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

Silly girl, don't worry about it. You're too young to handle someone like that.

Let my older sister do it.

On stage, Liu Guangqi's voice gradually rose, penetrating the entire space clearly and powerfully:

"We, the generation of mechanical engineers, should be like precise gears—both firmly gripping the responsibilities on our shoulders and steadily driving the weight of our era. Last year, I stood in the audience, proud to be a member of Tsinghua University; today, I return here, hoping that Tsinghua University will be proud of me. And what I look forward to even more is that next year, and the year after, when you return to this auditorium, you will bring even more dazzling achievements than mine, telling everyone—"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over every pair of eyes watching him from below the stage:

"Those of us who graduate from the School of Mechanical Engineering will never let our alma mater down."

Thank you everyone.

A brief silence.

Then, thunderous applause erupted, like a summer thunderstorm sweeping across the entire hall, wave after wave, threatening to rip the roof off the auditorium. The students below, regardless of grade, all blushed, clapping frantically, their palms red from clapping, unwilling to stop. Many had tears in their eyes, their chests brimming with a passionate resonance.

Liu Guangqi nodded slightly and walked steadily down from the podium amidst a clamor of cheers.

That wasn't just a speech; it was more like a thunderclap, awakening every slumbering heart in the auditorium. Many students even pulled out their notebooks on the spot, frantically copying down those resounding words, as if trying to extinguish a dying ember. In another time and space, these words would be enough to serve as a guiding light for countless students heading to the examination hall—both professional and patriotic, every word burning with passion.

The college leaders on the stage had an undisguised pride in their eyes. Their gazes clearly said: Look, these are the children of our Mechanical Manufacturing Department.

Liu Guangqi had planned to leave quietly after his speech. He wasn't used to being the center of attention, and since his task was complete, there was no need to linger. But reality often doesn't follow our plans—as soon as the ceremony ended, he was surrounded by enthusiastic crowds. The institute leaders insisted he stay, and a farewell banquet became an unavoidable ritual. The next time they met, they might be separated by mountains and rivers.

On the second floor of the Mechanical Engineering Department's cafeteria, a temporary private room was partitioned off by a screen. Four dishes and a soup were laid out on an old wooden table, with a glistening braised fish drizzled with sauce in the center—a rare treat in these days. Liu Guangqi ultimately stayed. Faced with the teachers' earnest sincerity, he couldn't simply turn away.

Naturally, he didn't forget Zhao Mengyun either. A moment later, he led her to her seat.

At the dinner table, the leaders exchanged glances, their thoughts practically written on their brows. Liu Guangqi silently observed, but steadily picked up the tenderest piece of fish from the belly with his chopsticks and gently placed it into the bowl of Professor Li, the department head.

"Professor Li, please try this; it has fewer thorns."

This chopstick movement seemed to have triggered some hidden button. Professor Li stared at the fish in the bowl but didn't move, only letting out a long sigh.

"Guangqi," he looked up, his voice heavy with emotion, "we all... have a stone in our hearts."

The old dean, who was sitting in the main seat, put down his wine glass and took over the conversation.

"Job placement after graduation this year is difficult." He lowered his voice, as if afraid his voice would travel through the screen. "The situation is getting tighter and tighter right now. Not only has the food ration been cut, but job positions are also severely restricted."

The vice dean in charge of allocation pushed up his glasses, his lips pressed into a bitter line.

"In previous years, the people from those directly affiliated large factories would have already come knocking on our door to recruit people. But this year? I've made a round of phone calls and worn my lips out—the number of positions in ministries has been cut by more than half, and they're practically splitting every single position in half. Even college graduates... have to be carefully allocated."

Zhao Mengyun paused slightly in her chopsticks. Although she had sensed the tightening of regulations within the ministry, she hadn't expected the staffing levels to be reduced to this extent.

Liu Guangqi's heart was also stirred. He knew these years would be difficult, but he hadn't expected them to be this difficult—the winds had only just begun to blow, and even the future of these chosen ones was already frost-covered.

Of course, strictly speaking, not all paths are blocked. College graduates still have places to go, but the difference in their prospects—whether high-ranking or low-ranking, near or far, promising or bleak—is vast. The status of a cadre in a ministry is ultimately not on the same level as the opportunity to transfer from a technical position in a local factory.

The faint noise from the cafeteria could be heard outside the screen, but there was a moment of silence inside.

It was in this silence that Liu Guangqi saw something clearly: these teachers still retained their instinct to protect their students. As long as there was a sliver of possibility, they were still willing to clear the way for their students and explore another path.

After all, no one who graduates from this institution should be easily overlooked.

Looking at the outstanding students about to graduate, Professor Li felt a weight on his heart. Who would want to watch these promising talents be sent to remote small factories or county agricultural machinery stations as ordinary technicians because of limited spots? That would be a waste of talent. As long as there was even a glimmer of hope, his old face wouldn't matter.

Professor Li gripped his wine glass tightly, hesitating several times, his words caught in his throat, a mixture of anticipation and embarrassment on his face. Finally, he let out a deep sigh, tilted his head back, and drained the glass. A department head beside him, unable to bear it any longer, gently nudged his arm: "Old Li, just say what you have to say… What's so hard about speaking to your most outstanding student?"

Professor Li's ears burned slightly. He steeled himself and turned his gaze to Liu Guangqi: "Guangqi, I invited you back today for two reasons. First, I wanted the younger students to hear about your experiences and encourage them. Second... well, there's something else I'd like to ask you for help with."

He paused, as if making up his mind, and said directly, "Your Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory, although it's a new factory, has a promising future that everyone can see. I wonder if your technical department... needs to hire more staff right now?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the lively conversation at the table abruptly stopped. All the leaders at the table turned their gazes to Liu Guangqi—their eyes held expectation, unease, and a hint of nervousness. Who were they? They were faculty and staff from Tsinghua University, people who usually only sought favors from others; they had never before asked their own student for a spot. Face was important, of course, but when they thought of those young and outstanding faces, they were willing to sacrifice face.

The air went still for a moment.

Liu Guangqi, however, didn't feel embarrassed. Instead, he began to think seriously. He naturally understood the difficulties the department faced. Hadn't he been the same when he graduated, hoping to be assigned to a good position? University graduates were certainly in demand, but the differences between job positions were vast. Who wouldn't want a place with a bright future where they could truly utilize their talents?

Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory was just such a place. A new factory meant more opportunities and fewer constraints; the word "Chuanghui" (meaning "exporting foreign exchange") further represented the country's attention and resource allocation. More importantly, he was now the chief engineer of the factory's technical department, and his words carried weight.

From Liu Guangqi's perspective, was the technical department short-staffed? Absolutely. Wang Jianguo had previously mentioned to him that most of the factory's technicians were transferred from elsewhere, only knowing how to repair old machines and draw basic blueprints; very few could actually develop new equipment. If they could bring in a few Tsinghua University graduates, it would fill this gap perfectly. Even if he returned to the ministry after his secondment ended, he would still leave the factory with a solid technical team.

Thinking of this, Liu Guangqi was secretly delighted. This wasn't someone asking for his help; they were clearly sending him talented people.

However, opportunities that come knocking on your door shouldn't be accepted too easily. Otherwise, the favor will go to someone else. This matter needs to be handled differently.

After a moment's hesitation, Liu Guangqi looked troubled and slowly said, "Director, since you've brought it up, I'll do my best to handle it. How about this... I'll go back and discuss it with the factory director and deputy director first. In any case, we must try to secure a few technician positions for our college."

Zhao Mengyun looked up upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes—did they really need to discuss it? Given Liu Guangqi's current position in the factory, not only Wang Jianguo, but even the factory director would treat him with deference. He alone could make decisions regarding matters in the technical department; why would he need to consult with the entire factory?

She was puzzled when she saw Liu Guangqi give her a subtle look, and she immediately understood: he wanted to do her a favor.

This man's mind is more convoluted than a mountain road. Zhao Mengyun chuckled inwardly, but feigned concern on her face and softly replied, "Guangqi, don't forget, you're only the chief engineer on loan from the First Ministry of Machine Building. Your term ends and you have to go back. Acting first and informing later... won't that put the factory in a difficult position?"

A smile appeared on Liu Guangqi's lips—his wife was indeed clever.

With just a little guidance, they can grasp the essence of things; such profound understanding is truly rare.

"It's alright, I'll talk to the factory manager. We must make sure the division commanders enjoy themselves tonight."

"That's right!"

As the hospital leader listened to the couple's conversation, he stood up with a smile and shook hands with him firmly.

"Guangqi, we will remember this kindness."

"Teacher, you flatter me. It's all part of my job."

Zhao Mengyun stood to one side.

Looking at the scene before her, the corners of her eyes curved slightly.

She understood everything perfectly.

Her husband was indeed putting some thought into his maneuvering.

But this kind of thing...

If you don't think things through, you're likely to end up working hard for nothing.

The affection for one's alma mater is genuine affection.

After leaving school, one must still be adept at navigating social interactions and interpersonal relationships.

Only by clearly understanding this matter can we both save face for our alma mater and maintain our own dignity.

in this way.

Only when both sides are satisfied can it be considered a win-win situation.

"Oh, right, Guangqi!"

Professor Li suddenly remembered something, and his tone became more serious: "If these kids go to the factory, could you please put in some extra effort to mentor them?"

"They've just graduated and are very inexperienced. With you guiding them, they'll definitely improve much faster."

"Don't worry, Director."

Liu Guangqi smiled warmly: "I will take them to the workshop and personally teach them step by step, from turning, milling, planing, and grinding to assembling the whole machine."

"When I leave, I will make sure that each of them is capable of shouldering responsibilities and becomes a solid technical foundation for the factory."

These words were spoken with composure and strength.

Like a pebble dropped into a still pond, it instantly dispelled the faint worry between the brows of the teachers sitting around.

The department head, who had just looked so serious.

His expression had completely relaxed. He picked up the full glass of wine in front of him, stood up, and solemnly raised it to Liu Guangqi.

"Guangqi, on behalf of our fellow disciples, I'd like to raise a toast to you!"

The cups clinked gently against each other, producing a clear and pleasant sound.

"You've not only helped them, you've done our entire Mechanical Engineering department a huge favor..."

Thank you so much!

After saying this, Professor Li, the department head, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, leaving not a drop in the cup, which showed how sincere he was.

"Director, you're too kind. It's all my duty."

Liu Guangqi also raised his glass and drank it all.

He then poured the other person a full cup again.

"The college nurtured me, and you have always supported me. Now that the department needs me, I feel at ease knowing I can do my part."

"Okay! Okay!"

The atmosphere at the table instantly became lively.

The people who had previously shown little appetite finally picked up their chopsticks and began to eat, making the seemingly ordinary dishes on the table seem to have gained a bit more flavor.

The matter that had been weighing on my mind has now been settled.

As they toasted and drank, the conversation became increasingly relaxed.

After a hearty meal and drinks, everyone was satisfied.

This back-to-school lecture and the banquet that helped alleviate worries have finally come to a successful conclusion.

Monday morning.

The workshop of Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory was already filled with the constant roar of machine tools.

Liu Guangqi entered the technical department office as usual.

No sooner had they sat down than Wang Jianguo, carrying an enamel teacup, strode across the threshold, his face flushed.

"Hey Guangqi, I have good news!"

Seeing his energetic appearance, Liu Guangqi couldn't help but chuckle.

Since the Hongxing Factory was built and put into operation, this man seems to have been reborn, and he has inexhaustible energy.

They wished they could spend every single hour of the day at the factory.

Where is even a trace of the leisurely life we ​​had back then, drinking tea and flipping through newspapers in the research office?

It's like a completely different season in life!

Wang Jianguo strode over to Liu Guangqi's desk.

He slammed a still-freshly printed production report onto the table with a loud thud, his voice rising in pitch:

"Take a look at this."

He tapped the last line of the report heavily with his knuckles: "Our output last week..."

"It jumped another 20%! A full 20%! At this rate, rice cooker production in June will definitely exceed 25,000 units!"

After saying that, he burst into laughter.

Liu Guangqi took the report, his gaze sweeping over the steadily rising numbers, a faint smile appearing in his eyes.

"How's the induction cooker situation?"

"The price has gone up quite a bit over there too, about the same as rice cookers."