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

In particular, the Ministry of Light Industry, having finalized the cooperation agreement, must communicate as soon as possible to implement the cooperation plan between upstream and downstream entities in order to avoid delaying the order.

In the conference room of the Ministry of Light Industry, several leaders sat around a long table. On the table were the files of Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory and Liu Guangqi's resume. The group silently flipped through them, their expressions varying—astonishment, frustration, regret, and a mix of emotions intertwined in the silence.

"Incredible..." someone exclaimed softly. "He was promoted to assistant engineer before even graduating from university, and less than six months later, he was promoted to full engineer based on his technical contributions. How many years has it been since our department has produced such a young backbone member?"

The director of the Research and Development Department's fingertip hovered over the line "Research and development of electric kettles and electric blankets, which involved borrowing insulation materials from within the ministry," and he sighed softly: "I remember the Research Department of the First Ministry of Machine Building. Last year they came to borrow materials for heating elements, but I didn't pay much attention... Who knew I would miss such a good show."

After the words were spoken, the conference room fell silent for a moment. Everyone present recalled the incident from last year—the Ministry of Machine Building had applied for a batch of high-temperature resistant insulated wires, claiming it was for the research and development of new heating products. The Ministry of Light Industry approved the application according to standard procedures and did not investigate further. Looking back now, they realized what they had missed.

The director of the Production Technology Department spoke with regret: "As a result, they developed electric kettles, electric blankets... and recently, induction cookers and rice cookers. At the Canton Fair, they directly outperformed Japanese rice cookers, and orders poured in. And what about us? We didn't even make a move to attract customers."

The Director of the Labor and Wages Department nodded in agreement: "Rice cookers and induction cookers, in the end, all fall under the category of light industrial household appliances. If Liu Guangqi were in our ministry, wouldn't all this credit and foreign exchange be ours?" He paused, then tentatively suggested, "How about... we discuss it with the First Ministry of Machine Building? See if we can ask Comrade Guangqi to be transferred over?"

The words had barely left his mouth when the director of the Scientific Research Department glared at him, snapping him back: "Discuss the Ministry of Machine Building? Do you think they're stupid? Old Lin treats them like his own eyes, and if the Ministry of Foreign Trade couldn't get it done, do you think we can?"

Everyone fell silent, filled with regret. Such a rare talent; if they had paid more attention back then, perhaps they could have recruited him. Now, trying to transfer him was a pipe dream—which ministry would easily let go of its own engineer? If they actually asked, they would only invite trouble.

Inside the conference hall of the Ministry of Light Industry, the air was so heavy it was almost frozen.

Director Yang of the Planning Department gently placed the document in his hand on the table. The sound was not loud, but it drew everyone's attention.

"There's no point in arguing about this now." His voice was calm, but carried an undeniable weight. "The Ministry of Machine Building is protecting its people very well. If we rashly reach out, we'll only give them something to talk about."

He looked around and continued, "There's only one way forward now—establish a cooperative relationship with Hongxing Factory and take control of the supporting production links. We'll use this opportunity to learn technology and gain experience."

These words were like a breeze, dispelling the anxiety that filled the room. The expressions of the crowd softened, and they all nodded in agreement.

The head of the Production Technology Division then released a list:

"Several factories under the ministry have a solid foundation. Dongfeng Factory acquired a new stamping line last year, so making inner containers is not a problem; Tianjin Bohai Factory, although newly established, has circuit board technology that is a perfect fit; and Yanjing No. 3 Factory also has experience in insulating materials..."

The pen nib scratches across the paper, making circles, dots, and outlines.

Director Yang pondered for a moment, then raised his eyes and said, "This time, we won't assign them; let the factories compete for them themselves."

He paused, then continued, "All those interested will go to the Hongxing Factory for selection. The technical standards, production capacity requirements, and quality inspection procedures will all be determined by the Hongxing Factory. Whoever meets the standards will be qualified; those who don't will go back and continue to hone their skills."

The meeting room fell silent for a moment, then a chorus of agreement arose.

Relying solely on hard power, without favors or connections, demonstrates fairness and transparency, and also shows the Ministry of Light Industry's sincerity to the Ministry of Machine Building. More importantly, it forces subordinate factories to genuinely improve their capabilities.

The news spread like wildfire. In less than half a day, all the electrical appliance factories under the Ministry of Light Industry were in an uproar.

The factory managers were all eager and envious, it was an understatement to say they were itching to get a piece of the pie—this was more than just getting a share; it was like a golden opportunity had fallen from the sky.

In the era of planned economy, production targets were the lifeblood of everything. And who wouldn't want to get involved with new products like rice cookers that could generate foreign exchange? Orders, targets, and the chance to learn technology – such opportunities were rare and precious.

The factory director of Dongfeng Factory pushed open his office door and shouted, "Take a good look at maintaining the new molds in the stamping workshop! The technical department, get all the quality inspection reports from the last three months! We're going to Hongxing Factory in a couple of days; we need to show them our best skills!"

The Tianjin Bohai Factory set off overnight. The deputy factory director, accompanied by two key technical personnel, boarded a night train bound for Beijing, carrying samples of the latest prototype circuit boards.

Elsewhere, things were bustling with activity: some factories were rushing to inventory their warehouses, selecting the neatest power cable harnesses for packing and boxing; others were sending people out before dawn, their briefcases stuffed with newly updated equipment parameter sheets…

The engines of jeeps hummed through the morning mist, and train tickets to the same destination were sold out.

An unseen tide is surging from all directions towards the same place—

Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory.

Meanwhile, the factory area was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

The temporary transfer allowed Liu Guangqi to assume the position of chief technical engineer at the machinery factory, thus eliminating the need for him to return to the ministry daily.

His work focus was entirely on this factory.

Six workshops were operating simultaneously, the low growls of the machines echoing continuously, weaving into a rhythmic roar within the spacious factory. Liu Guangqi, wearing a blue overall twill stained with mottled oil, knelt beside a stamping machine, using a wrench in his hand to assist Lao Zhang, a level seven fitter, in calibrating the mold parameters.

"Chief Engineer Liu, that was truly impressive!"

Old Zhang picked up the freshly stamped rice cooker inner pot. Its curves were smooth, and the edges were clean and even—a significant improvement over the previous trial-production sample. He couldn't help but exclaim, "This mold took me ages to make, but you just fiddled with it for a few seconds and it's working perfectly!"

"Minor problems, not difficult to fix."

Liu Guangqi wiped the sweat from his brow and stood up with a smile. He gently patted the heavy side panel of the machine tool, his gaze sweeping over the busy figures in the workshop. "The production line is just starting out, the equipment is still in the break-in phase..." he raised his voice, "Call me anytime if you encounter any problems!"

As they were talking, a familiar voice came from behind them.

Liu Guangqi turned his head.

Wang Jianguo, dressed in a neat cadre uniform with his collar buttoned up perfectly, was walking briskly towards us, a notebook in his hand. Compared to his time in the research department of the First Ministry of Machine Building, Wang Jianguo now had a more composed demeanor, and exuded the aura of a deputy factory director. Wherever he went, the workers would greet him with smiles and call out "Director Wang," and he would stop to briefly explain a few production details.

He certainly seemed much more composed than when he was a team leader in the ministry.

At this moment, Wang Jianguo walked slowly around the workshop with his hands behind his back, occasionally stopping to point out something to a certain workstation. His expression was serious, and he really looked like a leader who had the final say.

However, when his gaze fell upon Liu Guangqi, who was tidying up tools in the corner, the seriousness on his face instantly vanished.

He practically jogged over, his smile so warm it was as if he were a completely different person.

"Guangqi, are you done with your work? It's time to eat. Let's find a place to sit down; I have something to discuss with you, let's talk while we eat!"

Wang Jianguo walked to Liu Guangqi's side, speaking in a familiar and intimate tone, as if the stern-looking deputy factory director from just moments ago was merely a fleeting illusion.

Liu Guangqi found it amusing and deliberately straightened his back, mimicking Wang's previous demeanor to tease him: "Director Wang, it's only been a few days, but you've become more and more imposing. Compared to when you were a team leader in the ministry, you're practically a different person."

"Get lost, stop with the act!" Wang Jianguo's ears burned, and he slapped his arm with a laugh. "What's my worth? I'm only successful because of you!" He lowered his voice and leaned closer. "If it weren't for you inventing induction cookers and rice cookers, how could Hongxing Factory be as bustling as it is today? I, Wang Jianguo, would probably still be obediently waiting in line for seniority at the ministry."

He paused for a moment, the mockery in his eyes gradually turning into感慨 (a sense of deep emotion): "Besides, Guangqi, you may not care about how much you've contributed this time, but I see it clearly. Once the production at the Red Star Factory is fully stable... and your temporary assignment ends and you return to the ministry, I dare say you'll be promoted at least one level, and skipping two levels wouldn't be surprising!"

Wang Jianguo became more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, his voice filled with undisguised envy: "At that time, you'll be the youngest section chief in the history of our First Ministry of Machine Building! That's real glory!"

This isn't flattery. In their system, advancing even a fraction of an administrative rank is incredibly difficult. It's not just about a leap in salary; it's a complete recognition of an individual's ability and tangible contributions. In a place like the Ministry of Machine Building, how many ordinary engineers could possibly reach the position of department head without exhausting themselves and working themselves to the bone? But Liu Guangqi was different. Whose technology did Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory rely on to grow from nothing? It was Liu Guangqi's. This credit cannot be taken away or erased by anyone. Anyone with eyes can see that his promotion this time is a foregone conclusion.

The youngest division chief in the ministry—that title alone is enough to make countless people envious for half their lives.

Liu Guangqi simply smiled and shook his head, saying, "Who has time to think about those things now? Old Wang, our Hongxing Factory's production line has only just been put into operation."

Liu Guangqi and Wang Jianguo walked side by side through the factory area.

"The factories directly under the Ministry of Light Industry will be bidding soon; that's the most important thing right now," Liu Guangqi said calmly. "Things need to be done one at a time."

Wang Jianguo nodded upon hearing this. He knew his partner well—though young, he was more composed than anyone else. The two didn't talk again and headed straight for the cafeteria.

The workers who had just finished work were walking out one after another, and they greeted them warmly when they saw them.

"Factory Manager! Chief Engineer! Shall we go for lunch?"

"The canteen made braised cabbage and pork today, it smells delicious! You two should eat more; our factory is hoping to earn more foreign exchange!"

"Chief Engineer Liu really needs to take some supplements to improve his health."

Liu Guangqi and Wang Jianguo smiled and nodded in response, without stopping.

The aroma of steaming rice wafted from the canteen entrance, mingled with the rich fragrance of lard and cabbage. In these times of scarcity, such a meal was a rare treat. As an advanced unit in foreign exchange earnings, the Red Star Factory certainly provided its workers with better meals than elsewhere—in other factories at this time, being able to eat cornbread was considered a luxury.

The workers, carrying enamel lunchboxes, lined up and immediately gave up their seats when they saw the two of them.

"You two go first! No need to wait in line."

"You must be hungry after a busy morning. Please come forward."

"No need, just follow the order." Liu Guangqi waved his hand and pulled Wang Jianguo to stand at the end of the line.

Wang Jianguo glanced at the composed young man beside him, a surge of emotion rising within him: this was precisely why he was willing to follow Liu Guangqi. Capable yet unpretentious; approachable to workers yet extremely meticulous in his work. Working with someone like him gave him peace of mind.

After waiting in line for seven or eight minutes, the two of them got their food: a bowl of rice, a spoonful of braised pork with cabbage, and some pickled vegetables—the factory leaders' meals were no different from the workers'.

They sat down by the window. Wang Jianguo ate a few mouthfuls of rice, then suddenly leaned closer and lowered his voice:

"Guangqi, the Ministry of Light Industry is making quite a splash this time. I heard that Dongfeng Electric Factory even brought the parameters of the stamping equipment they imported last year, just in case we don't like it. Tianjin Light Industry Electric Factory is even more impressive—they brought their best circuit board samples to compete for cooperation qualifications. There are fourteen or fifteen factories from the surrounding area of ​​Beijing alone!"

Liu Guangqi smiled faintly: "That's good. Competition brings pressure. Downstream cooperating factories don't care about reputation, they only care about technology and attitude. Whoever can guarantee the quality of parts and keep up with production capacity, we will choose."

He paused for a moment, his gaze drifting to the workshop outside the window: "Our factory needs more than just foreign exchange. We need to solidify the foundation of the home appliance industry. This collaboration with the Ministry of Light Industry's factories is not only to fulfill orders, but also to cultivate the downstream industrial chain—once they master the technology for producing parts, we can launch new products faster and more steadily in the future."

Looking at Liu Guangqi's profile, Wang Jianguo suddenly understood. He had previously thought the matter was tedious, but now he realized the profound considerations behind it.

really.