Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Just as some families in courtyard No. 95 were overjoyed while others were filled with sorrow, and undercurrents were swirling, the jeep carrying the donation checks from Secretary Liu and Wang Huanbo had already driven into the heavily guarded lake with its red walls and yellow tiles.

In a simply furnished yet imposing office, Mr. Zou, wearing reading glasses, listened intently to his secretary, Xiao Liu, giving an excited and detailed report. On the desk, a check for fifty million US dollars gleamed softly yet dazzlingly under the lamplight.

"...Sir, this is the situation. Comrade Wang Huanbo was very sincere and didn't attach any conditions. He only said that this was his small token of appreciation for the construction of the motherland. This is a partial list of technical documents he brought, covering mechanical engineering, metallurgy, and basic computer science, all of which are cutting-edge fields urgently needed in China." Secretary Liu gently placed a stack of documents on the table.

Mr. Zou lowered his glasses, tapped the list lightly with his fingers, and a look of relief and emotion appeared on his face: "Fifty million US dollars... This has solved our urgent problem. This young comrade Wang is remarkable! Giving up a comfortable life in America, he returned with knowledge and wealth to build our impoverished motherland. Such patriotism is truly commendable!"

He stood up, walked to the window, gazed at the swaying shadows of the trees outside, pondered for a moment, and said, "Report this to the Chairman immediately. Comrade Wang Huanbo's case should be publicized as a model, but we must pay attention to the methods and safeguard his enthusiasm and safety. His work and life arrangements must be implemented thoroughly! Tell Lou Zhenhua, and the local street committee, that Comrade Wang Huanbo is a national treasure. His work at the steel rolling mill and his living environment must not be compromised in any way! We must create the best conditions for him so he can focus on his research and produce results!"

"Yes, sir! I'll take care of it right away!" Secretary Liu stood at attention, saluted, and, suppressing his excitement, turned and strode away. He knew what kind of shock this check and the sincere heart it represented would cause at the top, and how much precious vitality it would inject into the newly established China, which was in dire need of rebuilding.

The news quickly spread within a limited circle. Upon hearing this, the ambitious and insightful old man stubbed out his cigarette and loudly proclaimed to his staff, "Excellent! Our scientists have returned, bringing timely help! What does this show? It shows that our cause is popular and has a bright future! Tell our comrades to respect knowledge and talent, and to cherish these precious gems who have come back as if they were our own eyes!"

An invisible command was swiftly and discreetly transmitted from the highest levels. The name Wang Huanbo, and the image of the "patriotic scientist" he represented, began to appear on the highest levels of government. Lou's Steel Rolling Mill (soon to be renamed Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill) and the Nanluoguxiang Subdistrict Office received the serious and urgent telephone instructions almost simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the west courtyard of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang was filled with a fragrant aroma.

Sha Zhu, being a descendant of the Tan family's culinary tradition, managed to prepare a dish despite limited ingredients (Wang Huanbo had just returned, and all they had were basic rice, noodles, oil, meat, eggs, and a little bit of vegetables provided by the neighborhood committee). He poured his heart and soul into it. One dish of braised pork belly was a vibrant red, tender and not greasy; another was stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, tangy, spicy, and refreshingly crisp; he also stir-fried two eggs with scallions and simmered a pot of thick millet porridge. These simple three dishes and porridge were transformed into a flavorful and appetizing meal.

The food was placed on the brand-new eight-immortal table in the main room of the west courtyard. Wang Huanbo helped the deaf old lady to sit at the head of the table, while he and Shazhu sat side by side to keep her company.

"Granny Sun, Brother Zhu, don't be shy, start eating," Wang Huanbo greeted with a smile.

The deaf old lady looked at the long-awaited food on the table, which tasted like home, and her eyes welled up with tears again. She said repeatedly, "Good, good, Zhu Zi's cooking is really good."

Sha Zhu felt a little proud but also a little embarrassed when he heard the praise: "Grandma, please try it and see if it suits your taste."

The three chatted as they ate. Wang Huanbo intentionally steered the conversation, sharing anecdotes from his time in America and inquiring about the changes in the nursing home over the years. The deaf old lady became more talkative, recounting embarrassing stories from Wang Huanbo's childhood, which made Shazhu laugh heartily, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

Wang Huanbo looked at Sha Zhu and casually added, "Brother Zhu, speaking of which, Uncle He's Tan family cuisine was truly exceptional. He was famous in Beijing back in the day. It's a pity he went to Baocheng; I'm afraid you haven't quite mastered his skills yet?"

Sha Zhu slowed down his eating and muttered, "Him? He only cares about that white widow; he doesn't remember teaching me how to cook."

"Sigh," Wang Huanbo sighed, "Actually, Uncle He had a tough time too. He cooked for the Japanese back then, and although he might have been forced to, it was still something he could use against him. Maybe he left because he was afraid of implicating you and your siblings."

Sha Zhu suddenly raised his head: "Cooking for the Japanese? When did that happen? How come I didn't know?"

Wang Huanbo feigned surprise: "Don't you know? Back in 37, when the Japanese first entered the city, there was a Japanese colonel... Oh, maybe you were too young to remember. I only heard about it later from Granny Sun and my dad chatting. Uncle He had no choice at the time, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable."

The deaf old woman added at the opportune moment, "That's true. That child from Daqing was forced into it."

Sha Zhu fell silent, only shoveling rice into his mouth, his eyes flickering uncertainly. Yi Zhonghai had told him that He Daqing had abandoned them heartlessly, lusting after the White Widow's beauty and comfort. But what Wang Huanbo and the deaf old woman said was that He Daqing had his own compelling reasons, perhaps even trying to protect them…

If He Daqing really left money and a letter, and Yi Zhonghai kept it from him... then was all of Yi Zhonghai's "goodness" towards him genuine? Or... did he have ulterior motives?

Sha Zhu's mind was in turmoil.

The deaf old lady ate her meal with great satisfaction, feeling a long-lost warmth of family. Wang Huanbo achieved his initial goal—to reunite with the deaf old lady and gain her support; to sow suspicion about Yi Zhonghai in Sha Zhu's heart; and to demonstrate his affability.

After the meal, Sha Zhu helped clean up the dishes and, carrying a pre-packed lunchbox, returned to his cold little room in the courtyard, his mind heavy with worries.

After Wang Huanbo took the deaf old lady back and settled her in, he returned to the west courtyard, closed the door, and his relaxed expression disappeared, revealing a cold stern look.

"Yi Zhonghai...it's time for me to take the lead in your drama." He muttered to himself, a glint of control flashing in his eyes. The plot of "Qin Man Siheyuan" had completely veered off course the moment he stepped into the courtyard. And this grand drama had only just begun.

Standing at his window, Yi Zhonghai looked at the lights coming on in the west courtyard, then at Sha Zhu's dark room, and his unease grew heavier. He knew he had encountered an unprecedented and formidable opponent. His retirement plans were now fraught with uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Xu Damao rummaged through his belongings at home, finding a box of his father's treasured tea, pondering what excuse he could use to pay his respects and present a gift to "Dr. Wang" the next day...