Siheyuan: At the beginning, I can integrate everything!

In the early morning, Beijing was still shrouded in a gray-white frost.

The elderly men and women in the alley were hunching over, carrying chamber pots, and carefully moving along the icy stone path.

Occasionally, the sound of coal ash being dumped would break the tranquility of the alley.

At the entrance of Hongxing Courtyard.

Yan Bugui got up exceptionally early today. He was wrapped in his tattered cotton-padded coat, which was covered in patches, and was holding a broken broom in his hand.

Ever since he suffered a great loss at Zhang Huaimin's hands, he has learned his lesson and now gets up early every day without fail to sweep the yard, just to become familiar with that five-year-old prodigy.

With a creak.

The wooden door next door opened, and Yi Zhonghai walked out looking disheveled.

His current status is "second-level worker with a criminal record," and he has to go to the foundry workshop in the factory to do hard labor every day before dawn.

The two bumped into each other at the door, but neither paid any attention to the other. They just snorted and turned away.

Just then.

A deep, heavy engine roar, carrying an indescribable sense of oppression, came from the alley entrance.

"What's that noise? Whose tractor drove in so early in the morning?"

Yan Bugui stopped sweeping and peeked out in confusion.

Yi Zhonghai also frowned and looked in the direction of the sound.

Upon seeing this, the two froze on the spot, their breaths even stopping.

All that could be seen was the narrow Nanluoguxiang Alley.

Three extended Hongqi sedans, all jet black and gleaming, with striking white license plates bearing red lettering.

Just like three silent, black behemoths, slowly driving in.

This is not finished.

Six military sidecar motorcycles followed closely on either side of the Hongqi sedan.

On each motorcycle sat two fully armed guards, wearing white gloves and with stern expressions!

What a spectacle! What an impressive display!

Let alone Nanluoguxiang, you can only see it a few times a year in the entire Dongcheng District!

"My God..."

The broom in Yan Bugui's hand fell to the ground with a "thud".

His usually calculating, beady eyes were now wide open, almost as big as saucers, and his gold-rimmed glasses nearly fell off.

Yi Zhonghai was so frightened that he trembled all over.

He used to be a level eight worker, and he had seen a bit of the world in the factory.

He knew all too well what those three Hongqi sedans represented.

That's the exclusive vehicle of the highest power center in the country!

"Get out of the way! Don't block the way!"

The neighbors in the alley were also alarmed.

Everyone stood close to the wall, carrying chamber pots and coal tongs, not daring to breathe.

Some people even forgot to pick up what they were holding and knelt on the ground, their eyes filled with awe and fear.

Three Hongqi sedans came to a steady stop at the entrance of the Hongxing Courtyard.

Six sidecar motorcycles quickly dispersed, guarding the gate of the courtyard house.

Secretary Song respectfully opened the door of the middle Hongqi sedan.

Followed by.

An elderly man with a full head of silver hair, dressed in a dark gray Zhongshan suit and exuding an air of authority, stepped off the bus.

This elderly man frequently appears on the front page of the People's Daily and is a well-known figure throughout the country!

"hiss--!"

A collective gasp of astonishment rippled through the courtyard gate.

Yan Bugui and Yi Zhonghai were pressed against the wall, their legs so weak they almost collapsed to their knees.

"Big...Big Boss..."

Yi Zhonghai's lips trembled, and he made a barely audible sound from his throat.

He never imagined that such a legendary figure would personally come to their dilapidated compound!

Could it be that the incident at the factory alarmed higher-ups, and the top leader personally came to arrest him and send him to a labor camp?!

Yi Zhonghai was so frightened that his crotch tightened, and a warm liquid almost flowed out.

Just when he was in despair.

Director Wang from the neighborhood office stepped out of the car behind him, his face beaming.

She walked quickly to the leader's side, pointed to the gate of the courtyard house, and respectfully reported.

"Big Boss, this is the Red Star Courtyard."

The senior leader nodded slightly.

His wise gaze swept over the dilapidated courtyard gate.

Although the environment here was simple, in his eyes it was more sacred than any magnificent palace.

Because this is where China's future technological hope resides!

The senior leader turned his head and looked at Yan Bugui, Yi Zhonghai, and others who were huddled in the corner.

He didn't put on airs; instead, he smiled kindly.

Good morning, folks.

The leader's voice was loud yet gentle, carrying a reassuring quality.

"I've come today for no other reason than..."

He raised his voice so that everyone present could hear him clearly.

"This is Zhang Huaimin's residence, right?"

The big leader had barely finished speaking.

The entire alley fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone stared wide-eyed, wondering if there was something wrong with their ears.

Advisor Zhang Huaimin?!

The top leader... came all this way for that five-and-a-half-year-old baby?!

"I heard from Commander Lin that Comrade Zhang Huaimin lived here for five years."

The top leader looked around, his tone full of admiration and respect.

"This child is exceptionally intelligent and has made outstanding contributions to our country's military industry and people's livelihood development!"

"He hand-built generators, improved antibiotics, and even created bulletproof steel plates that can't be penetrated by rifles!"

"This is simply a once-in-a-century scientific genius in China!"

The senior leader became more and more excited as he spoke, his voice echoing in the cold wind.

"So, I specifically canceled all meetings today."

"I want to see for myself what kind of treasure trove could nurture such an unparalleled national treasure-level expert!"

"On behalf of the country and the people, I want to personally express my gratitude to him!"

boom!

The top leader's words were like a nuclear bomb with a yield of 10,000 tons, which exploded directly in Nanluoguxiang!

Everyone, including Yi Zhonghai and Yan Bugui.

My mind was completely blank.

National treasure-level expert!

On behalf of the country and the people, thank you!

The top leader personally paid a visit!

Is this...is this even the kind of treatment a human being should receive?!

This is the highest honor, a glory worthy of being recorded in history!

And all this.

All of this actually fell on the head of that five-year-old orphan they once regarded as a "little nemesis" and a "jinx"!

Yan Bugui really wanted to slap himself twice at that moment.

He thought that by giving away a box of tea, he had already been doing someone a favor.

Now it seems he's not even worthy to carry Zhang Huaimin's shoes!

Yi Zhonghai's mood plummeted to the depths of despair at this moment.

He looked at the leader's kind and amiable face.

Then think back to all the despicable schemes and malicious moral blackmails I had done against Zhang Huaimin.

He felt a chill run through his body, as if an invisible knife was hanging over his neck.

It's over, it's really over now.

If Zhang Huaimin casually mentioned his actions in front of a high-ranking leader...

Then Yi Zhonghai wouldn't even be qualified to carry sandbags in the foundry workshop anymore; what awaits him is an abyss of no return!

"Director Wang, please lead the way."

The leader ignored the shocked crowd, straightened his collar, and became extremely solemn.

"We can't keep Consultant Zhang waiting any longer."

"Yes, sir!"

Director Wang responded excitedly and led the way.

Under the close protection of several guards, the high-ranking leader strode steadily across the high threshold of the courtyard house.

Yi Zhonghai and Yan Bugui were pasted on the base of the wall.

Looking at the tall figure of the big leader, my legs went weak and I collapsed onto the cold snow.

They were both panting heavily, their bodies already soaked in cold sweat.