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

Director Chen of the Foreign Trade Department, who had been silent until now, spoke up, asking the most crucial question: "How do we deal with it? What if something goes wrong? The core heating element technology and temperature control design of the electric oven are the culmination of Comrade Guangqi's hard work, and they are currently a vital asset for our foreign trade. If the technology is leaked, who will take responsibility?"

These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over everyone, and they fell silent instantly. The risk was real, and no one dared to underestimate it.

In the brief silence, all eyes once again quietly turned to the young man who had remained silent throughout.

"Comrade Guangqi..."

The door closed gently behind him, completely shutting out the outside noise. Director Lin's official mask quietly fell away, replaced by a deep, solemn expression. He turned around, his gaze landing squarely on Liu Guangqi, his voice low but clear: "There are no outsiders here now, so we can speak frankly. Give me a real answer—can the Red Star Factory really handle this reception?"

The support expressed at the conference table was a gesture forced upon them by considerations of the overall situation. But now, in this enclosed room, the conversation touched upon deeper anxieties. Director Lin, and the other ministerial officials seated around him, were all among those most wary of the behemoth in the north. The honeymoon period of industrial aid had long since been overshadowed, and the so-called "big brother" was increasingly revealing its ambition to control everything. In this delicate and tense atmosphere, friction and rifts seemed almost a foreseeable future.

Therefore, allowing the other party's expert team to step into the gates of the Red Star Factory was seen by many as nothing less than unlocking the key to a secret warehouse.

A leader with graying hair rubbed his temples and sighed, "In all this arguing, we almost forgot about the person we should be asking most. Comrade Guangqi, you are the one directly facing them; your judgment is crucial."

Liu Guangqi met everyone's gaze, a calm smile playing on his lips. "Leaders, perhaps this matter doesn't need to be overcomplicated." He paused briefly, organizing his thoughts, "Whether the task is placed at the Hongxing Factory or somewhere else, the essence is not much different."

"Not much difference?" someone repeated softly, looking puzzled.

"Yes." Liu Guangqi nodded, his tone steady. "We don't want them to come to the Hongxing Factory. It's for our peace of mind, but that's all. Even if we let them come, we won't actually lose anything fundamental."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice low but carrying a calm that cut through the chaos: "The reason is simple. That 'Big Brother' has never truly focused on the light industry. Their experts are preoccupied with forging even larger steel behemoths, and making fighter jets tear through the clouds even faster. All their ambitions and anxieties are tied to the arms race with that adversary across the ocean."

"As for the oven?" Liu Guangqi chuckled softly, a hint of detached understanding in his smile. "In their eyes, even if it can precisely control the temperature difference to the millimeter, it's just a more sophisticated heating box, a trivial trinket of little importance. Even if they were to actually want it, we couldn't stop them. The channels for technology diffusion are never limited to open visits."

Director Lin's brows did not relax; instead, they furrowed even more: "According to you, the risk still exists."

"The risk will always exist, Director." Liu Guangqi's gaze was clear, but his tone subtly shifted. "But the key is whether they think it's worth paying the price for this 'risk.' Given their consistent style, why bother to imitate or produce something they can simply take? They are more accustomed to making demands and waiting for gifts, using this method to constantly confirm and solidify their superior position."

A brief silence fell over the meeting room. The leaders were initially taken aback, then their expressions shifted, their initial doubts gradually giving way to deep thought, and finally settling into a complex understanding. Liu Guangqi's words were like a key, unlocking their minds that had been locked away by preconceived notions.

They suddenly realized that, as guardians of the industrial sector, they had long been preoccupied with the concept of "technological barriers," but had failed to step back and see the other party's overall strategy. The other party's ambitions lay elsewhere. From electric kettles and blankets to induction cookers and rice cookers, the essence of this series of product trades had already revealed the other party's logic: using debt to offset costs and leveraging their status to extract profits was far more "economical" and "respectable" than developing and producing their own products.

The pulse of that northern giant beats wildly in sync with the roar of heavy industry and the pace of the arms race. Its pursuit is overwhelming military might and global dominance; the foreign exchange and improved livelihoods brought by light industrial consumer goods have never entered its core strategic vision. Its armies are stationed on foreign soil, its gaze fixed on its adversaries' aircraft carriers and missile silos. On this grand chessboard, the oven technology in a factory might not even be considered a speck of dust.

It is precisely because of this deep-rooted hegemonic mindset and actions that the relationship between the two countries, beneath the seemingly solid alliance, has quietly developed a chill that is difficult to heal.

Taking advantage of this critical juncture, the Russians pressed on old debts during China's most difficult time, their intentions self-evident.

However, from China's perspective, while cooperation is one thing, it is absolutely impossible for them to use the title of "big brother" to adopt a condescending attitude.

I'd rather grit my teeth and get through this tough time than let that heavy debt of gratitude weigh me down.

As soon as Liu Guangqi finished speaking, the atmosphere in the conference room quietly relaxed.

Director Lin and the others exchanged glances, and the tension in their hearts seemed to ease a little.

It must be admitted that this young man not only pointed out the key technical aspects, but also clearly dissected the Russian national character and deep-seated strategic calculations.

The Foreign Ministry's Counselor Yan's gaze, behind his glasses, landed directly on Liu Guangqi's face, his admiration almost overflowing.

This young man is simply born to be a diplomat.

He has a keen eye, sharp words, and a clear understanding of the big picture.

It would be a great waste to have such talented people buried in technical blueprints.

Director Chen of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, who was standing nearby, caught a glimpse of Counselor Yan's familiar, appraising gaze and couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

He knew his old friend's thoughts all too well.

Liu Guangqi's analysis was like a key; with a gentle turn, it untied the knot in the hearts of everyone present.

The previous solemnity quietly dissipated, replaced by a clear and bright atmosphere.

Director Lin picked up his teacup, took a sip, and glanced across the room:

"Comrade Guangqi is right; we have been overcomplicating things."

They're currently focused solely on heavy industry and military buildup, leaving no time for light industry.

He turned to Director Guo of the Ministry of Light Industry, his tone slightly mocking:

"Old Guo, loosen your grip a bit. If you're really worried, just hide your production lines more carefully in the future."

Director Guo was taken aback, then looked down and realized he had clenched his fist without realizing it, and immediately chuckled:

"I'm worried about technology leaking out... Since Comrade Guangqi's analysis is so thorough, I have no objections."

"I agree," Director Tian of the Ministry of Metallurgy calmly replied. "Let's do as Comrade Guangqi said: give him enough face, but keep the substance intact."

Consul Yan had been listening quietly all along, and only then did he adjust his glasses and slowly add:

"Now that everyone has reached an agreement, I will contact the Russian embassy and finalize the visit schedule as soon as possible."

In addition, to be on the safe side, it is recommended that Hongxing Factory set up a dedicated model workshop for receiving guests, while the core equipment can be temporarily moved elsewhere and locked up.

"That's a great idea!" Director Chen's eyes lit up. "It shows sincerity and is also a precaution. Let's do it this way."

With everyone contributing their thoughts, not only was a consensus reached, but even the smallest details were finalized.

Director Lin nodded in satisfaction.

This meeting was originally led by the Ministry of Machine Building, and he, as the person in charge, was naturally responsible for making the final decision:

"Alright, then it'll be at the Red Star Factory. Old Yan, when you're finalizing the list of those accompanying us, include Comrade Guangqi. All ministries must cooperate fully, and there can be absolutely no mistakes. Meeting adjourned!"

As the meeting adjourned, everyone stood up to stretch their stiff limbs from sitting for so long.

Liu Guangqi followed the crowd toward the entrance, but unexpectedly, several directors surrounded him.

Director Tian from the Ministry of Metallurgy was tall and imposing. He gently patted him on the shoulder with one hand.

"Young people are really insightful! They're quick-witted and see things clearly; they're much better than us old folks."

Director Tian laughed openly, his praise undisguised.

Liu Guangqi simply smiled modestly: "Director Tian, ​​you flatter me. I just tend to overthink things."

"Thinking more is a skill!" Director Guo from the Ministry of Light Industry approached with a smile, his gaze full of approval as he looked at Liu Guangqi.

He turned to look at Director Lin, his tone half regretful and half teasing:

"Old Lin, what you did was really dishonest."

The head of the Ministry of Light Industry raised his hand and pointed at the other party, saying half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Comrade Guangqi is clearly a rare talent in the field of light industry, but your Ministry of Machine Building insists on holding on to him. We have been waiting for the production line improvement plan for more than half a year."

A few low chuckles rose from all around.

Director Lin stood with his hands behind his back, a hint of relief in his eyes and brows: "That's not right. Comrade Guangqi is a direct descendant of the Department of Mechanical Manufacturing at Tsinghua University, a true and upright student, and it's only right that he stays with us."

He spoke with absolute certainty, and even Director Chen from the Ministry of Foreign Trade couldn't stand it anymore. He shook his head and smiled, then, when no one was looking, strolled over to Liu Guangqi's side and said in a voice only the two of them could hear, "I still stand by what I said—whenever you want to move, the Ministry of Foreign Trade will always have a place for you."

This is blatant solicitation.

Liu Guangqi simply smiled and bowed, his attitude humble.

Unbeknownst to him, Counselor Yan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was watching everything from afar, which solidified his resolve.

***

As the meeting ended, a flood of voices poured out from inside the door.

The heads of various ministries gathered in twos and threes in the corridor, continuing their unfinished business from the meeting in hushed voices. Liu Guangqi followed the flow of people out, and just as he was about to descend the stairs, a gentle yet clear voice came from behind him:

"Comrade Guangqi, please wait."

He turned around and saw a neatly dressed, smiling middle-aged man standing not far away.

It is Counselor Yan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It must be admitted that the counselor's smile was perfectly poised—friendly yet with just the right amount of aloofness, like a spring breeze, warm but not scorching. Perhaps this is the kind of demeanor cultivated by those who have worked in diplomacy for many years.

"Counselor Yan." Liu Guangqi stopped, a polite smile appearing on his face.

Counselor Yan took two steps closer and said calmly, "There were too many people earlier, so some things couldn't be discussed in detail. I hope I can take a few minutes of your time?"

Liu Guangqi paused for a moment, then nodded: "Please go ahead."

"Comrade Guangqi, I'll be frank," Counselor Yan said, his gaze fixed on Guangqi's face. "Like those other directors, I greatly admire you. Your vision and judgment will be invaluable in diplomatic settings. Have you ever considered becoming a diplomat?"

He paused, then took another half step forward, lowering his voice even further:

"I heard that your spouse also works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you come here as well, the two of you can support each other and dedicate yourselves to the diplomatic cause together. Besides, you are fluent in Russian, so it would be natural for you to be posted overseas in the future—this might offer a brighter future than just focusing on technical work."

***

Liu Guangqi was stunned for a moment.

What day is it today? Why are various ministries asking for people one after another? Even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is here.

Anyone else would probably be feeling incredibly excited right now.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs—a position many officials aspire to reach. Officials in ordinary ministries are called "state employees"; but those in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs bear the title of "diplomat." A single word's difference makes all the difference. Among all ministries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has always occupied the pinnacle, its status exceptionally high.

While it's certainly exhilarating to be sought after, it takes considerable resolve to politely decline when facing superiors who are all your superiors.

Liu Guangqi took a slow breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and his expression returned to calm.