Courtyard House: I'm an engineer, and a fairy godmother transferred me to a different position.

"Let me see!" Sha Zhu forgot about eating and craned his neck, his eyes wide. Jia Dongxu leaned forward even closer, staring at the white porcelain bottle, his eyes filled with a mixture of envy and bitterness.

This is Moutai. These people rarely even see it, let alone drink it.

Liu Haizhong felt a surge of heat rise from his feet to the top of his head, making him feel incredibly comfortable. He picked up his teacup and took a slow, deliberate sip, glancing at the shocked expressions on everyone's faces, especially his old rival Yi Zhonghai, whose face was slightly stiff. His smugness was almost overflowing.

That was a gift from the General Affairs Department of the ministry.

As the old saying goes: "For the first thirty years, observe how the father respects the son; for the next thirty years, observe how the son respects the father." Without realizing it, his posture became even straighter.

What is the Liu family's fortune compared to this? This kid is not even twenty yet, and he already has such an impressive presence. This is not due to the blessings of his ancestors, but rather that his ancestral graves have been set ablaze!

Unsurprisingly.

A few bottles of wine were placed on the table, and the air in the room began to subtly swirl.

When they looked at Liu Guangqi again, the temperature in everyone's eyes had completely changed.

This kid's future is probably much brighter than they imagined.

In the courtyard, all eyes were fixed on those few porcelain bottles with red stars printed on them.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Those two words were too heavy.

"Guangqi—"

Yan Bugui finally couldn't hold back any longer and spoke first, his voice tinged with an indescribable hoarseness, "You've... reached this point in the First Ministry of Machine Building?"

"Good heavens, are all the people in the general affairs department of the ministry... rushing to deliver this to you?"

In an instant, the courtyard was filled with murmurs and whispers all around the wine.

"It's not as mysterious as everyone thinks."

Liu Guangqi smiled calmly and said slowly, "I got some good wood from the general affairs department to make furniture a few days ago when we were allocating apartments. It's just finished... They just happened to be passing by to congratulate me on moving."

"It's just a lucky charm among colleagues."

The conversation not only explained the origin of the wine but also subtly hinted at the fact that she was about to move away.

Sure enough, these words caused another stir in everyone's hearts.

Liu Guangqi didn't give anyone a chance to ask any more questions and immediately unscrewed the bottle cap.

With a soft "pop," a rich and intense aroma of soy sauce burst forth, forcefully assaulting everyone's nostrils.

The wind in the courtyard seemed to have taken on a sweet, crisp quality.

"Everyone should have a taste, just for the novelty."

He picked up the wine cup and poured wine for each person.

"This...this can really be drunk?"

Jia Dongxu's eyes widened, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he stammered, "Shouldn't this be something only high-ranking leaders do?"

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

Xu Damao put his arm around Jia Dongxu's shoulder, laughing loudly.

"Won't my brother Guangqi be a big leader someday? We're just getting a taste of that high-class atmosphere today, a taste of what it's like to be on top!"

This is a very eloquent compliment, and anyone with common sense will understand.

Liu Guangqi seemed not to hear him, only smiling as he poured more wine, lightly changing the subject.

After a few rounds, the atmosphere became completely lively.

With the bottle empty, the men's drinking party came to an end.

Just as Liu Guangqi put down the empty bottle—

The bangs that had been silent all along stirred.

He moved with lightning speed, snatching the empty porcelain bottle into his arms. His movements were so fast that they seemed completely out of character for his large, stout figure. After securing it, he patted his clothes, as if afraid it would slip off.

His series of actions were fluid and natural, clearly the result of long-planned preparation.

Upon catching a glimpse of the bulging silhouette in Liu Haizhong's arms, Yan Bugui felt a sharp pang in his heart, as if a piece of flesh had been ripped out, and regret twisted his guts in agony.

It was only a second too slow!

His mind was already racing with calculations: how impressive this vase would be! How much pride he'd have if he placed it at his son's wedding banquet! Just look at those two bright red characters on the white porcelain vase—who wouldn't praise its grandeur?

Even if you dilute it with half water, the person drinking it will still savor it for a while before finally managing to utter, "This is truly excellent wine."

So from the moment Liu Guangqi took out the wine, he had already planned to quietly take away the three empty bottles when no one was paying attention.

Unexpectedly, Liu Haizhong struck first. If I had known this would happen, I should have just slipped it away after pouring the wine…

Yan Bugui pounded his leg in frustration, but quickly put on a fawning smile and moved closer to Liu Haizhong.

"Second Uncle, look how exquisitely this bottle is made..."

He rubbed his hands together, forcing a smile, and said, "How about... you spare one for me? I don't need it for anything else. There are still some wine droplets on the bottom of the bottle. I can dilute it with water and shake it around when I get home, and that'll be enough to get a taste."

"Old Yan!"

"We don't have that rule here, where you can't expect to drink and take things at the same time..."

Before he finished speaking, Liu Haizhong didn't even look up and simply tucked the bottle into his clothes.

"I'll keep this empty bottle for myself."

With just one sentence, Yan Bugui's prepared remarks were completely shut down.

Seeing his prize slip away, Yan Bugui felt a sharp pain in his heart, his back teeth aching from grinding against each other, but he could only stare helplessly as the empty bottle was taken away by Liu Haizhong.

the end.

Yan Bugui ultimately couldn't bring himself to ask for the Moutai bottle.

It's obvious.

Liu Haizhong himself was thinking of using it to make a good impression and enhance his reputation, so how could he give this opportunity to Yan Bugui?

There's no other way.

Yan Bugui watched the bottle being taken away, his heart aching as he clicked his tongue, his teeth chattering loudly.

After the banquet ended.

He quietly tugged at Liu Guangqi's sleeve and whispered:

"Kuangqi!"

"Next time... next time there's an occasion to drink Moutai, remember your third uncle..."

Upon hearing this, Liu Guangqi simply gave a helpless yet dignified smile: "Okay, I'll definitely do it next time."

That stingy old man Yan.

He was calculating in his mind, the beads almost bouncing off his face, as if he really thought that Moutai was a vegetable that could be picked at will, something he could have whenever he wanted.

It was just a coincidence today; ordinary people wouldn't drink like this.

Not long after.

The banquet ended, and the moonlight had already spilled over the courtyard wall.

Sha Zhu and Xu Damao, supporting each other, staggered and swayed noisily from the front yard toward the middle yard.

"Silly Mao... uh... let me tell you,"

"With your meager capacity, it's not enough for me to drink alone. I could drink three of you!" Sha Zhu held up three fingers and waved them back and forth in front of Xu Damao.

"screw you!"

Xu Damao shoved him away, his tongue tied in knots:

"You idiot Zhu, how many times have you even tasted good wine? You dare to challenge your Master Mao? If it weren't for Brother Guangqi, you wouldn't even know what Moutai smells like!"

"Hey! You little bastard who projects movies, you've really gone too far!"

The two were pulling and tugging at each other, one trying to throw a punch while the other dodged, almost falling to the ground together, which amused Qin Huairu, who was leaning against the door, to cover her mouth and laugh.

The backyard, Liu Haizhong's house.

He was quite drunk, and Liu Haizhong was holding his second aunt's hand, talking animatedly with words flying everywhere.

"Old woman, look at our son!"

"We drink Moutai and live in government-run apartments! From now on, let's see who dares to disrespect the Liu family in this compound!"

He got more and more excited as he talked.

"Once Guangqi rises a bit higher, not to mention the Second Uncle, even the First Uncle in charge of the courtyard will probably be begging me to take his place!"

The words had barely left his mouth.

Liu Guangqi, who was standing to the side, held a cup of warm water and took over the conversation with a smile.

"Dad, speaking of which—"

"I also wanted to discuss this with you. The staff quarters in the ministry compound are fully furnished, and the water and electricity are connected."

"I thought it would be close to my workplace and cheaper to commute there."

"I'm planning to move there tomorrow."

The loud laughter in Liu Haizhong stopped abruptly, as if someone had suddenly grabbed his throat.

The smugness and radiance on his face gradually faded, leaving only a sudden and unexpected astonishment.

Move away?

Moving tomorrow?

Although I knew this day would come, when it actually arrived...

Liu Haizhong was still somewhat caught off guard.

the other side.

The second aunt, still clutching a rag, froze in mid-air: "Guangqi, this...this is moving out already?"

"Won't you stay a couple more days?"

"No, I've been busy with work lately."

"I'll move this weekend so I don't have to make time to prepare later."

Liu Guangqi spoke in a calm tone.

It was as if he were talking about nothing more than a trivial matter.

But as soon as those words left his mouth...

The comfortable, cool atmosphere in the room seemed to have been instantly drained away.

The smile on Aunt Er's face faded.

She silently turned around and wiped the already smooth octagonal tabletop again and again, without saying a word.

Liu Haizhong held the enamel teacup to his lips, then put it down, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down.

The complete silence in the room made him restless.

My son's workplace allocated him an apartment, and he's moving out...

are you happy?

Of course I'm happy!

Everyone knows that his son, who's always been successful, is in the hair!

Moreover, this time they moved into the staff housing of a ministry compound, which is a unique and respectable move in the entire courtyard.

From then on, he was able to stand up straighter.

But my heart felt like it was blocked by something, empty and adrift.

These days.

Once the son gets married and moves out, that's considered separating the family and establishing a new household.

later.

This home is no longer the complete home it once was.

He glanced discreetly at the two small houses where he had lived for decades.

I used to think it was crowded and cramped, but at this moment, I feel that every corner of this house is filled with the atmosphere of home.

As dawn broke, a dull thud came from the backyard as a wooden crate fell to the ground.

Taking advantage of the weekend, Liu Guangqi packed up the last few pieces of his luggage. Since entering university, he had spent very few days in this courtyard, and if he had any attachment to it, it wouldn't be hard to say. He didn't have many clothes or luggage to begin with—in those days, a piece of clothing would be passed down from the eldest to the second, patched upon patched, and could still be worn for another three years; that's how life went. It certainly couldn't compare to the more affluent years that followed, but there was nothing to criticize about it.

The real weight was in the several heavy wooden crates. They were crammed full of thick professional books, the edges worn and frayed. He bent down to test the weight of the crates, then straightened up and dusted off his hands.

Just as she was about to turn around, the curtain to the inner room was lifted slightly. Aunt Er peeked out, her eyes still a little red and swollen, but she tried her best to keep her voice light and cheerful: "Is everything packed? There are two steamed buns warming in the pot, take them with you for the journey."

"No need, Mom," Liu Guangqi turned around and smiled, "The ministry's canteen opens early for breakfast."

Liu Haizhong followed behind, walking out with his hands behind his back, his face expressionless, but his gaze lingered on his son's suitcases for a moment before he spoke: "Send a message back once you've settled in."

"Know."

A brief silence followed. A morning breeze swept through the courtyard wall, carrying the chill of early autumn. Liu Guangqi picked up a suitcase, then paused, as if remembering something, pulled a small cloth bag from his pocket, and turned to hand it over.

"Please keep this month's food coupons."

Liu Haizhong didn't take it immediately, but stared at the cloth bag for a couple of seconds. The fabric was faded from washing, but the edges were neatly sewn. His lips twitched, but he finally reached out and took it. His fingertips touched the stiff edges of the paper tickets inside, and he felt a strange sense of reassurance.

"Don't be stingy when you're out there." His voice was a little dry. After saying that, he turned his face away and looked at the old locust tree in the corner of the yard.

Auntie Er secretly wiped the corner of her eye.

Liu Guangqi said nothing more, picked up the box, and stepped out the door. The bottom of the wooden box scraped against the bluestone steps, making a dull dragging sound. The morning light was slowly spreading across the gray-tiled roof, casting long, slanted shadows on the courtyard wall. As he walked through the middle courtyard, the door of the east wing creaked open a crack, then quickly and gently closed again.

He didn't turn around.

Several boxes were carried out of the yard one after another and stacked neatly next to the tricycle parked at the entrance of the alley. The driver, a silent middle-aged man, helped to tie them up securely. The hemp rope made a soft "creak" as it tightened around the wooden boxes.

Liu Guangqi took one last look at the gatehouse of the courtyard house. The brick carvings on the lintel had become blurred, and dark green moss grew in the cracks. Then he jumped onto the cart and nodded to the driver.

The tricycle wheels turned, rolling over the bluestone road, the sound gradually fading until it blended into the sounds of the city just beginning to awaken at the end of the alley.

In the courtyard, Liu Haizhong was still standing in the same spot, clutching the small cloth bag in his hand. After a long while, he turned around and walked back. As he passed through the passageway, his steps unconsciously slowed, and his gaze flickered toward the tightly closed door of Yi Zhonghai's house.

The morning light fell directly on that door, making it shine brightly.