Courtyard House: The Road to an Industrial Power

The news of the successful test of the anti-materiel sniper rifle spread like wildfire throughout the country's major military industrial systems.

1500-meter armor-piercing capability, modular grenade launcher, and ultra-long-range accuracy.

These groundbreaking performance figures have made countless military industries green with envy.

As early as when Lin Weidong was in college, his talent had already become apparent, and at that time, major military factories and research institutes launched a wave of talent recruitment.

It was only Lin Weidong's insistence on returning to the steel rolling mill to practice his skills that calmed the storm.

Now that he's in the weapons research institute and has produced such a significant research achievement, everyone understands: the opportunity has arrived, and Lin Weidong must seize it.

Just two days later, the gates of the weapons research institute were packed with people.

"Old Su, how have you been?" The first to speak was Wang Jianguo, the factory director of Northern Heavy Industries, who was an old classmate of Su Zhenbang.

As soon as he entered, he smiled and said, "Comrade Lin Weidong's skills are top-notch. Northern Heavy Industries is willing to give him the most generous treatment."

"Build him a lab anytime, with unlimited funding, and assign him a dedicated R&D team—all we ask is that he come here to develop large-caliber weapons!"

Following closely behind was Li Hongmei, the chief engineer of Southwest Military Industry.

"Director Su, our Southwest Military Industry Area is located in the Third Front and urgently needs talent like Comrade Lin!"

Suddenly, the office was filled with noise.

Surrounded by people, Su Zhenbang wore a helpless smile, but his heart remained as steady as a mountain.

He had planned this all along. After the New Year, he would arrange the marriage between Lin Weidong and Su Wanqing. He would make Lin Weidong his son-in-law, and then he would be poached by an outsider.

"Everyone, please calm down!"

Su Zhenbang raised his hand to quell the tension, "Lin Weidong is a core member of our research institute. The sniper rifle project is still in a critical stage, but since you have all come from afar, I can't spoil your fun. I'll take you to see him now."

In the research and development workshop, Lin Weidong, Chen Bin, and Li Yichuan were adjusting the scope of a sniper rifle when they saw Su Zhenbang enter with a group of people, and they immediately stopped what they were doing.

Leaders from various factories immediately surrounded Lin Weidong, treating him like a precious treasure, and the previous arguments turned into a chorus of persuasion.

"Comrade Lin, come work for our Northern Heavy Industries! Our processing equipment is the most advanced in the country!"

"Team Leader Lin, the Southwest Military Industry is your stage. We've focused on weapons research and development for decades and can give you our full support!"

"Don't listen to them. We offer the best treatment and will ensure your parents enjoy their retirement!"

Lin Weidong slowly shook his head and said, "Thank you for your kindness, leaders, but I am very happy working at the weapons research institute."

"Besides, you're contributing to the country no matter where you are."

Just then, two slightly embarrassed figures walked into the office door; they were Liu Jie and Liu Zhiqiang.

The two looked haggard, with heavy dark circles under their eyes, a stark contrast to their previous high spirits.

Liu Zhiqiang is now in a state of utter disarray. The heavy truck project is making no progress, and the eight-cylinder engine he snatched is completely unsuitable for use.

One critical notice after another came from higher authorities, clearly stating that if the two projects stalled, he would be stripped of his position and demoted to an ordinary worker.

Liu Jie's situation is not much better. Due to his younger brother's involvement, his original chance for promotion has completely vanished, and now there is constant criticism of him within the Ministry of Industry.

If the project ultimately fails, he will likely face demotion.

The two had come here because they were desperate and had no choice but to ask Lin Weidong for help, but their inherent pride prevented them from being too humble.

Liu Jie spoke first, his tone somewhat apologetic and stiff: "Comrade Lin Weidong, we didn't consider things carefully regarding the heavy truck project before, and we apologize to you here."

"The project is currently facing a technical bottleneck. We hope you can prioritize the overall situation and lend a helping hand. We will also take care of your father afterwards."

These words, ostensibly an apology, actually contained a hidden threat; the meaning couldn't be clearer.

If you don't help, your father won't have an easy time at the factory.

Liu Zhiqiang chimed in, "Yes, Lin Weidong, we know you're capable. As long as you help us complete the project, we'll let bygones be bygones for your previous resignation, and we'll even give you a big credit rating."

Lin Weidong's smile vanished instantly, and he stared at Liu Zhiqiang.

"What right do you have to negotiate with me? When you were vying for this project, why didn't you consider the technical challenges?"

"Now that you can't handle it, you're threatening me? Someone like you who only knows how to steal credit and is irresponsible has no right to run industry!"

He turned to look at Liu Jie, "And you, Minister Liu."

"As the head of the Ministry of Industry, are you qualified for this position?"

"Industrial development relies on respect for talent and technology, not on nepotism, threats, and bribery like you do!"

Wang Jianguo of Northern Heavy Industries spoke up directly: "Minister Liu, what you're doing is wrong! Comrade Lin is a precious asset to our military-industrial system. Do you think you can just poach him like that?"

"How we compete is a matter for the military industry system. What are you, from the Ministry of Metallurgy, doing getting involved?"

Liu Jie and Liu Zhiqiang's faces turned pale and then red, feeling utterly ashamed by everyone's words.

They hadn't expected Lin Weidong to be so disrespectful. Seeing that their hopes of begging were about to be dashed, the two men abandoned all pride and quickly put on fawning smiles, begging for mercy in a humble voice.

"Wei Dong, please help us!"

Liu Zhiqiang grabbed Lin Weidong's arm, his voice urgent, "As long as you're willing to help, you can name any conditions!"

Liu Jie also lowered his stance: "Wei Dong, I was confused before. Please help me out of consideration for the development of the country's industry. The Ministry of Industry will definitely give your full support in the future."

Lin Weidong flung Liu Zhiqiang's hand away: "Stop with your attitude. I hope you can be as tough as you were back then."

"If you want technology, go and steal it yourself. If you see talent coming from somewhere, just go and steal it. The best thing would be to go to the US and steal all their talent."

After saying that, he turned to Su Zhenbang and said, "Deputy Director Su, I still have research and development work to do, so I won't stay with you all any longer."

Liu Jie and Liu Zhiqiang watched Lin Weidong's departing figure, their faces pale, and could only slink away from the research institute.

Stepping outside, Liu Jie couldn't help but yell at Liu Zhiqiang, "It's all your fault! You insisted on grabbing that project back then, and now look what happened! Not only has the project been ruined, but we've both been dragged down with it!"

Liu Zhiqiang, also full of resentment, retorted, "Didn't you agree to it back then? Now you're blaming me?"

The two blamed each other, both harboring deep hatred for Lin Weidong and secretly vowing to take revenge.

That same afternoon, the municipal bureau's special task force delivered a message.

The assassin who had previously attempted to kill Lin Weidong at the shooting range was found dead on a main road in the suburbs, his throat slit.

The operation was clean and efficient; all the identification documents on his person had disappeared.