Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

The news that Wang Huanbo had been assigned a car was like a bombshell, completely altering the delicate balance of the No. 95 courtyard. Previously, while everyone knew Wang Huanbo was capable, a PhD, and highly regarded, that "capability" was somewhat abstract. But now, a brand-new Mercedes-Benz was parked at the gate every day, and a driver in a neat uniform was always at their beck and call. The visual impact was incredibly direct and powerful. It silently proclaimed: Wang Huanbo and they were no longer from the same world.

This disparity completely extinguished the ambitions of those who had previously harbored some ulterior motives.

Now, whenever Yan Bugui sees Wang Huanbo, he beams with a smile from afar, even more enthusiastic than before, with a hint of obsequiousness. He repeatedly instructed his third aunt to take good care of the deaf old lady and not to make the slightest mistake. "Our family might have to rely on Section Chief Wang for support in the future!" he said to his wife privately.

Although Liu Haizhong still maintained his arrogant demeanor, he no longer dared to put on airs in front of Wang Huanbo. When they occasionally met, he would greet him politely. His scolding of his two younger sons at home also changed: "See? Only those with skills and education can ride in cars! You two good-for-nothings, you better study hard from now on!"

Jia Zhangshi continued to curse, but her voice was much softer, and she only dared to close the door. She no longer dared to cause a scene at the west wing gate; the gleaming black car and the expressionless driver instilled fear in her from the bottom of her heart. Qin Huairu lowered her head and tried her best to minimize her presence.

The one who changed the most was Yi Zhonghai. He seemed to have aged considerably all at once, and his back was no longer as straight as before. The model he had meticulously constructed, relying on moral authority and personal networks to control the compound, proved utterly vulnerable in the face of Wang Huanbo's absolute power (financial resources, technological capabilities, and influence). Wang Huanbo didn't need to resort to any intrigues or schemes, nor did he need to win over or suppress anyone. He simply used his open and aboveboard strategies, his tangible resources and status, to render all of Yi Zhonghai's calculations a joke.

The retirement plan is now in jeopardy. Sha Zhu is now completely focused on cooking for Wang Huanbo and the deaf old lady. Having received a generous reward, he's no longer as grateful for Yi Zhonghai's "help" as before. Moreover, Sha Zhu seems to genuinely consider Wang Huanbo a "brother," speaking of him with great admiration. Jia Dongxu is still obedient, but Yi Zhonghai knows that Jia Dongxu has limited abilities and a mother who holds him back; he's unreliable.

A deep sense of powerlessness and crisis enveloped Yi Zhonghai. He knew he had to change his strategy. A head-on confrontation was absolutely out of the question; it would be like an egg hitting a rock. Perhaps… he could only temporarily endure, or even… feign compliance, pretend to comply, and wait for an opportunity? This thought humiliated him, yet he felt helpless.

In stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere in the courtyard, the west wing and the backyard house of the deaf old lady were filled with joy and harmony.

Every day after get off work, Sha Zhu would invariably start cooking in the west courtyard. Wang Huanbo's new kitchen was spacious, bright, and fully equipped, making it exceptionally easy for Sha Zhu to cook. The aroma of the food wafted out, often causing the children from the front courtyard to drool and cling to the doorframe. Wang Huanbo was generous, often letting Sha Zhu cook extra so the children could share, which won the children's favor and their parents' secret gratitude.

The deaf elderly woman's quality of life has seen a significant leap forward. She now has access to running water.