Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Section 1: The grand long street attracts attention; red flags like dragons guard the four directions.

At 8:20 a.m., the wedding procession slowly drove out of Nanluoguxiang.

Leading the way, the Hongqi Xingyao S600L Guard armored limousine, like a silent and majestic black dragon, glided smoothly through the somewhat narrow alley. Sunlight shone on its long, flowing body, reflecting a dark yet noble sheen. The prominent red flag emblem on the hood, in the morning light, resembled a leaping flame, silently proclaiming its owner's extraordinary status. Behind the thick bulletproof windows, figures were vaguely visible, adding to the mystery and solemnity.

Following closely behind were Yi Zhonghai's gray Hongxing brand car and Liu Haizhong's black Hongxing brand car. Although these three cars were not as eye-catching as the Hongqi, they were still considered impressive "official cars" in the eyes of ordinary people. Their shiny paint and neat design showed the status and power of their owners.

Bringing up the rear was Xu Damao's sky-blue Red Star brand car. In this convoy, it was like a simple and dutiful follower, its trunk responsible for carrying the dowry and necessary supplies. Xu Damao gripped the steering wheel, but his eyes involuntarily kept glancing at the towering Red Flag ahead. He felt a mix of emotions, envying the unattainable pomp and circumstance, secretly glad to be part of the convoy and share in the glory, and feeling a pang of bitterness at the strong relationship between Sha Zhu and Wang Huanbo.

Four cars, one after another, maintained a proper distance and drove at a moderate speed toward Yu Li's house near Jiaodaokou Street. The wheels rolled over the ancient bluestone road, making a steady sound, which attracted the attention of early risers along the way, who stopped and talked.

"Wow! Who's holding an event here? Such a big fuss!"

"See that? The lead car! A Hongqi! And a stretched one at that! Impressive!"

"And there were cars following behind! What kind of high-ranking official must be on official business?"

"Looks like they're going to pick up a bride? Look, the carriage is even decorated with red ribbons!"

"Using this car for the wedding? My goodness, how influential must the bride's family be?"

Exclamations and speculations rippled through the streets as the convoy passed. In an era when bicycles were a rarity, the visual and psychological impact of a wedding procession consisting of four cars, including a prestigious Hongqi sedan symbolizing top status, was unimaginable to later generations. It was more than just a wedding spectacle; it was a silent declaration, a display of power.

Inside the car, Sha Zhu sat upright. He was indeed exceptionally well-groomed today. Early in the morning, he went to the bathhouse for a thorough soak, scrubbing off the grime and feeling refreshed and warm. Then, he headed straight to Shigejie Street and found the legendary barber, Hu Delu, known for his superb skills. Master Hu lived up to his reputation; with a few deft strokes, he gave Sha Zhu a very fashionable buzz cut—the hair was shaved extremely short, close to the scalp, making him look exceptionally sharp and energetic. Paired with a brand-new, crisp black Zhongshan suit, and a large red silk wedding flower pinned to his chest, Sha Zhu seemed reborn. His former carefree and simple-minded demeanor was replaced by a vibrant joy and a subtle sharpness. As Wang Huanbo jokingly remarked, "Clothes make the man, and with Zhu dressed up, he really does look like a groom."

Sitting beside him were Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong. Yi Zhonghai's expression was solemn, carrying the dignified air of an elder participating in an important matter. Liu Haizhong, on the other hand, straightened his back, trying to appear more imposing, his eyes occasionally sweeping across the street scene outside the car window, as if inspecting his own territory. Both of them understood that today's errand was not only to support Sha Zhu, but also, to some extent, to represent the face of No. 95 Compound, especially since they had to be mindful of their words and actions while sitting in this car.

The Hongqi limousine drove smoothly, the interior unusually quiet except for the deep, resonant roar of the engine. The driver, Xiao Zhao, an elite soldier, gripped the steering wheel firmly, his sharp eyes scanning the road ahead and the side mirrors. His nerves were actually more taut than anyone else's in the car. The instructions from Minister Lin and Vice Minister Wang before departure still echoed in his ears; he knew what undercurrents lurked beneath today's celebratory surface. His task wasn't just driving, but ensuring the absolute safety of the vehicle and its occupants on the journey. Beneath his seemingly relaxed posture, his muscles were slightly tense, and a fully loaded Type 54 pistol in its holster under his arm was ready to be drawn at any moment. His ears were also perked up, listening for any instructions that might come through the car radio.

The street scene receded slowly outside the window. As they passed larger intersections, Sha Zhu noticed that there seemed to be one or two "passersby" or "vendors" who would glance at the convoy, especially at the Hongqi car, intentionally or unintentionally. Their gazes weren't like the curiosity of ordinary people; they were more like a quick, professional scan. A slight unease stirred in Sha Zhu's heart. He recalled Wang Huanbo's earlier warning, and the seemingly ordinary yet somehow different "neighbors" and "workers" inside and outside the courtyard. He remained silent, but his hands, resting on his knees, unconsciously tightened their grip.

Section 2: Luxury Cars Arrive, Stunning Attendees; Milk Candy Leads the Way, Displaying Extravagance

In less than ten minutes, the convoy came to a smooth stop in front of the courtyard house where Yu Li lived.

This was a slightly larger and more numerous courtyard than No. 95. At this moment, the entrance was already crowded with onlookers. There were relatives and neighbors of the Yu family, coworkers from Yu Li's printing factory, and many more nearby residents drawn by this unusual motorcade. The crowd was bustling, and the buzzing of discussion was incessant.

When the extended Hongqi came to a slow, powerful stop, the entrance was silent for a moment, then erupted in even louder gasps and exclamations.

"My God! A Hongqi car! It really is a Hongqi car!"

"It's an extended version! This...this must be some very high-ranking official!"

"Isn't the eldest son-in-law of the Yu family supposed to be the cook... oh no, the canteen manager at the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill? Does he really have that kind of ability?"

"Nonsense! The cafeteria manager riding in this car? I bet he has some powerful connections!"

"Tsk tsk, Yu Li is such a lucky girl! She married such a capable man!"

"Who says otherwise! Look at this car, look at this entourage!"

A distant cousin of the Yu family, who was responsible for keeping watch at the door and relaying information about the wedding procession, was now staring wide-eyed, his mouth agape. All the jokes he had prepared to tease or "embarrass" the groom vanished in the face of such overwhelming power. Only one thought remained in his mind: This son-in-law of the Yu family is formidable! He absolutely cannot offend him!

Under the gaze of countless eyes, some in amazement, some envy, some inquiry, and some awe, the rear door of the Hongqi car was respectfully opened from the outside by the driver, Xiao Zhao.

Sha Zhu took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and put on a perfectly timed smile before stepping out of the car. Sunlight shone on his brand-new Zhongshan suit, on his spirited, bushy hair, and especially on the bright red silk flower on his chest. At this moment, he was no longer the He Yuzhu who spent his days around the stove, but the groom He Yuzhu, about to marry his beautiful bride, backed by powerful friends, and with a bright future ahead!

Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong also got out of the car. They subconsciously straightened their backs, their faces bearing reserved and dignified smiles. They stood on either side of Sha Zhu, slightly behind him, like two protectors. Xu Damao also jumped out of his Red Star brand car, carrying a bamboo basket covered with a red cloth. He smiled and tried to blend into the "high-class" atmosphere, but the slight awkwardness and resentment in his eyes betrayed his true feelings.

"Here he comes! The new son-in-law is here!" someone shouted, and the crowd stirred even more. The children pushed to the front, their eyes wide as they watched this rare sight; the adults whispered among themselves, their gazes darting back and forth between Sha Zhu and the imposing Hongqi car.

Sha Zhu cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd and said loudly, "Dear uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters, thank you for waiting! Today is the big day of my wedding, He Yuzhu and Yu Li. I am deeply grateful to all the elders and relatives for joining us!"

His voice was loud and clear, neither arrogant nor humble, and he possessed a certain air of composure.

At that moment, Xu Damao stepped forward, lifted the red cloth covering the bamboo basket, revealing it filled with beautifully packaged White Rabbit milk candies. In the sunlight, the blue and white candy wrappers shimmered with an enticing luster.

"Come on, everyone, let's share in the joy! Have some candy!" Xu Damao's smile widened as he grabbed handfuls of milk candy and began handing them out to the children and the crowd.

This caused an even bigger sensation!

"White Rabbit! It's White Rabbit milk candy!"

"My goodness! This sugar is incredibly precious! Even the supply and marketing cooperatives rarely get to see it!"

"The Yu family's son-in-law is so generous! He gives gifts to everyone he meets, and he does it in handfuls!"

"How strong must their connections be to get so many White Rabbit candies?"

"It must be because of the owner of that Hongqi car! Incredible, truly incredible!"

The scarcity and preciousness of White Rabbit milk candy are deeply ingrained in people's minds in this era. It's not just candy, but a symbol of status and ability. Sha Zhu's "extravagant" distribution of it carries an unspoken message: I'm not short of money, and I have connections. This is more impactful than any verbal boast.

Those distant relatives and neighbors who initially harbored ulterior motives—such as wanting to "test" the groom, or hoping to "benefit" from the Yu family's lack of a son in the future—had their schemes instantly vanished upon seeing the impressive Hongqi car and receiving the rare White Rabbit candy. What a joke! The person who could mobilize a Hongqi car as a wedding vehicle and obtain so much sought-after White Rabbit candy was a friend of their son-in-law! What kind of person stood behind this Yu family's son-in-law? Was he someone they could afford to offend or scheme against? They quickly put away their inappropriate thoughts, offered their congratulations, and made themselves known—that was the proper thing to do!

Some even began to secretly regret not being more enthusiastic about their families before. Had they underestimated Lily? Was it too late to build a relationship now?

This was exactly the effect Sha Zhu wanted. His smile remained unchanged, but he knew exactly what was going on. Wang Huanbo had reminded him that some of Yu's relatives were cunning, and this wedding procession needed to be lively but also "stable." The Hongqi car represented "power," and the White Rabbit candy represented "gift." Only by using both soft and hard tactics could those petty scoundrels be completely deterred from their improper thoughts.

Sure enough, the next "passing the test" went exceptionally smoothly. The young people and children of the Yu family, who had originally planned to "make things difficult" for the groom and ask for more red envelopes and candies, almost symbolically made a fuss under Xu Damao's generous candy offensive and the "watchful eye" of the quietly parked Hongqi car exuding an invisible pressure, and then happily made way. Several elders of the Yu family, with beaming smiles, repeatedly said "The son-in-law is impressive" and "Yu Li is blessed," and warmly welcomed Sha Zhu, Yi Zhonghai, and Liu Haizhong into the courtyard.

Section 3: Entering the Inner Chambers to Meet the Father-in-Law; The Red Flag's Remaining Intimidation Deterred Dark Ghosts

Yu Li's family lived in two east wing rooms in the middle courtyard. Although not spacious, they were clean and tidy. At this moment, the house and the surrounding area were crowded with people. Yu Li's parents, Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei, were wearing brand-new clothes and stood at the door, their faces showing barely concealed joy and a hint of nervousness.

Seeing Sha Zhu walk in accompanied by Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong, the two "old men," Yu Jianguo quickly stepped forward and grabbed Sha Zhu's hand: "Zhuzi, you're here! Good, good!" His hand trembled slightly, clearly showing his excitement.

"Dad, Mom!" Sha Zhu called out respectfully in a loud voice.

"Oh! Good child, come inside quickly!" Li Yumei's eyes were a little moist as she hurriedly ushered the person inside.

Tea and snacks were already prepared inside. After everyone was seated, Yi Zhonghai, as the "elder brother" of the courtyard and the representative of the groom's elders, cleared his throat and began the formalities. It was nothing more than confirming the wedding arrangements again, agreeing on some details, expressing gratitude to the in-laws, and offering blessings to the newlyweds. His words were impeccable, demonstrating the respectability of Courtyard No. 95 while also giving the Yu family ample face.

Not to be outdone, Liu Haizhong chimed in at the opportune moment, praising Sha Zhu for his competence, his respect for elders and love for children, and his sense of responsibility in Yu Li's matter (implicitly referring to his handling of Yan Jiecheng's harassment), showering Sha Zhu with compliments. Sha Zhu listened, maintaining a polite smile on his face, but inwardly he found it somewhat amusing. This old man was really going all out to show off his "leadership" status and eloquence.

Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei listened, nodding repeatedly, their smiles never fading. They were already satisfied with Shazhu as their son-in-law; he was honest, hardworking, and good to Yu Li. Now, seeing Shazhu arrive with such a grand procession to fetch the bride, accompanied by two respected elders from the courtyard, who spoke highly of him, they felt even more reassured and comfortable. Those gossips about Shazhu being "stupid," "rude," and "unworthy of Yu Li" seemed utterly ridiculous and utterly untenable in the face of this real scene.

While the adults were talking, Sha Zhu peeked into the inner room. The curtain was half-drawn, and he could see Yu Li dressed in red, her head covered by a red veil, sitting quietly by the bed. Several young ladies surrounded her, whispering among themselves. Although he couldn't see her face, Sha Zhu's heart was filled with sweetness, throbbing with joy. Ten years of waiting, through many twists and turns, today, he was finally going to marry his beloved girl in a grand and glorious way!

After the ceremony, it was time for the bride to leave. After another small "ceremony," amidst the good-natured laughter of Yu Li's friends and the tearful reluctance of her mother, Yu Li, with her red veil covering her head, was finally carried out of the room by her brother (cousin).

The courtyard erupted in excitement once more. Firecrackers were lit, crackling and popping, sending red confetti flying everywhere. Children cheered and jumped for joy, while adults smiled and offered their blessings.

Yu Li was carefully helped into the back seat of the Hongqi car. Sha Zhu followed closely behind and got in. Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei were invited to the two seats in the middle row, which were usually occupied by the guards. Yu Haitang, as the sister-in-law, happily and without hesitation got into the front passenger seat.

The heavy bulletproof car door slammed shut, instantly shutting out most of the outside noise.

Driver Xiao Zhao didn't start driving immediately. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd of onlookers outside the car again, as well as the windows and rooftops of nearby buildings. His hand, seemingly casually resting on the steering wheel, was actually closer to the gun in his pocket. Near the Yu family's courtyard, plainclothes officers from the security department were also deployed, disguised as neighbors watching the commotion, roadside cart workers resting, or even elderly scavengers, vigilantly observing everything. Xiao Zhao knew he wasn't alone. But his duty was the absolute safety of the car and its occupants; he had to be extremely cautious.

After confirming that no obvious abnormalities were found, Xiao Zhao steadily started the engine. The deep, powerful roar sounded again.

Section 4: The Inside of the Car Shocks the In-Laws' Aunt, Who Reveals the Background

The car moved slowly.

Inside the car, however, an unusual silence fell.

Of the three members of the Yu family, except for Yu Haitang who was young and very curious, Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei were riding in a car for the first time, especially such a high-end sedan with such a luxurious interior. Sitting in the wide, soft, and highly supportive leather seats, the two felt a little unsure where to put their hands and feet. The interior was more spacious than they had imagined, with thick carpeting underfoot and heavy, soundproof windows that barely allowed them to hear any outside noise. What surprised them even more was that on this cool autumn morning, the car was warm and cozy—the driver, Xiao Zhao, had quietly turned on the heater.

Everywhere they looked was an exquisite and sophisticated display they had never seen before. Walnut wood trim, gleaming chrome buttons and handles, little gadgets on the sides of the seats whose purpose they didn't know, and a small table that could be folded down behind the front seats... everything exuded an aura of remoteness and high class, completely different from their daily lives.

Yu Jianguo instinctively straightened his back, afraid that the dust on his clothes would soil the spotless carriage. Li Yumei, on the other hand, held tightly to her husband's arm, not daring to look around, and even her breathing felt a little cautious.

Sha Zhu noticed his in-laws' awkwardness and chuckled inwardly, feeling a mix of amusement and emotion. He knew the impact of this car went far beyond the means of transportation itself; it was a silent declaration of class and power. He coughed lightly, breaking the silence: "Dad, Mom, Haitang, is this car alright? It's more stable than a regular car."

Yu Haitang, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, immediately turned around upon hearing this, her eyes sparkling: "Brother-in-law! This car is amazing! It's so much more spacious and comfortable than my classmate's dad's 'Shanghai' sedan! These seats are like sofas! And why is it so warm inside? I didn't see a stove burning!"

Her lively words dispelled some of the awkwardness. Sha Zhu laughed and explained, "This is called air conditioning. It blows cold air in the summer and warm air in the winter; it's all automatic. This car is a special model of Hongqi, an extended version, specially made for... well, for important leaders, so it's especially comfortable and sturdy." He almost let slip the word "bulletproof" but stopped the car in time.

"An important leader?" Yu Haitang was even more curious. "Then how can you sit on it, brother-in-law? And you even use it to pick up the bride?"

This question hit the nail on the head. Although Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei didn't speak, their ears perked up; this was also the source of their biggest doubt and shock.

Sha Zhu thought for a moment and decided that there was no need to hide some things from his parents-in-law, which would put their minds at ease. So, he carefully chose his words and said, "This car, actually, wasn't borrowed by me. It belongs to a very good friend of mine, Wang Huanbo, Engineer Wang. He's now the chief engineer of Red Star United Industrial Corporation, and he was in charge of designing and improving this Hongqi sedan. We grew up together, and our relationship is as close as brothers. When he heard I was getting married, he insisted on lending me this car as my wedding car, to make a good impression on Lily and me."

Wang Huanbo? Chief Engineer? In charge of designing the Hongqi sedan?

These words exploded in the minds of the three members of the Yu family like a bombshell. They knew that Sha Zhu had a very capable friend, but they didn't have a clear idea of ​​exactly how "capable." At this moment, hearing "chief engineer" and "in charge of designing the Hongqi sedan," combined with the unimaginably magnificent car in front of them, that vague image instantly became incredibly tall and incredibly awe-inspiring!

Who could design a Hongqi car? What kind of scientist must they be? What kind of person is highly regarded by the country? Such a top figure is actually Sha Zhu's "childhood friend" and "close friend like brothers"? And he's so generous as to lend out such an important car, which might have been his own, as a wedding car?

Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei exchanged a glance, both seeing disbelief and immense relief in each other's eyes. Their previous satisfaction with Shazhu stemmed from his good character, reliability, and genuine affection for Yu Li. Now, they suddenly realized that their son-in-law's influence and connections likely far exceeded their expectations! With such a reliable brother by their side, what was there to worry about regarding Shazhu's future and Yu Li's life? Those lingering anxieties about being bullied for not having a son vanished instantly. With such a powerful backer, who would dare to lay a hand on the Yu family?

Yu Haitang's face flushed with excitement: "Wang Huanbo? Is that the super young and incredibly capable Chief Engineer Wang? I saw his name in the newspaper! Oh my god, brother-in-law! You actually know him! And he even lent you such a precious car! That's amazing!"

Sha Zhu smiled憨厚ly, but in his heart he felt genuinely proud to have a brother like Wang Huanbo. He continued, "Huanbo is a sentimental and affectionate man. He's very capable, but he's not arrogant at all. He treats me and Yushui like his own siblings. He helped a lot with my wedding to Lili and me. This car was one thing, but he also got all the beef and canned fruit. He said, 'This is my only wedding, so it has to be a grand affair.'"

These words were sincere, making the sentiment all the more profound. Yu Jianguo nodded repeatedly, saying with emotion, "Zhuzi, you're lucky to have a brother like this, and it's also Lili's good fortune. A person's ability isn't the most important thing; what matters is loyalty! Someone like Engineer Wang is worth befriending!"

Li Yumei chimed in, "Yes, Zhuzi, after the wedding, we must thank Engineer Wang properly. We must remember this kindness."

"Mom and Dad, don't worry, I remember everything." Sha Zhu nodded solemnly.

The atmosphere inside the car completely relaxed, even becoming warm and inviting. Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei were no longer so reserved, and began to carefully examine the interior furnishings, enjoying the comfort of the seats and marveling at the wonders of technology. Yu Haitang, on the other hand, chattered on, asking all sorts of questions, which Sha Zhu patiently answered, occasionally making the little girl giggle.

The Hongqi limousine drove smoothly back to Nanluoguxiang. Yi Zhonghai's car, Liu Haizhong's car, and Xu Damao's car followed closely behind. Further out, security personnel disguised as guests, passersby, and vendors also followed the convoy in various ways, near and far, forming an invisible net that firmly protected the core of the convoy.

Through the car window, Sha Zhu watched the familiar street scene recede into the distance. He looked at Yu Li, who was sitting quietly beside him with a red veil covering her face (although he couldn't see her face, he could feel her tension and joy). He looked at his sister-in-law in the front row, who was excited, and at his parents-in-law in the back row, who had finally relaxed and had relieved smiles on their faces. He felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction and responsibility.

The wedding procession is more than just bringing the bride from her parents' home to her husband's. It's a declaration, a union, and a promise. With this Hongqi car, he declared that he was capable of providing Yu Li with a happy and stable life; with this scene, he united the two families and dispelled potential conflicts; and he silently promised in his heart that he would never let Yu Li down, never fail his parents-in-law's trust, and never betray the profound friendship of his brother Huanbo.

The car drove past the Drum Tower and turned into a more familiar alley. Courtyard No. 95 was just ahead. There, waiting relatives and friends awaited, a lavish feast was planned, but also a lurking crisis.

But at this moment, Sha Zhu's heart was filled with courage and anticipation. With the red flag in front, his beloved by his side, and his brothers behind him, what was there to fear?

In the eyes of Yu's relatives and friends, the extended Hongqi limousine that carried Yu Li away, and everything it represented, was deeply imprinted in their minds. From now on, He Yuzhu, the eldest son-in-law of the Yu family, and his mysterious and powerful chief engineer friend behind him, will become a legend they will talk about for a long time, and also a taboo that some people dare not easily touch.

The invisible deterrent has been achieved. The eligible bachelor arrives, a red flag leading the way, not only taking away the beautiful bride, but also a profound sense of security and honor. The wheels roll on, heading not only towards the hall of marriage, but also towards the starting point of a future of protection, affection, and new beginnings.