Reborn in 1977, I will no longer be my brother's blood bag.

A document was written with Lin Xiuhe's name on it.

The other one was written as Li Mingyuan.

Sitting opposite Professor Chen, Engineer Zheng closed the cold storage record.

"Did you modify that last control system?"

"Yes."

"The original protector isn't working?"

"If we can shut down the machine, what should we do if we can't handle the night shift? After the red light comes on, disconnect the milling machine's circuit first. This will keep the cold storage warm, and the person on duty won't have to search for a repairman in the dark."

Engineer Zheng flipped to the back of the operation record.

"Who taught you that?"

"When a machine breaks down a lot, you can tell what's missing."

Professor Chen picked up his teacup: "She thought going around in circles was a waste of time."

Engineer Zheng smiled and handed the record to Li Mingyuan.

Did you compile this data?

"She did the on-site record-keeping. I added the load changes before and after the renovation."

Each shutdown, including the corresponding current, time, and the equipment activated, is marked in pencil next to it.

Lin Xiuhe turned to the last page.

"When did you receive it?"

"Last night."

"Did you stay up all night to organize this?"

"The original data is all there; it's just a matter of adding a few entries."

Engineer Zheng pushed the two acceptance letters forward.

"The institute has reviewed your project from the competition. The initial idea is to have Li Mingyuan go to the equipment application group, and you go to the control room. The two groups often go to the factory together, and the existing cooperation can continue."

Lin Xiuhe picked up her share.

"Just an intention?"

"I'll meet the person in person today, and take the materials back for further review."

"What's the control room doing now?"

"Machine tool safety devices. In the first two years, I was involved in projects and spent a lot of time going to the factory."

"How long will it take before you can take responsibility for yourself?"

Engineer Zheng raised his eyebrows.

"You're already thinking about bringing in projects as soon as you walk in?"

"I'll have to ask sooner or later."

"If you do well, it'll be within a year or two. If you don't, asking questions is pointless."

Lin Xiuhe continued reading.

The dormitory, salary, and probation period were all clearly stated, but the project arrangements were only described in one sentence: "Subject to the unified allocation of the research institute."

"Will you reply tomorrow morning?"

"I'm going back to the office this afternoon."

Li Mingyuan said, "She just came back from out of town, and she also has her graduation project due, so time is a bit tight."

Engineer Zheng turned to him.

"You already asked her that afternoon."

"If you clarify the conditions, she can save herself one trip."

"You asked about the project, the dormitory, everything?"

"almost."

"You're saving her trouble."

Li Mingyuan put the pen back on the table, a slight smile on his lips.

Zhou Zhiyuan stood by the door carrying his toolbox.

Then Engineer Zheng asked, "Is this person also from your project team?"

Professor Chen waved his hand: "Zhou Zhiyuan from the Mechanical Systems Training Center, is from one of the early collaborating units of Qimingxing. Xiuhe just came back from the food company; he brought her here."

Zhou Zhiyuan nodded to Engineer Zheng.

"You two talk, I'll wait outside."

He left, closing the door behind him.

Engineer Zheng asked a few more questions about design details and even asked the two of them to make a circuit diagram.

Lin Xiuhe drew the structure, and Li Mingyuan filled in the parameters. The paper was passed between the two twice, and by the time it reached Engineer Zheng, the markings on the drawing had been completed.

Engineer Zheng read it from beginning to end and pointed to the lower right corner with a pen.

"You two working together definitely saves a lot of trouble."

Li Mingyuan took back the blueprints.

"We've worked together before."

"It's suitable to continue wearing it in the future."

Lin Xiuhe capped the pen.

"I haven't agreed yet."

Engineer Zheng leaned back in his chair.

"So I saved it for you for one night."

By the time the interview ended, it was already dark outside.

Zhou Zhiyuan was still in the corridor.

As soon as Lin Xiuhe came out, he took her toolbox.

"How did the talks go?"

"Let me answer you tomorrow morning."

"Want to go?"

"Still watching."

Li Mingyuan came out from the back carrying project documents.

"The control room suits her perfectly."

Zhou Zhiyuan turned his face away.

"Did Engineer Zheng say that?"

"Her graduation project and on-site records are right there."

"And what about her?"

"The materials are in her hands."

Lin Xiuhe opened the letter of acceptance.

"Why don't you sign it for me?"

Li Mingyuan smiled.

"I only asked about the conditions for you."

"That's a pretty comprehensive question."

"Research direction and accommodation. Ask about the rest yourself."

Zhou Zhiyuan then asked, "How many people are in the dorm?"

"A four-person room."

"Is it far from the control room?"

"Ten minutes walk."

"What about the cafeteria?"

Li Mingyuan turned his head to the side: "Comrade Zhou asked even more detailed questions than she did."

"She tends to miss meals when she's busy."

"Research all the cafeterias."

"That's good."

His tone sounded normal.

Lin Xiuhe closed the materials and went downstairs first.

"I haven't even gone yet, and you've already figured out how to live my life for me."

Li Mingyuan followed.

"Engineer Zheng will ask again tomorrow morning. I'll find the original project drawings tonight and wait for you downstairs at the dormitory at eight o'clock."

"I'll go there myself."

"The data is with me."

Zhou Zhiyuan carried his toolbox and walked on the other side.

"What time will it end?"

"Not necessarily," Li Mingyuan said.

"I'll come pick her up."

"I know the way to school."

"I recognize it too."

Lin Xiuhe stopped at the top of the stairs.

"The research institute wants me, not people who are just sent around. If any of you have something to do, then do your own thing."

Li Mingyuan handed her a notebook.

"Several research directions are included. Take a look first, and return it to me tomorrow morning."

Lin Xiuhe took it. There were labels tucked into the margins of the paper, indicating the locations of all the projects the control room had undertaken in recent years.

"When was this tidying up done?"

"afternoon."

"Did you know the research institute would be coming?"

"You've submitted your graduation project and the cold storage records. They'll be looking for you sooner or later."

Zhou Zhiyuan looked down at the notebook.

Li Mingyuan suddenly asked, "The collaboration following the Morning Star project hasn't been decided yet, has it?"

"Still under negotiation."

"Xiuhe asked Professor Chen last month whether he would be in charge from now on."

Lin Xiuhe turned her head.

"I'm asking about the project."

"I didn't say it wasn't."

Li Mingyuan tucked the project bag into his arm, his expression remaining gentle.

Zhou Zhiyuan looked at Lin Xiuhe.

"Did you ask?"

"It sounds good."

"What did Professor Chen say?"

"It depends on the company's arrangements."

What do you think?

Lin Xiuhe carried the object of her acceptance and walked towards the dormitory entrance.

"I'll tell you once you've finalized your arrangements."

Zhou Zhiyuan stood at the bottom of the steps, and after a moment, he smiled.

"OK."

Li Mingyuan glanced at the two people.

"I'll bring the blueprints over at eight o'clock tomorrow morning."

"8:30, the cafeteria," Lin Xiuhe said.

"Shall we eat first?"

"With an empty stomach, no one can clearly discuss their future."

Zhou Zhiyuan asked, "What do you want to eat?"

"Don't bring anyone."

She pushed open the door and entered the dormitory.

After the iron gate closed, Li Mingyuan turned to Zhou Zhiyuan.

"Does the training center have any openings for external transfers?"

"I've heard of it."

"Will you go?"

Zhou Zhiyuan switched the toolbox to his other hand.

"Not decided."

"The research institute needs to respond by tomorrow afternoon."

"I know."

Li Mingyuan stared at the closed iron gate.

"Some things, if you wait too long, the spot will be taken."

Zhou Zhiyuan followed his gaze.

"Then let's not wait."

At 8:30 the next day, Lin Xiuhe arrived at the entrance of the canteen.

Li Mingyuan, holding the project blueprints, was already standing at the bottom of the steps.

Zhou Zhiyuan also came.

He wasn't carrying anything in his hands; he just parked his bicycle to the side.

Lin Xiuhe approached.

"Didn't I tell you to come empty-handed?"

Li Mingyuan lifted the blueprints.

"We can't leave this out."

Zhou Zhiyuan lifted the curtain for her.

"I'm free."

Li Mingyuan asked, "What about the arrangements at the training center?"

"We've talked about it."

"How so?"

Zhou Zhiyuan stepped aside to let Lin Xiuhe go in first.

"I'm still in charge of the trial production of the equipment behind the Morning Star."

The smile in Li Mingyuan's eyes faded slightly.

"Stay in Beijing?"

"temporary."

Lin Xiuhe stopped inside the door.

Zhou Zhiyuan met her gaze.

"Let's eat first."

"And then what?"

"I'll go with you to give Engineer Zheng a reply."

Li Mingyuan, carrying the blueprints, entered the room from the other side.

"She hasn't decided yet."

Zhou Zhiyuan lowered the curtain.

That's why I went with her.