Courtyard House: A Major Power's Heavy Industry, Hand-Crafted Nuclear Fusion

The housewarming party is scheduled for Saturday evening.

That afternoon, a jeep and a small truck stopped one after the other at the entrance of the alley.

Factory Director Yang and Section Chief Wang stepped out of the jeep, each carrying a gift wrapped in red paper, their faces beaming with smiles.

The head chef of the canteen (not Sha Zhu, but a state banquet-level chef specially borrowed by Su Zheng from the top leader) got off the small truck, and also carried out several large steamer baskets and wine jars.

The aroma wafted across half the street even before we entered the courtyard.

Braised pork belly, braised sea cucumber with scallions, four-happiness meatballs... and the aroma of specially supplied Moutai liquor wafted straight into people's noses.

All the birds in the courtyard are now wandering around inside.

Although they weren't invited, their "unwillingness" and "craving" made them circle around the moon gate of the central courtyard like a pack of hungry wolves.

"That Su Zheng is so inconsiderate!"

Sha Zhu squatted on the steps, holding half a cornbread in his hand, and angrily cursed, "The factory manager is here, and he didn't even call me? I'm a head chef, for goodness' sake! What does that outsider chef know about Tan family cuisine?!"

In truth, he knew that Su Zheng was deliberately not inviting him.

Moreover, the chef who was busy inside was more than a level above him.

"Alright, stop embarrassing yourself."

Qin Huairu sat down to wash clothes. The water was cold, but her hands were burning hot—she was furious. "They're the boss's favorite now. What are we? We're just a bunch of poor neighbors living in the same courtyard."

"You can't be that cruel!"

Yan Bugui, holding an empty teacup, paced back and forth at the doorway. "A close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. How will we get along in the neighborhood after he does this?"

"Location?"

A cold laugh came from the side.

Zhao Ming, accompanied by two strong security officers, stood like door gods at the entrance to the moon.

"Uncle, don't worry about it. Master said that from now on, he won't be cultivating relationships in the courtyard, he'll only follow the rules."

Zhao Ming pointed to the threshold, "We have important guests inside today. If you don't have anything important to do, please don't go in. You can't afford to take responsibility if you offend the leaders."

Yan Bugui was so choked up that his face turned red and his neck bulged. He could only glare fiercely before turning around and going back into the house to eat pickled vegetables.

Inside the main building of the central courtyard.

The lights were bright, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.

Two large round tables were pushed together, covered with a snow-white tablecloth. The tables were laden with dishes that would be considered luxurious for that era, and crystal-clear glasses were filled with Moutai liquor.

Su Zheng sat in the main seat, Director Yang sat in the head seat, and Section Chief Wang, Liu Jianguo, Chen Gang and others sat around him.

The atmosphere was lively and sophisticated.

They weren't talking about trivial family matters or petty squabbles.

They were discussing national affairs and the future of industry.

"Su Zheng," Factory Director Yang said, raising his glass, his face flushed with a slight buzz, "this glass is for you. If it weren't for you this time, our factory would not only be facing disciplinary action, but more importantly, that national-level technology might have been leaked! You are a hero to our factory, a hero to the nation!"

"Factory manager, you flatter me," Su Zheng stood up and retorted. "I was just doing what a technician should do."

"Hey, don't be modest!"

Section Chief Wang also stood up. "Engineer Su, I'm truly impressed by this capture of the enemy spy! His intellect and methods are far superior to those of us in the public security bureau! I'll have to consult you again if the security department encounters any problems in the future!"

Everyone laughed.

That kind of smile comes from genuine respect and recognition.

Here, Su is the core, the soul.

He was no longer the ostracized orphan, but a leader who could influence the situation and was respected by all.

After several rounds of drinks...

Factory Director Yang suddenly put down his wine glass, his expression becoming somewhat serious.

He glanced around and lowered his voice: "Su Zheng, there's something I need to tell you first."

The entire table fell silent instantly.

Su Zheng looked at Factory Director Yang and said, "Please speak."

"The ministry has a very high opinion of you. Especially your performance in both counter-espionage and technical breakthroughs this time, which has caught the attention of the higher-ups." Director Yang pointed to the ceiling. "The higher-ups are interested in transferring you to take charge of a... even bigger project."

"A bigger project?" Su Zheng's heart skipped a beat.

Could it be... that?

"I can't say what it is right now, because it's top secret," Factory Director Yang said solemnly. "But I can tell you that the project is on a much higher level than our factory's. It concerns the lifeline of the nation."

"Of course, this is both an opportunity and a challenge for you. You may have to leave Beijing and go to a very difficult place."

Factory Director Yang looked into Su Zheng's eyes.

"Su Zheng, you should be prepared."

Su Zheng remained silent for a moment.

Of course he knew what it was.

Project 001.

A lone plume of smoke rises from the vast desert, while the setting sun casts its glow over the long river.

That was his ultimate goal after his transmigration, and also a sacred place in the hearts of every Chinese science and engineering student.

"Factory manager."

Su Zheng raised his glass, his eyes clear and resolute.

"I'm willing to go anywhere as long as the country needs me."

"Good!" Factory Director Yang slammed his hand on the table excitedly, "I knew you had guts! Come on, let's drink to that!"

"Dry!"

The clinking of glasses was crisp and pleasant to the ear.

And outside the door, just across this wall.

The cold wind howled.

Sha Zhu, Qin Huairu, Yan Bugui, and others were each holding a rough porcelain bowl, eating cornbread with pickled vegetables.

The laughter and chatter inside the house pierced their ears like needles.

The aroma of braised pork lingered in the air, like some kind of invisible mockery, never quite dissipating.

They couldn't hear what was being said inside.

But they could sense that the chasm called "class" had been completely widened tonight.

From this day forward...

Those who enter will journey to the stars and the sea.

Those outside the door can only continue to fight tooth and nail over a few cents in their own little world.

That night.

The courtyard house is sleepless.