Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Chapter 1: The Delivery Room Where Life and Death Lie

Inside the operating room of the military hospital, under the glaring white light of the operating lamp, Lou Xiao'e's pale face was soaked with sweat, and a few strands of wet hair clung to her forehead. Her eyes were tightly closed, her eyelashes trembled incessantly, and layers of white mist clung to her oxygen mask with each weak breath. The numbers on the monitor kept fluctuating, her blood pressure dropping to 80/50 mmHg at one point, and the alarm blared loudly.

"Male postpartum hemorrhage! Blood oxygen levels continue to drop!"

"Fetal heart rate 160, signs of oxygen deprivation!"

"Prepare for blood transfusion! Activate the emergency cesarean section plan immediately!"

Around the operating table, a dozen medical staff worked efficiently and in perfect harmony, like gears on a precision instrument. Dr. Zhang, the chief surgeon, had beads of sweat on his forehead, which nurses constantly wiped away. On the other side, a team of experts from the Health Bureau were rapidly preparing special medications.

"Dr. Lin, what do you think of this situation..." Dean Zhang cast a questioning glance at a petite but powerful female doctor beside him.

Lin Qiaozhi—the founder of modern obstetrics and gynecology in China—at this moment, her gaze was sharp and her hands steady as a rock. She quickly examined Lou Xiao'e's vital signs, her voice calm and powerful: "Placeional abruption complicated by uterine atony; the pregnancy must be terminated immediately. Director Zhang, you continue to treat the bleeding points; I will take care of the fetus."

Her voice seemed to possess a magical power, instantly calming the tense atmosphere. This "Mother of Ten Thousand Babies," who had welcomed over fifty thousand new lives, was now intently focused on the monitoring screen, her fingers gently pressing on Lou Xiao'e's swollen abdomen, feeling the struggle of the little life eager to enter the world.

"Add 5mg of morphine to the anesthesia to reduce the mother's pain."

"Prepare neonatal resuscitation equipment, as premature infants have a very high probability of lung hypoplasia."

"Contact the blood bank to prepare another 800cc of type O negative blood."

A series of instructions came from Lin Qiaozhi's mouth, her tone leaving no room for argument. The soft sound of the scalpel cutting through the skin was masked by the alarm of the monitor. The moment the uterus was opened, blood gushed out, splattering onto the surgical gown.

"Suction device! Quick!"

"Hemostats!"

"The baby's head has emerged!"

Lin Qiaozhi's hands, like the most precise instruments, gently yet firmly lifted the premature baby, who was bluish-purple all over and pitifully small, out of the mother's body. The baby did not cry, only made weak movements. It weighed less than five pounds, and its skin was so thin that it was almost transparent, with the subcutaneous blood vessels clearly visible.

"Apuga score of 3! Immediate intervention required!"

Lin Qiaozhi quickly handed the baby to the on-call neonatal team, then turned to assist in treating Lou Xiao'e's bleeding points. Her movements were swift yet organized, each gesture precise and accurate.

"Intravenous injection of uterine contraction agent!"

"Suturing the bleeding points!"

"Blood pressure is starting to rise!"

After more than three hours of life-or-death struggle, everyone in the operating room breathed a sigh of relief when the baby finally let out its first weak cry. Lin Qiaozhi looked at the little life being placed in the incubator, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes. At that moment, Lou Xiao'e, upon hearing the baby's cry, smiled slightly before falling into a deep coma.

"The mother's vital signs are stable; she has been transferred to the intensive care unit."

"The premature infant has been transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit."

The red light outside the operating room finally went out.

Section 2: Waiting Outside the Operating Room

Outside the operating room, Wang Huanbo stood like a statue, the cigarette between his fingers burned to ashes, yet he seemed oblivious. His Zhongshan suit still bore traces of blood from the previous night's fierce battle, his eyes bloodshot, his gaze fixed intently on the tightly closed door.

Lou Zhenhua and Tan Loushi sat on a bench, their hands clasped tightly together. Tan Loushi's tears had long since dried; now she simply stared blankly at the ceiling, her lips trembling as she prayed silently. Lou Zhenhua kept checking his watch; each tick of the second hand felt like a hammer blow to his heart.

Li Huaide leaned against the window, his face grave. He had just finished the third phone call from the factory, giving a brief explanation before hanging up. At that moment, nothing was more important than the situation inside.

When the operating room door finally opened and the sound of the trolley wheels came, the four people rushed forward at the same time.

"Xiao'e!" Tan Loushi was the first to rush to the cart. When she saw her daughter's pale face, tears welled up in her eyes again.

Lou Xiao'e lay quietly on the trolley, her eyes closed, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows under the light. Her breathing was weak but steady, and the stray hairs on her forehead were soaked with sweat and clung to her skin.

"Doctor, how is my daughter?" Lou Zhenhua asked in a hoarse voice.

The anesthesiologist following behind the gurney quickly explained, "The surgery was successful, but there was significant bleeding. The patient is currently in a drug-induced coma and needs to be observed for 24 hours. Please make way; we need to take the mother to the intensive care unit."

Wang Huanbo gently held his wife's cold hand, kissed the back of it, and whispered, "Xiao'e, you've suffered so much." His voice choked with emotion, his eyes filled with guilt and heartache. If it weren't for him, his wife wouldn't have suffered like this.

Watching the cart drive away, Wang Huanbo turned to Dean Zhang, who followed him out: "Dean, my wife..."

"Don't worry, Mr. Wang," Dean Zhang said, removing his mask to reveal a tired but relieved smile. "Your wife is very strong; the most dangerous moment has passed. Dr. Lin's treatment was very timely; now it's mainly about rest and recovery."

Just then, the sound of a baby crying came from the operating room. Everyone turned around and saw Lin Qiaozhi personally carrying a tiny swaddled baby wrapped in a sterile blanket as she walked out.

"Congratulations, it's a baby girl." Lin Qiaozhi's voice was gentle yet strong. "Although premature, her vital signs are stable."

Wang Huanbo carefully took the incredibly tiny life into her arms. The baby's wrinkled little face was red, her eyes were tightly closed, and she occasionally let out a cry like a kitten. She was so small, so fragile, as if she would shatter at the slightest touch.

"My granddaughter..." Madam Tan Lou's hands trembled as she wanted to touch her but dared not, tears dripping onto the swaddling clothes.

"The baby weighs 4 pounds 8 ounces, and his lungs are not fully developed, so he needs to be observed in an incubator for two weeks," Lin Qiaozhi explained professionally. "But don't worry, with our health bureau team here, we will definitely ensure the baby's healthy growth."

Wang Huanbo gazed at his daughter's small face, a surge of unprecedented protectiveness and responsibility welling up within him. He looked up at Lin Qiaozhi and bowed deeply: "Dr. Lin, thank you. Without you, I'm afraid my daughter and I..."

"It's what I should do," Lin Qiaozhi said with a smile, helping him up. "Yuan Longping only weighed a little over four pounds at birth, but now he's grown into a tall man of 1.8 meters, hasn't he? This child has a loud cry and a strong will to live."

At this moment, a nurse came over to prepare to take the baby to the neonatal ward. Wang Huanbo reluctantly handed the child over to the nurse, and Xiao Zhao, who had already prepared the special formula sent from the United States, handed it over to the nursing team as well.

"Son-in-law, have you named the child yet?" Li Huaide asked at the opportune moment, trying to ease the somewhat heavy atmosphere.

Wang Huanbo nodded and looked at Lou Zhenhua and his wife: "Dad, Mom, according to the generational naming system in our Wang family, my generation is the 'Huan' generation, and the next generation is the 'Chun' generation. I'd like to name our daughter 'Chunyan,' which comes from the Book of Songs, 'Yanxiao Yanyan,' meaning peaceful and harmonious. Her nickname will be Yanyan. What do you two think?"

"Chunyan... Yanyan..." Madam Tan murmured repeatedly, tears welling up again, "What a beautiful name, what a beautiful name! I hope this child will have a peaceful and joyful life, and never suffer like her mother did today..."

Lou Zhenhua patted his wife on the shoulder and nodded solemnly to Wang Huanbo: "Okay, let's call her Wang Chunyan. I hope she can live a peaceful life, just like her name."

Li Huaide also praised repeatedly: "What a wonderful name! It has cultural depth, sounds pleasant, and is easy to remember. The factory will definitely have a grand celebration when Xiao Yanyan turns one month old!"

As they were talking, a nurse came over to inform them that they could briefly visit Lou Xiao'e in the intensive care unit. Wang Huanbo told Lou Zhenhua and his wife to go first, while he stayed behind to learn more about his wife and daughter's condition from Lin Qiaozhi and Dean Zhang.

"Dr. Lin, I never expected the high-ranking official to invite you here," Wang Huanbo said gratefully. "I, Wang Huanbo, will forever remember this kindness."

Lin Qiaozhi waved her hand, "Engineer Wang, you flatter me. Your contributions to the country deserve our utmost effort. Besides, saving lives is a doctor's duty." She paused, her tone turning serious, "However, there's something I must remind you. Your wife suffered significant damage during this childbirth and should not become pregnant again for at least two years, otherwise her life would be in danger."

Wang Huanbo nodded solemnly: "I understand. Xiao'e's health is the most important thing."

On the other end, Li Huaide received a phone call, his expression turning serious. He walked over and whispered, "Engineer Wang, there's some urgent business at the factory that requires my return. The Soviet expert team will arrive the day after tomorrow, and a lot of preparation work hasn't been completed yet. What do you think..."

"Old Li, you should go back now. I can handle things here." Wang Huanbo patted him on the shoulder understandingly. "Thanks to you for running around so much this time."

Li Huaide shook his head: "We brothers don't talk about these things. I'll treat your whole family to dinner when Xiao Yan is discharged from the hospital!" After saying that, he bid farewell to Lin Qiaozhi and Dean Zhang and left in a hurry.

Section 3: Deep Parental Love and Joint Protection of Newborns

Inside the neonatal intensive care unit, rows of incubators are neatly arranged, and medical staff are busy working in quiet conversation. In the innermost special care area, Wang Chunyan's small body lies in an incubator, connected to various monitoring cables, with a thin oxygen tube inserted into her nose.

Wearing a sterile protective suit, Wang Huanbo stood outside the incubator, his eyes fixed on the tiny life inside. His daughter's little hands and feet would occasionally twitch, as if she were having a dream. Her skin was still red and wrinkled, like a little old man's, but in a father's eyes, she was the most perfect being in the world.

"Mr. Wang, don't worry," Nurse Liu, who was in charge of the care, explained softly. "The baby's vital signs are all improving. Dr. Lin specifically instructed us to use the American formula you provided, along with intravenous nutrition, and the baby has already gained 20 grams."

Wang Huanbo nodded, his gaze still fixed on his daughter: "When will she be able to open her eyes?"

"Premature babies usually need about a week to recover," Nurse Liu said with a smile. "But your daughter is special. Just now, when I was changing her diaper, her little hand gripped my finger tightly—she's incredibly strong!"

These words finally brought a smile to Wang Huanbo's face. He thought about the light energy within him; perhaps, unknowingly, he had also transferred some of his life force to his daughter?

In the intensive care unit, Lou Xiao'e had regained consciousness, but was still very weak. Tan Loushi was feeding her brown sugar water spoonful by spoonful, while Lou Zhenhua sat by the bed, softly describing his granddaughter.

"Xiao'e, the child looks like you, especially that little mouth..." Lou Zhenhua said, his voice choked with emotion, "You were like that when you were little, all red and rosy..."

A faint smile appeared on Lou Xiao'e's pale face, but her eyes were filled with tears: "Dad, I want to see her..."

"Wait a little longer. The doctor said you need rest most right now." Mrs. Tan gently stroked her daughter's forehead. "The child is being cared for by the best doctors, so don't worry. Huanbo named her Chunyan, and her nickname is Yanyan. Isn't it lovely?"

"Chunyan... Yanyan..." Lou Xiao'e repeated softly, her eyes full of tenderness, "It sounds so beautiful..."

At this moment, Wang Huanbo gently pushed open the door and entered. Seeing that his wife was awake, he rushed to the bedside, took her hand, and asked, "Xiao'e, how are you feeling? Is it still in pain?"

Lou Xiao'e shook her head and asked anxiously, "The child... Yan Yan, she..."

"She's doing well, and she's gained a little weight since she was born," Wang Huanbo comforted her softly. "Dr. Lin said she has a strong will to live and will definitely grow up healthy. When you feel a little better, I'll push your wheelchair and take you to see her."

Lou Xiao'e finally felt relieved and closed her eyes wearily. Wang Huanbo gestured for his parents-in-law to go and rest, while he stayed to keep his wife company.

In the stillness of the night, only the rhythmic beeping of the monitoring equipment filled the ward. Wang Huanbo sat by the bedside, gazing at his wife's sleeping face, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He gently stroked Lou Xiao'e's cheek and whispered an apology: "I'm sorry, Xiao'e, it's all because of me..."

Lou Xiao'e seemed to hear her, slightly opening her eyes, and said weakly but firmly, "No... Huanbo... this is our child... I will never regret it..."

Wang Huanbo's eyes welled up with tears. On this quiet night, after surviving a life-or-death ordeal, their little family welcomed a new member and a deeper emotional bond. The starry sky outside the window was exceptionally bright, as if witnessing all of this.

Three days later, when Lou Xiao'e first sat in her wheelchair and saw her daughter through the glass of the incubator, tears blurred her vision. The tiny life was sleeping peacefully, its little fists clenched tightly, as if gathering strength.

"She's so beautiful..." Lou Xiao'e said softly.

Wang Huanbo stood behind his wife, his hands on her shoulders, gazing at his daughter with equal intensity: "Yes, she's as beautiful as you."

Lin Qiaozhi walked over and looked at the scene with satisfaction: "The recovery is going well. Observe for another week. If the weight can increase to five and a half pounds, you can be discharged from the hospital."

"Thank you, Dr. Lin," Lou Xiao'e said sincerely.

Lin Qiaozhi smiled and shook her head: "Seeing your family reunited is the greatest gratitude I can express." She paused, then added earnestly, "Remember, although this child was premature, she is very strong. You must believe that she will grow into a healthy and happy girl."

Wang Huanbo and Lou Xiao'e exchanged a smile and nodded simultaneously. On this hopeful morning, they made a silent vow together—no matter what the future held, they would use all their love to protect this hard-won little life and their shared home.