Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

The news of Jia Dongxu's work-related injury and disability was like a thunderbolt, causing a huge uproar in Courtyard No. 95.

After returning from the hospital, Jia Zhangshi became even more aggressive. Afraid of being arrested by security, she dared not cause trouble at the hospital again, so she vented all her anger in the courtyard. She spent her days making veiled accusations, saying the courtyard had bad feng shui and was bringing misfortune to the Jia family; that Yi Zhonghai was a jinx, having killed Old Jia and crippled Dongxu; she even subtly cursed Wang Huanbo, saying that ever since he moved into the west wing, the courtyard had never been peaceful (although this had absolutely nothing to do with Wang Huanbo).

Qin Huairu was constantly in tears. She had to care for her disabled husband in the hospital, deal with her difficult mother-in-law, and worry about her young son, Banggeng, and their unborn child. She quickly became haggard. The pillar of the Jia family had collapsed, and their source of income had dried up. Although the factory would provide compensation and basic living expenses according to work injury regulations, it was far less than Jia Dongxu's original salary. The future looked incredibly difficult.

Yi Zhonghai was deeply affected. Jia Dongxu's death meant the loss of his most important source of support for his retirement. For several days, he was listless and distracted at work. Seeing Wang Huanbo calmly directing the technicians to repair equipment (a factory-wide safety inspection following the accident) in the workshop filled him with mixed emotions. He felt utterly old, and the sense of loss of control over the future terrified him. He began to desperately try to hold onto Sha Zhu, but Sha Zhu was doing well in the canteen. Because of Wang Huanbo's influence at the factory, Sha Zhu, while still outwardly polite, was clearly no longer as obedient to him as before. Yi Zhonghai felt his life had fallen into darkness.

While some are worried, others are secretly delighted.

Upon hearing the news, Xu Damao was overjoyed and slapped his thigh repeatedly at home: "Serves him right! He deserves it! Let Jia Dongxu be so arrogant before! Let that old hag be so cocky! Now he's a cripple! Let's see how they act tough now!" He felt relieved to have lost an enemy.

Liu Haizhong, holding a teacup, was putting on airs at home to his two sons: "See? This is what happens when you don't pay attention to safety in production! From now on, you must strictly follow the operating procedures in the factory! Don't be as reckless as Jia Dongxu! The reason I became a senior forging worker is because of my 'steadiness'!" He felt that he had once again gained the moral and technical high ground.

Yan Bugui, meanwhile, was calculating: "With Jia Dongxu crippled, the Jia family is finished. What will that compensation money do? We'll have to rely on everyone for help in the future... This money can't be wasted. We need to have Old Yi take the lead and hold a hospital-wide meeting to discuss a plan..." He began to figure out how to gain a good reputation while minimizing the financial burden.

Wang Huanbo, the only one to demonstrate professional competence and composure during the incident, gained even greater prestige within the factory. Both Factory Director Yang and Li Huaide recognized his calm demeanor under pressure, his exceptional technical skills, and his talent. The subsequent major safety overhaul and revision of technical operating procedures were primarily spearheaded by Wang Huanbo. This further amplified his influence among the workers and technicians.

Wang Huanbo himself felt no sympathy for the Jia family's plight, nor did he feel any schadenfreude. While Jia Dongxu and his mother had their faults, their fate was undeniably tragic. His primary concern was how to use this opportunity to thoroughly overhaul the factory's chaotic safety management and prevent similar tragedies from recurring. He drafted detailed safety production regulations and a system for regular equipment maintenance, demanding strict adherence. Simultaneously, he secretly kept an eye on Yi Zhonghai's movements. With Jia Dongxu crippled, Yi Zhonghai's retirement plans thwarted, and the old man, cornered, might cause some trouble. His relationship with Sha Zhu, in particular, required extra caution.

As for the Jia family's future difficulties, Wang Huanbo didn't intend to get too involved. He believed in helping those in urgent need, not those who were already poor. He might, out of consideration for their neighborly relationship, have Sha Zhu deliver some food in his name during crucial moments (like when Qin Huairu was giving birth), but he would never take on too much responsibility. He knew the beasts in this courtyard all too well.

A few days later, Jia Dongxu's condition stabilized, and he was discharged from the hospital to recuperate at home. His right arm was in a thick cast, slinged across his chest, his eyes were vacant, and he seemed utterly listless. Although Jia Zhangshi had stopped crying and making a scene, her face was so gloomy it could drip water, and her eyes were filled with resentment as she looked at everyone. Qin Huairu, heavily pregnant, busied herself attending to her husband, caring for her mother-in-law and child, her brows furrowed with unyielding sorrow.

The tranquility of Courtyard No. 95 was shattered by this sudden workplace accident. The days to come were destined to be even more turbulent. Wang Huanbo knew he needed to be even more careful in dealing with the undercurrents within the courtyard, while also making thorough preparations for the next interdimensional crossing that would take place in two weeks. That would be his true stage.