Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Section 1: An Old Friend Returns with Old Feelings, the Deaf Woman Presents a Treasure, Showing Her Compassion

The heat of the banquet filled the courtyard, the aroma of wine and meat mingling with the laughter of the people, completely dispelling the autumn chill. Amidst this lively atmosphere and bustling chatter, a striking figure appeared at the moon gate of the central courtyard.

He Daqing helped an elderly woman with a full head of silver hair, a hunched back but a sprightly spirit, carefully through the noisy crowd towards the main table. The old woman wore a brand-new navy blue jacket, her hair neatly combed and tied into a tight bun at the back of her head, adorned with an antique silver hairpin. Her face was covered with wrinkles, like dried walnuts, but her eyes were not cloudy; instead, they shone with a clarity and gentleness born of experience. She leaned on a smooth jujube wood cane, her steps slow but steady.

It was the "ancestor" of courtyard number 95, the deaf old lady.

Her arrival caused the noise from the nearby tables to subside. The older residents of the courtyard all knew the significance of this old lady. The younger ones, though less aware, saw He Daqing so respectfully helping her up, and Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong, and others immediately rising to greet her, and knew that this old lady was no ordinary person.

"Grandma, why did you come over here? Slow down, slow down!" Yi Zhonghai quickly stepped forward to help He Daqing.

Liu Haizhong forced a smile: "Grandma, today is Zhuzi's big day. You should rest in the house. If you want anything to eat, just have Zhuzi bring it to you."

The deaf old woman waved her hand, her voice a little hoarse but with an undeniable force: "What's there to rest for? I'm not so old that I can't move. Zhu Zi is getting married, how could I, as his grandmother, not come and see?" Her gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Sha Zhu, who was being toasted by a group of people and whose face was flushed. Then she turned to Yu Li, who was dressed in red and looked slightly shy, her eyes full of kind smiles.

He Daqing explained, "The old lady insisted on coming over to see the wedding ceremony and the toasting in person. I discussed it with Chef Nanyi, and we prepared some soft and easy-to-digest dishes for her to eat in the house first. We'll bring her over during the ceremony, so it won't be a problem."

It turns out that this deaf old lady had a deep connection with the Wang and He families. This courtyard at No. 95 was originally acquired by Wang Huanbo's father, Wang Jinshan, after he established himself in Beiping. When Wang Jinshan and his family came to Beiping from Wangjiazhuang to make a living, the deaf old lady (who was neither deaf nor old at the time) was the most capable caregiver for Wang Huanbo's mother, Lin Wanrong. Lin Wanrong was frail, and after giving birth to Wang Huanbo, she needed meticulous care. The infant Wang Huanbo was practically raised single-handedly by the deaf old lady. He Daqing was then the Wang family's hired cook. Having worked together for many years, He Daqing and the deaf old lady were naturally familiar with each other, and one could even say they shared a bond of hardship.

Later, as circumstances changed, the Wang family fled overseas to escape the war, entrusting the courtyard to the deaf old lady. He Daqing then went to work for the Lou family and Fengzeyuan, eventually ending up at the Lou family's steel rolling mill. The deaf old lady stayed in the courtyard until Wang Huanbo returned after completing his studies. Before He Daqing decided to leave Beijing for Baoding, he had considered entrusting Shazhu and Yushui to this old lady, whom he knew well and who had cared for young Wang Huanbo. However, seeing the deaf old lady's increasingly aged face and faltering steps, he ultimately couldn't bear to place the burden of two young children on her shoulders, and instead pleaded with Yi Zhonghai, who seemed honest and reliable at the time. Little did he know that this entrustment would almost lead to a terrible mistake.

Now that Wang Huanbo has returned, he not only resumed his responsibility of caring for the deaf old lady, but also took her to the best hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, for a checkup and had her fitted with the finest porcelain veneers available at the time. While they weren't as comfortable as her original teeth, for a woman nearing 70, being able to chew soft foods again was a great blessing. Wang Huanbo also hired three quick and honest women to regularly clean the old lady's house and do her laundry. Sha Zhu, the old lady's husband, would often cook her special meals, making them delicious and easy to digest. The old lady's later years were spent comfortably and peacefully cared for by Wang Huanbo and Sha Zhu, whom she had watched grow up or even raised. This bond transcended simple master-servant or neighborly relations; it was more like a continuation of blood ties.

At this moment, seeing that Sha Zhu was finally getting married and settling down, marrying a gentle and sensible girl like Yu Li, the deaf old lady was no less happy than He Daqing, her own father. She insisted on coming to the wedding to witness this perfect union with her own eyes.

Soon, someone brought over a grand chair with thick cushions and placed it in the most prestigious and best-viewing spot next to the main table. The deaf old lady was helped to sit down, and He Daqing carefully straightened her clothes. Once seated, the old lady's gentle gaze swept over the lively scene in the courtyard, finally settling on Sha Zhu and Yu Li, who were walking towards her.

Sha Zhu, pulling Yu Li along, quickly walked to the deaf old lady and bowed respectfully: "Grandma! You've come!"

Yu Li also bowed and said softly, "Hello, Grandma."

The wrinkles on the deaf old woman's face smoothed out like chrysanthemums. She reached out, holding Sha Zhu's hand in one hand and Yu Li's hand in the other. She looked at them from left to right, saying repeatedly, "Good, good! Zhu has grown up and started a family! Li Li is such a pretty girl, she looks like she knows how to manage a household! Good, so good!" Her hands were dry but warm, trembling slightly, from genuine excitement.

Looking at the perfect couple before her, the deaf old woman seemed to remember something. She shakily released her grip and began rummaging inside the lapel of her new jacket. Everyone watched curiously, wondering what the old woman was going to do.

She fumbled around for a moment, then pulled out a small package tightly wrapped in red silk. Carefully and slowly, she peeled back the layers of silk, as if it contained a priceless treasure. Finally, the silk was fully unfurled, and lying in the old woman's palm was a jade bracelet, perfectly emerald green, with exceptional clarity and flawless texture! In the afternoon autumn sunlight, the jade gleamed with a warm, understated luster, like a still pool of clear water, crystal clear and obviously a high-quality antique passed down through generations.

Everyone present was astonished! Even the well-informed Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide's eyes flashed with surprise. The quality of this bracelet was far beyond what an ordinary family could possess.

The deaf old lady picked up the jade bracelet, pulled Yu Li's hand, and was about to put it on her wrist.

"Grandma, this..." Yu Li was startled and quickly tried to pull her hand away. This gift was far too valuable!

"Grandma, this is unacceptable!" He Daqing quickly interjected, "This is too valuable, you should keep it for yourself!"

Sha Zhu panicked, "Grandma, we appreciate your kindness, but we can't accept this bracelet!"

The deaf old woman glared, her stubbornness resurfacing, her hand gripping the bracelet firmly and resolutely: "What do you mean it can't be used? I say it's okay, so it's okay!" She looked at Yu Li, her gaze loving yet solemn. "This bracelet was a gift from my mother, Huanbo's mother. It was said to be part of her dowry, meant to be passed down to her daughter-in-law… But I didn't have that blessing. My two sons, before they even had a chance to get married, they…" The old woman's voice choked, a deep sorrow flashing in her eyes. Her two sons were both patriotic young men who resolutely joined the army after the outbreak of the War of Resistance, ultimately sacrificing their lives on the battlefield, their remains never recovered.

She took a deep breath, suppressing her surging emotions, and continued, "Later, the Wang family went overseas, leaving this courtyard for me to look after. Then, Huanbo came back and took care of me in my old age, Zhuzi cooked for me, and Huanbo even hired people to look after me... This old man of mine, in his final days, is actually enjoying a life of comfort." She gently patted Yu Li's hand. "Now, Zhuzi has married you, and I'm happy to see it. This bracelet is of no use to me, and it's not appropriate to pass it on to outsiders. Today, consider it my gift to my granddaughter-in-law, a wedding present!"

As she spoke, without further ado, she gently slipped the cool jade bracelet onto Yu Li's slender, fair wrist. The emerald green bracelet stood out against the bright red cuffs of her wedding dress and her snow-white skin, appearing both striking and weighty—a weighty weight representing the deep affection and entrustment that transcended war, separation, time, and blood ties.

Yu Li's eyes instantly reddened. She felt the cool, smooth touch on her wrist and the weight it contained. For a moment, she didn't know what to do. She could only look at Sha Zhu and then at He Daqing.

Seeing the old lady's resolute expression and then looking at the bracelet, He Daqing knew he couldn't refuse and understood its significance. He sighed and nodded to Lili, "Lili, since it's Grandma's kind gesture, please accept it. Wear it well and don't let Grandma down."

Sha Zhu scratched his head and smiled憨厚ly at the deaf old lady, "Grandma, well... well, we'll accept it with a heavy heart. Thank you, Grandma! We'll definitely live a good life and take good care of you!"

The surrounding guests, whether they knew the story or not, were deeply moved by this scene. Envious gazes were focused on Yu Li's wrist, and even more so on this extraordinary affection. Who would have thought that an ordinary old lady from a courtyard house could produce such a precious family heirloom? Who would have imagined that she harbored such deep feelings for Sha Zhu, a younger relative who wasn't her biological grandson? Wang Huanbo's care for the elderly woman, and Sha Zhu's daily concern, seemed especially precious now, illuminated by this bracelet. This was a reward for kindness, a cycle of compassion.

Yu Li finally stopped refusing. She stroked the bracelet on her wrist, bowed deeply to the deaf old lady, and said in a choked voice, "Thank you, Grandma! Your granddaughter-in-law will cherish this opportunity and, together with Zhu Zi, will take good care of you!"

The deaf old woman smiled with satisfaction and nodded repeatedly: "Good child, good child."

This little incident added a touch of warmth and solemnity to the lively wedding banquet. The jade bracelet was not only a valuable gift, but also a symbol that tightly connected the Wang family's past ties, the He family's present, and the deep-seated maternal love and compassion of the deaf old lady.

Section Two: The toasting rounds shift to the core, the hidden sentries are on edge, awaiting a thunderclap.

After the controversy surrounding the bracelet gift subsided, the atmosphere at the banquet became even more lively. Sha Zhu and Yu Li began to formally toast and express their gratitude to the guests at each table.

They started at the head table, toasting both sets of parents, the deaf elderly lady, and then distinguished guests such as Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide, Minister Lin Hongjie, and Deputy Minister Wang Luofei. Li Huaide spoke with a beaming smile, offering many words of encouragement and blessings, while Lin Hongjie and Wang Luofei were concise, but their toasts were crisp and clean, their eyes showing their approval of the newlyweds.

Next, they turned to Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong, and other prominent elders in the courtyard. Yi Zhonghai's expression was complex, containing both blessings and a hint of unspeakable loneliness. Liu Haizhong, with his pregnant belly, tried his best to say polite things, attempting to assert his status as the "second uncle."

Then came Nan Yi and He Daqing, the two great contributors of the day. Nan Yi chuckled and downed his drink in one gulp, patting Sha Zhu on the shoulder: "Zhu Zi, from now on you'll be settling down and starting a family, so do your best!" He Daqing looked at his son, a thousand words stuck in his chest, but in the end he just nodded heavily, downed his drink in one go, the spicy liquor burning his throat and his complicated emotions.

Table after table, the clinking of glasses and the constant exchange of blessings filled the air. Sha Zhu accepted every drink offered, emptying his glass in one gulp, his face flushed even more, yet his eyes remained clear. Yu Li, on the other hand, only took small sips, her cheeks rosy, adding to her radiant beauty. They walked past the tables of their steel mill coworkers, past the tables of their neighborhood office neighbors, past the tables of Yu Li's printing factory sisters… Laughter and cheerful conversation enveloped them, as if the whole world were celebrating their union.

However, amidst this sea of ​​joy, a few pairs of eyes remained as calm as ice and snow.

Zheng Weiguo, Zhou Tiejun, Li Haitao, Wang Jian, and Deng Huade appeared to be scattered around drinking and chatting, but in reality, each of their positions was meticulously calculated, forming a comprehensive, cross-surveillance network over the core area of ​​the central courtyard—especially the main table and the path leading to the back courtyard. Their hands never truly left the gun handles concealed at their waists or under their arms; their ears picked up any unusual sounds; their eyes, like searchlights, swept over every face, especially those marked as "suspicious targets."

The "bespectacled cadre" was still chatting and laughing, but he seemed to be raising his glass more frequently. He would occasionally wipe the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief, his movements elegant, but Zheng Weiguo noticed that when he wiped, his fingertips would slightly touch behind his ears.

The "young man" seemed to have drunk even more; his face was flushed, his neck was thick, and he spoke louder, putting his arm around his coworkers' shoulders. However, his right foot was always slightly pointed towards the path leading from the middle courtyard to the back courtyard, and his toes were even unconsciously tapping the ground lightly, as if calculating some kind of rhythm.

The "old lady" was still chatting with the neighbors, but the snacks in front of her were barely touched, and she kept rubbing the empty snack box in her hand.

Near the moon gate, Lin Zhan stood like a statue, seemingly smoking leisurely, but in reality, his muscles were slightly tense, his gaze lowered, yet he took in every movement from all angles in front of and behind him. His partner, Zhou Hong, had already retreated into the shadows inside the moon gate, completely concealing her figure.

In the study in the west courtyard, Wang Huanbo put down the book in his hand. He changed into a more formal Zhongshan suit and glanced at the clock on the wall. The appointed time was approaching. He could "hear" the bustling voices coming from the front and middle courtyards, "sense" the invisible, interwoven network of vigilance in the air, and even faintly "smell" a very faint, cold scent of metal and gunpowder hidden beneath the aroma of wine and meat.

He knew it was time for him to make his move. Ten minutes—that was the agreement he'd reached with the security department, and the time limit for him to expose himself as "bait" to potential threats. He glanced at Lou Xiao'e, who was sleeping peacefully in the next room (the banquet was noisy, and Wang Huanbo had let her rest in the inner room where the soundproofing was better), his eyes softened for a moment, then hardened. He had to go, for Sha Zhu's sake, and to lure out the enemy lurking in the shadows.

He stood up and straightened his collar. There was a gentle knock on the study door, and Lin Zhan's deep voice came through: "Engineer Wang, it's time."

"Okay," Wang Huanbo replied and opened the door.

Outside the door, besides Lin Zhan, Li Haitao, Wang Jian, and Deng Huade had also quietly gathered, forming a tight protective triangle. Lin Zhan whispered, "Wei Guo and Tie Jun will provide support at the front banquet, while Lin Wei and Chunhua will guard the lady. We'll escort you there. As planned, we'll return immediately after the toasts."

Wang Huanbo nodded, said nothing more, and stepped out of the small gate of the west courtyard.

His appearance immediately attracted widespread attention.

Zhou Tiejun, who had been "socializing" near the main table, seemed to unconsciously press his waist. Zheng Weiguo, on the other hand, picked up his wine glass and walked towards the table where the "bespectacled cadre" was, smiling as he asked to have a drink with his "cousin," cleverly blocking part of the other's view.

Sha Zhu, who was toasting his fellow steelworkers at their table, caught a glimpse of Wang Huanbo approaching from the side of the courtyard, escorted by Li Haitao and others. His face immediately broke into an even brighter smile, and he called out loudly, "Huanbo! Over here! I was just about to toast you!"

This shout drew the attention of many people.

Wang Huanbo! Chief Engineer of Red Star United Industrial Corporation! A legendary figure! Many guests, especially Yu Li's relatives and coworkers, had only heard of him but never seen him, and were now looking around curiously.

The newcomer was tall and slender, dressed in a well-fitting dark gray Zhongshan suit. His handsome face and calm demeanor made him stand out among the other guests, some radiant, others simply dressed. What was even more unsettling was the presence of three sharp-looking men accompanying him (Li Haitao, Wang Jian, and Deng Huade). Although also in casual clothes and smiling, their well-trained gazes and gait clearly indicated they were no ordinary friends or relatives. A short distance away, a man with a stern expression (Lin Zhan) followed closely behind.

Wang Huanbo's appearance was like a magnet thrown into a noisy banquet, instantly attracting and freezing some of the air.

Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide stood up with a smile: "Engineer Wang, you've finally come out! We've been waiting for this drink!"

Lin Hongjie and Wang Luofei nodded slightly in greeting, but their eyes scanned their surroundings more sharply.

When the deaf old lady saw Wang Huanbo, her smile deepened, and she waved to him.

He Daqing's expression was complex, showing both gratitude and a hint of restraint in the face of the "young master" who was also his son's "big backer".

Yu Li's parents were seeing the legendary "Engineer Wang" up close for the first time. Seeing how young he was yet how extraordinary his demeanor was, they were even more shocked and immediately stood up as well.

Sha Zhu, holding Yu Li's hand and a wine glass in hand, hurried toward Wang Huanbo. The emerald bracelet on Yu Li's wrist shimmered with a warm luster as she moved.

"Huanbo, we've been waiting for you! Lily and I have to toast you properly!" Shazhu's voice was loud and clear, full of sincere gratitude. "Without you, my wedding wouldn't have been so grand! The car, the food, and..." He waved the wrapper of a White Rabbit candy in his hand (someone had mentioned it when toasting earlier), everything was understood without words.

Wang Huanbo smiled sincerely, took the glass of wine (which contained only water) that Li Haitao handed him at the right moment, and said gently, "Brother Zhu, sister-in-law, congratulations. I wish you a long and happy marriage." His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of everyone nearby.

Yu Li also raised her glass gracefully and said softly, "Thank you, Engineer Wang, you've gone to so much trouble."

The three of them gently clinked their glasses together.

At that very instant when the glasses clinked together, producing a crisp sound—

"boom!!!"

A deafening crash suddenly came from the direction of the alley outside No. 95 courtyard! The sound was so violent and abrupt, like a bolt from the blue, that it instantly tore apart and swallowed up all the laughter and the clattering of cups and plates!

The earth seemed to tremble, the dishes on the table clattered, and soup and wine spilled out. Everyone was stunned by the sudden loud noise, and a moment of deathly silence fell over the scene.

Immediately afterwards—

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

A dense, crisp burst of gunfire, like popping beans, followed immediately by an explosion! It wasn't the sound of firecrackers! It was real gunfire! And not just one gun! Among them were the familiar sounds of the Type 54 pistol, as well as the sounds of rapid fire with even greater firepower and a faster rate of fire—most likely submachine guns!

"ah--!"

After a brief silence, screams from women, cries from children, and shouts from men erupted suddenly! The crowd instantly descended into panic and chaos! Some instinctively crouched down and crawled under the tables, while others stood up in terror and tried to run away. The sounds of tables and chairs being knocked over and plates shattering filled the air!

"Enemy attack!!!"

"Protect the target!!!"

Almost at the same instant the explosion rang out, the well-trained security personnel issued a short and sharp shout!

Zheng Weiguo and Zhou Tiejun sprang up like cheetahs, pouncing on the two most suspicious targets closest to them—the "bespectacled cadre" and the "young man"! Zheng Weiguo executed a standard grappling move, lightning-fast grabbing the "bespectacled cadre's" wrist, aiming for a communication device or poison he might be hiding behind his ear! Zhou Tiejun, on the other hand, delivered a fierce sweeping kick, slamming it into the "young man's" right hand, which was always kept under the table!

Li Haitao, Wang Jian, and Deng Huade reacted with incredible speed! Before the explosion had even subsided, they had already formed a human wall around Wang Huanbo, using their bodies as shields. At the same time, the three of them gripped their dark Type 54 pistols, pointing the muzzles in different directions, their eyes sharp as knives, searching for any possible attack from the banquet crowd!

Lin Zhan stepped forward, blocking Wang Huanbo's path between the Moon Gate and the west courtyard. That was the shortest route back to the west courtyard, and also the direction from which an attack was possible. He now held a gun, his expression cold and steely.

Wang Luofei and Lin Hongjie reacted immediately. Lin Hongjie shielded Li Huaide, whose expression had suddenly changed, while his gaze swept across the entire room. Wang Luofei, like a ghost, flashed forward and was already close to the "old lady" carrying the snack box!

In the instant the explosion and gunshots rang out, Sha Zhu reacted purely by instinct. He pulled Yu Li tightly into his arms, using his broad back to shield her from any potential danger. At the same time, he swiftly pulled the stunned deaf old woman behind him. The smile from when he was toasting still lingered on his face, but his eyes instantly turned sharp and fierce, like an enraged lion surveying the chaotic scene.

Yu Li was terrified, her face turning pale. She clutched Sha Zhu's clothes tightly, the jade bracelet on her wrist pressed coldly against her skin.

He Daqing also stood up abruptly, blocking the deaf old lady and Yu Li's parents, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, his eyes anxiously searching for his son and daughter-in-law.

Outside, the gunfire intensified, mingling with shouts, running sounds, and the roar of motorcycle engines (Li Hong's mobile unit was en route to the engagement). The thick smell of gunpowder drifted on the autumn wind into the courtyard, which had just been filled with the festive aroma of wine and meat.

The wedding banquet came to an abrupt end at this moment.

Warm wishes and deadly intent collided with a deafening crash amidst the clinking of wine glasses! The warm luster of the jade bracelet seemed to still reflect the smiles on the newlyweds' faces, but the next moment, it was shrouded in the flames of an explosion and the smoke from gun barrels.

Wang Huanbo was tightly guarded in the middle, his face calm and composed. He knew that the long-awaited moment had finally arrived. The fish had taken the bait. And it was time to haul in the net.

But what will be the price of this final showdown? And how will this meticulously planned wedding end?

The chaos has only just begun...