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

"Oh?" The minister did not interrupt, but only slightly raised his chin.

"The machine tools that various ministries need are crucial to the planning for the next few years, and we can't afford to delay them in the slightest. But we can't turn down the orders from the Russians either. They can not only offset the debts, but also show them our current capabilities, so that we can discuss things more easily in the future."

Director Lin, sitting next to him, suddenly brightened up: "Guangqi, you have a plan in mind?"

"It's nothing special," Liu Guangqi said, leaving some room for interpretation, "just some basic ideas."

He picked up a pen and paper and sketched out a few lines with a few strokes.

"We'll proceed in three steps."

"Our top priority is to complete the final assembly of the second prototype as soon as possible. This one will not be supplied to external parties for the time being; we must concentrate all resources on improving assembly efficiency and catching up on the schedule!"

He raised his hand and held up his second finger.

"The construction of the new workshop must be accelerated. After it goes into operation, the first production line will be used entirely to fulfill internal orders. According to my estimate, at least two machines will be produced in the first month."

"Let's fill the gaps in our own Hongxing Factory first."

"The third step is to immediately start the second production line once the first one is running smoothly."

He paused briefly, his tone calm.

"Once all the debugging is completed, we will start supplying our brother units and our big brother in the north. This way, we won't delay the production plans of our domestic departments, and we can also secure orders from there."

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked up to add:

"In addition, we can make one more condition to them—"

"Aren't they in a hurry to get CNC machine tools? Sure, that's fine."

"But for this level of sophisticated equipment, simply offsetting old debts isn't enough. If we want to get the goods sooner, we have to exchange them for the defense technology we urgently need right now."

"Otherwise, we'll just have to wait in line."

"Export orders can only be arranged after the equipment of various domestic ministries and commissions has been upgraded."

"Given their current urgency, they'll most likely concede. It all comes down to their negotiating skills."

"In short, we not only need to clear out the old debts, but also get some real technology from them."

……

Liu Guangqi remembers it very clearly.

During this period, the northern neighboring country had a significant weakness in the field of large, high-precision machine tools. Most of their domestically produced high-precision machine tools were suitable for machining small parts.

therefore,

That's why they are so eager to seek heavy-duty CNC machine tools.

But at this very moment,

They are engaged in a fierce arms race with their adversaries across the sea, making it difficult to devote enough energy to overcoming the challenges of manufacturing large, precision machine tools.

This is undoubtedly true.

It is also one of the initiative that we can take control of.

After listening, Minister Lin suddenly raised his eyes.

"good--"

"That's very insightful! How come I didn't think of that?"

The minister's gloomy expression vanished instantly, replaced by an almost excited look.

He stood up.

I paced around the not-so-spacious office a few times, my hands unconsciously clenching.

"Trading industrial technology for defense technology! What a brilliant move!"

"It not only appeased the sentiments of most of our brother units, but also secured tangible benefits from our elder brother, and pushed our own new workshop to sprint at full speed—"

"A win-win-win situation!"

The deputy minister sitting to the side also had a sharp glint in his eyes.

"Over the past few years,"

"When we repay our foreign debts, we either use canned fruit or grain as payment, and the other party is still picky."

"Now, we can finally put our own high-precision equipment on the table and tell them: do you want it or not? If you don't want it, that's fine."

"I can finally breathe a sigh of relief!"

Speaking of this,

The vice minister's gaze was fixed intently on Director Lin: "This matter will be handled by your General Machinery Division!"

"We'll personally communicate with the foreign trade department."

"Tell them to be open to negotiations. As long as the technology can be exchanged, the terms can be flexible."

"We must do this! Do it beautifully and impressively!"

Obviously,

At that time, the motherland was not yet the giant that would one day dominate the world.

To some extent,

The deep and extensive defense technology accumulated by the northern neighbor remains a treasure trove that is difficult for many surrounding countries to reach.

The tide of history surges forward.

Liu Guangqi understood better than anyone that the next two or three years would be the last window of opportunity to acquire the other party's technological achievements.

Once that iron curtain is completely closed...

It would be extremely difficult for the two sides to have any substantial technological exchanges again.

"Don't worry, boss!"

Upon hearing this, Director Lin immediately and solemnly stated, "This matter is entrusted to our department; we will definitely complete the task successfully."

Looking at his leader's excited state, Liu Guangqi was also filled with emotion.

once Upon a time,

Every step of our nation's industrial development has been subject to the control of others.

Purchasing a high-precision machine tool can be a chore, requiring you to be at the mercy of others and sometimes even paying a price far exceeding the equipment's value.

And now,

The CNC machine tools developed in-house not only support our own production, but also attract other companies to actively seek to purchase them.

They even dared to propose a technology-for-technology deal—

This is not just a victory for one machine tool, but a microcosm of the Chinese machine tool industry's journey from following to standing shoulder to shoulder, and even taking the lead in some areas.

Subsequently,

The two leaders then inquired about some details of the machine tool development from Liu Guangqi.

The report concluded as dusk deepened.

After leaving the minister's office, Liu Guangqi followed Director Lin all the way back to the Machinery Department.

Pushing open the door to the director's office, Director Lin didn't let him leave. He beckoned his secretary to bring up two meals from the cafeteria.

The two quickly finished their meal at their desks, pushed their bowls and chopsticks aside, and continued their conversation from the morning with the minister.

"Guangqi," Director Lin lowered his voice, "the higher-ups haven't made a decision yet about the matter in the north, but you can start thinking about it when you get back, and try to broaden your options."

"Don't forget any of the technical secrecy and key process control measures you mentioned before."

Upon hearing this, Liu Guangqi's lips curled into a slight smile.

"Rest assured, Director, we always believe in reciprocity and doing our utmost to fulfill our obligations."

Although the words were spoken gently, Director Lin immediately understood the implied meaning.

This kid has a lot of tricks up his sleeve.

Sure enough, Liu Guangqi then said:

"For every machine tool I deliver to them, I personally lead a team to make adaptive adjustments."

"The machining precision is absolutely perfect; I guarantee they can get it running as soon as they take it back."

"However, I will simplify some of our own unique designs, such as the quick tool change module."

He paused for a moment, then changed to a more straightforward way of putting it:

"Let them use it, but it's also prone to malfunctions. Once the machine breaks down, we'll figure out the costs of repair guidance and technical support later."

"Good lad!" Director Lin's eyes lit up, and he patted him heavily on the shoulder.

"You've really mastered the technology! Just keep doing it!"

"You take full charge of the technical aspects, and I'll go to the ministry to secure policies and resources. We'll work together from both inside and outside to make this a resounding success."

At this point, Director Lin straightened his back involuntarily, his voice revealing a sense of relief that he had been holding back for a long time.

"People used to say that we couldn't even manufacture a decent high-precision piece of equipment. Now? Not only can we manufacture it, but we can also sell it to the north to pay off debts..."

"That's the toughest response!"

Liu Guangqi stood up, his expression solemn:

"Please rest assured, Director, I will never let the Ministry down."

"Domestic orders will be delivered on schedule, and cooperation with the north will also be implemented smoothly."

He knew perfectly well that this was not just a business deal, but the first step that Chinese industry was taking outward.

From home appliances that can be exchanged for foreign currency to machine tools that can be used to settle debts, from exporting products to exporting technology, the dream of a strong industrial nation is gradually becoming a reality.

In the afternoon, at the Research Department of the First Ministry of Machine Building.

Liu Guangqi had just returned from the director's office when he entered the room and saw a group of technicians sitting neatly in the room, each holding a notebook and looking at him with bright eyes.

Clearly, everyone knows he has been in meetings all day and is waiting for news.

Liu Guangqi sighed inwardly, thinking that being a section chief was really not easy—there was a departmental meeting in the morning, followed by a report from the minister's office, and then a meeting with the director-general. Even lunch was squeezed out of time.

Now that he's back in his own little corner of the world, he's faced with a group of young people eagerly waiting to be assigned tasks.

"Alright, now that everyone's here, let's get started."

Liu Guangqi walked to the front and gestured for everyone to sit closer. "I'll give you a general overview of the department's key tasks for the next six months."

The sun outside the window was quietly setting in the west, its rays creeping inch by inch across the floor.

Everyone in the research department was completely absorbed in the first deployment meeting of the year, and no one noticed the passage of time.

Except for Liu Guangqi.

"That concludes today's meeting. Everyone is clear about their tasks. If you encounter any problems during the process, feel free to contact me."

He glanced up at the clock on the wall—5:29.

The next moment, the crisp sound of the end-of-get off work bell rang throughout the corridor.

Liu Guangqi closed his notebook with a swift, decisive motion, like sheathing a sword.

"Meeting adjourned." He said, then got up and walked out, leaving the room full of people looking at each other in bewilderment.

Several young researchers stood frozen in their seats.

This young section chief was usually the last to leave, especially during the period when they were working on the CNC machine tool project. It was common for him to stay up all night discussing with everyone.

Why did you leave so punctually today?

"What's wrong with the section chief today...?" Xiao Li scratched the back of his head, looking puzzled. "Did the sun rise in the west?"

The senior technician in the research department adjusted his glasses, a slight smile appearing on his face: "Can't you even tell?"

"Our director is rushing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pick up his wife from get off work."

These words immediately made everyone realize something.

Everyone smiled knowingly, a mixture of envy and a sense of understanding that it was perfectly reasonable.

Our director's abilities are evident to all.

A thriving career and a warm, fulfilling family life – this is probably what others consider a perfect life.

At that moment, Liu Guangqi had no time to notice the laughter and conversation behind him.

He strode away from the Ministry of Machine Building and headed straight for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The day's meeting finally came to an end, and my tense nerves gradually relaxed.

At this moment, the only thought in my mind is clear and tender:

I want to see her soon and see how she is doing today.

Ever since he learned that Zhao Mengyun was pregnant, he had been worried about her, always concerned that she might experience any discomfort during her pregnancy.

People leaving get off work walked out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building one after another.

Liu Guang stood quietly not far from the door, his eyes searching through the crowd.

Soon, Zhao Mengyun appeared.

She was carrying a briefcase, and there was still a hint of weariness between her brows from work, but when she looked up and saw that familiar figure under the tree, that weariness vanished instantly.

"Meng Yun".

Liu Guangqi smiled and walked towards her.

Zhao Mengyun unconsciously quickened her pace and was in front of him in the blink of an eye, the light in her eyes impossible to hide.

"So early today?"

The surprise in her voice seemed to soften even the winter breeze.

Liu Guangqi did not answer immediately.

He first reached out to straighten her scarf, which had been blown loose by the wind, and then gently touched her forehead with his warm fingertips. Only after confirming that the temperature was suitable did he feel relieved.

"Everything at hand has been arranged."

"I was thinking of you, so I came ahead of time."

He took the briefcase from her and asked gently, "What did you eat at the cafeteria for lunch? Did you feel nauseous?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Mengyun felt as if a warm current was gently soothing her heart.

She smiled and shook her head: "I ate everything properly, there's nothing wrong. It's still early in my pregnancy, so I haven't had any special reactions, it's just..."

She deliberately dragged out her words.

Seeing that Liu Guangqi looked slightly nervous, he chuckled softly.

"I just miss you a little."

Liu Guangqi couldn't help but smile. He didn't say anything, but he felt that she seemed to rely on him more than usual after becoming pregnant.

He reached out and gently tapped the tip of her nose, then cupped her slightly cool fingers in his palm:

"Let's go home. On the way, let's stop by the ministry's canteen and buy those roasted chestnuts you've been craving the other day."

As we were talking, several colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs walked by.