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

With the official business resolved satisfactorily, Factory Director Yang was exceptionally warm and cheerful. After all, the expenses were covered by the factory's entertainment budget, he had established a cooperative relationship with Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory, and he had also gotten closer to a promising young technical backbone like Liu Guangqi. He was naturally pleased. These days, everything was planned; production had to be done according to orders, not even one extra piece. Although the steel rolling mill was backed by a ministry and had no shortage of orders, everyone could see the weight of Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory—it was a highly regarded unit with direct access to foreign trade departments. Moreover, the electric oven project led by Liu Guangqi was a key foreign exchange earning project of common interest to multiple ministries. Who wouldn't want to participate in such an opportunity?

At Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory, both Director Li and Deputy Director Wang Jianguo were quick-witted. "This...this is too much trouble for Director Yang!" Although they were polite, they eventually got up at Director Yang's invitation and headed towards the small canteen together.

Along the way, they encountered many steel mill workers. Upon seeing Director Yang personally accompanying the group, they all politely rose to greet him. However, their gazes involuntarily drifted towards Liu Guangqi. This was understandable; among the leaders in this group, he was the youngest and possessed the most unique charisma, leading everyone to secretly wonder: what kind of person was this young man who commanded such respect from Director Yang?

The small canteen was already prepared. Unlike the staff canteen, this was a small kitchen for cadres, not very spacious, but clean and bright. A short while later, a familiar figure emerged from the kitchen carrying plates, humming a tuneless little tune as he walked briskly. His humming stopped abruptly when he looked up and saw the guests sitting at the main table.

The plate in his hand wobbled, and the soup almost spilled. His eyes widened, fixed intently on Liu Guangqi.

"Guangqi?!"

His voice was loud and clear, and the few leaders in the small canteen all looked over at him. He hurriedly put the plate of food on the table and rushed over. Just as he was about to raise his hand to pat Liu Guangqi on the shoulder, he caught a glimpse of Director Yang sitting upright to the side. He shuddered and immediately stood up straight, like a primary school student who had just been called on by the teacher in class.

"Hello, Director Yang!"

Seeing his expression, Director Yang couldn't help but laugh. He pointed at Liu Guangqi and his group and said in an ordering tone, "Silly Zhu! Today you'd better show off some real talent for Chief Engineer Liu and the others. Don't skimp on the good stuff; treat them to the highest standards of hospitality in our factory!"

Chief Engineer Liu?

Sha Zhu felt a buzzing in his head, and his heart skipped a beat. He quickly nodded in agreement, "Yes, sir! Don't worry, I'll definitely make sure all the leaders are satisfied!"

Sha Zhu responded and left, quickly disappearing into the kitchen. Though his face remained calm, his mind was in turmoil.

Good heavens—last time Liu Guangqi came, Director Li Huaide was the only one accompanying him. How many days has it been? And now, Factory Director Yang himself is personally accompanying him, and even arranging for him to sit at the main table in the center of the canteen! What did the factory director call him just now? Chief Engineer Liu! This kid has risen like a rocket, it's dizzying!

When he came out again with braised pork, stir-fried liver, and several other hearty dishes, he saw Factory Director Yang pouring wine for Liu Guangqi, the two chatting happily. Sha Zhu didn't dare look any longer, tiptoing to the door, muttering to himself:

"This is incredible... Guangqi's current entourage is simply terrifying! Last time, Director Li was sitting with him, but this time the factory director is personally pouring the wine—he's practically flying high!"

Inside the small canteen, Liu Guangqi and Factory Director Yang were having a lively discussion about the production details of special steel, with Factory Director Li and Wang Jianguo occasionally adding their comments. The atmosphere was very engaging.

Sha Zhu, standing outside the door, pressed his pounding heart and secretly made up his mind: This matter was no small thing. After get off work, when he returned to the courtyard, he would definitely have to find his second uncle, Liu Haizhong, and find out the truth.

But he didn't know that at that moment, another old man in the courtyard had already approached Liu Haizhong before him.

The steel rolling mill's canteen was packed with workers who, after a busy morning, ate, rested, smoked, and chatted here—the most comfortable time of the day.

"Old Liu, he's eating."

Yi Zhonghai, carrying his almost untouched lunchbox, went straight to Liu Haizhong's table and sat down opposite him. Jia Dongxu followed behind him.

Liu Haizhong was chatting animatedly with several coworkers in the forging workshop when he looked up and saw Yi Zhonghai, and he smiled:

"Old Yi, Dongxu, what's up?"

"I saw Guangqi in the workshop today," Yi Zhonghai said with a smile, his tone casually inquiring. "Did you hear he came to the factory for research?"

To be honest, Yi Zhonghai was feeling quite uneasy. He was absolutely certain he would pass the Level 8 worker exam last time, but it was abruptly postponed, and he had to "take his time." Now that he suddenly saw Liu Guangqi appear in the factory again, he couldn't help but panic, which was why he rushed to find Liu Haizhong to sound him out.

Liu Haizhong laughed as soon as he heard that:

"How could I not know? Guangqi not only visited your fitter's workshop, but he also toured our forging workshop. Factory Director Yang even called me over specifically to praise my high level of awareness in front of Guangqi, saying that I would raise a son for the country!"

Once the conversation started, his boastful habit kicked in again, and he began to talk incessantly about himself.

Yi Zhonghai let him boast, but secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

So that's what happened—as long as it wasn't aimed at him, that's fine. He figured he rarely even ran into Liu Guangqi in the courtyard, let alone caused any trouble. If he got tricked again, he'd have no one to reason with.

Jia Dongxu, who was listening intently, couldn't help but lean closer and ask:

"Second Uncle, what exactly is Guangqi doing at the factory this time? Why is he making such a big fuss?"

"Well..." Liu Haizhong deliberately dragged out his words, picked up the enamel mug, blew on the tea leaves, slowly took a sip, and then put the cup down. "I don't know the specifics! I heard it's some kind of research."

He sighed with feigned emotion:

"As you all know, ever since he moved out to live on his own, I, as his father, really have no idea what he's been up to all day."

Then the topic changed:

"But this time, Director Yang accompanied him the entire time, not leaving his side for a single moment. I think this matter is definitely serious!"

Yi Zhonghai stood silently, listening to Liu Haizhong's words. Every sentence the other man uttered revolved around "investigation" and "Director Yang," his demeanor perfectly smooth and diplomatic, leaving no room for criticism. This time, old Liu had once again stolen the limelight. Today's event had likely allowed him to reclaim all the face he had accumulated over the years.

Thinking of this, Yi Zhonghai felt a faint sense of desolation. He had no children, and whenever Liu Haizhong mentioned his successful sons, the undisguised pride in Liu Haizhong's voice always pierced his heart like fine needles, bringing a bitter taste to his mouth.

He also hoped to have a son.

There's no need for three like Liu Haizhong's; even one would be fine. With Yi Zhonghai's qualifications... he can certainly afford to send his son to school, high school, and university, so he can achieve something like Liu Guangqi and bring honor to the Yi family. Why waste time searching in this compound, hoping to find a young relative to take care of him in his old age?

His gaze unconsciously swept over Jia Dongxu beside him.

This kid is quite clever.

But then, Yi Zhonghai shook his head slightly in his heart, a self-deprecating bitter smile appearing on his lips. No matter how clever he was, how could he compare to Old Liu's son?

***

On Liu Guangqi's side, the meal in the small canteen lasted for quite a while. Ultimately, it was because Director Yang wanted to learn more about Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory and chat with Liu Guangqi a bit more.

At the dinner table, Director Yang was almost overly enthusiastic. His cheeks were flushed, and he kept serving food to Liu Guangqi while raising his glass, his conversation always revolving around the factory that could generate foreign exchange.

"Chief Engineer Liu, you guys are really capable!"

"I heard that even the leaders in the ministry praised it highly this time. Our steel rolling mill should send someone over to learn from their experience."

Compared to large factories directly under the metallurgical system, such as steel rolling mills, units like Hongxing Factory, which directly connected with foreign trade departments and could earn foreign exchange for the country, were the real focus of attention. Who wouldn't want to do business with a factory that could both generate foreign exchange and enhance its reputation?

However, Liu Guangqi and his group didn't have much time to deal with such social niceties. After several rounds of drinks and having eaten most of the food, Director Li and Wang Jianguo, at Liu Guangqi's signal, finally said goodbye to Director Yang.

Factory Director Yang, being as astute as he was, immediately realized he couldn't retain them. He promptly ended the dinner and personally escorted the three to the factory gate parking area. Before they got into the car, Liu Guangqi said with a smile, "Factory Director Yang, thank you for accompanying us on this inspection today. We'll leave the steel matter to your factory; we'll send you the cooperation plan as soon as we get back."

Factory Director Yang waved his hands repeatedly, his expression earnest: "Chief Engineer Liu, you're too kind. It's only right for brother units to look after each other. Rest assured, we will give priority to the stainless steel and special steel needed by Hongxing Factory in the future, and we will never delay your factory's production schedule."

They were all sensible people, and their words were well-reasoned and tactful, showing even more sincerity than during the meal.

Finally, Director Yang stood at the factory gate and watched the black Volga sedan drive away smoothly until it disappeared at the end of the road before leading everyone back.

This scene stunned the security guards and workers at the gate. As soon as the car drove away, a buzz of discussion arose at the steel rolling mill gate:

"Who was that who just left in that car? They really had some class!"

"You didn't know that? Chief Engineer Liu, who came to conduct research this morning, is supposedly the son of Master Liu from the forging workshop!"

"Wow, Mr. Liu's son is that capable?"

"To have Director Yang personally escort you to the door and then leave in a car, isn't that impressive?"

The crowd chattered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with curiosity and envy—in this day and age, those who could afford to ride in a car were no ordinary people, let alone a car like the Volga.

***

After the Volga had driven a short distance from the steel rolling mill, Wang Jianguo recalled the hospitality he had received from Director Yang and couldn't help but chuckle and tease, "Old Li, I've really seen something today. Look at Director Yang's entourage, the food in the canteen... tsk tsk, it's almost like a high-end restaurant. And look at our factory, you're the director, and it's under the Ministry of Foreign Trade, you're really treating your brothers unfairly."

Factory Director Li, who was resting with his eyes closed, glanced at him upon hearing this and said irritably, "You, a division-level unit, expect to compare your meals to those of a department-level unit?"

The Volga sedan had just come to a stop in front of the office building when the door opened and the three men stepped onto the factory's concrete floor. The setting sun bathed the car in a dark golden glow. Factory Director Li was brushing dust off his sleeves, and Wang Jianguo was closing his notebook when they heard Liu Guangqi speak behind them:

"Old Li, Old Wang, there's something I want to ask you."

The two turned around simultaneously. Director Li raised an eyebrow slightly, while Wang Jianguo stuffed his notebook into his pocket, waiting for what was to come.

Liu Guangqi paused, his voice becoming even, as if he had mentioned it casually:

"Is there any schedule for this vehicle at the factory for the 6th of next month?"

After the words were spoken, there was a moment of silence. Factory Director Li and Wang Jianguo exchanged a glance, then suddenly burst into laughter. Factory Director Li reached out and patted Liu Guangqi on the shoulder:

"What, you've finally remembered you needed to be used?"

Wang Jianguo grinned as well, his eyes gleaming with obvious amusement:

"If our Comrade Guangqi asks, let alone the 6th of next month, even if a minister needs him tomorrow, he'll have to wait!"

Liu Guangqi felt a little uncomfortable from their laughter and touched the back of his neck. Factory Director Li, however, had already stopped joking and said seriously:

"The car keys are with Old Chen in logistics. Go pick them up a day in advance. Picking up the bride—this is a big deal, the factory must support it."

Wang Jianguo took a half step closer and lowered his voice:

"But you should think this through. Driving a car into the General Logistics Department compound will cause quite a stir. The security there is tight, so you need to make arrangements in advance. Otherwise, you might get stopped at the gate, and that would be an embarrassing situation."

"I've made up my mind." Liu Guangqi looked at the Volga, its paint gleaming darkly in the twilight. "No matter how lively the cycling team is, something's always missing. She's marrying me, and I can't let her feel wronged."

Upon hearing this, Factory Director Li's expression softened slightly. He put his hands behind his back and gazed at the darkening sky:

"When I married my wife, I borrowed a tricycle and pedaled there. She sat in the back holding my bundle, and the ride was so bumpy that her hair got all disheveled... Looking back now, I feel I owe her something."

The three of them remained silent for a moment. The sound of the end-of-get off work bell echoed from the distance of the factory, a cacophony of ringing sounds. Suddenly, Wang Jianguo remembered something:

"By the way, you can drive, right? Should we have our driver, Xiao Zhang, come with us for a day?"