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

Liu Guangqi's heart stirred slightly, but he showed no sign of it on his face. Director Tian's sudden visit, while unexpected, was also quite logical. The steel rolling mill had always been responsible for processing key materials, and now, with the fighter jet project looming, the requirements for steel precision and production capacity had reached an stringent level. However, the mill was currently facing a technical shortage—although its self-developed CNC machine tools had been installed, the workers were not yet proficient in using them, naturally hindering output. Under these circumstances, approaching the machine tool developers was almost an inevitable choice.

He did not respond immediately, but instead turned his gaze to Director Lin, who remained silent.

Director Lin took a slow sip of tea, the warm liquid sliding down his throat, his mind clear. He glanced at the young man beside him—Liu Guangqi hadn't uttered a single word from beginning to end, his posture respectful yet fearless, as steady as a tree with deep roots. When the leaders spoke, he listened quietly; when asked questions, his answers were always appropriate and measured. This composure and understanding of the bigger picture were far more reassuring than those young people who became arrogant and impetuous after achieving some success.

In fact, the two had already discussed the purpose of Director Tian's visit in advance. However, they were interrupted by the commotion in the research room just now, and it was only now that the matter was truly brought to the forefront.

After watching the commotion outside, the two returned inside.

Director Lin picked up his teacup and gently set it down, the porcelain bottom making a crisp sound against the wooden table. He lowered his eyelids and slowly blew away the floating leaves, only looking up at the person opposite him after a long while—Director Tian of the Ministry of Metallurgy could no longer contain himself, his body leaning slightly forward, his wrinkles revealing anxiety.

"Old Tian," Director Lin drawled, as if savoring a taste, "you're not borrowing people, you're clearly trying to scoop meat out of our First Ministry of Machine Building's cooking pot with a ladle."

Director Tian immediately straightened his back: "Old Lin! That's not right! Every piece of steel that the Ministry of Metallurgy refines and every sheet of material that it rolls is for the great cause of national defense, isn't it?" He pointed towards the research room outside the window, "Besides, I saw it clearly just now, Comrade Guangqi's general-purpose machine tool is already finished. Your projects are also settled, yet you're still keeping people cooped up in your own backyard—your awareness is falling behind the times."

Director Lin wasn't annoyed. He tapped his fingers on the table in a slow, rhythmic motion. "You can't say that. Guangqi is a key figure in our department. He's indispensable for the subsequent technology transfer and production line rollout. If you just lend him out like that, will the Ministry of Machinery Industry ever be able to continue its operations?" He then gave Liu Guangqi a smiling look.

Director Tian simply spread his hands: "Don't try to fob me off with empty words. Now that the machine tools are finished, you can relax your guard. Here's the deal—I'll compromise. Comrade Guangqi will continue to oversee things at the Ministry of Machine Building every morning, and then go to the steel rolling mill in the afternoon to guide technological innovation." He leaned forward and added in a low voice, "To be honest, I reported to the ministry leadership before I came. It concerns the mass production of the new fighter jet, and the higher-ups immediately gave special approval. The transfer order should be on your desk by tomorrow morning."

"What a convenient 'act first, report later' approach!" Director Lin pointed at his old friend and shook his head, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes. He knew perfectly well: from an official standpoint, this matter couldn't be stopped; from a private standpoint, releasing him too readily would make the Ministry of Machine Building seem insignificant. Besides, what reason was there to give away a precious gem without getting something in return?

Director Tian simply crossed his arms, adopting a posture of waiting for further developments. The office suddenly fell silent, with only a thin breeze seeping in through the window cracks. Liu Guangqi looked up at the mottled patterns on the ceiling, as if this confrontation had nothing to do with him.

After a moment of silence, Director Lin finally let out a long sigh, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. "Old Tian," he shook his head, "now you've learned to wield the imperial sword too."

Director Tian raised an eyebrow, a smile about to appear, when Director Lin held up one finger: "The person can be lent out. But there are three conditions."

"Tell me! I'll agree to anything as long as Comrade Guangqi can go!"

"Firstly," Director Lin lightly tapped his finger in the air, "Guangqi is going to solve problems, not suffer. The Ministry of Metallurgy must provide him with a special car—he can't be expected to ride a bicycle across half the city for long journeys."

Liu Guangqi had to travel between the Ministry of Machine Building and the steel rolling mill every day, and all the expenses on the road—including vehicle wear and tear and fuel costs—were borne by you.

The demand was made decisively and even carried a sense of urgency.

Director Tian showed no surprise upon hearing this. Almost without hesitation, he immediately decided, "Alright! Tomorrow I'll have the administrative office transfer the newly allocated Volga from the ministry to him. His bodyguard will also serve as his driver; you can rest assured about his safety."

Director Lin nodded, his expression softening slightly, and then extended his second finger.

"Secondly, there's the issue of compensation."

"During the secondment period, all of Comrade Guangqi's salary and allowances will be paid by your Ministry of Metallurgy."

"Standards, huh..."

"We'll refer to the fifteenth level of administrative rank and then set the standards according to the seventh level engineer rank."

He paused briefly, then added casually, as if it were just a casual remark.

"Furthermore, his labor costs for providing on-site technical guidance at the steel rolling mill need to be calculated separately and paid separately."

Director Tian was speechless for a moment.

This person is truly unwilling to suffer even the slightest loss.

He shook his head and smiled wryly, but still agreed: "Sure! Funding is no problem, as long as we can overcome the technical difficulties!"

Upon hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Director Lin's face, but it didn't reach his eyes. He put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and the air in the office seemed to become a little heavier.

"third."

This time, instead of extending his fingers, he gently tapped the table with the knuckles of his index and middle fingers, producing a crisp and rhythmic sound.

"After your Ministry of Metallurgy has met the necessary quota for the fighter jet project, the remaining production capacity of special steel must be prioritized to supply the research and development needs of our First Ministry of Machine Building."

"We have a new batch of machine tools that will be put into mass production soon, and we urgently need high-quality special steel as raw material."

……

Upon hearing this, Director Tian wore an expression that was both amused and exasperated.

"You bastard, Lao Lin!" He pointed at the other man. "I finally see what's going on. All that talk about a car and salary, going around in circles, and the real conditions were hidden here waiting for me!"

"You know how tight the supply of special steel is right now. If we prioritize you... what about our other partner companies?"

The Ministry of Metallurgical Industry, officially known as the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry, is a crucial materials management department in the industrial system, with a vast number of sister units cooperating with it.

These days, almost no field related to industrial construction—whether it's light industry, heavy industry, or those special industries with the highest priority—can do without the support of metallurgical materials.

This is why many key materials have long been in short supply.

Special steel is an extremely scarce resource, and it is common for various ministries to queue up for its allocation.

Director Lin calmly picked up the enamel mug on the table again, blew away the tea leaves floating on the surface, took a small sip, and then casually shrugged.

"Old Tian, ​​you can't say that."

"They are sister units, but aren't we, the First Ministry of Machine Building, also sister units?"

"Besides, once Comrade Guangqi helps you complete the production process reform of the steel rolling mill and increases output, will you still worry about not having surplus materials?"

As he spoke, he gently placed the teacup back on the table, making a soft clinking sound.

"These are the conditions. If you agree, you can borrow the person anytime; if you find it difficult, then you'll have to find someone else."

"Guangqi already has a lot of projects on his plate. Without him, our progress will only slow down a bit, but your side... I'm afraid you can't afford to be delayed, right?"

Liu Guangqi stood quietly to the side, observing the power struggle between the two directors, and couldn't help but smile to himself.

He naturally understood that Director Lin was openly advocating for the interests of the Ministry of Machine Building, thus protecting the rights and interests of his subordinates while also securing tangible benefits for the department.

This sense of responsibility is beyond reproach.

To be honest, the feeling of being relied upon by two important departments is not bad at all.

Director Tian looked at his shrewd and calculating old partner and finally gritted his teeth, agreeing: "Fine! I agree! Aside from the essential portions for the defense industry, the remaining special steel will be prioritized for supply to your Ministry of Machine Building!"

Director Lin finally showed a satisfied expression, and his brows relaxed completely.

He opened the drawer, took out letter paper and a fountain pen, and the pen tip moved smoothly across the paper.

Before long, a formal letter regarding Liu Guangqi's temporary transfer to work was prepared.

Director Lin handed the letter to Liu Guangqi, his face bearing a gentle admonition: "Guangqi, take a look. If you have no objections, sign it. Remember, going to the steel rolling mill is to help them solve their urgent production problems, but we can't slack off on our ministry's research and development projects. In the morning, you continue to advance your research at the ministry as usual, and in the afternoon, you go to the steel rolling mill to provide guidance. You have to manage both sides well."

Liu Guangqi accepted the secondment letter.

He was familiar with this process, and it was clear that this was not the first time he had accepted a cross-departmental secondment assignment.

My eyes quickly swept across the paper, which clearly listed a one-month secondment period. The rights and responsibilities of both parties were clearly defined without any ambiguity.

He then picked up his pen and signed his name, his fluent signature appearing on the paper.

Director Tian finally felt relieved. When he took the signed document, he unconsciously leaned forward a few degrees.

"Comrade Liu, I'll have to trouble you with your work from now on!" His voice was filled with barely suppressed satisfaction. "Once everything is arranged by tomorrow, the ministry's car will take you directly to the steel rolling mill. Let's get to work as soon as possible."

Liu Guangqi nodded calmly: "Director Tian, ​​you flatter me. Industrial progress is our duty."

Director Lin, who was standing to the side, casually interjected, "I'm entrusting the man to you, Lao Tian. If Guangqi encounters any trouble at the factory, or if anyone gives him a hard time, you'll be the first person I contact."

Director Tian immediately straightened his back and slapped his chest with a dull thud: "Is there any need to say more? I'll give the factory a firm order when I get back—they must treat Comrade Liu with the same respect they would show to a leader in the ministry! I will not let anyone off lightly if they show the slightest negligence."

After leaving the office, Director Tian didn't rush off. Instead, he called Liu Guangqi back in the corridor, his words revealing undisguised admiration. Although it was only a temporary transfer, this collaboration had made him even more optimistic about the young man.

He meticulously described the current state of the steel rolling mill, from the layout of the workshops to the specifications of the equipment, leaving almost nothing out. Liu Guangqi listened quietly, occasionally asking a few key questions, his mind already racing—he had already sketched out several preliminary designs for technological improvements.

This secondment not only addresses the issues at the steel rolling mill but also provides an excellent opportunity to verify the efficiency of CNC machine tools in actual production, accumulating valuable experience for future promotion. For him, this is a rare opportunity. Moreover, his primary research duties remain uninterrupted, and he has dedicated transportation to and from the plant.

The only thing that struck him as somewhat unsettling was that he had already taken up a position in a ministry, but now he was being forced to temporarily return to the steel rolling mill, a department-level unit. Although it was only for a month, the change in their relationship still left him with a sense of the irony of fate.

How would the old neighbors of the courtyard house react if they knew he would appear in a leadership position?

*

Outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, Liu Guangqi waited for Zhao Mengyun to get off work, as usual.

"Kuangqi!"

A clear voice came from behind him, carrying the lightness unique to those who have just finished get off work. He turned around, a smile naturally spreading across his eyes.

Zhao Mengyun approached quickly, carrying her briefcase. Her light blue dress billowed softly in the June evening breeze. As the months progressed, her pregnancy became increasingly apparent. She habitually supported her lower back as she walked, which only added to her serene and graceful demeanor.

Liu Guangqi stepped forward and took her bag: "How was your day?"

"It's okay, it's just that my lower back is a little sore after sitting for a long time."

The two walked side by side toward the courtyard, the setting sun casting long, parallel shadows.

"Oh, by the way, I should tell you," Liu Guangqi said, "I'll be temporarily transferred to the steel rolling mill for the next month to participate in technological innovation."

Zhao Mengyun paused slightly: "Another temporary transfer?"