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

The lively housewarming party has ended, and the courtyard has returned to its quiet state. But this quietness is more like the low pressure before a major storm.

Su Zheng sat in the newly renovated main room, looking out at the dark night.

The heating in the room was just right, the thermometer showed 22 degrees Celsius, a level of comfort that most people in this era could not imagine.

But he knew that such days were about to come to an end for the time being.

Although the transfer order for Project 001 hasn't been officially issued yet, Director Yang's words have made it very clear. Leaving is just a matter of days.

"Since you're leaving, you have to take good care of the home."

Su Zheng twirled a screwdriver in his hand, his eyes cold. "I can't let these beasts take advantage of my absence and destroy my hideout."

He knows these people in the institute all too well.

Jia Zhangshi, being so greedy, must have her eyes on the good things in his room;

Yan Bugui, who is calculating to the core, is probably thinking of ways to take advantage of others;

And then there's Yi Zhonghai. Although he's down on his luck now, as soon as Su Zheng leaves, he'll definitely find a way to restore his "local tyrant" status in the courtyard.

"Zhao Ming".

Su Zheng called out.

Zhao Ming, who was organizing blueprints in the adjacent side room, immediately ran over: "Master!"

"Go and invite Director Wang from the Subdistrict Office and Section Chief Wang from the Security Department. Tell them I have something important to tell them."

"yes!"

Half an hour later.

Director Wang and Section Chief Wang have both arrived.

Without wasting any words, Su Zheng directly produced a document.

"Aunt Wang, Section Chief Wang. I have to go on a long trip, and the return date is uncertain. This is the 'Special Mission Reporting Form' approved by the factory and the department."

The two men took the document and immediately became solemn and respectful.

Several red stamps were on it. Although the specific mission details were not written, the words "Top Secret" and "Level 1 Security" said it all.

"Su Zheng, don't worry!" Director Wang declared. "Your house is a key protected property in our neighborhood. Anyone who dares to touch it will be severely punished!"

"I'm relieved to hear Aunt Wang say that," Su Zheng smiled, then changed the subject, "However, you know the situation in our compound. Some people are dishonest and have ulterior motives."

"To prevent accidents, and to protect the 'safety' of our neighbors..." Su Zheng emphasized the word "safety".

He stood up, walked to the corner of the wall, and pulled down a red guillotine.

"Buzz—"

A low, crackling sound of electricity instantly filled the entire room.

A faint red light could be seen flickering on the windows, door frames, and even in the gaps between the roof tiles.

"This is..." Section Chief Wang's eyes widened, "An infrared surveillance network?"

"A simplified version," Su Zheng said casually, "but I added something extra. This system is connected to the high-voltage capacitors inside the house. If anyone tries to break down the door, pry open the window, or remove tiles from the roof..."

Su Zheng casually picked up a long wooden stick and gently poked the sensor on the window frame.

"Snapped!"

A blue-purple arc of electricity exploded instantly, charring a piece off the top of the wooden stick, and filling the air with a burnt smell.

Director Wang was so frightened that he covered his mouth.

"Won't this...won't it electrocute someone?"

"Don't worry, you won't die."

Su Zheng explained, "The electric current is pulsed, causing only instantaneous paralysis, excruciating pain, and loss of mobility. Moreover, this system is connected to a high-decibel alarm. Once triggered, the sound can be heard for two miles."

Su Zheng turned his head and looked at the two of them.

"Therefore, I need to trouble you two to be my 'witnesses'."

"I'm going to establish a rule in this yard: this room is an electrified hedgehog. Anyone who tries to touch it will have to bear the consequences."

Early the next morning.

The entire college held another meeting.

This time there was no unnecessary talk, just a large red notice posted on Su Zheng's door, and a security officer standing next to the notice, armed with guns.

The notice was simple, yet frightening:

[This is a highly confidential area; access is strictly prohibited. It is equipped with a high-voltage anti-theft device. Trespassers will face consequences!]

Below are three large red stamps: the street office, the police station, and the security department of the steel rolling mill.

The birds gathered around the notice, their faces turning pale as they read it.

"High voltage? Really?" Liu Haizhong shrank his neck, his eyes darting around.

"Didn't you see that red light flashing?" Yan Bugui pointed to the top of the door frame. "That's a warning light! I've seen those at school; you only get them in the physics lab!"

Jia Zhangshi trembled as she listened in the crowd.

Last night, she and Qin Huairu were discussing whether they could find a way to pry open the window and sneak in to steal some coal or grain after Su Zheng left.

In retrospect, this wasn't a trip to steal things, it was a trip to their deaths!

"Alright! Listen up, everyone!"

Director Wang stood on the steps and said loudly, "Comrade Su Zheng is on a national mission! His home is protected by law! From today onwards, anyone who dares to come within one meter of this house, don't blame me for showing no neighborly courtesy; I'll send them straight to the police station!"

The birds fell silent, as if they were cicadas in winter.

Su Zheng stood at the door, his gaze sweeping over everyone's faces.

He saw fear, he saw apprehension, and he saw utter despair.

"Zhao Ming".

"arrive!"

In front of everyone in the hospital, Su Zheng handed a key to Zhao Ming.

"From today onwards, you are the caretaker of this room."

Su Zheng's voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for everyone to hear: "We'll be patrolling twice a day, morning and evening. Here's a patrol checklist."

Su Zheng handed Zhao Ming a notebook.

"If you find anything unusual—such as scratches on the door lock, handprints on the window, or footprints on the wall."

Su Zheng glanced coldly at Bang Geng standing in the corner.

"Call the police immediately. I will not accept mediation or compensation."

"Whoever extends their hand, we'll chop off their claws."

Zhao Ming took the notebook, his eyes resolute: "Don't worry, Master! As long as I'm here, the house is here! I'll fight anyone who dares to touch this house!"

At that moment, Zhao Ming's "lackey" demeanor vanished, replaced by the dignity of a defender. He knew that he was protecting not only his master's home, but also the foundation upon which he could stand tall in the factory and the yard.

The crowd dispersed.

Jia Zhangshi, holding onto the stick, walked around Su Zheng's house as if avoiding a plague god.

"What are you looking at! Stay away from that house from now on! It's like a tiger's mouth that eats people!" Madam Jia scolded her grandson, but actually she was just trying to embolden herself.

Su Zheng watched this scene with a cold smile on his lips.

As long as fear exists, the rules will remain.

That night.

A black sedan without any markings silently stopped at the entrance of Nanluoguxiang alley.

The headlights were off, and the engine was running at low RPM.

Su Zheng, carrying a simple suitcase, took one last look at the courtyard house where he had lived, struggled, and renovated for several months.

"goodbye."

He said softly.

"When I come back, this era will be different."

He turned and got into the car.

The car door closed, shutting out all the cold wind and noise.

The car slowly started and disappeared into the vast night, heading towards the mysterious coordinates called "001".