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

"If you don't deliver the goods to me, how are you going to earn foreign exchange? With your old face alone?"

As Liu Guangqi listened, a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.

The two directors went back and forth on the phone, their words sharp and pointed, making it sound like a lively crosstalk performance.

And so, Liu Guangqi listened in his office as the two directors engaged in a long "verbal battle" over a telephone line for half a day.

Every second after the call connected was a silent exchange. Their conversation was imbued with a familiarity and frankness that could only be cultivated over many years, with every word falling within the unspoken boundaries they both understood.

Director Lin's gaze swept over Liu Guangqi, who stood to the side, a subtle, almost imperceptible, composure of a seasoned hunter flickering in the corner of his eye. He didn't rush to speak, instead tilting the receiver slightly, letting the anxious breathing on the other end permeate the silent air. After the invisible pressure had built up sufficiently, he slowly cleared his throat and spoke into the microphone in a tone that blended weariness and difficulty:

"Samples... it's not that we can't send them." He deliberately paused at the end of his sentence, like casting a silent bait, "However, Director Chen, shouldn't your side also consider allocating some funds to our research department? You know that everyone is strapped for cash right now, and we in the First Ministry of Machine Building are especially careful with our budgets, we really don't have any extra reserves..."

Before he could finish speaking, a near-roar erupted from the receiver, so loud that even Liu Guangqi, who was standing nearby, could hear it clearly: "You old Lin! You're trying to force me into a deal!"

Director Lin calmly moved the receiver further away, his expression showing no displeasure, but rather a deeper smile. "You can't put it that way," his voice remained steady. "The colleagues in the research department are working day and night on the project; they need to be able to focus on their work without any worries. You're pressing me hard, so I have to give my subordinates a proper explanation, don't you think?"

"Alright! Whatever you say!" Director Chen on the other end was clearly caught off guard and readily agreed, "As long as the sample can pass the Russian hurdles, I'll personally oversee the R&D subsidy and make it a special case! But the goods must be delivered to me today, immediately!"

"I know, what's the rush?" Director Lin replied with a slightly impatient tone, then hung up the phone decisively.

Almost as soon as the receiver was snapped back into its base, the sorrowful expression on his face vanished like a receding tide, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned upwards, even letting out a light, cheerful hum. This swift and natural shift in emotion left Liu Guangqi, who was watching, secretly amazed.

Director Lin turned to face Liu Guangqi and patted his arm approvingly: "Did you all hear that? Manager Chen from the Foreign Trade Department is eagerly awaiting our 'goods.' When you have time, go there yourself and bring him the finished sample units of those five rice cookers."

"Understood." Liu Guangqi replied with a smile, inwardly admiring his superior's strategic skills.

He was about to leave when he was called back.

"Wait a minute." Director Lin said, turning around to open his locked desk drawer. He took out a thick manila envelope from the deepest part and shoved it into Liu Guangqi's hand without a word. "Take it. This is what you deserve."

Upon receiving the envelope, Liu Guangqi's fingers paused slightly at its weight.

"Director, this..."

"No need to refuse." Director Lin waved his hand, his voice lowered, tinged with a hint of mischief. "This money won't go through the ministry's accounts. I finally managed to 'persuade' that stingy old Chen last time. It's specifically for rewarding your R&D department. You've contributed the most, so naturally this is the most generous share. Use it to improve your well-being." He paused, his tone becoming more reassuring. "The other colleagues in the department will also get a share. Don't worry, I remember all their contributions and hard work."

Liu Guangqi gripped the envelope tightly, a warm feeling welling up from the bottom of his heart. In this time of scarcity, the significance of this award was far from ordinary. Recalling the artful maneuvering he had just witnessed on the phone, he instantly grasped the key points.

Leaving the director's office, Liu Guangqi put his hand in his pocket, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the edge of the heavy envelope, a slight smile curving his lips.

This weight—it is indeed a reassuring and substantial feeling.

Leaning against a big tree, he indeed found shade. He looked up towards the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, estimating Zhao Mengyun's closing time, and decided to go there in person to share the good news with her.

As dusk settled, the afterglow of the setting sun painted the solemn outline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building with a warm golden hue. A steady stream of people flowed out of the main gate, leaving work. Liu Guangqi, pushing his bicycle, stood waiting a short distance away.

Before long, a familiar figure came into view. Zhao Mengyun was wearing a light gray dress today, with a matching silk bow at the neckline, still standing out in the crowd. She carried a brown leather briefcase and walked with a light step.

The moment her gaze fell on Liu Guangqi, a smile lit up in her eyes, and her pace quickened.

"Have you been waiting long?" She approached, a few strands of hair brushing against her cheek in the evening breeze, bringing with them a very faint, almost imperceptible scent of ink and paper.

Its fragrance is delicate and refined, surpassing any deliberately crafted aroma.

"I just arrived recently too," Liu Guangqi replied with a smile.

Liu Guangqi gently turned the car around, naturally leading her to a position further inside.

"The rice cooker matter is finally settled. I received some rewards, and with the coupons I've accumulated recently, I plan to go to the state-run store to buy some things and go home to visit."

"I've been so busy with work these days, it's time to go back to the courtyard house."

That being said, Liu Guangqi's focus was not on buying things.

What he wanted to know was whether Zhao Mengyun was still willing to go back with him to see his parents—she had mentioned wanting to see them earlier.

"OK."

Zhao Mengyun answered readily without the slightest hesitation: "I'll go back to the courtyard house with you tomorrow."

Liu Guangqi smiled upon hearing this.

"become."

Since she readily agreed, he didn't hesitate any longer: "Then let's go back together tomorrow. Let's go to the store first today."

These days he eats and lives at his workplace, saving most of his salary and ration coupons. Apart from regularly subsidizing his household expenses each month, he hardly spends any money.

If you count carefully, he now has almost two sets of "three turns and one ring" tickets.

With ample funds, one naturally wouldn't be stingy with money at home.

Before long, Liu Guangqi rode his bicycle with Zhao Mengyun on the back and arrived at the state-run store.

We didn't choose the supply and marketing cooperative because it's closer and has a wider selection of goods.

As soon as I approached the entrance, a wave of warm, bustling energy washed over me; the place was packed with people.

This wasn't even the busiest time; if it happened to be payday at the factory, the counter would be so crowded that you couldn't even see the salesperson's face, let alone buy anything.

Even so, signs of some changes have already quietly emerged.

Like a chill seeping from the shadows, supplies became increasingly scarce, and ration coupons became more and more precious.

Later on, even if you had a ticket, you might not be able to buy anything.

"Guangqi, there are too many people."

Zhao Mengyun nimbly jumped off the back seat and winked at him: "Let's split up and queue, it'll be faster."

"I'll listen to you."

Liu Guangqi locked the car and nodded in agreement.

The two then merged into the crowd.

Liu Guangqi had a clear goal and headed straight for the grocery counter. Milk powder, pastries, fruit candies, and a few pounds of raw sunflower seeds were all everyday snacks.

As for rice, grains, meat, and vegetables, he had already made arrangements with his father, Liu Pangpang—he would issue the tickets, his father would run the errands, and they would buy them and store them in the cellar, the more the better.

After Liu Guangqi squeezed out of the crowd with his purchases, he looked up and was slightly taken aback.

Zhao Mengyun had already bought them all.

She stood in the doorway, several net bags piled up at her feet, stuffed full of things:

Two shiny cans of malted milk powder, several bottles of canned fruit, two hard-pack Daqianmen cigarettes, and several bottles of Xifeng liquor sealed with red paper.

The most eye-catching items were two brand-new Warrior shoes, with clean blue and white uppers that looked very energetic.

This display drew frequent glances from passersby, some of whom whispered among themselves.

"Did you empty the store?"

Liu Guangqi chuckled and stepped forward.

Zhao Mengyun looked up, her eyebrows curving into a soft smile. She bent down, picked up a net bag, and said softly, "These are for your uncle and aunt, and your brothers."

Her slender fingers tapped on each item one by one:

"Give the malted milk powder and face cream to Auntie, to nourish her skin. Give the cigarettes and alcohol to Uncle, so he can entertain guests properly."

"Warrior shoes are durable, you can have them with your younger brother."

As Liu Guangqi watched her meticulously recount the details, a warmth filled his heart.

He was only thinking about going home to bring some money, but he forgot about how important it was that it was her first time visiting.

She did think things through, but the way she fought was truly astonishing, probably worth several months' salary for others.

Zhao Mengyun saw him shake his head and chuckle, then suddenly leaned closer, lowered her voice, and a playful glint flashed in her eyes:

"It's the first time I'm meeting your aunt and uncle, I can't go empty-handed, can I?"

These words... sound strangely familiar.

The next day, the sky was bright and clear, and a gentle breeze was blowing.

When Liu Guangqi arrived at the entrance of the General Logistics Department compound, Zhao Mengyun was already quietly waiting there.

She had changed her outfit today; the snow-white polyester shirt made her skin look even and smooth, and a small pearl brooch was pinned to her collar—not flashy, but unique.

Liu Guangqi's attire was completely different. Today he wore a pair of deep indigo trousers, the seams pressed as straight as a ruler, and his black leather shoes gleamed like mirrors. The elegant leather briefcase from yesterday was gone, replaced by a bulging military green canvas shoulder bag that looked quite heavy.

"Get on the bike." Liu Guangqi smiled slightly and gently patted the back seat of the bicycle.

Zhao Mengyun nodded with a smile and gracefully sat down sideways. Before long, the two returned to that familiar courtyard.

As soon as I stepped into the front yard, a familiar scolding voice entered my ears.

"Yan Jiecheng! Open your eyes and look at yourself! You're getting on in years, and you have no decent work to do. You just hang around the neighborhood office all day. Is that a proper job?" Yan Bugui stood with his hands on his hips, his fingertips almost touching his son's nose, spittle flying everywhere. "With you in this state, how am I, as your father, supposed to find you a wife in the city?"

He became more and more agitated as he spoke: "You think you can just marry any city girl? Country girls are so practical, they can cook and manage the household, isn't that enough? You're tightening your belt and forcing yourself into a city marriage... can you handle it?"

"You earn so little money each month, barely enough to feed yourself, how can you afford to get married? Do you expect this old man to swallow his pride and beg for you?"

Yan Jiecheng hung his head, remaining silent as he was scolded.

Just then, Yan Bugui caught a glimpse of the commotion at the courtyard gate, and his cursing abruptly stopped. His taut, ashen face instantly transformed into a tapestry of smiles.

"Oh, Guangqi's back?" His gaze shifted and landed on Zhao Mengyun, who was getting out of the back seat of Liu Guangqi's car. He was immediately stunned. "This young lady is...?"

Yan Jiecheng, who had been looking dejected, subconsciously raised his eyes when he heard the word "girl".

With just that one glance, he froze, as if half of his soul had been ripped away.

When did such a person arrive in the courtyard? She looked like she had stepped out of a New Year's painting. She stood quietly beside Liu Guangqi, yet it was as if all the light in the front yard was gathered around her.

Yan Jiecheng's mind went completely blank. His father's scolding had vanished, and only one thought remained in his mind and eyes: What celestial beauty had descended to earth from the heavens? Compared to her, he felt like a mole cricket in the mud.

Liu Guangqi parked the car and nodded to Yan Bugui, greeting him, "Third Uncle, are you busy?"

Yan Bugui chuckled dryly, rubbing his hands together, but his gaze couldn't help but drift to the bulging packages in Liu Guangqi's hands: "Guangqi, did you... bring friends back?"

"Yunyun," Liu Guangqi introduced gently to the person next to him, "This is the third uncle in the courtyard, and next to him is his eldest son, Jiecheng."

Zhao Mengyun took a half step forward and smiled generously at Yan Bugui: "Hello, Third Uncle, I am Guangqi's fiancée, Zhao Mengyun." Her voice was clear and bright, and her words were both polite and made her identity clear.

fiancée?

Yan Bugui heard it clearly, and his eyes widened immediately. What a lad! He's been keeping quiet all this time, and he's actually found such a beautiful girl who looks like a fairy? Look at her appearance, her demeanor... she's definitely not someone that an ordinary family could raise.