Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Section 1: Factory Leaders' Presence Reassures People; Warm Soup and Rice Warm the Body and Heart.

The smoke of battle had not yet dissipated in courtyard number 95, and the stench of blood mingled with the morning chill, lingering among the ruins. But unlike the previous chaotic and terrifying scene, a new order, imbued with organization and power, was rapidly being established on this land that had just experienced a catastrophe.

Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide, a factory leader known for his shrewdness, competence, and ability to coordinate relationships, had become the temporary "commander-in-chief" on the scene. Unlike some other cadres who fled in fear or waited for instructions, he stepped forward immediately after confirming that Wang Huanbo had safely evacuated and that the main fighting in the compound had ended.

"Comrades from the Security Department, those who are not injured, come with me! Maintain order, assist medical personnel in identifying and transferring the wounded! Protect the scene, do not touch any suspicious items, wait for the police to handle it!" Li Huaide's voice was a little hoarse from the tension and shouting earlier, but it was unusually clear and powerful. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, which were stained with dust and blood. His face no longer had its usual smooth smile, but instead had a solemn authority and an unquestionable decisiveness.

Under his command, more than ten security officers, some with only minor injuries and others uninjured, quickly assembled and divided into several groups. One group, in coordination with police officers and militiamen who arrived one after another, set up a tighter cordon at the alley entrance and the gate of the compound, guiding the crowds who had come to watch or search for their relatives and preventing secondary chaos. Another group assisted the medical staff in making makeshift stretchers using door panels, ladders, and anything else available, carefully carrying the seriously injured out and onto the arriving ambulances. Yet another group began to clear dangerous obstacles in the compound (such as crumbling walls and suspended beams), and under the guidance of criminal investigators, used lime powder to roughly mark the bullet impact points, the location of the bodies, and other key traces at the scene.

Li Huaide himself moved through the bustling crowd, his gaze sweeping over faces that showed pain, fear, or confusion. He recognized many of them—they were workers, cadres, and their families from the Hongxing Factory. The vast majority of those attending Shazhu's wedding banquet today were from the factory.

"Master Liu! Hang in there! The doctor's coming right away!" He pressed down on the shoulder of an elderly fitter who had been shot in the abdomen and was groaning in pain, and yelled at the young security officer carrying the stretcher, "Be gentle! Watch his abdominal wound!"

"Sister Wang, don't be afraid, the child just fainted from fright, it's alright!" He comforted a woman who was holding her unconscious child and was completely distraught, and then took off his coat and wrapped it around the child.

"Mr. Zhang, is your leg alright? Can you walk? Let me help you over there to get your wound treated." He helped up a technician who had sprained his ankle.

He didn't offer empty words or platitudes; every sentence was practical, and every action carried weight. When the workers saw the usually aloof Deputy Factory Director Li, covered in dust and dirt, personally directing operations with composure, their panicked hearts inexplicably calmed. Especially when they heard him call out to them with his familiar voice, tinged with the factory's accent, a sense of belonging and security—that "we're still one of them" and "the organization is looking out for us"—quietly grew within them.

"Director Li... does the factory... does the factory know?" an elderly worker, whose arm was grazed by a stray bullet, asked, enduring the pain.

"Don't worry! The factory already knows! Director Yang and Secretary Yao will be here soon! Not a single person from our Hongxing Factory can be missing! The factory will do its best to treat the injured! The factory will take full responsibility for any accidents!" Li Huaide's resolute answer was like a reassurance to all the still-shaken Hongxing Factory employees present.

Sure enough, less than half an hour later, the roar of a car engine and hurried footsteps could be heard outside the alley. Yao Jianghe, the factory's Party Secretary, and Yang Weimin, the factory director, arrived with grave expressions, accompanied by almost all the remaining personnel from the factory's security department (excluding those handling key security areas) and several truckloads of supplies urgently transferred from the logistics department.

The horrific scene before them made even the two factory's main leaders gasp. Yao Jianghe, a veteran revolutionary who had lived through the war years, clenched his fists so tightly they cracked; Yang Weimin's face was ashen, his lips pressed tightly together. But they had no time for anger or sorrow; they quickly met up with Li Huaide to find out what had happened.

"Old Li, you've worked hard! You've done a great job directing the operation!" Yao Jianghe patted Li Huaide heavily on the shoulder, then ordered the factory office director who had come with him, "Immediately compile a list of all casualties among our factory employees present, categorize them by severity, and register them! Notify the factory hospital to cancel all leave and focus on treating the injured! If there aren't enough medicines, go directly to the pharmaceutical company to get more; just say it was my order, Yao Jianghe!"

Yang Weimin walked to the truck piled with supplies, lifted the tarpaulin to reveal it full of flour, rice, canned goods, blankets, gauze, and medicine. "Old Li, arrange for people to cook, treat the wounded, and keep the comrades warm! Don't let them be cold, hungry, and scared!" He then looked at Nan Yi, who was helping at the makeshift stove. "Chef Nan! I'll have to trouble you! Take the canteen staff and use this to make something hot for everyone, for the doctors and nurses! Plenty!"

"Don't worry, Director Yang! We guarantee we'll complete the mission!" Nan Yi straightened his chest, his face still bearing the marks of smoke and fire, but his eyes were unusually firm. He called to Ma Hua, Fatty, Feng Hua, Deng Kai, and several uninjured canteen helpers, and they immediately got to work. Washing rice, starting a fire, boiling water, opening cans... Soon, steam rose from the large iron pot, and the aroma of rice porridge and the salty fragrance of canned meat began to wash away the smoke and blood in the air.

Yao Jianghe and Yang Weimin did not stay behind, but personally went into the crowd to visit the injured workers one by one, shaking hands, comforting them, and inquiring about their injuries.

"Secretary Yao, Factory Director Yang..." When the workers saw that the factory's two highest-ranking leaders had come in person, bringing so many supplies, many of their eyes instantly welled up with tears. It was the kind of excitement that comes from seeing someone to rely on in dire straits.

Yao Jianghe stood on a slightly higher step, his gaze sweeping over the wounded, terrified family members, and busy medical and security personnel filling the courtyard. He took a deep breath and spoke loudly in his strong, Shaanxi-accented voice:

"Fellow workers at Hongxing Factory! Comrades! You have suffered! You have been frightened! I, Yao Jianghe, on behalf of the factory's Party Committee, extend my deepest condolences to you!"

The scene gradually quieted down, and everyone's eyes were focused on him.

"Today is a joyous occasion for Comrade He Yuzhu, the canteen manager of our Red Star Factory! It should be a day of celebration and merriment! However, those wicked enemy agents, in their depravity and madness, dared to launch such a despicable and bloody attack in broad daylight, in our capital, against our outstanding working brothers and our beloved scientists! This is a provocation against our working class! A provocation against our new China!"

His voice suddenly rose, filled with anger and power: "But they've miscalculated! Look at us! Look at our comrades! Comrade He Yuzhu stepped forward to protect the elderly and his wife! Many of our fellow workers did not back down in the face of danger! Our security personnel, the police officers, PLA soldiers, medical workers, and the cadres and masses from our neighborhood were all fighting desperately! There are no cowards among the people of Hongxing Factory!"

These words stirred the workers' fighting spirit and their indomitable will. Many who had been dejected and terrified gradually straightened their backs.

Yang Weimin took over, his tone calm and firm: "Now, I announce the factory's Party Committee's decision: First, all employees present today, regardless of injury, will receive a week of paid leave! Go home, calm down, and take care of your families! Second, injured employees will receive one to three months of paid leave, depending on the severity of their injuries! The factory will cover all medical expenses, and wages will be paid as usual! Third, the factory's labor union will immediately activate special hardship subsidies to provide maximum financial assistance and living support to the families of injured and deceased employees! The factory will take care of all subsequent work arrangements and family difficulties! We will never allow any comrade who has shed blood and sweat for the factory to shed tears and feel disheartened again!"

"Long live the factory!"

"Thank you, factory leaders!"

"Long live the Communist Party!"

A heartfelt cheer and applause, tinged with sobs, erupted from the workers. After experiencing the terror of life and death, this tangible guarantee and promise warmed their hearts more than any empty slogan. Many people wiped away tears as they accepted the hot porridge and steamed buns offered by Nan Yi and his team. The scalding food seemed to dispel much of the chill in their hearts.

Watching this scene, Li Huaide secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew the most dangerous moment had passed, and the anxiety among the workers had been initially stabilized. The aftermath would be incredibly complex, but with the factory's support and the understanding of his honest and hardworking colleagues, even the most difficult hurdle could be overcome. He turned to look west, towards the direction of the military hospital, and silently prayed: "Engineer Wang, your wife, you must both be safe! So many people in the factory, in the country, are waiting for you!"

Section Two: Outside the Ward, Heroes Gather for Heavy Security, Displaying Special Honor

The military general hospital, on the top floor of the surgical building, in a dedicated special intensive care unit. This area, already heavily guarded, was now shrouded in an almost frozen, chilling atmosphere.

The long corridor was spotless, yet deserted, save for the monotonous hum of the pale fluorescent lights overhead. The entrances at both ends of the corridor were already guarded by fully armed soldiers with eyes as sharp as eagles. Their Type 81 automatic rifles were pointed downwards, but their fierce aura—a testament to rigorous training and readiness for combat—was enough to deter any uninvolved person from entering.

Outside the operating room, the red "Operating" light still blared glaringly. Wang Huanbo sat quietly on the bench, his back ramrod straight, like a silent sculpture. The ashtray beside him was piled high with seven or eight cigarette butts, all specially supplied "Chunghwa" cigarettes. A wisp of blue smoke swirled around him, but it couldn't dispel the deep-seated gravity and anxiety in his eyes. With each passing second, the tension in his heart tightened. The energy of light could temporarily stabilize the situation, but the real test of life and death lay in the precise operation on the operating table, in the very life force of his wife and unborn child. This feeling of completely entrusting the lives of his loved ones to someone else filled this transmigrator, accustomed to controlling everything, with an unprecedented sense of powerlessness and torment.

Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang didn't linger. After conveying their superiors' condolences, leaving the guard battalion behind, and confirming that Wang Huanbo was temporarily unharmed, the two hurriedly left. Before leaving, Li Yunlong lowered his voice, his eyes flashing coldly: "Engineer Wang, you can rest assured. I'm going to meet those captured prisoners! Damn it, if I don't get every last drop of dirt out of them, I'm not Li!" Zhao Gang also solemnly said: "Engineer Wang, take care of yourself. We'll report any progress in the interrogation immediately. The country and the organization are your strongest support."

The guard battalion they left behind was commanded by a man named Duan Peng. He was not tall, but he was wiry and strong, with strikingly bright eyes. He moved silently, yet with the agility and power of a cheetah. He was a veteran Li Yunlong had trained during the war years, a trusted and beloved general, and now, as the guard battalion commander, he was responsible for the most crucial security tasks.

"Reporting to Engineer Wang! Duan Peng, the battalion commander of the guard battalion of the Capital Garrison Division, has been ordered to lead all officers and soldiers of the battalion to be responsible for the security and protection of you and your family during this period! Please give instructions!" Duan Peng walked up to Wang Huanbo, stood at attention and saluted. His voice was not loud, but it had a firm and resounding quality.

Wang Huanbo raised his bloodshot eyes, glanced at him, and nodded slightly: "Thank you for your trouble, Battalion Commander Duan. Inside the hospital, please try not to disrupt normal medical order. Focus on the perimeter and key passageways."

"Yes! Understood!" Duan Peng turned around crisply and began to assign tasks in a low, rapid voice. One battalion of soldiers silently dispersed, guarding all possible entry and exit points such as staircases, elevators, ventilation ducts, and the rooftop; another company deployed outside the building, forming a crossfire network and observation posts; the remaining personnel served as a mobile force. Their actions were efficient, professional, and silent, instantly transforming the area into an impregnable military restricted zone. Wang Huanbo's former bodyguards (Lin Zhan, Xiao Zhao, etc.), who had participated in the escort last night and were mostly injured, were also temporarily incorporated into Duan Peng's command system, responsible for close protection within the inner circle. With the addition of this fresh force, the security level around Wang Huanbo was raised to an unprecedented level.

Shortly after Duan Peng's guard battalion was deployed, footsteps echoed again from the end of the corridor, this time sounding slightly chaotic. Factory Party Secretary Yao Jianghe and Factory Director Yang Weimin, accompanied by two factory security officers, hurried over. Their faces bore the weariness of a night's journey and worry, but upon seeing Wang Huanbo, they both forced relieved smiles.

"Engineer Wang! Are you alright? We were so worried about you!" Yao Jianghe stepped forward and tightly grasped Wang Huanbo's hand with great force.

"Engineer Wang, how is your wife? Everyone in the factory is very worried!" Yang Weimin asked anxiously.

Wang Huanbo forced a smile: "I'm fine, just superficial injuries. Xiao'e is inside, her condition... is still unclear. Thank you for your concern, Secretary Yao and Director Yang. As for the factory..."

"Don't worry about the factory!" Yao Jianghe said firmly. "Old Li is overseeing things over there, and order has been basically restored. All the injured workers have received treatment and been taken care of. The factory's Party Committee has decided that all those involved will be on paid leave, and the factory will cover all the medical expenses for the injured! You don't need to worry about anything; just stay here and stay with your wife!"

Yang Weimin added, "Yes, Engineer Wang, your only task now is to take care of yourself and wait for good news. The factory, the ministry, and the country all have your backing! Just ask if you need anything!"

As they were talking, a low murmur and the sound of soldiers verifying identities came from the entrance of the corridor. Immediately afterward, a group of middle-aged and elderly people with calm and authoritative demeanors walked briskly in, led by staff members. Yao Jianghe and Yang Weimin immediately became solemn upon seeing them and quickly stepped aside.

The arrivals were none other than leaders from the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the State Council, and even two high-ranking officials from "Haizili" who frequently appeared in news briefings! Each of them had an extremely solemn expression, with concern and sorrow in their eyes.

"Comrade Huanbo!" A leader from the Ministry of Industry, with gray hair and black-rimmed glasses, stepped forward first, grasped Wang Huanbo's hand, and shook it vigorously. "You've suffered! You've been through so much! On behalf of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Industry, I extend my deepest condolences to you! Your safety is crucial to the future of the nation's industrial modernization! Please take good care of yourself!"

Leaders from other ministries also stepped forward, speaking earnestly and showing great concern. They not only inquired about Wang Huanbo's health but also carefully asked about Lou Xiao'e's surgery, urging the hospital to do everything possible to help.

Finally, the leader from "Haizi Village," with a lean face and deep eyes, walked up to Wang Huanbo. He didn't exchange many pleasantries, but simply gave Wang Huanbo a deep look, a gaze that seemed to pierce through all appearances and reach the very heart. He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet carrying immense weight, echoing clearly in the silent corridor:

"Comrade Huanbo, your contributions are remembered by the nation and the people. Your family is the nation's family. I have ordered the General Hospital of the Military Region to spare no effort to ensure the absolute safety of your wife, Comrade Lou Xiao'e, and her unborn child! This is a direct order!"

He turned his head slightly to look at the director of the military hospital beside him, who was already sweating profusely and listening intently: "Director Zhang, did you hear what I said clearly?"

"I heard you clearly, Commander! Please rest assured, Commander! I guarantee with my Party spirit and military status that I will mobilize the best medical resources in the entire hospital, the city, and the army to ensure the safety of Madam Wang and her child! Otherwise, I will offer my head to you!" Director Zhang straightened his back, his voice trembling, but unusually resolute.

The commander nodded slightly, looked at Wang Huanbo again, his tone softening but becoming more serious: "Comrade Huanbo, this incident is a dereliction of duty on our part, causing you and your family to suffer undeserved harm and fright. Please believe me, the country will investigate this matter thoroughly! All those who dare to target our scientists and our nation's core interests will pay the heaviest price! What you need to do now is to rest assured. The country has arranged the best medical team for you (he gestured to several middle-aged and elderly men behind him who had been standing silently, exuding a capable air; these were top experts he had personally selected from the Health Bureau), and will also give you leave to spend quality time with your family. Your battlefield is here for now. We will weather the storms outside."

These words were more than just words of condolence; they were a solemn promise and a silent mandate. They signified that Wang Huanbo's attack had escalated to the highest level of national concern; that retaliation and reckoning would be led by the state and would be carried out without hesitation; and that Wang Huanbo and his family would receive the highest level of protection and care.

"Thank you, sir! Thank you, leaders!" Wang Huanbo stood at attention and bowed deeply to the assembled leaders. His voice was somewhat hoarse, filled with sincere gratitude, but deep in his eyes, the cold flame had not been extinguished; instead, it burned even more quietly and intensely because of this weighty promise and expectation. The nation would intervene, but he also had to settle his own scores!

The leaders didn't linger; they were incredibly busy, and their personal presence showed how much they valued the matter. After giving a few more instructions to Dean Zhang and Duan Peng, they left one after another. But their influence lingered. The medical team, led by experts from the Health Bureau, immediately joined the hospital's expert group and entered a conference room next to the operating room to begin an emergency consultation, studying the best treatment plan. The soldiers under Duan Peng stood even straighter, their eyes even sharper.

Silence returned to the corridor, broken only by the anxious glow of the red "Operating" light and the flickering red cigarette butt between Wang Huanbo's fingers. He sat back down on the bench, his gaze seemingly piercing through the thick walls, fixed on the unknown struggle unfolding inside the operating room.

After the leaders left, Yao Jianghe and Yang Weimin stayed with Wang Huanbo for a while longer, offering words of comfort, until an urgent call came from the factory, forcing them to take their leave. Before leaving, Yang Weimin whispered, "Engineer Wang, Deputy Factory Director Li's situation is almost resolved; he'll be coming over later. The factory will always be your home."

Everyone else had left, leaving only Wang Huanbo and the soldiers standing like statues at either end of the corridor. Cigarettes were lit one after another, ash piling up between his fingers. He knew that from this moment on, he was no longer just a returned scientist, a chief engineer. He had become a symbol, a figure relentlessly attacked by the enemy, yet fiercely protected by his own side. And his wife and child in the operating room became the most fragile yet most resilient link connecting all of this.

Waiting, agonizing waiting. But beneath this waiting, the will for revenge, the determination to protect, and a power beyond the ordinary, fully unleashed, are silently gathering and fermenting. The storm may seem to have subsided temporarily, but perhaps a greater wave is quietly brewing in this suffocating silence.