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

"Twenty-one years old... Level 8 engineer." She repeated the title softly, her eyes shimmering. "Liu Guangqi, you always amaze people."

The whisper faded into the evening breeze, yet it was more genuine than any praise.

As he stepped out the door, the sky was already tinged with the blush of twilight. Liu Guangqi lightly tapped the handlebars, about to suggest heading towards Shichahai, when the girl beside him spoke first: "How about we go to the bookstore first? I'd like to find a few foreign-language monographs on mechanical engineering."

"As you wish." A smile flickered in his eyes as he subtly turned the carriage around. The wheels rolled over the fine grass growing between the cobblestones, and the crisp sound of the bell startled the sparrows perched on the locust tree. Two shadows, nestled together, were stretched long by the setting sun and flowed slowly across the mottled wall.

This tranquil scene did not last long.

A rough argument suddenly erupted at the other end of the long street. Xu Damao gripped the handlebars of his bicycle, spitting almost onto the face of the man opposite him: "You won't admit you're filthy! The girl was being kind by not vomiting on the spot when she saw your greasy, tattered clothes!"

"Bullshit!" Sha Zhu, his neck contorted with bulging veins, roared, his voice shaking the eaves and sending dust fluttering down. "You must have been making up my nickname behind my back! Did you tell everyone in the yard that they call me Sha Zhu?"

"I was just praising your honesty and simplicity!"

"You're such a simpleton!"

In the heat of the argument, Xu Damao suddenly caught a glimpse of a car turning around the street corner. He abruptly stopped talking, squinted for a moment to make out the car, and then slapped his thigh: "Hey! Isn't that Brother Guangqi and his girlfriend?"

His anger vanished instantly. He shoved aside the still-arguing Sha Zhu and pushed the cart forward, yelling, "Go, go, go! I need to talk to Brother Guang Qi!"

Sha Zhu looked around upon hearing this and indeed spotted that familiar figure. Forgetting his banter, he took off chasing after them. A strange tacit understanding arose between the two as they desperately pursued the couple ahead in the deepening twilight.

Unfortunately, the distance of a hundred paces seemed like an insurmountable chasm. Liu Guangqi was whispering something to Zhao Mengyun, the sound of the bicycle wheels rolling over the stone pavement masking the hurried footsteps behind them. Seeing that the bicycle was about to turn into the side road shaded by sycamore trees, Xu Damao was so anxious that his throat was burning. He exchanged a glance with Shazhu and at the same time took off running.

When the distance was reduced to thirty meters, a sudden change occurred.

Four dark figures suddenly darted out of the shadows of the alley. Their movements were so fast they were mere afterimages; before the two could even cry out, their arms were twisted behind their backs by iron-like hands. Xu Damao was terrified; his scream caught in his throat, turning into a sob. Sha Zhu's muscles bulged as he tried to struggle, but he was horrified to find that the force restraining him was like cast iron.

"Don't move." A cold, mechanical voice rang in my ear. "Ministry Security Department is investigating. Two people following important technical personnel are acting suspiciously."

Before the words were even finished, Xu Damao and Shazhu had already been dragged into a deep alley. Their pleas for mercy and explanations were drowned out by the high brick walls, leaving only the bicycle lying askew in the twilight, its wheels still spinning in the air.

Warm yellow light bathed the bookshelves in the library. Zhao Mengyun's fingertips traced the gilded spines of the books as she pulled out two German monographs. Liu Guangqi took the stack of books from her and, as he walked toward the counter, caught a glimpse of several figures standing silently outside the glass door.

The moment the door opened, the uniformed men stood at attention in unison. The leader raised his hand in salute, his eyes sharp as a hawk's beneath the shadow of his hat brim: "Chief Engineer Liu, the Security Section of the First Ministry of Machine Building is hereby ordered to serve as your personal guard."

Not far behind, the figures of security personnel quietly appeared.

After a moment's thought, Liu Guangqi understood the reason.

Today, he is far more than just an ordinary technician in the factory. He holds the title of Level 8 Engineer and has successively launched several new products that can earn foreign exchange for the country, making significant contributions to the foreign trade sector. Everyone understands the importance of such a position. It is only natural that the higher authorities would assign someone to accompany and protect him.

After all, the situation was not stable. Although Beijing seemed peaceful, there might be eyes watching from the shadows.

While I was lost in thought, the security guard stepped forward and reported in a low voice:

"We just spotted two suspicious individuals who were loitering and spying on you and Comrade Zhao. We have apprehended them, and our initial assessment is that they may be enemy agents."

Enemy agents?

Liu Guangqi looked up and was taken aback, then shook his head and chuckled.

He raised his hand and gently rubbed his temple, his tone somewhat helpless: "So it was them."

Without needing to ask for details, he could roughly piece together the cause and effect. These two people had simply walked into the warning zone on their own.

These days, the rumors of enemy espionage activities are not unfounded, and various attacks are frequently reported. He had just been promoted to Level 8 engineer and was receiving special attention from the ministry, so his security level was naturally different from before. It would be strange if these two hadn't been considered suspicious by following him so brazenly.

They were lucky, really. These days, suspicious individuals are dealt with swiftly, and if they had resisted even slightly during the arrest, the consequences would have been unimaginable. The fact that they were brought here unharmed is a testament to their good fortune.

Liu Guangqi waved to the security personnel beside him and explained:

"It's a misunderstanding, comrade. They're not enemy agents, they're my neighbors in the same courtyard, one is called Sha Zhu, and the other is called Xu Damao. They just like to join in the fun."

A hint of surprise flashed across the eyes of the lead guard, but he immediately waved to signal for the release of the person.

"Since it's someone Mr. Liu knows, then we must have overreacted." He paused, then added, "Don't worry, we were careful not to hurt anyone."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Damao and Shazhu were released from their restraints and staggered forward.

The two men glanced timidly at the upright security guard beside them, then turned to Liu Guangqi, their eyes filled with shock. They had considered many scenarios, but they hadn't expected that Liu Guangqi would be accompanied by armed personnel when he went out.

This spectacle, this grandeur... was far beyond their comprehension.

Xu Damao was the first to come to his senses, forcing a smile as he bent down to get closer:

"Brother Guangqi... Hey, look at my mouth, I should call him Engineer Liu!"

"We just happened to be passing by and saw you and Comrade Zhao. We wanted to go up and say hello, but who knew... this misunderstanding would happen..."

He stammered as he spoke, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

Sha Zhu stared blankly at Liu Guangqi, his face flushed red, and after a long while, he managed to stammer out:

"Guangqi, what kind of official position have you become?"

"I wouldn't call myself an official," Liu Guangqi chuckled upon seeing his expression. "It's all just a guarantee arranged by the ministry. The projects I'm working on recently involve foreign exchange, so it's always better to be cautious."

He spoke in a plain tone, without going into the details of the significance of an eighth-level engineer—he didn't think they would understand anyway, and it would only make him seem arrogant.

Sha Zhu seemed to understand but not quite, and opened his mouth to ask another question, but Xu Damao covered his mouth with his hand.

"Alright, alright!" Xu Damao tugged at his arm and quickly winked, "Engineer Liu can't go into details, so let's not pry! Just know that he's extraordinary now!"

Sha Zhu was stopped by him and blinked a few times in a daze. Finally, he vaguely realized the situation and fell silent for a moment.

Xu Damao immediately forced a fawning smile, rubbing his hands nervously together, his back unconsciously hunching over as he nodded repeatedly at Liu Guangqi.

"Brother Guangqi!"

"Thanks to you for speaking up for me today, otherwise the misunderstanding between me and Shazhu would have been huge, and I wouldn't have been able to clear my name even if I jumped into the Yellow River."

He had already made up his mind in secret.

From now on, you must never act recklessly in front of this man, or you'll be in for a world of trouble.

"It's a small matter; it can be resolved by talking it out."

Liu Guangqi smiled calmly and looked up at the darkening sky:

"It's getting late, you should all go back to the hospital. I need to take Xiaoyun home first."

Xu Damao and Shazhu quickly responded.

Watching Liu Guangqi ride his bicycle, carrying Zhao Mengyun, until they disappeared at the end of the alley, the two remained standing there, their hearts still churning with turmoil—security department, ministerial-level benefits, Chief Engineer Liu…

These words, put together, already paint a picture of a figure they can only look up to.

It seems that from now on, we really need to show more respect to Second Uncle in this courtyard.

The wheels rolled over the somewhat deserted road in the western suburbs at dusk, making a soft rustling sound.

Zhao Mengyun leaned gently against Liu Guangqi's back and suddenly whispered, "Guangqi, my parents should be able to free up some time next week."

The sound was soft.

But like a pebble thrown into still water, it rippled across Liu Guangqi's heart.

"They were thinking of arranging a meeting with your parents to formally finalize our relationship."

"Why--"

Liu Guangqi's hand tightened, and he subconsciously gripped the brake.

The tires made a short, soft squeak as they rubbed against the ground, and the car body paused slightly.

He steadied the handlebars, but his heart suddenly skipped a few beats.

"Are you able to spare some time, Uncle and Aunt?"

Immediately afterwards, a surge of intense joy welled up from my chest, and I could no longer hide my smile as it blossomed on my lips.

"That's wonderful!"

"I've been looking forward to this day for ages! I'll tell my parents right away and ask them to start making arrangements as soon as possible!"

"Um."

Zhao Mengyun's response was tinged with a smile, yet also with a hint of shyness: "My mom said that no matter how busy she is, she can't keep putting off our business."

"We need to pick a day so that both families can sit down and settle things properly..."

"Then they were relieved."

As Liu Guangqi listened, he felt a warm glow in his heart.

Who said his future mother-in-law is difficult to get along with? Look at her thoughtfulness; she couldn't be more reasonable.

He was well aware that Zhao Mengyun's parents held important positions, and the fact that they could arrange this meeting amidst their busy schedules was itself a form of affirmation for him.

He thought that he would soon be able to formally establish his relationship with Zhao Mengyun.

His whole heart felt light.

Having spent more than twenty years alone, this loneliness is finally coming to an end.

Once the tasks at Hongxing Factory are completed, he will be able to build a small home with his sweetheart. This joy is probably second only to the moment he succeeds in overcoming technical challenges.

After dropping Zhao Mengyun off at the entrance of the General Logistics Department compound and watching her walk through the gate, Liu Guangqi turned the car around.

On the way back, he unconsciously hummed an off-key tune, the smile on his lips like the sunset, lingering there for a long time.

The recognition of the Level 8 engineer, the smooth execution of the order from Hongxing Factory, and the upcoming meeting between the two companies—good things have been happening one after another lately.

Dusk had already fallen in Nanluoguxiang.

When Xu Damao and Shazhu stepped into the courtyard house one after the other, the daylight had almost completely faded.

The two remained silent the entire way.

His expression was still somewhat dazed, and his steps were unsteady and unsteady.

As soon as you enter the front yard, you see the three stewards, Liu Haizhong, Yi Zhonghai, and Yan Bugui, sitting around a stone table in the middle yard chatting.

Outside the Jia family's gate, not far away.

The one squatting in front of the washboard has changed to Qin Huairu.

She was laboriously scrubbing the mountain of clothes, surrounded by Jia Zhangshi and several gossipy women, whispering amongst themselves.

Normally, as soon as Sha Zhu entered the courtyard, his gaze would immediately drift towards Qin Huairu.

But today, he acted as if he didn't see anything, walking straight in with his eyes wide open, still looking completely distracted.

"Hey, look at these two, what's wrong with them?"

It was Uncle Yan Bugui, the third uncle, who had the sharpest eyes. He adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose and carefully examined the expressions of the two men.

"You got into a fight? Seeing a doctor prescribing medicine is a business that costs money."

Yi Zhonghai put down his wine glass, his brows furrowing slightly: "Zhuzi, Da Mao, what happened?"

Liu Haizhong was holding the enamel mug.

With a hint of amusement on his face, he said, "Look at them, so distracted, their faces are ashen. What's wrong? Did they get into a fight and get hurt, or are you two fighting again?"

The courtyard was bustling with activity. Liu Haizhong had just picked up his teacup when Xu Damao dragged Shazhu to the stone table, his voice low but unable to hide his excitement: "Second Uncle! Don't ask about the fight yet, I have some incredible news—I guarantee you'll wake up laughing in your dreams tonight after hearing it!"

Liu Haizhong lifted his eyelids and glanced at him, then snorted irritably, "Da Mao, what kind of ivory can you possibly spout?"

"Guess what I ran into with Sha Zhu this afternoon?"

"What a load of bull! Spit it out, or get lost!"

Xu Damao had intended to keep him in suspense, but Liu Haizhong wasn't buying it at all. He slammed the enamel mug on the table and made it clear that he would get up and leave if Liu Haizhong kept arguing.

"Second Uncle! You might not believe it—we almost got detained as enemy spies!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the courtyard fell silent.