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

A few girls with braided hair and wearing dresses were whispering nearby, but suddenly fell silent, all eyes turning to them. Their murmurs couldn't hide their excitement:

"Look at that senior... he's so tall and straight."

"But you're from our department? You look familiar."

The girl wearing round-framed glasses suddenly exclaimed softly, "It's Senior Liu Guangqi! The one who gave the speech at last year's graduation ceremony."

Several pairs of eyes instantly became more intense.

"Is it really him? He exudes even more presence than on stage..."

"I heard that he joined the First Ministry of Machine Building right after graduation and is now the chief engineer."

The whispers drifted to the back seat on the breeze. Zhao Mengyun subtly touched the arm of the person next to her.

"Did you hear that?" She tilted her head back, a playful smile playing at the corners of her eyes. "Senior Liu's reputation is widespread."

Liu Guangqi glanced at her sideways and said, "Watch where you're going."

Even so, he slowed his pace by a third, subtly shielding her on the outside and keeping her away from those who were watching.

Zhao Mengyun suppressed a laugh and teased him, "Were you this conspicuous back in school?"

"I didn't notice."

She glanced at him upon hearing this—such a response was very much in line with Liu Guangqi's style. His ability to be utterly clueless about romance was probably unmatched.

After laughing, she quietly observed the person beside her. The ordinary white shirt made his shoulders look straight, and his back was as upright as a pine tree. Although there was no extra expression on his face, his calm and confident demeanor was more striking than any gorgeous clothes.

No wonder those girls kept turning around to look at him.

Zhao Mengyun sighed inwardly, thinking that this man certainly had the looks to attract women.

The scattered gold dust from the sycamore leaves swayed gently on the brick path.

Zhao Mengyun composed herself, her gaze sweeping over the trees on both sides, her voice carrying a faint sigh of admiration: "Your campus is so lush and green, much more vibrant than our Foreign Languages ​​Department's orderly garden."

Liu Guangqi's gaze fell on the square building made of red bricks not far away.

A slight smile appeared on his lips: "Diplomats and steel dealers are worlds apart." He gestured, "See that building over there? The mechanical engineering lab."

A hint of gentle pride slipped into his voice: "The last steelmaking temperature control simulation before graduation was completed there."

He paused briefly.

A bright glint flashed in his eyes—it was that design that opened the door for him to become an assistant engineer.

……

Liu Guangqi did not linger on campus and led Zhao Mengyun straight towards the auditorium.

He arrived early, as was his habit, even before the graduation ceremony had begun. Over the years, he had never wanted to keep his teachers waiting.

at the same time.

Inside the auditorium of the School of Mechanical Engineering.

A brief, soft buzzing sound came from the microphone, followed by a clear test tone. The auditorium before the ceremony was solemn and orderly, with a subtle sense of anticipation floating in the air.

The atmosphere in the lounge, separated only by a corridor, was much more relaxed.

Several department heads were sitting around chatting, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

"Old Li, this year's scene is much more lively than last year's."

The department head, known as Old Li, gently placed the newspaper he was holding on the coffee table and replied with a smile, "The excitement is secondary—the important thing is that we can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

The vice dean, who had just put down his teacup, nodded in agreement, lowering his voice slightly and speaking with a hint of teasing:

"Who can argue with that?"

"Years ago, when people mentioned Tsinghua University, who wouldn't think of the Mechanical Engineering Department first? These days, things have changed—"

"The limelight has been stolen by the water conservancy engineering and radio engineering departments. Nowadays, when outsiders talk about our school, they only mention the major dam or the first television set assembly."

"It makes our School of Mechanical Engineering seem like it's in charge of logistics."

These words immediately drew a chorus of knowing chuckles.

Even among top universities, the unspoken competition between departments is often not about the amount of resources available, but rather about pride and face.

Which of these people in charge of departments wouldn't want their students to become the backbone of the industry and role models of the times?

"That's why—"

"This time, I'm going to defy all opposition and bring Guangqi back. Some people say we're making too much of a show of force, but I'm going to make it happen—if we don't speak up soon, people will really think our Mechanical Engineering Department has no talented people!"

"This isn't just a show of force; it truly lives up to its name."

"Speaking of which, Guangqi graduated only a year ago, and he was promoted from assistant engineer to level eight engineer. This achievement has truly brought honor to the college."

"I've also heard—"

"The export products he led the design of earned a lot of foreign exchange for the country in the foreign trade market."

"We've even managed to shake up a piece of their market share in Japan."

"Thinking about it really does boost morale."

In the eyes of everyone present, such outstanding graduates are the brightest calling card of the School of Mechanical Engineering.

There was a gentle knock on the door of the lounge.

A young officer poked his head in, looking excited: "Dean, Director, Liu Guangqi is downstairs!"

In an instant, everyone in the room stood up.

"well!"

"Everyone, stop sitting down—our prized student is back, and we should welcome him."

---

Under the plane trees outside the auditorium, dappled sunlight cast shadows.

"Aren't you really coming in with me to meet the teachers?"

Liu Guangqi looked at Zhao Mengyun beside him, his voice tinged with a smile.

The woman shook her head, her eyes curving into a lively smile: "No need. My identity is currently unknown, so I'll just watch quietly from the audience."

She paused for a moment, a playful glint in her eyes:

"But don't worry, even if I'm sitting in the audience, I will listen carefully to every word Chief Engineer Liu says—"

"After all, it's not an easy opportunity to hear a Level 8 engineer share their insights in person."

Liu Guangqi couldn't help but chuckle—a young woman's thoughts are indeed as unpredictable as a spring breeze.

When I first entered the campus, my status was still listed as a relative. Now, standing before the department leaders, that relationship has become blurred again. A barely perceptible smile flashed across Liu Guangqi's eyes as he slowly stepped forward, saying nothing, only gently squeezing her fingertips.

"Okay, then go find a good spot offstage." His voice was calm. "After the ceremony, I'll take you on a proper walk around Tsinghua University."

"Yes!" Zhao Mengyun's eyes suddenly lit up, and she nodded vigorously.

Watching Liu Guangqi turn and walk towards the group of college leaders, she then turned around and entered the auditorium through a side passage.

She quickly found an inconspicuous seat in the back row. From there, she could clearly see everything on the stage without attracting attention. As her gaze swept over the students who were taking their seats, a warm anticipation welled up in her heart—she really wanted to see what kind of demeanor Chief Engineer Liu, who so calmly directed operations in the workshop, would have when he returned to the podium at his alma mater.

However, the sound of a group of girls talking nearby drifted over first.

"I heard that this year's outstanding graduate representative is none other than Liu Guangqi, a senior from last year!"

"Liu Guangqi? Is that the legendary figure who obtained his assistant engineer certificate before even graduating?"

"Who else could it be but him! I heard from my advisor that he's already a Level 8 engineer."

This sentence was like a pebble thrown into a still lake; the surroundings were momentarily quiet, then a more enthusiastic wave of sound surged up.

"An eighth-level engineer? He's only been out of school for a year!"

"This speed of promotion... has it become so easy to get an engineer's title?"

"Easy? Then you try it. He's really capable. I heard that several pieces of equipment he developed have become key to export earnings, and he's been commended by the ministry many times."

Listening to these comments, which were filled with amazement and admiration, Zhao Mengyun's lips unconsciously curled up slightly.

At the entrance of the auditorium, Liu Guangqi had already met up with the department leaders.

Department Head Professor Li, along with several college leaders, were waiting at the door, their faces beaming with genuine smiles.

"Guangqi, we've finally waited for you." Professor Li was the first to greet him, giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder, the force full of an elder's approval. The other leaders followed in succession, their words brimming with pride:

"Guangqi, you've really brought honor to our School of Mechanical Engineering! Several department leaders have specifically mentioned you, thanking the school for cultivating such a talent."

"Back when we were in school, I could tell you were quick-witted and diligent; I knew you'd amount to something great, and now it seems I was absolutely right!"

The crowd surrounded Liu Guangqi, their words warm and comforting. Liu Guangqi maintained a humble smile throughout, responding to each question.

"You flatter me, teachers. I owe everything I have today to the nurturing I received from my alma mater. If it weren't for Professor Li giving me the opportunity to participate in the steelmaking furnace temperature project, and without the meticulous professional guidance of Professors Zhang and Wang, I would never have reached this point."

These words, expressing gratitude to his teacher without being arrogant, earned silent nods of approval from the surrounding leaders. This young man is not only talented but also knows how to conduct himself in society; no wonder he has gone so far.

"Alright, stop standing at the door, the ceremony is about to begin," a leader reminded with a smile.

Liu Guangqi nodded in agreement and followed Professor Li into the auditorium with the others.

As soon as he stepped into the hall, a wave of enthusiastic applause erupted—the seats were filled with graduating students, and countless eyes were focused on him, their gazes filled with admiration and anticipation. Many had already opened their notebooks and gripped their pens tightly.

This is an era that doesn't chase after celebrities. They chase after knowledge, role models, and true guiding lights. Paper and pen are ready, just to jot down those maxims that might influence a lifetime.

The ceremony was simple. Several school leaders took turns to give speeches. During the break, Liu Guangqi's gaze swept across the audience and quickly spotted the quiet figure in the back row—Zhao Mengyun was looking at him from afar, a faint smile curving at the corners of her eyes.

Soon after, the encouragement and outlook from the college leaders concluded. Professor Li, the department head, steadily stepped onto the stage, his voice booming:

"Now, please welcome our outstanding graduate representative, Liu Guangqi, to share his thoughts and insights with us."

In the auditorium, applause surged like a tide and lingered for a long time.

Young faces craned their necks, gazing at the figure on the podium. Liu Guangqi, a graduate of the School of Mechanical Engineering last year, stood there, his collar neatly pressed, his expression composed. In just one year, his name was already associated with "Level 8 Engineer," and the rice cooker he helped design was exported overseas, breaking down long-standing technological barriers. Now, he had returned to his alma mater, standing before hundreds of his younger schoolmates.

"Hello teachers, hello students." His voice rang out steadily, like a warm ray of sunshine in autumn. "At this time last year, I was sitting in the audience, a Tsinghua University student waiting to graduate. Today, I'm back, and I'm being introduced as an 'alumnus.' To be honest, it feels a bit strange."

A knowing chuckle rippled through the audience. The atmosphere subtly relaxed.

The auditorium, which could hold hundreds of people, was already packed to capacity, and even the open space outside was filled with students from other departments who had come after hearing the news. The college simply opened its doors, allowing them to stand and listen. Today's college students have pure intentions—if it were a high-ranking leader, the audience might already be dozing off; but if it were an eighth-level engineer who had been promoted exceptionally well in just one year after graduation, and was an alumnus of the university, then it was worthwhile to break through the threshold to listen. Such a status was more convincing than any fancy words.

In the last row, near the edge of the room, Zhao Mengyun quietly gazed at the tall, upright figure in the distance, a smile unconsciously playing on her lips. This man, wherever he stood, seemed to always attract all the light. Even a speech with an ordinary theme—nothing more than the countless times-repeated phrase, "Today I am proud of my alma mater, tomorrow my alma mater will be proud of me"—was given a different kind of vitality by his voice. His narrative rhythm, his perspective, and especially his own astonishing growth trajectory, made every word resonate deep within the listeners' hearts.

She could feel the tension in the air around her. Several female students beside her were already unable to contain their excitement and began to whisper among themselves:

"Do you think... Liu Guangqi is married?" a girl asked softly, a hint of anticipation in her eyes.

This remark elicited a light, low chuckle, followed by several whispering voices:

"How come someone so amazing isn't married? They might even have kids by now!"

"That's hard to say. People in tech are so busy, they don't have time to talk about these things."

"Exactly, what if you're still single?"

Zhao Mengyun listened, finding it amusing. She lowered her head, glancing at her hands; the warmth of his gentle touch still lingered in her palms. Marriage… though they hadn't gone through that process yet, it was coming soon. As for being single? She looked up, her gaze sweeping over the youthful profile of the girl who had asked the question, and smiled inwardly.