finding high-quality, distinctive industrial product suppliers to enrich supermarket peripheral businesses," with some powerful motorcycle dealers and even local government procurement departments to understand market access standards, certification requirements, and after-sales service systems, paving the way for future cooperation. A similar approach to expanding into the European market was also mentioned.

Wang Huanfa quickly replied, expressing his excitement about the family's industrial achievements in China and believing it to be an excellent point of convergence between business and politics. He noted Carrefour's rapid growth and increasing influence in the United States, and its ability and willingness to promote this matter. He stated that he would immediately begin assembling a team to conduct preliminary market research and build relationships, and suggested that China should quickly produce high-quality prototype vehicles or key component samples for demonstration.

Everything is progressing steadily and rapidly in the predetermined direction.

Winter passed and spring arrived; spring in 1957 seemed to come exceptionally early. The main factory building of the Yumen base had already risen from the ground, and the massive circular foundation was being poured. In the "Special Vehicle Prototype Production Workshop" of the Beijing Red Star Factory, the lights were on all night, and the machine tools were roaring. The blueprints for three "Red Star" brand motorcycles were being rapidly broken down, digested, and transformed into specific process documents, mold drawings, and processing procedures.

Wang Huanbo, like a rapidly spinning top, shuttled between the Gobi Desert in Yumen and factories in Beijing. In Yumen, he was the chief technical advisor for the "Enlightenment" project, battling wind, sand, bitter cold, and technical challenges, using his wisdom and sweat to build the nation's "sun dream" in the desert. In Beijing, he was the chief technical advisor for the "Iron Horse Project," working with blueprints, machine tools, and computers, using precision and craftsmanship to forge the "Iron Horse" that would gallop towards the world.

He often reviewed the latest progress reports of the "Iron Horse Project" by the bright headlights in his Hongqi Xingyao S600L Guard armored sedan, which remained stable even on bumpy roads; in the tents at the Yumen base late at night, he used "Longteng-1" to remotely simulate and optimize the design scheme of a reactor component; in the workshop of Beijing Hongxing Factory, he taught young technicians how to adjust the parameters of CNC machine tools until the first engine block blank produced completely met the requirements of the drawings.

Tired? Of course, tired. But watching the massive factory foundations rise day by day on the Gobi Desert, watching the precision motorcycle engine parts gradually take shape in the Hongxing Factory workshop, Wang Huanbo felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and power. He knew that the seeds he had sown were tenaciously taking root and sprouting on this land, which had endured hardship yet was full of vitality. The technological fire from another world was merging with the lofty ambitions of the Chinese people in this era to change the world, and was about to erupt with a light that would illuminate history and shake the world.

The furnace is lit, the iron steed is about to gallop. A technological and industrial legend belonging to an ancient Eastern country is unfolding with great fanfare, accompanying the Republic's progress. And he, Wang Huanbo, is not only one of the writers of this legend, but also a steadfast and shining stepping stone in this great journey. The road ahead is still long and full of thorns, but the direction is clear, and the dawn is just ahead.